Antoniojaw at 00:19, 30 May 2026

2026-05-30T00:19:51Z

New page

{{Short description|One of three classical paths for moksha in Hinduism}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}}
{{Hinduism_small}}

'''Jnana yoga''' ({{IAST3|Jñāna yoga}}), also known as '''jnana''' '''''marga''''' ({{IAST|jñāna mārga}}), is one of the [[Three Yogas|three classical paths]] (''[[Spirituality#Hinduism|margas]]'') for [[moksha]] (liberation)<ref name="rajup7">{{cite book |author=P.T. Raju |title=Structural Depths of Indian Thought |url=https://archive.org/details/structuraldepths0000raju |url-access=registration |year=1985 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-88706-139-4 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/structuraldepths0000raju/page/7 7]–8}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Jeaneane D. Fowler |title=The Bhagavad Gita: A Text and Commentary for Students |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zU4E5ZidVr0C&pg=PA89 |year=2012 |publisher=Sussex Academic Press |isbn=978-1-84519-346-1 |pages=89–93}}</ref> in the [[Bhagavad Gita]], which emphasizes the "path of knowledge"{{sfn|Flood|1996|p=127}} or the "path of self-realization".<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p321">{{cite book |author=James G. Lochtefeld |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch |url-access=registration |year=2002 |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/n393 321], 93–94}}</ref> The other two are [[karma yoga]] (path of action, ''karma-mārga'') and [[bhakti yoga]] (path of loving devotion to a personal god, ''bhakti-mārga'').<ref name="rajup7"/>{{sfn |Matilal |2005 |p=4928}}<ref name="Klostermaier2007p119">{{cite book |author=Klaus K. Klostermaier |title=A Survey of Hinduism: Third Edition |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=E_6-JbUiHB4C&pg=PA119 |year= 2007 |publisher= State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-7914-7082-4 |pages=119–120}}</ref> Modern interpretations of Hindu texts have led the fourfold classification to include [[Raja yoga]], that is, meditation as described in the [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Roderick Hindery |title=Comparative Ethics in Hindu and Buddhist Traditions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-FswBLvTkvQC |year=1978 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0866-9 |pages=26–27}}</ref>

''Jñāna yoga'' is a spiritual practice that pursues knowledge through questions such as 'Who am I?' and 'What am I?' among others.<ref>{{cite book |author=Richard Dewey Mann |title=The Light of Consciousness: Explorations in Transpersonal Psychology |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oAALjKE7npkC&pg=PA21 |year=1984 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-87395-905-6 |pages=21–25}}</ref><ref name=ravi3/> The practitioner studies usually with the aid of a [[guru]], meditates, reflects, and reaches liberating insights on the nature of the Self (Atman, soul) and its relationship to the metaphysical concept called [[Brahman]] in Hinduism.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p321"/><ref>{{cite book |author=Stephen Phillips |title=Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth: A Brief History and Philosophy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uLqrAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA179 |year=2009 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-14485-8 |pages=178–182}}</ref><ref name=ravi3>'''[a]''' {{cite book |author=Ravi Dykema |title=Yoga for Fitness and Wellness |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DuYgIFkhBsQC&pg=PA10 |year=2011 |publisher=Cengage |isbn=978-0-8400-4811-0 |pages=10–11}};<br />'''[b]''' {{cite book |author1=Orlando O. Espín |author2=James B. Nickoloff |title=An Introductory Dictionary of Theology and Religious Studies |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k85JKr1OXcQC&pg=PA676 |year=2007 |publisher=Liturgical Press |isbn=978-0-8146-5856-7 |page=676}};<br />'''[c]''' {{cite book |author=John M. Rector |title=The Objectification Spectrum |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IMykAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA200 |year=2014 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-935542-6 |pages=198–201}}</ref> The ''jñāna-mārga'' ideas are discussed in ancient and medieval-era [[Hindu]] scriptures and texts such as the [[Upanishads]] and the [[Bhagavad Gita]].<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p321"/><ref>{{cite book |author=Jean Varenne |title=Yoga and the Hindu Tradition |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=meUWxDDqzuAC&pg=PA234 |year=1989 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0543-9 |page=234}}</ref><ref name=perrett45>{{cite book |author=Roy W. Perrett |title=Indian Philosophy of Religion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LDWSBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA44 |year=2012 |publisher=Springer Science |isbn=978-94-009-2458-1 |pages=44–51}}</ref>

