Significance of Jnana
Jnana is a term closely associated with knowledge or wisdom across various spiritual traditions, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. It signifies deep understanding, essential for spiritual development, liberation, and the realization of one's true nature. In Jainism, it emphasizes insight crucial for spiritual growth, while in Vaishnavism, it is described as speculative knowledge necessary for devotional service. Similarly, in Vedanta and other philosophies, Jnana represents the key to understanding the ultimate reality and achieving spiritual enlightenment. Ultimately, it encompasses both intellectual understanding and experiential wisdom that guide one towards liberation.
Synonyms: Knowledge, Wisdom, Insight, Understanding, Awareness, Enlightenment, Intellect
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Jnana'
Jnana in Buddhism symbolizes the pursuit of wisdom essential for enlightenment, encompassing knowledge that influences perception, differs from Vedanta views, and involves a blend of mental properties crucial for spiritual practice and conscious awareness.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Knowledge or wisdom possessed by beings, affecting their capacity to perceive and respond to the Buddha's light.[1]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The wisdom or knowledge sought through Buddhist practice, particularly relevant in the context of achieving enlightenment.[2]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) The consciousness conjoined with distraction is composed of fifteen mental properties including the functions of indriya, jhana, and magga.[3]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An important concept that denotes knowledge or consciousness, treated differently in Buddhist and Vedanta philosophy.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Jnana'
Jnana in Hinduism signifies profound spiritual knowledge essential for liberation, embodying wisdom about the self and Brahman. It transcends worldly understanding, promotes self-realization, and can sometimes distract from pure devotion despite its vital role in spiritual practice.
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Knowledge or wisdom, often linked to the understanding of reality and enlightenment.[5] (2) True knowledge that leads to liberation (Kaivalya) and helps in overcoming the cycle of rebirths caused by mental pain and desires.[6] (3) Knowledge or awareness that is pure and untainted by illusions, considered the ultimate truth.[7] (4) Knowledge or spiritual wisdom that is essential for overcoming ignorance and achieving liberation.[8] (5) Knowledge or wisdom, particularly relating to the understanding of one's true self and the nature of reality.[9]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The supreme knowledge or awareness of the identity of the Brahman and the Atman, considered the key to liberation.[10] (2) Spiritual knowledge or wisdom as discussed in the Gita, representing the importance of cognitive understanding in conjunction with devotion.[11] (3) Knowledge, which is emphasized in Samkhya philosophy as vital for understanding the relationship and distinction between Matter and Spirit.[12] (4) Knowledge in the Vedanta context, particularly concerning the understanding of the identity of Brahman and Atman.[13] (5) Knowledge of the ultimate truth or Brahman, essential for achieving liberation.[14]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Knowledge or wisdom which is seen as essential for attaining liberation.[15] (2) Knowledge, particularly spiritual or philosophical understanding within Hinduism.[16] (3) The embodiment of knowledge and wisdom that Atman seeks guidance from during his existential plight.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Knowledge or wisdom gained through direct experience or understanding, central to attaining liberation.[18] (2) Knowledge or wisdom, seen as a divine quality in the context of spiritual awakening and realization.[19] (3) Understanding or perfect knowledge gained through spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in liberation.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Knowledge or wisdom, one of the essential elements considered in the spiritual seat as described in the text.[21] (2) Knowledge associated with the nature of Atman, which is immaterial and eternal.[22] (3) Knowledge or wisdom achieved through the understanding of the self and the Supreme, crucial for attaining liberation.[23]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Perfect knowledge that is essential for liberation; it is acquired through personal contact with an enlightened teacher and is untainted by worldly desires.[24] (2) Knowledge that may include sound and is often said to be without error.[25]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Knowledge or wisdom that leads to understanding and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[26] (2) The knowledge that leads to the understanding of the supreme, pure form, regarded as essential for liberation from the cycle of suffering.[27]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The knowledge or wisdom that allows an individual to understand the nature of the self in relation to the divine.[28]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Knowledge gained through understanding one's self and the nature of reality, leading to spiritual achievement.[29]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Knowledge or wisdom that results in enlightenment and understanding of true nature.[30] (2) Knowledge or awareness, often referring to the understanding of the ultimate reality.[31] (3) Wisdom or knowledge; the understanding that everything is non-different from oneself.[32] (4) Knowledge recognized as the only means of salvation and understanding true nature.[33] (5) Knowledge that represents the understanding of the ultimate reality as Brahman.[34]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Knowledge and understanding that lead to the jiva's liberation and realization of the true self.[35] (2) Refers to knowledge in general, as distinguished in Svaminarayana’s approach.[36] (3) Spiritual knowledge or wisdom retained by jivanmuktas even when they are reborn in different life forms.