Philosophy & Concepts

Jnanaज्ञान

Spiritual knowledge or wisdom — the path of realizing the true Self (Atman) as one with the absolute (Brahman).

Detailed Explanation

Jnana is direct, liberating knowledge of ultimate reality, distinct from mere intellectual information. The jnana marga (path of knowledge), associated especially with Advaita Vedanta and the Upanishads, pursues moksha through discernment (viveka) between the eternal and the transient and through realizing the great saying Tat Tvam Asi — that the individual Self and Brahman are one. It is one of the three principal paths alongside bhakti and karma.

Related Terms

Bhaktiभक्ति

Loving devotion to a personal God — the path of the heart, one of the principal routes to spiritual liberation.

Brahmanब्रह्मन्

The ultimate, unchanging reality or Supreme Being in Hindu philosophy.

Atmanआत्मन्

The individual soul or true self, eternal and unchanging.

Mokshaमोक्ष

Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).