Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 27
अध्याय ३८० — गीतासारः
The Essence of the Gītā
अध्यात्मज्ञाननिष्ठत्वन्तत्त्वज्ञानानुदर्शनं एतज्ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तमज्ञानं यदतो ऽन्यथा
adhyātmajñānaniṣṭhatvantattvajñānānudarśanaṃ etajjñānamiti proktamajñānaṃ yadato 'nyathā
A firmeza no conhecimento espiritual (interior) e a realização contemplativa direta da Verdade—isto é declarado como “conhecimento”; o que for diferente disso é “ignorância”.
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha, in the standard Agni Purana discourse frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Vedanta","practical_application":"Defining ‘knowledge’ as steady abidance in adhyatma-jnana and direct discernment of tattva; using this as a criterion to evaluate teachings and one’s own practice.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Jnana vs Ajnana: Adhyatma-Jnana-Nishtha","lookup_keywords":["adhyatma-jnana","jnana-nishtha","tattva-jnana","anudarshana","ajnana"],"quick_summary":"True knowledge is steadfast inner spiritual understanding and direct contemplative seeing of reality; whatever opposes this orientation is ignorance. Use this definition to align study, reflection, and meditation."}
Concept: Jnana is not mere information but nishtha (abidance) and anudarshana (direct contemplative realization) of tattva; its opposite is ajnana.
Application: Test learning by transformation: does it reduce ego-clinging and increase steady insight? Prioritize sravana-manana-nididhyasana until knowledge becomes lived realization.
Khanda Section: Adhyatma-vidya (Jnana-Yoga / Moksha-shastra)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A teacher points to the heart-center of a disciple, indicating inner knowledge; a contrast is shown between a pile of books (mere learning) and a luminous inner vision (realization).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, guru and shishya seated, guru’s hand in teaching mudra toward the disciple’s heart, stylized manuscripts to one side, radiant inner light motif, traditional borders and earthy palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, guru with gold halo, disciple in reverence, embossed gold highlighting a glowing heart-lotus symbolizing tattva-anudarshana; books rendered secondary, rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional symbolism: two registers—upper shows inner light/meditation; lower shows mere scholasticism; fine lines, soft colors, clear didactic composition.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, intimate study chamber with manuscripts and inkpot; guru indicates the disciple’s chest where a subtle aureole is painted; refined textiles and architectural detail."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: adhyātmajñānaniṣṭhatvam + tattvajñānānudarśanam → adhyātmajñānaniṣṭhatvantattvajñānānudarśanam; etat + jñānam + iti → etajjñānamiti; proktam + ajñānam → proktamajñānam; ataḥ + anyathā → ato 'nyathā.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 380.28; Agni Purana 380.25
FAQs
It imparts Adhyatma-vidya: true knowledge is defined as firm establishment in self-knowledge and direct realization (anudarśana) of tattva; anything opposed to this is categorized as ignorance.
Alongside ritual, polity, medicine, and arts, the Agni Purana also systematizes moksha-shastra; this verse functions like a concise philosophical definition (lakṣaṇa) of jñāna/ajñāna, showing its coverage of Vedantic-style epistemic categories.
By identifying knowledge with sustained inner realization rather than mere information, it directs practice toward liberation-oriented insight; cultivating such jñāna is presented as the antidote to ignorance, the root cause of bondage and suffering.