Jnana yoga is the method of uniting Atman and Brahman through harnessing wisdom. Knowledge is the essence of human existence. True wisdom can lead to enlightenment- this is Jnana. Perfection is the ultimate truth of wisdom.
The word jnana signifies ‘knowledge’ or ‘insight,’ and jnana yoga is the yoga of gnostic knowledge.’ Sometimes, jnana is also employed to express the highest truth-bearing illumination. Still, in the compound Jnana – yoga, it is used in the sense of intuitive–philosophical searching or discernment (viveka).
The Jnana Yogi, who follows the path of Jnana yoga, believes that willpower (iccha) and inspired reason (buddhi) are the two guiding principles by which he can attain emancipating illumination.

What is Jnana Yoga?
Jnana yoga is one of the four classical schools of yoga, alongside Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), and Raja (meditation). Each offers a path to moksha (spiritual liberation) and self-realization. Sanskrit for “knowledge” or “wisdom,” Jnana is the intellectual path of scriptures and self-study, considered one of the most direct and challenging means of spiritual development.
In the Bhagavad Gita, while explaining the knowledge, Shri Krishna has divided it into logical and spiritual knowledge. Jnana Yoga describes the basic meaning of knowledge and its relationship with karma and bhakti yoga. Sri Krishna has defined both forms of knowledge as follows:
Logical Knowledge
When a person discusses the nature of an object or condition based on its external form, the basis of that discussion is the person’s logical knowledge. Sri Krishna explained to Arjuna that logical knowledge contains both the knower and the known. For this reason, logical knowledge is called science or Vigyan.
Spiritual Knowledge
When a human does not see the external nature of an object and situation but tries to recognize its inner truth, the reason is his spiritual knowledge. Because of this quality, spiritual knowledge is called ‘knowledge.’ Contrary to logical knowledge, the knower and the known are absent and reject the concept of duality. For this reason, the primordial knower is called the real knower who accepts the presence of the soul(atman) everywhere. Due to this characteristic, meditation yogis easily believe God is omnipresent.
According to the Vedantasara (“The Essence of Vedanta”) by Sadananda, Jnana Yoga consists of:
- Viveka, discrimination between permanent and ephemeral, real and unreal
- Tyaga, renunciation
- The six realizations:
– Calmness
– Control over the senses
– Refraining from activities that do not help attain liberation
– The ability to endure
– Mastery of the mind and faith
– Aspiration towards freedom
Different Names of Jnana Yoga
- English Name: “spiritual knowledge” or “wisdom.”
- Sanskrit Name: Jnana yoga
What is the Purpose of Jnana Yoga?
Jnana yoga is the path of self-knowledge. It aims to move a person toward complete enlightenment and self-knowledge. The connection between self-knowledge and enlightenment is clear – a person can only achieve unity of the Self with knowledge and understanding of the Self.
The jnana yoga’s path involves receiving knowledge, analyzing it, understanding it, and detaching the ego from the Self to achieve self-knowledge. Disconnecting from the ego makes a person stronger and closer to purity.
What are the Prerequisites of Jnana Yoga?
Sadhana chatushtaya (Four Pillars of Knowledge) are the prescribed steps toward liberation in jnana yoga. These techniques are built upon each other and should be practiced sequentially. Even if one does not achieve freedom, practicing these techniques cultivates spiritual insight and understanding, reducing suffering and dissatisfaction with life.
- Viveka (discrimination, discernment) is a deliberate, constant intellectual effort to differentiate between the permanent and the temporary, the real and the unreal, and the Self and not-Self.
- Vairagya (dispassion, detachment) is adopting unattachment or disregard toward the temporal objects of earthly possessions and the ego mind.
- Shatsampat (six virtues) are six mental practices that stabilize the mind and emotions and help one see beyond the mirage of Maya.
– Shama (calmness, tranquility) is the ability to keep a peaceful mind by lessening its reaction to external stimuli.
– Dama (control, restraint) is the strengthening of the mind. It resists the power and trains the senses to be used only as the mind’s instruments.
– Uparati (withdrawal, renunciation) means abandoning all activities except one’s Dharma (duty). A simple lifestyle does not contain worldly distractions from the enlightening path.
– Titiksha (forbearance, endurance) is the tolerance of external unconducive situations. These produce suffering, especially in extreme opposite states, such as success and failure, hot and cold, and pleasure and pain.
– Shraddha (faith, trust) firmly believes in one’s guru (teacher), the scriptures, and the yogic path.
– Samadhana (concentration, focus) is the complete one-pointedness of the mind.
- Mumukshutva (yearning, longing) is an intense and passionate desire to achieve liberation from suffering. To attain freedom, one must be wholly committed to the path, with such enthusiasm that all other desires fade away.

