This page contains content generated at SVYASA University and is proprietary. While you are allowed to use the content for your use freely, please write to us if you need further clarifications on content@svyasa.org
. Feel free to write to us if you have any questions!
December 11, 2008
Jnana Yoga
Discourse by
PROF. HR NAGENDRA,
Vice Chancellor,
SVYASA, Bangalore, India
Click Play button to Play Audio
(Please wait as the audio loads)
Transcription
Jnana Yoga is the path of analysis, it is the path of intellect. The path of discrimination, the path of brilliance. Here we use analysis, we use questioning to go to the very foundation of questioning. It is not just to seek an answer but to use questions as means to transcend the intellect. We ask simple questions to ward off the random mind, then we ask deeper questions to remove the gross simple questions. Then we ask fundamental questions to remove the subtle questions. Ultimately drop even those fundamental questions to go to the very source from where thoughts arise. This is the whole process of Jnana Yoga compiled in these 18 verses from the chapters of Bhagavadgita and it has been arranged into these 8 phases as we have done in other Yogas. Shloka number 1 & 2 talk about the introduction, eligibility, third-dimensions of reality, qualities of a Jnani. What are the marks, what are the qualities a great Jnana Yogi will possess and what are the tools for growth. Higher dimensions of Jnana Yoga, how does a Jnana Yogi for excellence leaves his body at the time of death and where does he reach, what is the ultimate goal. In the schematic you could see that the four steps to Jnana Yoga is shavana, manana, idhidhyasana reaching to Jnana. Just like in Ashtanga Yoga we had yamanenamasana pratyehara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi. Samadhi is the culmination of the 8 limbed Yoga. Here Jnana is the culmination of the four levels of practices. Shavana is to hear, read. You can get the information through a video, getting the information is essential. Manana is to think about it, question about it, cogitate about it. Idhidhyasana is contemplation, meditation and realization of the truth is Jnana. And then we have to stabilize the Jnana. The Jnana, that realization has to become a living reality, every moment and then it becomes a jivan mukta, a sthithapragna. Then higher dimensions of Jnana Yoga, advanced Jnana Yoga in which you fathom the laws of the higher layers of consciousness, higher worlds, higher lokas, subtler levels of creation. Ultimately give all that and merge with the totality our original source. This gives you the spectrum of Jnana Yoga