==Etymology==
[[Jnana]], sometimes transcribed as ''gyaan'' or ''gnan'', means "[[knowledge]]" in [[Sanskrit]].{{sfn|Apte|1965|p=457}} The root [[:wikt:ज्ञान|jna-]] is cognate to the English ''[[:wikt:know|know]]'', as well as to the Greek [[:wikt:γιγνώσκω|γνώ-]] (as in γνῶσις ''[[gnosis]]''). Its antonym is ''ajnana'' "ignorance".

==Definition==
''Jnana'' is knowledge, which refers to any cognitive event that is correct and true over time. It particularly refers to knowledge inseparable from the total experience of its object, especially about reality (non-theistic schools) or a supreme being (theistic schools).<ref name="brittanica on jnana">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/304133/jnana |title=jnana (Indian religion) |work=Britannica Online Encyclopedia |access-date=2012-05-15}}</ref> In Hinduism, it is knowledge which gives [[Moksha]], or spiritual liberation while alive ([[jivanmukti]]) or after death ([[videhamukti]]).{{sfn|Matilal|2005|p=4928}} Jñāna yoga is the path towards attaining ''jnana''.

It is one of the three classical types of [[yoga]] mentioned in [[Hindu]] philosophies, the other two being [[karma yoga]] and [[bhakti]].{{sfn|Matilal|2005|p=4928}} In modern classifications, [[classical yoga]], being called [[Raja yoga]], is mentioned as a fourth one, an extension introduced by Swami [[Vivekananda]].{{sfn|De Michelis|2005}}

[[Classical yoga]] emphasizes the practice of [[Dhyana in Hinduism (Self-knowledge)|dhyana]] (meditation), and this is an element of all three classical paths in Hinduism, including ''jñāna yoga''.{{sfn|Matilal|2005|p=4928}}{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|p=73}} In the Bhagavad Gita, ''jnana'' is equated with [[samkhya]] (yoga), the discernment of [[purusha]], pure consciousness, as different from [[prakriti]], matter and material desires. This discernment is possible when the mind has been calmed by the practice of ''dhyana'', meditation.

According to Jones and Ryan, ''jnana'' in ''jnana yoga'' context is better understood as "realization or gnosis", referring to a "path of study" wherein one knows the unity between self and ultimate reality called Brahman in Hinduism. This explanation is found in the ancient [[Upanishad]]s and the [[Bhagavad Gita]].{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|pp=2, 215}} This is typical for Advaita Vedanta, where ''jnana'' involves the recognition of the identity of ''jivatman'' and Brahman. According to Bimal Matilal, ''jnana yoga'' in [[Advaita Vedanta]] connotes both primary and secondary sense of its meaning, that is "self-consciousness, awareness" in the absolute sense and relative "intellectual understanding" respectively.{{sfn|Matilal|2005|p=4928}} While contemporary Advaita Vedanta and neo-Vedanta incorporate meditation, Adi Shankara relied on insight alone, based on the [[Mahavakya]]. Neo-Advaita also emphasizes direct insight.{{refn|group=note|See for example [[H. W. L. Poonja]], who regarded knowledge alone to be enough for liberation.}}

Of the three different paths to liberation, ''jnana marga'' and ''karma marga'' are the more ancient, traceable to Vedic era literature.<ref name="Klostermaier2007p119"/><ref>{{cite book|author=Jeaneane D. Fowler|title=Perspectives of Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8dRZ4E-qgz8C|year=2002|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-898723-93-6|page=48}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> All three paths are available to any seeker, chosen based on inclination, aptitude and personal preference,<ref>{{cite book|author=Jeaneane D. Fowler|title=Perspectives of Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8dRZ4E-qgz8C|year=2002|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-898723-93-6|pages=371–373}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=nadkarni45>{{cite book|author=M. V. Nadkarni|title=The Bhagavad-Gita for the Modern Reader: History, interpretations and philosophy|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=x_EwDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT46| year=2016|publisher= Taylor & Francis|isbn= 978-1-315-43898-6|pages= 45–46}}</ref> and typically elements of all three to varying degrees are practiced by many Hindus.<ref name="Klostermaier2007p119"/><ref name="Fowler2012xl">{{cite book|author=Jeaneane D. Fowler|title=The Bhagavad Gita: A Text and Commentary for Students|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=zU4E5ZidVr0C|year=2012|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-84519-346-1|pages=xxviii, xl–xliv}}</ref>

