Jnana Yoga, often referred to as the "Path of Knowledge," is one of the four primary paths of yoga in the ancient tradition of Vedanta. The word "Jnana" comes from the Sanskrit root "jñā," meaning knowledge, and Jnana Yoga is specifically concerned with the cultivation of wisdom and the realization of the ultimate truth of existence. Unlike the more physical paths like Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga focuses on intellectual discernment and meditation as tools to break through the illusion of the material world and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
At the heart of Jnana Yoga lies the pursuit of self-inquiry and the question, "Who am I?" This path asserts that ultimate knowledge, or liberation (moksha), can only be attained by understanding the true nature of oneself, and by discerning the difference between the transient, material world (Maya) and the eternal reality (Brahman). Jnana Yoga emphasizes the principle of non-duality, or Advaita, which teaches that the individual self (Atman) is ultimately one with the divine (Brahman). This realization dispels the illusion of separation between the self and the universe.
The path of Jnana Yoga is often described as a mental discipline that requires intense study, reflection, and meditation. It is traditionally taught by a guru, or spiritual teacher, who guides the seeker in their quest for self-knowledge. The guru's role is to help the student distinguish between the real and the unreal, encouraging them to look beyond their attachments, desires, and egos. Scriptures like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other Vedantic texts are central to Jnana Yoga, providing the philosophical foundation for its practices.