Jnana is a Sanskrit term that means “spiritual knowledge” or “wisdom.”
It denotes knowledge of the Self that is inseparable from the Divine, rather than worldly knowledge (vijnana) obtained through learning or experience.
Jnana is an inward experience or awareness that one is free from worldly and mental burdens and inseparable from Brahman (absolute reality).
Jnana yoga, also called gyana yoga, is the path to this wisdom, and jnana meditation focuses on removing deception to reach spiritual awareness.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Jnana yoga is one of the three main paths believed to lead to moksha (liberation from worldly concerns).
The other paths are Karma yoga and Bhakti yoga.
Jnana yoga looks into the truth about who we are and what we are experiencing. The full realization of this truth brings enlightenment.
Of course, all yogas offer a direct road to enlightenment if followed fully. Whether a particular road is suitable to reach this goal is a personal matter, largely depending on where you are coming from.
Jnana yoga can serve all people, whatever path they take. It keeps the true objective of yoga in sight and offers the blessing of truth getting closer at every step.
But that does not make Jnana Yoga the only or even the best yogic path for everyone.
Most yogis will combine jnana yoga with other yogic paths, such as bhakti yoga, karma yoga, ashtanga yoga and tantra yoga, as explained in what is the best yoga.