The seven stages of Jnana
by Swami Shamanda
There are seven stages of Jnana or the seven Jnana
Bhumikas. First, Jnana 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. This Subheccha or good desire forms
the first Bhumika or stage of Jnana. This will inrigate 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 and Tanumanasi will be reached, Constant Atma
Vichara (Atmic enquiry) forms the second stage. The third
stage is 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-thread-like state of mind. The third stage is also
known by the name Asanga Bhavana. n 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. The fourth
stage is Sattvapatti. This stage will destroy all Vasanas to
the root. This can be included under the Svapna 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. The fifth stage is 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 Svarupa (the Eternal Bliss of Brahman) replete with
spotless Jnana. This will come under Sushupti. The sixth
stage is Padartha Bhavana. There is knowledge of Truth
The
seventh stage is Turiya or the state of
superconsciousness. This is a. This is also known by
the name Turiyatita. There are no Sankalpas. All the Gunas
disappear. This is above the reach of mind and speech
Disembodied salvation IVidehamukti) is attained in the
seventh stage.
Remaining in the certitude of Atman, without desires, and
with an equal vision over all, having completely eradicated
all complications of differentiations of
'l' or 'he, existence
or non-existence, is Turiya.
That which is of the nature of bliss with intelligence is
called Turiya. The sage in this stage is completely divested
of all Vasanas. He is free from all ideas of difference and
non-difference, 'I' and 'not
being and non-being
The exalted stage of the seventh is the isolation or Moksha
which is partless, equal in all, immaculate, beneficent,
quiescent and the pure Turiya. The seventh stage, free
from all objects and replete with bliss, is stated by some to
be Turiyatita seat of Moksha, which is Chit itself. The
seventh stage is above the reach of the mind, self-shining
and of the nature of Sat
In the seventh stage, the
disembodied salvation is attained. It is homogeneous. It is
indescribable; it is beyond the power of speech.
