10/20/2026
Pramฤแนa: Right Knowledge
In Patanjaliโs Yoga Sutras, pramฤแนa is one of the five vแนttis, the fluctuations of the mind. It means right knowledge: understanding that is accurate and reliable, not clouded by assumption or wishful thinking.
Yoga philosophy names three sources of pramฤแนa:
- Pratyakแนฃa (direct perception): what you see, feel, and experience for yourself.
- Anumฤna (inference): conclusions drawn through clear reasoning.
- ฤgama (reliable testimony): wisdom from trustworthy teachers and texts.
Try this: In your next practice, notice the difference between what you actually feel in a pose (sensation) and the story your mind adds (โIโm bad at this,โ โI canโt do thatโ). Right knowledge starts with seeing clearly.