jääna

Jñāna (often transliterated jnāna or jnana) is a Sanskrit term that denotes knowledge, understanding, or wisdom. In Indian philosophical and religious contexts, it can refer to theoretical knowledge, experiential insight, or a realization of reality that transcends ordinary belief.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from the root jñā- “to know.” As a noun, jñāna applies across traditions to different kinds of knowing—dispensing of universal principles, scriptural wisdom, or direct experiential insight into the nature of self and world. The exact meaning can vary by school, ranging from rational discernment to non-dual realization.

In Hinduism: Jñāna is central to the path of knowledge, or jñāna yoga. In Advaita Vedanta, jñāna signifies discriminative insight that reveals the non-dual truth of Brahman and Atman; it is often described as aparokṣa jñāna (direct, experiential knowledge) attained through inquiry (manana) and self-inquiry (atma-vichara). Jñāna is typically contrasted with bhakti (devotion) and karma (action) as a distinct spiritual path towardmoksha (liberation).

In Jainism: Jñāna is one of the three essential aspects of right conduct, formulating the concept of samyak jnana (right knowledge). It encompasses correct understanding of the Jain cosmology, ethics, and the nature of reality, and it is integral to spiritual progress alongside samyak darśana (right faith) and samyak charitra (right conduct).

In Buddhism: The term jñāna appears in some texts as wisdom or knowledge, though many schools prefer prajñā (wisdom) or paññā. Here, jñāna often connotes insight into impermanence, suffering, and non-self, attained through study, meditation, and discernment.

Modern usage: Jñāna remains a common scholarly and spiritual concept, associated with philosophical inquiry, classical yoga, and the pursuit of direct realization beyond mere factual knowledge.