One of those yogic postures that help you enhance your knowledge and wisdom is jnana yoga. Jnana yoga is also popular as a path to knowledge. Embedded with multiple benefits, jnana makes you wise and open minded in all prospects of life. The word ‘jnana’ is derived from a Sanskrit word that implies the meaning of knowledge. Jnana yoga is basically a meditation that enhances the power of concentration. Acute concentration in any matter is definitely good for overall development of human being.
Jnana yoga is not a new fangled concept in the world of yoga. You can trace down the existence of this practice to the Vedic ages and the age of Bhagavad Gita. Hindu Lord Shri Krishna is believed to be the pioneering proponent of jnana yoga in the ancient age. However, the same practice has been modified and altered with the passing ages. Nevertheless, the flavor and the objective of this yoga have not faded over time and jnana yoga is still considered to be the path toward enlightenment.
Hindu priests like Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanuja have popularized jnana yoga amidst the disciples all over India. And with due course of time the benefits of this power yoga has been acknowledged by the world beyond barrier.
Jnana yoga focuses on three points - Viveka, Neti-Neti and Vicara. The primary objective Viveka is the path to the self-realization. A man is able to explore his real existence along with his potential capacity by dint of practicing jnana yoga. The second objective, Neti-Neti implies to removal false ego and mere materialistic objects of life. Jnana yoga like Bhakti yoga induces the power of sacrifice that leads to the proximity with the Supreme Lord. The final objective, Vicara is the process to self-realization. It is about understanding “I am that I AM” and “Be still and that I am God”. By virtue of practicing jnana yoga, a man cultivates the power to be wise and knowledgeable. It is not the selfish knowledge beset on self-conceit and pride, but it is the embracement to real knowledge that makes a man pure.
Practicing Jnana Yoga:
- First and foremost read the Hindu ancient holy texts like the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita.
- "I am” should be your mantra for chanting.
- Focus on “I”.
- Next form all sentences that come to your mind when you say I.
- Now leave “I” behind and fight your ego to get hold of your focus away from I.
- Meditate and breathe deep.
- Discuss with your guru
If you think that jnana yoga is merely a philosophical concept devoid of any virtual benefit in practical life, you may be thinking wrong. The importance of jnana yoga in our life today is immense and unbound. Practicing jnana yoga in this competitive age makes a man confident and prudent of his capabilities.
Read about different other forms of Yoga popular in India >>
