SKIP TO CONTENT

jnana

/dʒəˈnɑnə/
IPA guide

You'll mainly encounter jnana in Hindu and Buddhist religious writings, where it refers to deep spiritual knowledge gained through discipline.

Jnana is borrowed from a Sanskrit word meaning "knowledge," but its spiritual meaning is more specific. It refers to a profound, transformative wisdom acquired through meditation and study. In both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, jnana is insight into the ultimate nature of reality, leading a practitioner toward enlightenment and a higher awareness beyond everyday perception.

Definitions of jnana
  1. noun
    (Hinduism) profound spiritual wisdom or realized knowledge
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘jnana'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family