Sjnana

Sjnana, often transliterated jnana, is a Sanskrit term that means knowledge, with a specific emphasis on spiritual knowledge or discernment that leads to liberation. The form Sjnana reflects an alternative transliteration of the same word, which is more commonly seen as jñāna in many texts.

Etymology and scope: The root jñā- means to know, recognize, or perceive. In Hindu philosophy, jnana denotes understanding that penetrates beyond ordinary facts to claim insight into the nature of reality. It is distinct from mere information or empirical knowledge, focusing on transformative realization.

Philosophical role: Jnana is central to the path of knowledge (jnana yoga) in several Hindu traditions, especially Advaita Vedanta. In this view, true knowledge is the nondual realization that the individual self (atman) is identical with the ultimate reality (brahman). Such realization is considered liberation (moksha) from ignorance (avidya). Other schools offer different interpretations of jnana, ranging from more qualified nondual perspectives to the view that knowledge must be complemented by devotion or action.

Practice and method: In Advaita and related traditions, jnana is cultivated through disciplined discrimination (viveka) between what is real and what is illusory (mithya), along with detachment (vairagya). The classical preparatory steps include listening (shravanam) to scriptural teaching, reflection (mananam), and deep, sustained meditation (nididhyasana) that leads to experiential insight, rather than merely intellectual assent.

In comparative terms, jnana is often contrasted with other spiritual paths such as devotion (bhakti) and action (karma). In Buddhism, a related concept is prajna, or wisdom, indicating a parallel emphasis on direct insight into reality.

See also: Jnana yoga, Vedanta, Upanishads, Advaita Vedanta.