Jnana Yoga

By Swami Sevaratna

This is the branch of Yoga that resembles the most with the practice of ancient Greek philosophers. It is considered a difficult path, requiring tremendous will power and determination. The Jnana Yogi uses his/her mental powers to inquire into its own nature.

The central theme in Jnana Yoga is "Who Am I?" Of course, such a question is not easily answered. We human mortals are in deep darkness regarding our true nature. So, to make some type of start in exploring the possible answers to that question, the Jnana Yogi begins his/her quest by excluding one by one all the parts of his/her existence that he/she IS NOT.

The physical body is the first in this list. Although the majority of humans are identified with the physical body, all the spiritual systems agree that we are not the body. The body is a vehicle that has a beginning and an end. It is important to be kept in optimal condition (preferably through Hatha Yoga and a healthy diet) but sooner or later one has to arrive into the conclusion that he/she is not the body. Personally, I feel that this is not so difficult to achieve in comparison with the next element, which is the mind.

The mind is mysterious and also very tricky. The aspirant has to spend many hours of introspection just watching the mind in action, to be familiar with its ways. The very fact that you are able to watch the mind is a proof that you are not the mind. One of the best tools that Raja Yoga has to offer is the practice of Antar Mouna or Inner Silence. In the final stage of this practice the Yogi stops completely the mind patterns. This is a great achievement because the nature of the mind is to forcefully resist any attempt to control it.

We perceive the space inside and outside a glass as different, just as we see ourselves as separate from God. Jnana Yoga leads the devotee to experience his unity with God directly by breaking the glass, dissolving the veils of ignorance. Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths.

Jnana Yoga is based on the philosophy of Vedanta. The beauty of Vedanta is that it transcends dry philosophy and mere intellectual concept. Vedanta is an actual life experience, a philosophy in practice.

Techniques of Jnana Yoga

• Viveka. This means "discernment" or "discrimination" in English. This technique, associated especially with Shankara, involves a deliberate, continuous effort to understand that the real you -- the Self -- is something separate from the objects of which you are aware.
  
• Neti-neti. This phrase means "not this, not this" in Sanskrit. You apply this formula mentally to all objects of awareness to destroy the false sense that they are you. When all the objects are banished, the real you -- the Self -- is what's left over.
  
• Vicara. This word is usually translated as "self-inquiry," but it really means examination, reflection, or looking within. This technique, associated especially with Ramana Maharshi, involves a continuous, deliberate effort to become aware of the real you -- the Self.