Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 4 Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah

Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Sacrifice through knowledge is better than material sacrifice, O Parantapa; all actions in their entirety culminate in knowledge.

श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञ: परन्तप |
सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते ||33||

Sacrifice through knowledge is better than material sacrifice, O Parantapa; all actions in their entirety culminate in knowledge.

Dravya-yajna: Material sacrifice.
Parantapa: A title for Arjuna, one who scorches enemies.

Krishna ranks knowledge-based sacrifices above material ones, stressing the supremacy of wisdom. This suggests that Arjuna’s journey is not just about physical duties but also about cultivating understanding, reinforcing that spiritual knowledge is essential for transcending the material world.

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Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Seek that knowledge by approaching wise seers through surrender, inquiry, and service. They will impart knowledge to you.

तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया |
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिन: ||34||

Seek that knowledge by approaching wise seers through surrender, inquiry, and service. They will impart knowledge to you.

Pranipatena: Offering obeisances.
Tattva-darshinah: Those who see the truth.

Krishna advises seeking knowledge through humility and service to wise teachers. This counsel prepares Arjuna to approach life as a student, with reverence for those who can guide him on the path, encouraging a mindset of openness and respect toward knowledge bearers who reveal divine truths.

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यज्ज्ञात्वा न पुनर्मोहमेवं यास्यसि पाण्डव |
येन भूतान्यशेषेण द्रक्ष्यस्यात्मन्यथो मयि ||35||

Having known this, you will never again fall into illusion, O Pandava; by it, you will see all beings in yourself and in me.

Atmani: Within oneself or the inner self.

Attaining true knowledge, Krishna assures, dispels ignorance and reveals oneness with all beings. This profound insight encourages Arjuna to move beyond ego-based dualities, as he learns to view the self and others as interconnected, fostering unity in his quest for dharma.

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अपि चेदसि पापेभ्य: सर्वेभ्य: पापकृत्तम: |
सर्वं ज्ञानप्लवेनैव वृजिनं सन्तरिष्यसि ||36||

Even if you are the most sinful of all sinners, by the raft of knowledge, you will go beyond all sin.

Papa-krittamah: The greatest sinner.
Plavena: Raft or means of crossing over.

Krishna assures that even the greatest sinner can transcend sin through knowledge. This emphasizes the liberating power of wisdom, inspiring Arjuna to look beyond past actions, understanding that spiritual insight can cleanse and empower him, freeing him from guilt or self-doubt.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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