The path of knowledge is intended for those who prefer philosophical reflection, and it requires study and meditation.<ref>{{cite book|author=Jeaneane D. Fowler|title=Perspectives of Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8dRZ4E-qgz8C|year=2002|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-898723-93-6|pages=334–335, 371–373}}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=nadkarni45/><ref>{{cite book|author=Yuvraj Krishan|title=The Doctrine of Karma: Its Origin and Development in Brāhmaṇical, Buddhist, and Jaina Traditions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_Bi6FWX1NOgC |year=1997|publisher=Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan|isbn=978-81-208-1233-8|pages=112–114}}</ref>

Jnana yoga encourages its adepts [[Illeism|to think and speak of themselves in the third person]] as a way to distance themselves from the Ego and detach their [[Immortality|eternal]] self ([[Ātman (Hinduism)|atman]]) from the body related one ([[Maya (illusion)|maya]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Maya? |url=https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/what-is-maya-1#:~:text=Maya%2C%20the%20material%20energy%2C%20is,spiritual%20or%20the%20material%20energy. |website=ISKCON Desire Tree {{!}} IDT |access-date=3 November 2020 |date=28 January 2011}}</ref>

==Upanishads==
In the [[Upanishads]], ''jnana yoga'' aims at the realization of the oneness of the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate Self (Brahman).{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2006|p=511}} These teachings are found in the [[Principal Upanishads|early Upanishads]].<ref name=ravi3/> According to Chambliss, the mystical teachings within these Upanishads discuss "the way of knowledge of the Self", a union, the realization that the Self (Atman) and the Brahman are logical.<ref>{{cite book|author=J.J. Chambliss|title=Philosophy of Education: An Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HzKTbwprbqYC&pg=PA271 |year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-51168-4|page=271}}</ref>

The teachings in the Upanishads have been interpreted in a number of ways, ranging from non-theistic monism to theistic dualism.<ref name=perrett45/><ref name=horosz257/> In former, rituals are not necessary, and a path of introspection and meditation is emphasized for the correct knowledge (''jnana'') of self. In latter, it is the full and correct knowledge of a Vishnu avatar or Shiva or Shakti (Goddess) that is emphasized. In all its various interpretations, the paths are not necessarily mutually exclusive. A ''Jnana yogi'' may also practice ''Karma yoga'' or ''Bhakti yoga'' or both, and differing levels of emphasis.<ref name=perrett45/><ref name=horosz257>{{cite book|author1=W. Horosz|author2=Tad Clements|title=Religion and Human Purpose: A Cross Disciplinary Approach|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=o5-hBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA257|year= 2012|publisher= Springer Science|isbn=978-94-009-3483-2|pages=257–258}}</ref>

According to Robert Roeser, the precepts of Jnana yoga in Hinduism were likely systematized by about 500 BCE, earlier than Karma yoga and Bhakti yoga.<ref>Robert W. Roeser (2005), An introduction to Hindu Indiaís contemplative psychological perspectives on motivation, self, and development, in M.L. Maehr & S. Karabenick (Eds.), ''Advances in Motivation and Achievement'', Volume 14: Religion and Motivation, Amsterdam: Elsevier, {{ISBN|978-07623-12-597}}, pp 305-308</ref>

