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Bhagavad Gita · 4.34 · Path of Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action·34 of 42

तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवयाउपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः

tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśhnena sevayā

upadekṣhyanti te jñānaṁ jñāninas tattva-darśhinaḥ

Sanskrit recitation

Knowledge that cuts doubt · 4.34–4.42 · Teaching

Translation

Know that the wise who have realized the truth will instruct thee in that knowledge through long prostration, supplication, and service.

Meaning

Go to the teachers (those who are well versed in the scriptures dealing with Brahman or Brahmasrotris, and who are established in Brahman or Brahmanishthas). Prostrate yourself before them with profound humility and perfect devotion. Ask them questions, O venerable Guru What is the cause of bondage How can I get liberation What is the nature of ignorance What is the nature of knowledge What is the AntarangaSadhana (inward spiritual practice) for attaining Selfrealisation Serve the Guru wholeheartedly. A teacher who is versed in the scriptures (Sastras) but who has no direct Selfrealisaiton will not be able to help you in the attainment of the knowledge of the Self. He who has knowledge of the scriptures and who is also established in Brahman will be able to instruct thee in that knowledge and help thee in the attainment of Selfrealisation. Mere prostrations alone will not do. They may be tinged with hypocrisy. You must have perfect faith in your Guru and his teaching. You must serve him wholeheartedly with great devotion. Now hypocrisy is not possible.

After Swami Sivananda

Knowledge that cuts doubt· 4.34–4.42

Teachers usually read this idea across several verses together, one shared reflection covers the whole unit.

Word-by-word
te
unto you
tat
the Truth
viddhi
try to learn
sevayā
by rendering service
jñānam
knowledge
jñāninaḥ
the enlightened
paripraśhnena
by humble inquiries
praṇipātena
by approaching a spiritual master
upadekṣhyanti
can impart
tattva-darśhinaḥ
those who have realized the Truth

Related verses

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