Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.33
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञः परन्तप । सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते ॥३३॥
śreyāndravyamayādyajñājjñānayajñaḥ parantapa | sarvaṃ karmākhilaṃ pārtha jñāne parisamāpyate ||33||
Complete Shloka Translation
The sacrifice of knowledge is better than sacrifice made of material offerings, O scorcher of foes. All action, without exception, reaches its fulfillment in knowledge, Partha.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ज्ञानयज्ञः | jñānayajñaḥ | sacrifice of knowledge |
| परिसमाप्यते | parisamāpyate | reaches completion |
| श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञः | śreyāndravyamayādyajñājjñānayajñaḥ | [term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ... |
| परन्तप | parantapa | [term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ... |
| सर्वं | sarvaṃ | [term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ... |
| कर्माखिलं | karmākhilaṃ | [term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ... |
| पार्थ | pārtha | [term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ... |
| ज्ञाने | jñāne | [term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ... |
| ३३ | parisamāpyate | [term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ... |
sacrifice of knowledge
reaches completion
[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...
[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...
[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...
[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...
[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...
[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...
[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Knowledge gives the earlier practices their culmination. Praising it does not erase action; it explains the insight toward which action and offering are directed.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Let practice lead toward understanding, not merely repetition."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can your daily practice lead to deeper understanding?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.