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Verse 4.33
The Supremacy of Jnana and Slaying Doubt with the Sword of Truth
श्रीभगवानुवाच (The Supreme Lord said)

Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.33

Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)

श्रीभगवानुवाच

(The Supreme Lord said)

श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञः परन्तप । सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते ॥३३॥

śreyāndravyamayādyajñājjñānayajñaḥ parantapa | sarvaṃ karmākhilaṃ pārtha jñāne parisamāpyate ||33||

Complete Shloka Translation

en

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.

Narrative Context: Krishna names knowledge as the culmination of action.

Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)

9 words
ज्ञानयज्ञःjñānayajñaḥ

sacrifice of knowledge

परिसमाप्यतेparisamāpyate

reaches completion

श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञःśreyāndravyamayādyajñājjñānayajñaḥ

[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...

परन्तपparantapa

[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...

सर्वंsarvaṃ

[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...

कर्माखिलंkarmākhilaṃ

[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...

पार्थpārtha

[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...

ज्ञानेjñāne

[term] in context of The sacrifice of knowledge is ...

३३parisamāpyate

[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.

Concepts:
Knowledge
Practice
Offering