jnana

Jnana (Sanskrit: jñā) means knowledge, comprehension, or insight. In Indian philosophy, it denotes both the pure knowledge that reveals ultimate reality and the methodological discipline that leads to such knowledge. It derives from jñā, “to know.”

In Hinduism, jnana yoga is one of the classical paths to moksha, emphasizing discrimination between the real and the unreal (viveka) and the realization of the oneness of the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). The traditional program of acquiring jnana consists of sravana (listening to the teachings), manana (reflection), and nididhyasana (meditation or contemplation).

In Advaita Vedanta, the culminating jnana is nondual knowledge that the individual self is not different from the absolute Self. Knowledge dispels ignorance (avidya) and reveals Brahman as the sole reality, with liberation (moksha) as the result. Epistemically, jnana is supported by pramana such as śruti (scripture), pratyaksha (perception), anumana (inference), and sabda (verbal testimony), with sabda often playing a central role in Vedantic interpretation.

Beyond Advaita, the term jnana appears across Indian traditions to denote knowledge or insight. In Buddhist thought, prajna or wisdom serves a similar function, while in Jainism kevala-jnana refers to infinite, omniscient knowledge. Across these contexts, jnana generally signifies a form of realizing truth that transcends ordinary perception.