Jnana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge)

Jñāna Yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom — liberation through discernment. From "jñā" (to know), it is the direct inquiry into the nature of reality and the Self, cutting through illusion (Avidyā) with the blade of discrimination between the real and the unreal.

One of the four classical paths, Jñāna is often called the steepest, for it asks a sharp and steady intellect turned upon itself. Through inquiry — "Who am I?" — the seeker pierces every false identification until only the Self (Ātman), one with Brahman, remains. — Bhagavad Gītā, Ch. 4.

Practiced through self-inquiry (Ātma-vicāra), study of scripture (Svādhyāya), and contemplation of great truths (Mahāvākyas). Instructors invoke it when guiding students to question their assumptions about who they are. It suits those drawn to understanding and philosophical reflection.