==Bhagavad Gita==
In the Bhagavad Gita, ''jnana yoga'' is also referred to as ''buddhi yoga'' and its goal is self-realization.<ref>{{cite book |author=M.V. Nadkarni |title=The Bhagavad-Gita for the Modern Reader: History, interpretations and philosophy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x_EwDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT266 |year=2016 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-315-43898-6 |page=266}}</ref> The text considers ''jnana marga'' as the most difficult, slow, confusing for those who prefer it because it deals with "formless reality". It is the path that intellectually oriented people tend to prefer.<ref>{{cite book|author=Eknath Easwaran|title=Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: A Contemporary Guide to Yoga, Meditation, and Indian Philosophy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xcvJAAAAQBAJ|year=2011|publisher=Nilgiri Press|isbn=978-1-58638-068-7|pages=118, 281}}</ref>

The chapter 4 of the ''Bhagavad Gita'' is dedicated to the general exposition of Jnana yoga, while chapters 7 and 16 discuss its theological and [[Value theory|axiological]] aspects.<ref>{{cite book |author=Jeaneane D. Fowler |title=The Bhagavad Gita: A Text and Commentary for Students |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zU4E5ZidVr0C&pg=PA88 |year=2012 |publisher=Sussex Academic Press |isbn=978-1-84519-346-1 |pages=72–90}}</ref><ref name="Chapple2009xxviii">{{cite book|author=Winthrop Sargeant |editor=Christopher Key Chapple |title=The Bhagavad Gita: Twenty-fifth–Anniversary Edition |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4JoicgCMZ5cC |year=2009 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-1-4384-2842-0 |pages=xiii-xvii, xxviii–xxix, 223–241, 610–612}}</ref><ref name="Robinson2014">{{cite book |author=Catherine A. Robinson |title=Interpretations of the Bhagavad-Gita and Images of the Hindu Tradition: The Song of the Lord |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NKHKAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA117 |year=2014 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-134-27891-6 |pages=50–57, 117–119}}</ref> [[Krishna]] says that jñāna is the purest, and a discovery of one's [[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]]:

{{blockquote|
Truly, there is nothing here as pure as knowledge.
In time, he who is perfected in yoga finds that in his own Atman.
|''Bhagavad Gita 4.38''|Translator: Jeaneane D. Fowler<ref>{{cite book |author=Jeaneane D. Fowler |title=The Bhagavad Gita: A Text and Commentary for Students |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zU4E5ZidVr0C&pg=PA88 |year=2012 |publisher=Sussex Academic Press |isbn=978-1-84519-346-1 |page=89}}</ref>}}

==Traditions==
The [[Advaita]] philosopher [[Adi Shankara]] gave primary importance to jñāna yoga for the "knowledge of the absolute" ([[Brahman]]), while the [[Vishishtadvaita]] commentator [[Ramanujar]] perceived knowledge only as a condition of devotion.{{sfn|Flood|1996|p=127}}

