jñana

Jñana, often translated as knowledge, wisdom, or insight, is a fundamental concept in various Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. It refers to a profound understanding that goes beyond mere intellectual accumulation of facts. Jñana is often described as a direct, intuitive apprehension of reality, a realization of truth that transforms one's perception and way of being.

In Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, jñana yoga is one of the primary paths to liberation (moksha). This path emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge of the self (Atman) and its identity with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Through study, reflection, and meditation, the aspirant seeks to dispel ignorance (avidya) and attain the realization of this non-dual truth.

In Buddhism, while the term jñāna (Sanskrit) or ñāṇa (Pali) also signifies wisdom, its emphasis is often on the understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the nature of reality as impermanent (anicca), unsatisfactory (dukkha), and selfless (anatta). This wisdom is cultivated through practices like mindfulness and meditation, leading to the cessation of suffering. Different schools of Buddhism may delineate various types of jñana, such as the wisdom that understands emptiness (sunyata). Ultimately, jñana in both traditions represents a transformative insight that liberates the individual from delusion and suffering.