January 20th 2026

We as seekers have a sense that there is another reality, a different reality, one that is not filled with conflict and limits. When we feel this, but this escapes us and we get sucked back into the limits and conflicts. But we all long to stay and hold this experience of freedom and that holding power is derived from purity. Those who are pure are able to hold on to this different reality. This is the vision of this Jnana class which is focusing on purity.  Purity is experiential.

Purity cannot be found in books or rituals. It can only be found in oneself, just like faith, love and sleep. The implication of this is that purity requires work. We externalize and think that it will come with age or somewhere else but it will not. It is only going to come with work, when one applies themselves. Guruji has shared a system of three stages in reference of developing purity to hold on to reality.

Recap:

The first stage is Tapa, Yagna, Dāna which is English would be conserving, channeling and creating.

Tapa: Conserving. This requires us to live in a different way. Conserving means changing one’s lifestyle, specifically innovating.

Yagna: Channel. Before we can engage in intentional living, sadhana is required. When one practices self-development in a controlled environment, then your day becomes intentional. That is the channeling part. When you go within, then whatever comes out is more dynamic.

Dana: To create, to create an easier life for the people around you. “Up-standard” is a term used for someone who stands up and tends to an unfair circumstance (so that there is less violence). This would be an expression of Dāna, by standing up for the people you see or not.

The second stage of purity is Teertha and Japa. We can intensify our practice by being on a teertha. This is why we go on yātrās. But since a yātrās end, we need Japa (janmana pāti anena iti, that which is a medium to not be born again)

Stage three is Vrata, to commit to live stages one and two.

We are ok with practicing sometimes, which is a form of compromise. A compromise on our potential. But we can think of it like, would it be ok for us to happy sometimes? We should commit (Vrata) to moving forward.

Verse 8: Inquiry which is the best means to purify the mind, is expounded in this verse. Vichāra comes after we have committed to the purpose of living. It is inside of us. That sense that there is a different reality and that we will find it. Vichara cannot be forced. Only after the beginning purity, does one get to this advanced purity. So it is important to pray for this advanced purity. It is through Hari Iccha that one starts to inquire and follows that inquiry.

A framework on how to practice vichara: Slow down! Step back! See more!

Seeing that there really isn’t separateness, this is all an illusion.

This Class:

Verse 9: 

na hi jnānena sadrisham, pavitram iha vidyate;

bahavah jnāna-tapasā, pootā madbhāvam āgatāh.

This verse comes from Srimad Bhagavad Gita (ch 4)

Hi=indeed

Na=not

Sadrisham=comparable, There is nothing comparable to Jnana. Jnana is defined as Insight (noun) and quietens the senses (verb). We know Jnana is coming into our life when our senses become quieter. We are not looking to find completion outside. Jnana is synonymous with punya.

Title word for this verse is: revealing

Pavitram=purify

Iha vidyate= there is nothing known indeed in the present space and time that is more purifying than knowledge.

When our senses are disengaged, then we don’t engage in any more papa.

Bahavah=many

Jnana tapas=have burned down their limitations through Jnana. One of the many is Sri Ramana.

When people would be in the presence of Sri Ramana, their inside loudness would disappear and become quiet. When people were more agitated, he would move his head and look at them and ask “Who are you”? implication being that loudness/agitation is not you. This level of purity is when you are disidentifying from any possibility of impurity. This is the power of vichara.

Sri Krishna shares in chapter 4, that even if you are the worst sinner, vichara can purify you. Those who really have a longing for this, they should go to the one who is free.

Poota=purify

The first assassin that came towards baby Krishna was Pootana. Sri Krishna removed the “na” and she became Poota (she became pure). You try your best when it comes to inquiry and God’s grace will suck you in into who you are. Vichara reveals who you are. Vichara reveals you are always divine, beyond impurity.