Jnana (Yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism)

There are a number of variations in the exact meaning of the term, but in general jnana is the knowledge which is based on perception by means of the senses and their interpretation by the mind, in other words knowledge about something. Such cognition may or may not be accurate depending on misperceptions, errors and opinions and is at the scientific, mundane level, lacking intuition and discrimination. Correct interpretation such that the knowledge is truly knowledge is referred to as prama. The term wisdom takes an evaluation of such knowledge into account, and implies the use of discrimination, buddhi. Beyond this is prajna, perfect or essential wisdom. Some commentators have indicated that jnana is all knowledge which may be perceived by the individual. It does not belong to that individual but is all said to be present, more or less hidden by ignorance, avidya. Other sources, however, equate jnana with the spiritual wisdom resulting from intellectual discrimination when the layers of illusion – maya – are systematically removed until the awareness of non-duality arises, the realization that Atman and Brahman are one. This way of knowledge is still criticized by some as being over theoretical rather than based upon experience.

According to Patanjali, one of the three forms of knowledge which need to be distinguished from each other and separated if confusion samkirna is to be avoided, the others being shabda and artha.