• DOI:10.4103/2347-5633.161024
• Corpus ID: 147000303

The concept of Jnana, Vijnana and Prajnana according to Vedanta philosophy*

@article{Sridhar2015TheCO,
  title={The concept of Jnana, Vijnana and Prajnana according to Vedanta philosophy*},
  author={Mk Sridhar},
  journal={International Journal of Yoga - Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology},
  year={2015},
  volume={3},
  pages={5 - 8}
}

• M. Sridhar
• Published 1 January 2015
• Philosophy
• International Journal of Yoga - Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology

The words such as jnana, vijnana and prajnana have wide and multifarious meanings in the Hindu thoughts and especially in the Vedanta philosophy. They just does not mean any kind of knowledge but a systematic methodology and encompass a plethora of disciplines, be it in the realms of art, science or philosophy. The aim and purpose of such knowledge are to help the individual in attaining happiness and welfare in this world leading to salvation. The goals of every Hindu, nay, any seeker revolves around the proper understanding and perceiving the above concepts and implementing them personally for a meaningful and purposeful living in this world and the world hereafter. This paper examines the etymology of the words jnana, vijnana and prajnana, their connotations and denotations from the domains of grammar and Vedanta philosophy. Jnana stands for knowledge, vijnana for the systematic study of a branch of learning, science, intellectual awareness and consciousness. Prajnana stands for profound knowledge, wisdom, ultimate reality or Brahman. These words are inter-related and connote a higher meaning in the realm of spiritualism. This paper also attempts to compare these concepts from the standpoint of modern scientific methodology and consciousness debates.