[37] (4) Philosophical knowledge that leads to spiritual understanding and the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.[38]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Knowledge or wisdom in the context of Vedanta, particularly concerning the realization of one's true nature as synonymous with Brahman.[39] (2) Knowledge or wisdom necessary for the realization of one's identity with the ultimate reality.[40]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The concept of knowledge, which is separate and distinct from the practice of upasana.[41] (2) A Sanskrit term meaning knowledge or understanding, specifically used here to denote the agent of cognition.[42]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) True knowledge, characterized by self-realization and understanding of the non-dual identity of Brahman and Atman.[43]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Knowledge, considered pure and constitutive of Brahman's nature, opposing the notion of Nescience.[44]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Knowledge or wisdom that leads directly to liberation.[45]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Knowledge or wisdom, particularly in the context of recognizing and understanding the nature of the Lord.[46]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Knowledge pertaining to the true nature of reality and Brahman, which can be attained either in this life or in future births.[47]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Wisdom or knowledge; the understanding that the creation stems from divine will rather than from desire.[48]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, which can sometimes divert focus from the practice of devotional service.[49] (2) Knowledge or wisdom, often pursued for personal enlightenment, but noted as insufficient for understanding devotional service.[50] (3) Knowledge or wisdom, particularly in the spiritual context, which Advaita prioritized over bhakti.[51] (4) Knowledge or wisdom; described as 'eyes' which are necessary to utilize the mirror of devotional service.[52] (5) Implies speculating on the impersonal Brahman, with the goal of achieving liberation (mukti).[53]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Knowledge, another topic in the Second Canto that refers to spiritual understanding.[54] (2) Knowledge or wisdom, which the text suggests can distract devotees from pure devotional focus.[55] (3) Intelligence or knowledge, which is illuminated and differentiated by the potencies of the Lord.[56]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) knowledge leading to impersonal liberation.[57] (2) Knowledge or understanding, particularly in the context of spiritual knowledge aimed at liberation.[58]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Knowledge, one of the key virtues symbolized in the eight varieties of flowers for worship.[59]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Knowledge or wisdom, particularly speculative knowledge, that falls short without the accompaniment of bhakti.[60]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Knowledge or philosophical speculation that can divert focus from devotional practices; it is to be secondary to engagement in devotional service.[61]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The intellectual and reflective aspect of the spiritual path that leads to understanding Shiva.[62] (2) The path of knowledge that leads to the ultimate realization and liberation, often seen as the most effective method to achieve enlightenment.[63] (3) The ultimate knowledge that individuals seek to attain within the framework of Shaiva Siddhanta.[64]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Knowledge or wisdom believed to be imparted by the holy ash.[65] (2) Jnana refers to the knowledge through which one can understand existence and attain liberation from Samsara.[66]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Knowledge, which is equated with daksina and is considered ever-present before Daksinamurti in relation to Siva.[67]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Knowledge or understanding that is sought through various spiritual practices, particularly emphasized in the context of Tantric teachings.[68] (2) Jnana signifies knowledge and wisdom obtained through direct experience or realization, often associated with the understanding gained through advanced forms of Yoga.[69] (3) Knowledge or consciousness as an aspect of the threefold power (Iccha, Jnana, Kriya) in Šakti.[70] (4) Knowledge or wisdom, particularly pertaining to the understanding of the self and spiritual principles.[71]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Knowledge that is acknowledged as useful, but secondary to bhakti in attaining salvation.[72] (2) Knowledge or wisdom as understood in the context of Patanjala philosophy, relevant in the pursuit of understanding suffering.[73]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Sacred knowledge considered necessary for attaining higher realms beyond the material existence.[74]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Knowledge or wisdom, particularly as it pertains to understanding the Vedic texts.[75]
From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)
(1) One of the specific hand formations identified in the list of twenty-seven Combined Hands.[76]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Knowledge, regarded as the essential quality of man that is developed through the sciences derived from the Veda.[77]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Known as knowledge, it is the peculiar function of buddhi that becomes manifest through the attribute of sattva and is influenced by external objects.[78]
Jain concept of 'Jnana'
Jnana in Jainism signifies crucial knowledge for spiritual growth, particularly through svadhyayayoga, and embodies a profound understanding, essential for achieving enlightenment and deeper insights into existence.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Knowledge or insight crucial for spiritual development, emphasized in svadhyayayoga.[79]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A term that represents a deep or thorough understanding.[80]