jnani

A jnani is a term derived from Sanskrit, meaning one who possesses jnana, or spiritual knowledge. In Indian philosophy and religions, particularly Hinduism, a jnani is an individual who has attained liberation or enlightenment through the path of knowledge. This path emphasizes the understanding of the true nature of reality, often distinguishing between the material world and the spiritual self, or Atman.

The concept of the jnani is prominent in various schools of Hindu thought, such as Advaita Vedanta. In Advaita Vedanta, the ultimate goal is the realization that the individual soul (Atman) is identical with the supreme reality (Brahman). A jnani is someone who has achieved this non-dualistic understanding. Their wisdom is not merely intellectual but is a direct, intuitive realization that transcends ordinary perception and conceptualization.

The path of knowledge, or jnana yoga, is one of the principal yogic paths to liberation. It typically involves study, contemplation, meditation, and discrimination between the real and the unreal. Unlike paths that emphasize devotion (bhakti yoga) or action (karma yoga), jnana yoga focuses on intellectual inquiry and discernment to overcome ignorance, which is seen as the root cause of suffering and bondage. The jnani, through this rigorous pursuit, is said to live a life free from desire, attachment, and the illusion of separation.