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How does Jnana Yoga lead to liberation or moksha?

Jnana Yoga, also known as the path of knowledge and self-inquiry, is one of the four main paths of yoga, along with Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga. It is a path that focuses on the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the true nature of the self and the universe. Jnana Yoga is considered to be the most direct and challenging path to liberation or moksha, as it requires intense discipline, self-inquiry, and a deep understanding of one's own mind.

The ultimate goal of Jnana Yoga is to attain liberation or moksha, which is the state of ultimate freedom and enlightenment. This state is characterized by the realization of the true nature of the self, which is pure consciousness, beyond the limitations of the mind and the ego. This state is said to be the end of all suffering and the ultimate goal of human existence.

Jnana Yoga leads to liberation or moksha through a series of steps that involve the cultivation of knowledge, discrimination, and detachment. The first step in this path is the cultivation of knowledge, which involves studying sacred texts, scriptures, and teachings of enlightened beings. This knowledge helps to develop a deeper understanding of the true nature of the self, the universe, and the relationship between the two.

The next step is discrimination, which involves the ability to differentiate between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the temporary, the self and the non-self. This discrimination helps to break the identification with the ego and the mind, which are the root causes of suffering. Through this process of discrimination, one begins to see through the illusions of the mind and realize the true nature of the self.

The final step is detachment, which is the state of complete dispassion towards the material world and the ego. Detachment is achieved through self-inquiry and introspection, where one questions the nature of the self and the world around them. This leads to the realization that the true self is beyond the mind and the ego, and is eternal and unchanging.

As one progresses on the path of Jnana Yoga, they begin to experience a sense of inner peace, clarity, and freedom from the limitations of the mind. This leads to the ultimate state of liberation or moksha, where one realizes their true nature as pure consciousness and experiences a state of bliss and oneness with the universe.

In conclusion, Jnana Yoga is a path of self-inquiry and knowledge that leads to the ultimate goal of liberation or moksha. Through the cultivation of knowledge, discrimination, and detachment, one can break free from the illusions of the mind and realize the true nature of the self. This path requires dedication, discipline, and a deep understanding of one's own mind, but it ultimately leads to the state of ultimate freedom and enlightenment.