Chapter 4, Verse 38
Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
na—not; hi—certainly; jñānena—with divine knowledge; sadṛiśham—like; pavitram—pure; iha—in this world; vidyate—exists; tat—that; svayam—oneself; yoga—practice of yog; sansiddhaḥ—he who has attained perfection; kālena—in course of time; ātmani—wihtin the heart; vindati—finds
English translation
Verily, there is no purifier in this world like knowledge. He who is perfected in Yoga finds it within the Self in due time.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 4.38
Commentary
There exists no purifier eal to knowledge of the Self. He who has attained perfection by the constant practice of Karma Yoga and Dhyana Yoga (the Yoga of meditation) will; after a time; find the knowledge of the Self in himself.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
Verily there is no purifier in this world like spiritual knowledge. He who is perfected in Yoga finds it in the Self in due time.
Context & Background
Krishna glorifies transcendental knowledge (Jnana) as the ultimate purifier of human consciousness.
Key Philosophical Teaching
Knowledge of the true Self purifies all past ignorance and karmic impressions.
Practical Application
Invest time in self-study, study of sacred scripture, and contemplation to illuminate your understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is knowledge considered supreme in BG 4.38?
Because self-knowledge destroys ignorance, eliminates fear, and reveals eternal peace.
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