Jñāna
ज्ञाननपुंसकलिङ्ग (neuter) · ज्ञा धातु (jñā — to know directly) + अन प्रत्यय (lyuṭ)
jñāna
Fundamental Concepts
Direct knowledge of reality — the only means for mokṣa
Jñāna is the knowledge that removes avidyā (ignorance). It is not intellectual information nor mystical experience — it is the direct recognition of the identity between ātman and Brahman. According to Vedānta, jñāna is the only means (pramāṇa) for mokṣa. Karma (action) purifies the mind; bhakti (devotion) orients it; but only jñāna removes fundamental ignorance.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Jñāna (ज्ञान). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/jnana
Vishva Vidya. "Jñāna (ज्ञान)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/jnana.
Vishva Vidya. "Jñāna (ज्ञान)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/jnana.
Related terms
Want to study Vedānta in depth?
Learn about our study programs →