Abhijnana.

 Abhijñāna, a Sanskrit term, represents a profound level of wisdom that transcends ordinary understanding. Often translated as "supernatural knowledge" or "spiritual insight," it signifies a state where an individual perceives reality not through the senses but through direct experiential knowledge. This kind of insight is deeply rooted in many Indian spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where the goal is to attain a higher consciousness that reveals the ultimate truths of existence.

In the Buddhist context, abhijñāna refers to a set of higher knowledges or powers that a meditator acquires through deep concentration and mindfulness. These knowledges may include the ability to recall past lives, understand the workings of karma, and see the interconnectedness of all beings. Importantly, it is not just about acquiring intellectual knowledge but about experiencing reality in a direct, unmediated way. This experiential knowledge is transformative; it changes the way one interacts with the world and oneself.

In Hinduism, abhijñāna can also be understood as a form of divine or intuitive knowledge that arises through intense spiritual practice, such as yoga or meditation. Saints, yogis, and sages are said to possess this extraordinary knowledge, allowing them to see beyond the material world and into the deeper, subtler aspects of reality. For example, a yogi who attains a high level of meditative absorption may have an insight into the true nature of the self (Atman) and its unity with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This realization is a form of abhijñāna, as it surpasses the ordinary intellect and sensory experience.

Moreover, abhijñāna is also seen as an important aspect of spiritual liberation. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna talks about knowledge (jnana) that comes from understanding the eternal truth of the self. This deeper knowledge helps a person realize their oneness with the universe, and this realization leads to freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

In essence, abhijñāna represents the highest form of knowledge—knowledge that is not learned but realized. It requires going beyond the intellect, beyond language, and beyond dualistic thinking. It is knowledge that transforms the knower, leading them to an enlightened state of being. It is the fruit of deep spiritual practice and is considered one of the keys to liberation in Indian spiritual traditions.

Thus, abhijñāna is not simply an accumulation of facts or concepts. It is a lived experience, a direct encounter with the nature of reality itself. This kind of knowledge dissolves ignorance and brings clarity to the seeker, enabling them to live in harmony with the ultimate truths of existence. It is the knowledge that liberates and transcends, allowing the individual to move beyond the limitations of the mind and into the infinite.