What are the Stages of Jnana Yoga?
Swami Sivananda has described the stages through which a Jnana yogi progresses in 7 steps, known as Jnana Bhumikas. It is a roadmap for the yogi to gauge their progress and follow the self-realization path.
The 7 stages of jnana yoga are as follows:
1. Subheccha (good desire) –
The first stage is achieved after intense Sravana and carrying out righteous action without expecting any return. The mind will be cleansed of discrimination, and non-attraction to sensual objects will prevail. This stage can be said to be the foundation for the following 2 stages.
2. Vicharana (philosophical enquiry) –
This is the stage of constant questioning, reflection, and contemplation on non-dualism principles.
3. Tanumanasi (subtlety of mind) –
This stage is called the Asanga Bhavana, as the mind is free of any attractions here. It is assumed that the seeker has understood all their guru’s knowledge, and their mind has become thin like a thread (the word Tanu means thread). At this stage, if a yogi dies, they will stay in the heavens and be reborn as a Jnani.
4. Sattvapatti (attainment of light) –
The world appears like a dream here. The yogi looks at the universe with equality.
5. Asamsakti (inner detachment) –
Any leftover wish is diminished in this stage. There is no difference between the waking and sleeping stages and the yogi experiences of Ananda Svaroop (the Eternal Bliss of Brahman).
6. Padartha Bhavana (spiritual freedom) –
The yogi begins understanding the Truth and the Brahman (ultimate reality).
7. Turiyatita (supreme freedom) –
The final stage where the seeker attains Moksha (liberation, enlightenment). The yogi achieves the state of superconsciousness and Videhamukti (liberation without the body).
How to Practice Jnana Yoga?
Jnana yoga doesn’t involve getting into any physical yoga asanas. Instead, its practice requires you to:
1. Sit comfortably in poses such as Padmasana, Sukhasana, Ardha Padmasana, or Vajrasana. These poses keep your spine straight and help you gain the benefits of jnana yoga practice.
2. Open your palms and touch your thumb and index fingertips. Straighten the rest of the fingers on both hands and rest your palms on your knees, facing upwards.
3. Calm your mind free of all emotions, feelings, and worldly thoughts. Do this by taking deep breaths and gathering your ideas. Even if your mind strays, don’t be harsh on yourself. Instead, gently guide your mind towards mindfulness.
4. Once your mind is free of thoughts, follow these six steps to stabilize your emotions and differentiate the real ‘YOU’ from all that is transient. You can also ask yourself existential questions about your inner self.
- Shama involves not reacting to any external stimuli or action.
- Dama, which doesn’t let your mind fall, prays to sensory stimuli.
- Uparati meaning fulfilling all your worldly duties wholeheartedly.
- Titiksha, to endure all pain and suffering in silence.
- Samadhana is a single-minded focus on the supreme liberation and nothing else.
5. Once you have followed the steps mentioned earlier, meditate as long as you feel comfortable.
6. End this session with palming. This involves vigorously rubbing your palms together. Once warm, place them on your closed eyes for a few seconds. Remove your palms and gently open your eyes.
What are Benefits of Jnana Yoga?
There are tremendous jnana yoga benefits for the mind and a healthy body. Here are some of the most essential jnana mudra benefits:
- One of the most essential benefits of jnana yoga is that channeling the flow of energy in the body and coupling it with conscious breathing improves blood circulation. When blood circulation improves, organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart function better. In the long run, this helps prevent serious diseases of these organs.
- One crucial component of jnana yoga is stilling the mind and letting go of all thoughts. This is a magnificent mindfulness technique that reduces stress and anxiety. Reduced stress keeps you happier and has numerous health advantages, including a minor risk of hypertension, heart disease, high blood sugar levels, headaches, etc.
- The practice of jnana yoga mudra, which involves touching the index finger and thumb tips together, is an acupressure technique. This technique promotes the health of the pituitary and pineal glands and reduces the risk of hormonal imbalance and thyroid problems.
- Regularly practicing jnana yoga benefits in improving concentration and focus. This enhances focus and creativity.
- One of the most critical jnana mudra benefits is that it prepares the body to react to anxiety attacks and stressors of stress.
- Bhagwad Gita jnana yoga induces self-realization, helping you realize your full potential and achieve your professional and personal objectives.
Famous Yogis Who Followed Jnana Yoga
Jnana Yoga has been pursued by many renowned monks and spiritual leaders throughout history:
1. Adi Shankaracharya (Adi Shankara)
A philosopher and theologian from ancient India, Adi Shankara is credited with consolidating the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He emphasized the importance of knowledge in realizing the ultimate truth and the oneness of the self (Atman) with the absolute reality (Brahman).
2. Swami Vivekananda
A key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, Swami Vivekananda stressed the significance of knowledge and self-realization. His teachings on Jnana Yoga emphasized the unity of all religions and the importance of direct experience of spiritual truths.

3. Ramana Maharshi
A revered sage of the 20th century, Ramana Maharshi is known for his teachings on self-inquiry and the quest for the true nature of the self. His approach to Jnana Yoga involved asking the fundamental question, “Who am I?” to attain self-realization.
4. Jiddu Krishnamurti
A philosopher, speaker, and writer, Krishnamurti explored the nature of knowledge and the mind. His teachings often centered on the importance of understanding oneself through direct observation and the limitations of intellectual knowledge in spiritual awakening.
5. Nisargadatta Maharaj
A modern Indian guru and teacher of Advaita Vedanta, Nisargadatta Maharaj’s teachings were focused on self-realization through self-inquiry. His work “I Am That” is considered a classic in Jnana Yoga literature.
6. Sri Aurobindo
An influential philosopher, poet, and yogi, Sri Aurobindo integrated Jnana Yoga with other yogic paths. He emphasized the evolution of consciousness and the divine knowledge that leads to the realization of the spiritual self.
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Conclusion
Jnana yoga postures are the path to self-knowledge. On the journey to the 7th stage of knowledge, known as enlightenment, if you patiently gather information about the self, then analyze, question, and seek the truth within that information, you are practicing jnana yoga. Practicing jnana yoga as a way to self-knowledge is a powerful tool for raising awareness, reducing ego, and moving closer to the seventh stage of yoga: Enlightenment.