Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 4 Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah

यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन |
ज्ञानाग्नि: सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा ||37||

As a blazing fire reduces wood to ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of knowledge reduce all karma to ashes.

Jnanagni: The fire of knowledge.
Bhasmasat: To reduce to ashes.

Just as fire consumes wood, Krishna says, the fire of knowledge consumes karma. This vivid analogy motivates Arjuna to seek wisdom that transcends past actions, offering hope that through spiritual growth, he can overcome any karmic limitations and achieve liberation.

Bookmark removed

Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Certainly, there is nothing as purifying as knowledge; one who has attained yoga finds this knowledge in himself in due time.

न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते |
तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्ध: कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ||38||

Certainly, there is nothing as purifying as knowledge; one who has attained yoga finds this knowledge in himself in due time.

Pavitram: Pure or purifying.
Yoginah: One who practices yoga.

Krishna proclaims that no purifier equals knowledge, hinting at its transformative power. This reinforces that Arjuna’s journey is about gaining inner clarity, suggesting that wisdom acquired through devotion and practice ultimately leads to peace, making knowledge the highest form of purity.

Bookmark removed

Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - A person with faith, who is devoted and controlled in the senses, obtains knowledge; having gained knowledge, he quickly attains supreme peace.

श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानं तत्पर: संयतेन्द्रिय: |
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शान्तिमचिरेणाधिगच्छति ||39||

A person with faith, who is devoted and controlled in the senses, obtains knowledge; having gained knowledge, he quickly attains supreme peace.

Shraddhavan: One who has faith.
Param-shantim: Supreme peace or tranquility.

Faithful dedication, Krishna asserts, brings wisdom and peace. This reaffirms that Arjuna’s commitment to understanding will yield inner serenity, underscoring the importance of discipline and belief. Faith emerges as a cornerstone for achieving mental clarity and liberation.

Bookmark removed

Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - The ignorant, faithless, and doubting person perishes; neither this world, nor the next, nor happiness exists for the doubting soul.

अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति |
नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मन: ||40||

The ignorant, faithless, and doubting person perishes; neither this world, nor the next, nor happiness exists for the doubting soul.

Samshay-atma: A doubting soul.
Vinashyati: Perishes or is destroyed.

The doubting soul, Krishna warns, faces spiritual ruin. By highlighting the perils of doubt, he encourages Arjuna to cultivate conviction, reminding him that confidence in the path is crucial for success in life and spirituality, as doubt blocks one from achieving true fulfillment and peace.

Bookmark removed

योगसंन्यस्तकर्माणं ज्ञानसञ्छिन्नसंशयम् |
आत्मवन्तं न कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनञ्जय ||41||

One who has renounced action by yoga, with doubts dispelled by knowledge, does not get bound by action, O Dhananjaya.

Sannyasta: Renunciation or giving up actions.
Dhananjaya: Another name for Arjuna, meaning conqueror of wealth.

Krishna reassures that one with clear understanding and renunciation is free from karma’s grasp. This conveys that by resolving doubts through knowledge, Arjuna can engage freely in his duties, with wisdom as his guide, acting without attachment or fear of karmic bondage.

Bookmark removed

Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Therefore, with the sword of knowledge, cut off this doubt in your heart born of ignorance. Take refuge in yoga. Arise, O Bharata.

तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनात्मन: |
छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत ||42||

Therefore, with the sword of knowledge, cut off this doubt in your heart born of ignorance. Take refuge in yoga. Arise, O Bharata.

Samshayam: Doubt or uncertainty.
Jnanam: Knowledge, often spiritual or transcendent.

Krishna urges Arjuna to sever doubt with the sword of wisdom, preparing him for action. This final directive concludes Krishna’s counsel on knowledge and duty, empowering Arjuna to confront his inner conflicts, reaffirming that decisive wisdom is key to fulfilling his dharma fearlessly.

Bookmark removed

Chapter 5