Gyana Yoga

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Gyana means knowledge.

Gyana yoga is the path of knowledge that culminates in the attainment of samadhi. Knowledge of jivatma (individual self) and Paramatma (God) is eternal knowledge; it helps to overcome the sorrows of humankind.

The main sources of Gyana yoga are:

• The Brahma Sutra
• The Upanishads
• The Bhagavad-Gita

According to Gyana yoga, eternal knowledge can be understood with the help of these three aspects:

• Sravana - Listening
• Manana - Thinking and understanding
• Nidhidhyasana - Deeper concentration on the knowledge which is gained through sravana (study) and manana (reflection)

To become worthy, the disciple should adhere to the following:

• Viveka: The discrimination between the permanent and the transient
• Vairagya: Doing work without expecting any result, free from attachment
• Sat Sampath: The six accomplishments include:
  • Sama: Withdrawing the sensory organs from their objects
  • Dama: Controlling external organs and their connections with objects
  • Uparati: Controlling the mind, stopping thoughts of unwanted things - based on sama and dama
  • Titiksha: Tolerating duality such as heat/cold, pain/joy etc.
  • Samadhana: Controlling and concentrating the mind on a single object or aim
  • Sraddha Mumukshutva: Keen interest to achieve liberation or Moksha