Jnana Yoga

Jnana means discernment or wisdom. Jnana yoga literally means the path of wisdom. Ynana meditation is multi-faceted. When one uses jnana meditation, one tries to withdraw the mind and the emotions from perceiving life. The one who participates in this form of meditation tries to become tuned into reality or to the spirit.

One of the main ways that the yogi of discernment meditates, is to patiently lay aside all feeling and though until he or she feels the radiant glow of the soul dawning in the heart and mind. Transformation and enlightenment take place within the rapt meditator. One of the ways this is accomplished is through a process called neti-neti.

Neti-neti Meditation

The meaning of neti-neti is "not this, not this".

Whenever a feeling or thought comes into your mind which is not one of the goals of the meditation or which is not of the inner self, just say "Not this, not this" and dismiss the image, sound, thought, concept or sense distraction.

Any feeling or thought is patiently dismissed time and again, if necessary, until your mind is cleared and your soul is revealed.

Remember that you should not meditate in a passive way. This state of consciousness is referred to as alertness and is an amazing application of awareness.

As you form the habit of saying "neti-neti", you will be able to discard any doubt, worry or fear and become established in the realm of inner self. You will then be able to look back at fear and worries with deep insight and be able to handle them.