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Jnana Yoga

The Yoga of Contemplation

Abhyasa Ashram and Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati

4.8

Based on 272 ratings

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Abhyasa Ashram and Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati

Over 5,000 students are enrolled in this course

Pondering, reflecting, contemplating on the nature of our personality, soul, and spirit is one of the most important aspects of traditional Yoga. Please don't overlook this essential part of your Yoga practices. This course will lead you through the levels of contemplation, from the basics to the most advanced contemplations as practiced by the ancient sages.

Over 5,000 students are enrolled in this course

Yoga is a whole life process. The Contemplation of Jnana Yoga is one of the most advanced practices of Yoga. The reflective process of contemplation utilizes the word-forming habit of the mind in a directed way, so as to transcend not only body and breath, but most importantly, to go beyond the mind to the realization in direct experience the True Self, the Atman, or Center of Consciousness.

A Suggestion: Our descriptions of traditional Yoga tend to be thorough, broad, and deep. This can lead you to think this is complicated, and that it's going to take a great deal of study like in a college class. But the suggestion is to take it easy; watch the presentations leisurely, like you might watch a movie while sitting on a comfortable chair or couch. Just absorb it, take it in. Don't worry about memorizing. It will gently sink in, and you can practice the principles in daily life. Go back later and look again at the presentations, whether all of them or a few. Terminology, principles, and practices will gently become familiar.

This course first outlines the preparatory practices, leading one to start the process of contemplation. The course then guides you in the preliminary practices of contemplation through the processes of positive inquiry of Internal Dialogue. Finally, you will be taught the traditional contemplations, the "great" contemplations known as Mahavakyas, which have traditionally be practiced primarily by those monks living lives of renunciation in remote places like the cave monasteries of the high Himalayas.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Practice the profound depths of jnana yoga, the yoga of contemplation
Jnana means "knowing" at the deepest level, not just intellectual thinking.
Practice jnana or knowing all day long, 24/7, for the greatest insights of inner joy.

The pinnacle of knowing is experience in the ever-present center of consciousness.
Jnana yoga is a systematic journey inward, like climbing a ladder to the top of an infinite tree.

Practice the profound depths of jnana yoga, the yoga of contemplation
Jnana means "knowing" at the deepest level, not just intellectual thinking.
Practice jnana or knowing all day long, 24/7, for the greatest insights of inner joy.
The pinnacle of knowing is experience in the ever-present center of consciousness.
Jnana yoga is a systematic journey inward, like climbing a ladder to the top of an infinite tree.

Syllabus

Introduction to Jnana Yoga

Welcome to the Jnana Yoga course

Jnana Yoga: An aspect of the One Yoga

Stages to the Goal of Contemplation

Dhyana (meditation) and Vichara (contemplation) are different, but complementary practices. With dhyana one suspends the inner use of language, the formation of words. With contemplation one utilizes language to ponder or reflect on principles. Gradually, however, meditation and contemplation work together and merge into one unified awareness of consciousness itself, standing alone. This was introduced here as being the drashtuh, the seer, and finally this realization leads to kaivalya, or absolute liberation, as previously discussed.

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Examines the nature of one's being, a fundamental aspect of traditional Yoga

Taught by a recognized yoga instructor in Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati

Provides insights into achieving inner joy and consciousness

Offers a systematic journey inward through contemplation practices

Prerequisite knowledge in yoga may be helpful

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Reviews summary

Deep contemplation and self-inquiry in jnana yoga

According to students, this course offers a profound and transformative journey into Jnana Yoga, emphasizing deep contemplation and self-inquiry. Many highlight the instructor's ability to make complex concepts accessible, particularly the 'Mahavakyas' and 'Internal Dialogue' practices, which provide actionable tools for daily life. Learners appreciate its focus on direct experience over mere intellectual understanding, making it a valuable complement to other spiritual practices. However, some find the content highly philosophical and abstract, potentially posing a challenge for beginners or those expecting more physical yoga practices. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for serious spiritual seekers.

Encourages leisurely absorption and avoids memorization, aligning with a deep, gradual journey.

"The suggestion to treat it like a movie and not worry about memorizing really helps."

"It's not a 'quick fix' but a journey, and the course lays a solid foundation."

"It felt like a true journey of self-discovery, aligning with traditional yoga teachings."

Provides practical methods like 'Internal Dialogue' for daily application.

"The 'Neti Neti' and 'Mahavakyas' sections particularly insightful, providing a clear path for deep contemplation."

"The exploration of 'Who am I?' and 'What do I want?' through internal dialogue provided actionable tools for self-inquiry."

"The internal dialogue exercises were very helpful for applying the principles daily."

Instructor effectively simplifies advanced philosophical concepts for understanding.

"The way the instructor breaks down complex Jnana Yoga concepts into digestible 'Internal Dialogue' practices is genius."

"The instructor's clear explanations of ancient concepts, especially the 'Mahavakyas', made them accessible."

"I appreciated the depth and intellectual rigor of this course. It's not light reading, but it truly delves into the essence of Jnana Yoga."

Offers deep insights leading to personal growth and spiritual realization.

"This course is profoundly transformative. The way the instructor breaks down complex Jnana Yoga concepts into digestible 'Internal Dialogue' practices is genius."

"Absolutely essential for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practice beyond physical asanas."

"It truly felt like climbing that ladder inward. The consistent emphasis on direct experience rather than just intellectual understanding resonated deeply."

Course content is rich in philosophy, which may be challenging for some learners.

"This was almost entirely theoretical and very abstract. It went over my head quickly."

"It's very philosophical, which is fine, but sometimes I wished for more practical exercises beyond just 'contemplating'."

"I found this course incredibly difficult to follow. The language used was too esoteric, and I felt lost most of the time."

Best suited for those with existing spiritual interest or yoga philosophy background.

"Not for beginners seeking practical mindfulness; it's very academic and philosophical."

"Good for those already familiar with spiritual concepts."

"I think previous exposure to general yoga philosophy would be beneficial to fully grasp everything."

"I expected more actionable 'yoga' practices and less abstract philosophy."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Jnana Yoga: The Yoga of Contemplation with these activities:

Introspection and Reflection

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Contemplation is one of the most important aspects of Yoga, so before the course begins, it is important to refresh your skills and understanding of introspection and reflection. This will help ensure a stronger foundation as you begin this course.

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Set aside 10 minutes each day for silent reflection.
Focus on your breath and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Write down your observations in a journal.

Guided Meditation Practice

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Deepen your understanding and practice of meditation through the use of guided meditations. This will help you develop a stronger foundation in meditation, which is essential for contemplation and the practices outlined in this course.

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Find a quiet place where you can sit or lie down comfortably.
Follow the instructions of a guided meditation teacher.
Focus on your breath and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

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Career center

Learners who complete Jnana Yoga: The Yoga of Contemplation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Jnana Yoga: The Yoga of Contemplation.

Philosophy

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This comprehensive handbook brings together leading scholars in the philosophy of mind to provide an overview of the field. It covers topics such as consciousness, the mind-body problem, personal identity, and free will, offering a valuable resource for both students and researchers.

Jnana Yoga

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Deep contemplation and self-inquiry in jnana yoga

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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