How can I practice Jnana yoga?

Jnana Yoga is one of the three classical Yoga forms that involves liberation from a world of illusion or maya. By doing so, one can successfully unite ‘Atman’ or the inner self, with ‘Brahman’, the oneness that is found in all forms of life. To achieve liberation through the practice of Jnana Yoga, one has to practice completely mental techniques such as self-questioning and reflecting on the self.

The steps mentioned in The Four Pillars of Knowledge have to be followed and practiced in sequence in order to achieve liberation through Jnana Yoga. For a lot of people, Jnana Yoga is a means of cultivating their spiritual side, and not always about liberation.

The following are the four steps as stated in The Four Pillars of Knowledge:

• Viveka: This step involves discrimination between what is real and what is unreal, and what is temporary and permanent. This step is a completely intellectual one, and should be practiced deliberately.
• Vairagya: This step involves the practice of detaching the self from material possessions, which helps in disconnecting from the ego as well.
• Shatsampat: This step is subdivided into six individual mental practices that are key in stabilizing emotions, and helps in perceiving the world for what it truly is, maya or an illusion. Tranquility, restraint, renunciation, endurance, faith and focus are the six steps of the Shatsampat.
• Mumukshutva: This step emphasizes on the importance of gaining liberation through complete commitment to Jnana Yoga, and through renunciation of every other desire that stands in the way of attaining liberation.

Practicing Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge and wisdom, involves deep self-inquiry and reflection to understand the nature of the self and reality. Start by studying spiritual texts like the Upanishads or Bhagavad Gita, focusing on teachings about the self (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman). Engage in meditation and contemplation, asking "Who am I?" to explore the true essence beyond the ego and mind. Regularly practice detachment from the material world and emotions, cultivating discernment (Viveka) to distinguish between the transient and the eternal. Guidance from a knowledgeable teacher can also support your journey in Jnana yoga.