===Classical Advaita Vedanta===

====Behaviors====
Classical Advaita Vedanta emphasises the path of Jnana Yoga to attain [[moksha]]. It consists of fourfold attitudes,<ref name=maharaj82/> or behavioral qualifications:{{sfn|Puligandla|1997|pp=251–254}}<ref name=davis38>{{cite book |author=Leesa S. Davis |title=Advaita Vedanta and Zen Buddhism: Deconstructive Modes of Spiritual Inquiry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r_kHcG0tspgC&pg=PA38 |year=2010 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |isbn=978-0-8264-2068-8 |pages=38–39}}</ref>
# Discrimination (''{{IAST|Nityānitya vastu viveka}}'' (नित्यानित्य वस्तु विवेकम्), or simply ''viveka'') — The ability to correctly discern ([[viveka]]) between the unchanging, permanent, eternal (''nitya'') and the changing, transitory, temporary (''[[impermanence|anitya]]'').
# Dispassion of fruits (''{{IAST|Ihāmutrārtha phala bhoga virāga}}'' (इहाऽमुत्रार्थ फल भोगविरागम्), or simply ''[[vairagya]]'') — The dispassionate indifference (''[[vairagya]]'') to the fruits, to enjoyments of objects (''artha phala bhoga'') or to the other worlds (''amutra'') after rebirth.
# Six virtues (''{{IAST|Śamādi ṣatka sampatti}}'' (शमादि षट्क सम्पत्ति), or simply ''satsampat'') —
## ''Śama'', [[Temperance (virtue)|temperance]] of mind
## ''Dama'', temperance of sense organs (voluntary self-restraints{{refn|group=note|Example self-restraints mentioned in Hindu texts: one must refrain from any violence that causes injury to others, refrain from starting or propagating deceit and falsehood, refrain from theft of other's property, refrain from sexually cheating on one's partner, and refrain from avarice.<ref name=mhws>Heim, M. (2005), Differentiations in Hindu ethics, in William Schweiker (Editor), The Blackwell companion to religious ethics, {{ISBN|0-631-21634-0}}, Chapter 35, pp 341-354</ref><ref name=jlh>James Lochtefeld, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Rosen Publishing New York, {{ISBN|0-8239-2287-1}}, page 777</ref><ref>Rao, G. H. (1926), The Basis of Hindu Ethics, International Journal of Ethics, 37(1), pp 19-35</ref>}})
## ''[[Uparati]]'', withdrawal of mind from sensory objects{{refn|group=note|''nivartitānāmeteṣāṁ tadvyatiriktaviṣayebhya uparamaṇamuparatirathavā vihitānāṁ karmaṇāṁ vidhinā parityāgaḥ''[Vedāntasāra, 21]}}
## ''[[Titiksha|Titikṣa]]'', forbearance
## ''[[Śraddhā]]'', faith
## ''[[Samadhana|Samādhāna]]'', concentration of mind
# Drive, longing (''{{IAST|Mumukṣutva}}'' (मुमुक्षुत्वम्)) — intense yearning for ''moksha'' from the state of ignorance<ref name=maharaj82>{{cite journal |last=Maharaj |first=A |title=Śrī Harṣa contra Hegel: Monism, Skeptical Method, and the Limits of Reason |journal=Philosophy East and West |publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press |volume=64 |issue=1 |year=2014 |pages=88, context: pp. 82–108 |doi=10.1353/pew.2014.0010 |s2cid=170532752 |url=https://philarchive.org/rec/MAHRHC}}</ref>

====Practices====
''Jnanayoga'' for Advaitins consists of three practices:<ref name=davis38/> ''sravana'' (hearing), ''manana'' (thinking) and ''nididhyasana'' (meditation).{{sfn|Mayeda|1992|p=xvii}} This three-step methodology is rooted in the teachings of chapter 4 of the ''[[Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]]'':<ref name="RaoParanjpe2015p6"/><ref>{{cite book |author=John A. Grimes |title=A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qcoUFYOX0bEC&pg=PA99 |year=1996 |publisher=State University of New York Press |isbn=978-0-7914-3067-5 |pages=98–99}}</ref>
*''Sravana'' literally means hearing, and broadly refers to perception and observations typically aided by a counsellor or teacher ([[guru]]),{{sfn|Deutsch |1973|pp=106–110}} wherein the Advaitin listens and discusses the ideas, concepts, questions and answers.{{sfn|Mayeda |1992|p=xvii}}<ref name="RaoParanjpe2015p6"/>
*''Manana'' refers to thinking on these discussions and contemplating over the various ideas based on ''svadhyaya'' and ''sravana''.<ref name="RaoParanjpe2015p6">{{cite book |author1=K. Ramakrishna Rao |author2=Anand C. Paranjpe |title=Psychology in the Indian Tradition |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y4KBCgAAQBAJ |year=2015 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-81-322-2440-2 |pages=6–7, 177–178, 215}}</ref>{{sfn|Deutsch |1973|pp=106–110}}<ref>{{cite book|author1=Robert P. Waxler|author2=Maureen P. Hall|title=Transforming Literacy: Changing Lives Through Reading and Writing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dB7gXgmOhR4C&pg=PA105 |year=2011 |publisher=Emerald |isbn=978-0-85724-628-8 |pages=105–106}}</ref>
*''Nididhyāsana'' refers to meditation,<ref group=web>[http://oxfordindex.oup.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100234232 Oxford Index, ''nididhyāsana'']</ref> realization and consequent conviction of the truths, non-duality and a state where there is a fusion of thought and action, knowing and being.{{sfn|Dalal|2009|p=16}}<ref name="RaoParanjpe2015p6"/>

