Jhana Yoga, is one of the several spiritual paths in Hinduism. This path strongly emphasizes the “path of knowledge”, or as sometimes referred to as the “path of self-realization.” It is one of the three classical paths (margas) for moksha (salvation, liberation) and is typically thought to be the most difficult path.
Practitioners rely on ongoing spiritual practice that pursues knowledge with questions such as “who am I?” and these practices can also help with spiritual insight and understanding and help reduce the practioner’s own suffering or dissatisfaction of life.
The name itself has its origins from the Sanskrit term meaning “knowledge.” Hence, practitioners pursue knowledge and truth.
The “ Sadhana Chatushtaya” are the four pillars of knowledge, and techniques used by the practitioner towards achieving the goal of Jhana Yoga, which is knowledge and wisom – that which is not changeable. This path, is Hindu gnosis and hermeticism and seeks oneness with the entirety of the universe.
The four Sahanas below is the process that practitioners can use in sequential order to help achieve the goals of Jhana yoga. These steps are meant to lead into each other.
Viveka is a progression for practitioners to consciously and continuously apply thought to sift through many unreal realities and understand the disposition of such things; such as what is real and unreal, or what is permanent and the temporary.
Vairagya teaches practitioners how to remove and detach ourselves from worldly possessions and activities. You should be indifferent to that which is temporary so that you are able to free yourself from all attachments and attain knowledge.
Shad-Sampati are six steps to can that help steady yourself, both mentally and emotionally so that a practitioner can see beyond false impressions of the world.
- Shama (control of the mind) is the first step and encourages being peaceful and minimizing reactions to things outside of us.
- Dama (control of the senses) allows us to strengthen our mind and senses and use them towards more positive and useful paths.
- Uparati (renunciation of activities that are not duties ) is keeping your path simple, by removing ourselves from things that are not our duty and would act as a distraction for us.
- Titiksha (endurance) is the endurance to be understanding and resilient when faced with unfavorable situations, even if it may bring pain or suffering.
- Shraddha (faith) is to hold firmly the beliefs; belief in your mentor or teacher, the teachings and scriptures or even the path that you are on.
- Samadhana (perfect concentration) focusing the entirety of your concentration towards your goal.
Mumukshutva is the powerful desire to free yourself from suffering the ongoing cycle of birth and death and its affiliated harms such as old age, disease, fantasy and sorrow. Completely committing yourself so nothing else matters and you will attain higher spiritual knowledge and strength.
Jnana Yoga can occur over the course of your life and practitioners must always understand their mind as there should not be any divergence from this path. Proficiency in one sadhana alone will not help you on your path, hence all four must be practiced as part of your everyday life.
From your friends at YogaandBirth. Namaste.