THE SEVEN STAGES OF JNANA

Jnana Bhumikas

There are seven stages of Jnana and they are called the seven Jnana Bhumikas.

Jnana (Knowledge) should be developed through a deep study of Atma Jnana Sastras and association with the wise and the performance of virtuous actions without any expectation of fruits.

1) Subheccha or good desire, which forms the first Bhumika or stage of Jnana. This will irrigate the mind with the waters of discrimination and protect it. 

There will be non-attraction or indifference to sensual objects in this stage. 

The first stage is the substratum of the other stages. From it the next two stages, viz., Vicharana andTanumanasi will be reached. 

2) Vicharana  (Self- enquiry): Constant Atma Vichara (Self- enquiry) forms the second stage.

3)  Asangha Bhavana (Tanumanasi):  This is attained through the cultivation of special indifference to objects. The mind becomes thin like a thread. Hence the name Tanumanasi. 

Tanu means thread - threadlike state of mind. 

In the third stage, the aspirant is free from all attractions. 

If any one dies in the third stage, he will remain in heaven for a long time and will reincarnate on earth again as a Jnani. 

The above three stages can be included under the Jagrat state.

4) Sattvapatti: This stage will destroy all Vasanas (Impressions)  to the root. 

This can be included under the Svapana state. 

The world appears like a dream. 

Those who have reached the fourth stage will look upon all things of the universe with an equal eye.

5) Asamsakti:  There is perfect non-attachment to the objects of the world. 

There is no Upadhi or waking or sleeping in this stage. 

This is the Jivanmukti stage in which there is the experience of Ananda Svaroopa (the Eternal Bliss of Brahman) replete with spotless Jnana. 

This will come under Sushupti.

6) Padartha Bhavana: This is knowledge of Truth.

7) Turiya, (The state of superconsciousness): 

This is Moksha. This is also known by the name Turiyatita. 

There are no Sankalpas (desires). 

All the Gunas disappear. 

This is above the reach of mind and speech. 

Disembodied salvation (Videhamukti) is attained in the seventh stage.

Once we understand these seven stages of Jnana, we have to take a careful look at the first two that is Good desire and Self enquiry, so that we can become eligible for Guru’s grace. 

We need Guru’s help to reach the ultimate goal and to go through all the seven stages. 

This is what every human being should be thinking all the time. 

Because this is the truth and everything else is an illusion as per the scriptures. 

This is what Baba wanted us to pursue.

OM SAI RAM!