Added: 03/15/2006 |
Jnana Yoga Concept is Perfect for Modern Seekers of WisdomJnana Yoga concept is often associated with Advaita Vedanta, one of the six philosophies, or darshans, of Hinduism. Advaita Vedanta is the way of thought within Vedanta that believes that every material or immaterial object in the universe shares one soul, which includes all people and God himself.
The unique techniques of Jnana Yoga include the following:
1) Viveka. This word means "perspicacity" or "perceptiveness" in Sanskrit. This technique, especially connected with Shankara, involves a purposeful, continuous effort to recognize that the real you, or so-called 'the Self', is something that exists apart from those objects you are aware of.
2) Neti-neti. This means "neither this, nor that" in Sanskrit. You relate this formula mentally to every object of awareness in order to destroy the artificial sense that they in fact are you. When all those objects are banished this way, the real you - the Self - is left, like a sediment as a result of an experience in chemistry.
3) Vicara. This word is normally translated as "self-inquiries," but in fact it means "examination", "reflection", or "looking inward". This technique of Jnana yoga concept, associated with Ramana Maharishi, involves a continuous and deliberate effort to be aware of the real Self.
4) Vairagya. This word reflects the idea of non-attachment and dispassion towards all temporary objects. To look from the positive side, it is the most solid and the most zealous dedication to the Eternal. Though usually it is thought of as an ascetic peculiarity (because there is no honest life in a monastery without accomplishing of vairagya), it is also a necessity for all seekers of spirituality, and the article presented here on this matter should be learned with that in mind.
In general, Jnana yoga concept is one of the famous four main schools of yoga and the straightest road to reach the objective described in Advaita Vedanta - self-realization, that is, the understanding, the release and the full realization of your true Self.
As it was recounted many times in the scriptures related to Vedanta, among them the Upanishads or the Yoga Vasishta, when the seeker is ready, then liberation, moksha in Sanskrit, may come very fast. There exists the process of three steps that leads to the mentioned and aimed self-knowledge of Jnana yoga concept.
The teacher explains the seekers the knowledge of Vedanta and the idea of Brahman. He may often use stories and analogies to illustrate his ideas in order to make his point more accessible and clear. The students, of course, should listen attentively. This step is usually called Sravanam in Sanskrit, which means "listening" literally.
The seeker reflects on the matter he has heard from the teacher or from his classmates during the lesson, cogitates and makes attempts in order to comprehend the actual sense of the subtle truths taught to him.
This step is called Mananam, a Sanskrit word that means "reflecting" or "consideration".
The practitioner meditates on the idea of Brahman taught in the Upanishads and that should lead to the intuitive experience of the Truth. This step is called Nididhyasana, or "meditation", in Sanskrit.
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