Jnana Yoga  (English, Paperback, VIVEKANAND SWAMI)

Jnana Yoga by Swami Vivekananda guides one to the path of enlightenment. It involves deep exploration of ourselves and our surroundings, setting aside false identities. Jnana Yoga enables to attain knowledge of the true nature of reality through the practice of meditation, self-inquiry, and contemplation. It can be described as becoming aware of absolute consciousness, and an all-encompassing practice of self-study. The primary objective of Jnana Yoga is to become liberated from the illusionary world of Maya (self-limiting thoughts and perceptions) and to achieve the union of the inner self (Atman) with the oneness of all life (Brahman). This is achieved by constantly practicing the mental techniques of self-questioning, reflection and conscious illumination that are defined in the Four Pillars of Jnana Yoga: Viveka distinguishes between what is real and what is not, what is eternal and what is transient; Vairagya states non-attachment to material possessions; Shat-sampat calms one, teaches perseverance, sharpens concentration and focus and trains the mind to see beyond the physical world; Mumukshutva is the sense of intense eagerness for emancipation from suffering, essential for finding Moksh. As Swami Vivekananda quotes, “Jnana Yoga, or the science of the Self, is not a subject that can be understood and realized through mere intellectual study, reasoning, discussion or arguments. It is the most difficult of all sciences.”