These practices, with the help of a [[guru]] are believed to lead to correct knowledge, which destroys ''avidya'', psychological and perceptual errors related to Atman and Brahman.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Śaṅkarācārya|author2=Sengaku Mayeda|title=A Thousand Teachings: The Upadeśasāhasrī of Śaṅkara|year=2006|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-8120827714|pages=78–79}}</ref>

===Shaivism===
Both the theistic and monistic streams of [[Shaivism]] include ''jnana yoga'' ideas, along with those related to ''karma yoga'', and in the case of Saiva Siddhanta ideas related to ''bhakti yoga''. The Shaivism traditions do not consider renunciation necessary for practicing jnana yoga, leaving ascetic yogi lifestyle optional.<ref name="Sivaraman1973p392"/> Spirituality can be pursued along with active life (''karma''), according to Shaiva traditions, and it believes that this does not hinder ones ability to journey towards self (Shiva within) realization. The traditions dwell into this integration of karma yoga with jnana yoga, such as by ranking daily behavior and activity that is done by choice and when not necessary as higher in spiritual terms than activity that is impulsive or forced.<ref name="Sivaraman1973p392">{{cite book|author=K. Sivaraman|title=Śaivism in Philosophical Perspective: A Study of the Formative Concepts, Problems, and Methods of Śaiva Siddhānta|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I1blW4-yY20C|year=1973|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-1771-5|pages=371, 392–397}}</ref>

The methodology of sravana, manana and nididhyasana similar to Advaita Vedanta are also found in various traditions of Shaivism. However, ''nistha'' or ''samadhi'' is sometimes added in Shaiva methodology.<ref>{{cite book|author=K. Sivaraman|title=Śaivism in Philosophical Perspective: A Study of the Formative Concepts, Problems, and Methods of Śaiva Siddhānta|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I1blW4-yY20C|year=1973|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-1771-5|pages=384, 388–391}}</ref> The meditational aspects of Shaivism focus on the [[Nirguna Brahman|nirguna]] form of Supreme Reality (Shiva).<ref name="Schomer1987p57"/>

===Vaishnavism===
The ''Pancharatra'' ([[Agama (Hinduism)|agama]]) texts of [[Vaishnavism]], along with its Bhagavata (Krishna, Rama, Vishnu) tradition, are strongly influenced by ''jnana yoga'' ideas of the Upanishads.<ref name="Schomer1987p57">{{cite book|author1=Karine Schomer|author2=W. H. McLeod|title=The Sants: Studies in a Devotional Tradition of India|url =https://books.google.com/books?id=OkKhOivXrhgC&pg=PA57| year=1987| publisher= Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-0277-3|pages=57, 42–43, 140–141}}</ref> However, Vaishnavism also incorporates Bhakti yoga concepts of loving devotion to the divine Supreme personally selected by the devotee, in [[Saguna Brahman|saguna]] form, both in silent meditational and musical expressive styles.<ref name="Schomer1987p57"/>

The aim of jnana yoga in Vaishnavism differs from that in other schools. Advaita, for example, considers jnana yoga as the path to nondual self-knowledge and moksha. Vaishnavism, in contrast, considers it a condition of devotion.<ref>{{cite book|author=Gavin D. Flood|title=An Introduction to Hinduism|url=https://archive.org/details/introductiontohi0000floo|url-access=registration|year=1996|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-43878-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/introductiontohi0000floo/page/127 127]}}</ref>

===Shaktism===
The Shaktism literature on goddess such as ''Kularnava Tantra'' highlight ''jnana marga'' as important to liberation. It differentiates between two kinds of ''jnana'': one it calls knowledge that comes from Agama texts, and another it names ''viveka'' (insight). The Shaktism literature then adds that both lead to the knowledge of Brahman, but the first one is in the form of sound (''shabdabrahman''), while the insight from within is the ultimate truth (''parabrahman'').<ref>{{cite book|author=June McDaniel|title=Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=caeJpIj9SdkC&pg=PA98 |year=2004|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-534713-5|pages=98–99}}</ref>

