The words Jnanam and karma have got multiple meanings but in spiritual terminology the meanings are specific. Again Jnanam should be differentiated from vijnanam. Jnanam can be defined as knowledge or cognizance or consciousness. Vijnanam is distinguishing or perceiving or recognizing or comprehending something(wisdom). Karma for spirituality is described as a religious action like sacrifice or oblations or religious rites. Karmas are also described as the results of a person’s rights and wrongs done in the past lives(Sanchitha, aagaami, and prarabhdha). But in this context when talked in relation to Janam, it should be taken as religious rituals as described in Vedas(Karmakanda).

Jnanam and karma are the fundamental points that differentiate the Dvaitha philosophy(Dvaita is a Sanskrit word that means "duality, dualism") from Advaitha philosophy. The term refers to any premise, particularly in theology on the temporal and the divine, where two principles(truths) or realities are posited(forward for argument) to exist simultaneously and independently. In other words both Brahman and jeeva or atma are true but they can never be one. Advaita philosophy(Monoism where Jeeva is no different from Brahman) is that it is the ignorance of jeeva that makes the human think that he is limited and different from Brahman and can never be the same.

Advaitha philosophy is jnanam, jnanam and jnanam alone that can lead an individual to Moksha or Mukti or liberation from birth and death cycle.

Some Dvaitha philosophies say only karma and karma alone will give moksha and there is no need at all for acquiring jnanam. Other sects of Dvaitha philosophy accept both jnanam and karma, but will not accept jnanam will lead to moksha. According to them one should know about jnana but one should dedicate themselves to karma which is the tool for moksha(in their idea moksha is going to the heaven after death, spending some time and coming back into this world and start allover again). For somebody who just entered into the world of spirituality with interest to learn, this is all confusing. There are limitations for karma and unless they know the facts, they will be misled and misguided.

Fundamental differences between Jnanam (jnanakanda)and karma (karmakanda)

Jnanam arises by studying Sastra(Upanishads and Gita) from Guru which removes Dvaitha/ignorance about their true self, from one’s mind. Karma arises in Dvaitham from the first part of Vedas and operates in Dvaitham. A Guru is not required here.

Jnanam is independent to give results. Karma operates in purushatantra to give results. (That which has no existence of, or by itself, but only through a dependent or causal connection.) i.e dependant on the person who is doing and he has a choice of doing or not doing.

Jnanam is about truth(satyam) and removes midhya/mithya(delusion or dvaitha understanding). Karma comes from midhya and so cannot remove the midhya.

Jnanam negates anthahkarana(mind and buddhi or the intellect) and vrittis(contents of mental awareness, disturbances in the mind). Karma cannot negate anything because there is a doer and an enjoyer feeling.

Jnanam tells that I am Brahman and I am existing. (Sat and Chit) and is immediate then and there. With Karma, to achieve the results i.e to get to Svarga(heaven) one has to wait and die. Also the Post of Indra(leader of Svarga) has to be vacant and so it is a long wait to get the results from karma. So the result is in the future.

Jnanam or self knowledge does not need any abhyasa or repitition of activities like upasana etc to stay in jnanam(maintenance or Brahmajnana nishta). If there are any abnormal thoughts or doubts arise, it will be cleared by looking into Sastrapramana until they completely vanish.Where as karma, it is a lifelong process of manual, mental and rigid work taking up all the time.

Vedas didn’t dictate or indicate the humans should do karma for attaining moksha, but say they help to acquire purity of mind which makes it suitable like a fertile soil that is just tilled to sow the seeds of jnanam by the teacher. Karmas cannot remove ignorance or lack of self knowledge, the ephemerality of the universe, or the delusionary nature of the world and human life. Once the maturity had occured one should switch to jnana anda and this is a vedic injunction and not a whimsical living. It is jnanam alone that removes the ignorance, by teaching the Mahavaakyas - Prajnanam Brahma, Ayamatma Brahma, Aham Brahmasmi, and Tattvamasi and thereby teaching that the human being is no different from Brahman or Paramatma once the ignorance that has been there for countless number of birth and death cycles has disappeared.

So the choice for jignasus and mumukshus is clear and when the path is clear and when there is clarity of mind, one can choose what they want, what they can or cannot do and what their limitations are and how to override them. May everybody choose the path of jnana and be liberated once and for all by the grace of GOD.