prajñ

Prajna, usually transliterated as prajñā in Sanskrit, is a term meaning wisdom, discernment, or insight. Etymologically it derives from pra- meaning “forth” or “forward” and jñā meaning “to know,” signifying knowledge that goes beyond ordinary understanding. In Indian philosophy and religion, prajñā is regarded as a deeper, transformative form of knowledge that can contribute to liberation or awakening.

In Hindu thought, prajñā is often described as higher knowledge or wisdom that illuminates the true nature of reality. In the Upanishads, prajñā is treated as a principal form of knowledge and is sometimes equated with Brahman, the ultimate reality. In Advaita Vedanta, prajñā is associated with awakened consciousness—the direct, experiential realization of the unity of the self (atman) and Brahman, transcending ordinary intellect and belief.

In Buddhism, prajñā (Pali paññā) denotes insight into the true nature of phenomena, including impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and non-self. It is central to the Buddhist path and is developed through practice and meditation. In Mahayana traditions, prajñā expands into prajñāpāramitā, the perfection of wisdom, a foundational concept in sutras that articulate the insight into emptiness (śūnyatā) and the way beings attain enlightenment.

Translations vary; prajñā is commonly rendered as “wisdom” or “insight,” while some contexts emphasize its liberating, experiential character rather than mere factual knowledge. The term appears across Hindu and Buddhist texts and remains a key topic in philosophy and religious studies.