As part of our studies in the master’s program at the International Open Yoga University, we studied the book Jnana Yoga by the eminent yoga teacher and Advaita Vedanta philosopher Swami Vivekananda. The word “jnana” translates to “knowledge.” Thus, Jnana Yoga works with our intellect, with our ability to know, or in other words – it is the path of understanding the structure of the world and our true nature. Vedanta, like yoga, is one of the six orthodox philosophical systems of India, but while the word “yoga” is familiar to everyone, fewer people are familiar with Vedanta. Advaita Vedanta can be translated to “non-dual conclusion of the Vedas.”
During our study, we thoroughly analyzed each chapter within our group, as it was very important to have someone to discuss with. Without discussions with like-minded individuals, I think it would have been much more difficult for me to delve deeply, my perception would have been more superficial, and perhaps I would have gleaned fewer new insights for myself. I’ve read and reread the course on Jnana Yoga with lectures and seminars by Vadim Openyoga, as well as the course on the axioms of yoga (which is an integral part of Jnana Yoga but was taught separately for us) multiple times. Initially, I developed a general understanding of the topic, but after studying Swami Vivekananda’s Jnana Yoga, I had many questions for contemplation.