Some Shakta texts, such as the ''[[Sita Upanishad]]'', combine yoga of action and knowledge as a path to liberation. The ''[[Devi Gita]]'', a classic text of Shaktism, dedicates chapter 4 to ''Jnana yoga'', stating that a Jnana yogi understands and realizes that there is no difference between the individual soul and herself as the supreme Self.<ref>{{cite book|author=Cheever Mackenzie Brown|title=The Devi Gita: The Song of the Goddess: A Translation, Annotation, and Commentary|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=28CIEnZCcqMC&pg=PA161 |year=1998|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-7914-3939-5|pages=161–162, for full context and translations: 150–163}}</ref> The discussion of Jnana yoga continues through the later chapters of the ''Devi Gita''.<ref>{{cite book|author=C. Mackenzie Brown|title=Song of the Goddess |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b_RbuTCk2BAC&pg=PA18|year= 2012|publisher= State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-7914-8851-5|pages=18–23}}</ref>

==See also==

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Bhakti yoga]]
* [[Diamond Sutra]] Perfection of Wisdom
* [[Ramana Maharshi]]
* [[Yoga Vasistha]]
* [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali]]
{{div col end}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Sources==
;Printed sources
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{Citation |last=Apte |first=Vaman Shivram |year=1965 |title=The Practical Sanskrit Dictionary |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers |location=Delhi |isbn=81-208-0567-4 }} (Fourth revised and enlarged edition).
* {{Cite journal |last=Basu |first=Asoke |date=June 2004 |title= Advaita Vedanta and Ethics|journal= Religion East and West|issue=4 |pages= 91–105 }}
* {{cite journal|last=Dalal |first=Neil|year=2009|title=Contemplative Practice and Textual Agency in Advaita Vedanta|journal=Method and Theory in the Study of Religion|volume=21|pages=15–27|doi=10.1163/157006809X416788 }}
* {{Citation |last=Deutsch |first=Eliot |year=1973 |title=Advaita Vedanta: A Philosophical Reconstruction|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=63gdKwhHeV0C|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|isbn=978-0-8248-0271-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Feuerstein |first=Georg |author-link=Georg Feuerstein |title=The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice |year=2001 |publisher=Hohm Press |location=Prescott, Arizona |isbn= 1-890772-18-6}} (Unabridged, New Format Edition).
* {{Citation |last=Flood |first=Gavin |author-link=Gavin Flood |title=An Introduction to Hinduism |year=1996 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-521-43878-0 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/introductiontohi0000floo }}
* {{Citation |editor-last1=Jones |editor-first1=Constance |editor-last2=Ryan |editor-first2=James D. |year=2006 |title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism |publisher=Infobase Publishing}}
* {{Citation |last=Mayeda |first=Sengaku |year=1992 |chapter=An Introduction to the Life and Thought of Sankara |editor-first=Sengaku |editor-last=Mayeda |title=A Thousand Teachings: The Upadeśasāhasrī of Śaṅkara |publisher=State University of New York City Press |isbn=0-7914-0944-9 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/thousandteaching00sank }}
* {{Citation |last=Matilal |first=Bimal Krishna |year=2005 |chapter=Jnana |editor-last=Jones |editor-first=Lindsay |title=MacMillan Encyclopedia of Religions |publisher=MacMillan}}
* {{Citation |last=De Michelis |first=Elizabeth |author-link=Elizabeth de Michelis |year=2005 |title=A History of Modern Yoga |publisher=Continuum}}
* {{cite book |last=Puligandla |first=Ramakrishna |year=1985 |title=Jñâna-Yoga—The Way of Knowledge (An Analytical Interpretation)|publisher=University Press of America|location=New York |isbn=0-8191-4531-9}}
* {{Citation |last=Puligandla |first=Ramakrishna |year=1997 |title=Fundamentals of Indian Philosophy |place=New Delhi |publisher=D.K. Printworld }}
* {{cite book |last=Varenne |first=Jean |author2=Derek Coltman |title= Yoga and the Hindu Tradition |year=1976 |publisher=The University of Chicago Press |location=Chicago |isbn=0-226-85114-1}}
{{refend}}

;Web-sources
{{reflist|group=web}}













{{Yoga}}
{{Hindudharma}}

[[Category:Indian philosophy]]
[[Category:Yoga paths]]

Jñāna yoga - Revision history

Antoniojaw at 00:19, 30 May 2026