Introduction to Jnana Yoga

Jnana Yoga is the highest form on the yoga path.

This inner path leads to the conscious realization of our true self.

In our existence in this universe, there are two levels or dimensions of being that can be directly experienced. These two levels can be defined as conceptual form level and essential formlessness. Both levels exist simultaneously side by side or within each other.

We experience in the conceptual form level a conceptual form ego that is linked to a story in the mind and is experienced as reality. Most of humanity is identified with the form ego and this conceptual form level, which is based on polarities.

The main forces at work here are wanting to have, not wanting to have, and denial. Our world, when we experience it on this level, shows us this with direct obviousness, war, resentment, need for image, struggle for survival and violence. All these forces have their origin in a conditioned mind that unwinds its learned unconscious programs and realizes itself by identifying with them. Time plays an important role in this level of existence.

The essential, formless dimension is characterized by non-duality, by wide space, time- and conceptlessness and freedom. It is an essential being based on consciousness and bliss.

Very few people know this natural being, our true nature, although it has been transmitted through various spiritual traditions, such as yoga, for thousands of years.

It is possible for every human being to realize and live from this dimension of non-duality and freedom, because it exists simultaneously with the form dimension and is even the basis for the form dimension. It is like the wave and the ocean. There is no wave without the ocean. That is, without the essential plane of being, there is no world (wave).

The basic essence of Jnana Yoga is the question, "Who am I?"

This question can lead to becoming aware of the essential, formless level of being.

We then experience ourselves as being one with all that is, in complete freedom and love.

Jnana Yoga is the inner path for this deep, spiritual realization of who we really are.
This inner path is the practice of the holistic philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, the teaching of the "non-two".

I like to call this essential, formless level of oneness HeartMind.

Our spiritual heart is the infinite space of Oneness and the Spirit dwelling in it brings forth essences such as peace, joy, love, freedom and many more, rather than conditioned programs.

The more we live in the presence of the non-dual heart-mind, the more the mental conditionings that lead to suffering transform and we free ourselves from our mind-carnousel.  We can then see things as they really are, without the glasses of our mind and its conceptual meanings.

In the practice of Jnana Yoga, physical asanas are not mandatory, although they can be an important preparation for deepening mindfulness. They can remain an essential part of the daily yoga practice. After any yoga session with asanas, you can go into HeartMind meditation, which takes you into the depths of your being to your essential nature. It is just as good to start right away with the HeartMind Meditation if there is enough mindfulness.

In Jnana Yoga, special emphasis is placed on mental mindfulness and awareness and the presence of non-dual being. It could also be called "Spiritual Yoga".

In my practice of Jnana Yoga, the heart-mind meditation "Who am I?" is fundamental.

It can be learned either in individual instruction or in online courses.

Beyond this particular meditation, the Jnana Yoga practice in everyday life is to stay present in the moment.

This practice may be challenging at first, but we grow through challenges, personally and spiritually. There are special seminars and workshops for this as well - Presence Bless.
(only German)

May the practice succeed - Om Shanti