Jnana Yoga

Jnana Yoga is the Yoga of transcendental knowledge.  It enables us to know Atma -the individual self, and Param Atma -the universal self. 

Moktsa is attained by dissolving Atma in Param Atma. 

Jnana Yoga says Atma is trapped by Ahangkar -Ego.  When Ahangkar is removed, Atma naturally dissolves in Param Atma. 

For Param Atma, everything is positive and wholesome.  Param Atma does not react but absorbs and dissolves, and returns the rightful reflection.  In Param Atma, there is no duality; all is one, the Bhramn –the universal oneness.

In Bhagvad Gita (13.8-2 and 16.1-3), Krishna says: “The transcendental knowledge construe humility, pridelessness, nonviolence, tolerance, simplicity, approaching a spiritual master to know the absolute truth, steadiness, self control, renunciation of sense gratification, absence of Ego, freedom from attachment, even mindedness amid pleasant and unpleasant events, constant and unalloyed devotion, and accepting the importance of self-realization.

The transcendental knowledge manifest in divine nature embodying fearlessness, purification of one’s existence, cultivation of spiritual knowledge, knowledge of the absolute, tranquillity, generosity, freedom from covetousness, renunciation, sacrifice, self-control, austerity, simplicity, gentleness, modesty, truthfulness, freedom from anger, aversion to fault finding, nonviolence, compassion for all living entities, steady determination, vigour, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, and freedom from envy and from passion for honour. "

With transcendental knowledge gained through Jnana Yoga, one understands the difference between the inner consciousness and outer consciousness. 

The inner consciousness is the cosmic intelligence.  It is the spiritual consciousness.  It is blissfully eternal, wholesome and universal.  It is different from body and that its nature is immutable, indestructible and eternal.

The outer consciousness is material consciousness born with body and disintegrates at death.  It sustains projecting Ahankara -Ego, the source of suffering. 

Mind belongs to body but not the cosmic intelligence. 

Jnana Yoga says inner consciousness is spiritual element and it is eternal.  When body dies the inner consciousness is liberated from body.  Having liberated from body, it remains eternally active in the spiritual kingdom till it assumes its existence in the next body.  This spiritual knowledge is the cornerstone of Jnana Yoga.

Vedas and Upanishads says; “Wishing for pleasure is Dukha.  Ending the feelings of joy and sorrow, and pleasure and pain, is Sukha. 

When the mind is established in inner consciousness, it is called Sam.  Controlling the senses and sense desires is called Dam.

Experiencing the sorrow as a result of Karma is Danda.  The secret of bondage to Samsara and of attaining Moktsa is Vhed.  One who knows this secret is Pandita.

Wholehearted effort to renouncing the desires that leads either to pain or pleasure is Tap.  Being free from Karma causing either pain or pleasure is Saucha –purity. 

Seeing Param Atma -Universal Self, everywhere and in all beings is Satya –truth.  Controlling the anger, and being patience is Dharya. 

Thinking and working for others’ welfare is Daan –loving kindness and compassion.  To deliver the spiritual knowledge for the welfare of others is Daktsina. 

Realizing one’s negative Karma and repenting on one’s Paap –negative Karma, is Lajja. 

Accumulating Sat Guna -positive Karma, is Shree -cosmic auspiciousness and abundance, and it is Swasti -prosperity and happiness. 

The real knowledge is that which diminishes the difference between Atma -individual self, and Param Atma -Universal Self.”