Chapter 1.6

Question 1

Jnana Yoga

Answer 1

Yoga or Path of Knowledge.

Question 2

Jnana Yoga: Details

Answer 2

Shows the path of self-realization through discerning the eternal from non-eternal, the Real from unreal or Illusionary.
It is the viveka between the purusha & prakriti.
Takes into account the philosophy of Vedanta.

Question 3

Sadhana Chatushtaya: Four fold qualities of a student required for success in study of Jnana Yoga

Answer 3

1. Viveka (Discrimination between real & unreal)
2. Viaragya (Non- attachment to the fruit of actions/ dispassion towards things that don’t help in achieving goal.
3. Shatsampathi (Six attributes starting with sama, i.e. sama adi shatka sampathi)
4. Mumukshutva (Desire of liberation/ yearning for freedom)

Question 4

Shatsampathi - sama adi shatka sampathi

Answer 4

1. Sama - Calmness, inner peace or mastery over mind
2. Dama - Control of the external organs, i.e. Jnanendriyas & Karmendriyas.
3. Uparati - Detachment or self-withdrawal, observance of one’s own duties
4. Titiksha - Endurance (of opposites) or patience
5. Shraddha - Faith (in Scripture and Guru) & sincerity
6. Samadhan - ekagrata or focus on the goal

Question 5

Stages of Jnana Yoga Practice

Answer 5

With preparation of sadhana chatushtaya, the sadhaka (practitioner) should begin study of Vedanta under a ‘realized’ teacher. This study has 3 stages:

1. Sravana - Listening or absorbing the instructions
2. Manana - Reflection or Contemplation
3. Nidhidhyasana - Repeated meditation on convictions/ truth accepted attained to in Manana