Hinduism lays down three classical paths for attaining liberation – jnana yoga (the path of knowledge or self-realization and the use of analytical will), karma yoga (the path of action), and bhakti yoga (the path of devotion in which one perfects complete self-surrender). 

Over time other branches of yoga developed, like hatha yoga (practicing asana, pranayama, and mudra), raja yoga (concentrating and training the mind) kundalini yoga, and laya yoga. 

While these are different paths, they lead to the same goal, which is that of liberation. What one chooses should depend on their personality and needs. 

In this article, we talk about the wonderful path of jnana yoga – what it means, its process, its two parts, the steps to follow, and who jnana yoga is for. 

What is Jnana Yoga?

Jnana yoga is the yoga of knowledge. There are two essential aspects to this knowledge – discrimination and detachment. 

The “I” mind restricts our spiritual growth and development. It is by using the reason of discrimination and detachment that we can transcend the worldly restraints that bind this mind. 

With jnana yoga, the intellect rids itself of any delusions and becomes aware of the difference between the body and the soul. With this awareness, one also develops an indifference toward the results of their actions and rests in the knowledge of the absolute. 

The Process of Jnana Yoga?

Since all knowledge is already inside of us, inquiry can help us uncover what lies hidden. The path of jnana yoga takes us on a journey of deep inquiry through the methods of questioning, meditation, and contemplation. The goal becomes to find that knowledge.  

This process creates a radical shift in perception. All thoughts, beliefs, and feelings are questioned. Through this questioning, a veil is lifted and everything that one has known becomes untrue. 

It is then that the seeker becomes one with the universe. There is the elimination of all illusions and the only thing that remains is oneness with the divine and the ultimate truth. 

The Two Parts of Jnana Yoga 

There are two parts to the approach of jnana yoga. The first part is negative and is a process called neti, neti, which means ‘not this, not that’, or ‘neither this, not that’. Through this process, everything that is unreal (impermanent and imperfect) is discarded.  

The second part is one of acceptance. That which is deemed to be permanent, eternal, and unchanging is accepted as real. This becomes the path. 

The Four Steps in Jnana Yoga 

There are four steps that are prescribed for achieving liberation through jnana yoga. These should be followed sequentially. 

1. Viveka (discernment, discrimination) – a conscious effort to separate the real from the unreal

2. Vairagya (detachment, dispassion) – moving away from attachment to the material and the ego

3. Shatsampat (six virtues) – these are mental practices to stabilize the mind: shama (tranquility, calmness), dama (restraint, control), uparati (withdrawal, renunciation), titiksha (endurance, forbearance), shraddha (faith, trust), and samadhana (focus, concentration). 

4. Mumukshutva (longing, yearning) – a burning desire to free oneself from suffering

Who should take the path of Jnana Yoga? 

It is believed that the path of jnana yoga is more difficult than the others. The pursuit is that of self-examination, not just while on the mat or in a class but also off the mat and into the world. And though this engagement is deep and rigorous, it also needs to be compassionate and patient. 

The path of jnana yoga is the most direct. While everyone is free to pursue jnana yoga, few are able to take it ahead. This is because jnana yoga entails dispassion and detachment from the world. It asks one to become free of desires, which can be hard for most of us. Karma yoga and bhakti yoga are, therefore, the easier paths to follow.