At the time of the Rig Veda, the rishis valued jñāna as a means to:

Concept

In classical Indian thought, jñāna denotes knowledge or insight. When it is described as a means, it is understood through the end that knowledge enables.

Liberation is release from bondage; ritual performance, pessimistic observation, and political regulation are different aims.

Application

The Rig-Vedic rishis are described as valuing jñāna for final release from the world of physical bondage. Thus the relevant end is liberation rather than ritual separation or governance.

Contrast

• Finding a gloomier side of life concerns a pessimistic description of experience, not the liberating end assigned to jñāna here.

• Sacrifice is a ritual act, while dissociation is not the stated purpose of jñāna in this formulation.

• Release from physical bondage expresses the liberation-oriented role of jñāna.

• Ruling and regulating concern governance, a separate practical function.

Result

Therefore, the rishis valued jñāna as a means to find release from the world of physical bondage.