Chapter 4, Verse 33
Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
śhreyān—superior; dravya-mayāt—of material possessions; yajñāt—than the sacrifice; jñāna-yajñaḥ—sacrifice performed in knowledge; parantapa—subduer of enemies, Arjun; sarvam—all; karma—works; akhilam—all; pārtha—Arjun, the son of Pritha; jñāne—in knowledge; parisamāpyate—culminate
English translation
Superior is wisdom-sacrifice to the sacrifice with objects, O Parantapa (scorcher of the foes). All actions in their entirety, O Arjuna, culminate in knowledge.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 4.33
Commentary
Sacrifices with material objects cause material effects and bring the sacrificer to this world for the enjoyment of the fruits; while wisdomsacrifice leads to Moksha. Therefore wisdomsacrifice is superior to the sacrifice performed with material objects. Just as rivers join the ocean; so do all actions join knowledge; i.e.; they culminate in knowledge. All actions purify the heart and lead to the dawn of knowledge of the Self. All actions that are performed as offerings unto the Lord with their fruits are contained in the knowledge of Brahman. (Cf. IX.15X.25XVIII.70)
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
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