Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.34
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया । उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ॥३४॥
tadviddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā | upadekṣyanti te jñānaṃ jñāninastattvadarśinaḥ ||34||
Complete Shloka Translation
Learn this through humility, searching questions, and service. The wise who have seen the truth will teach you knowledge.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| तत् | tat | that divine wisdom |
| विद्धि | viddhi | know / understand |
| प्रणिपातेन | praṇipātena | by humble prostration / reverence |
| परिप्रश्नेन | paripraśnena | by sincere inquiry |
| सेवया | sevayā | by selfless, devoted service |
| उपदेक्ष्यन्ति | upadekṣyanti | will impart / initiate into |
| ते | te | unto you |
| ज्ञानम् | jñānam | the sacred knowledge |
| ज्ञानिनः | jñāninaḥ | the wise philosophers |
| तत्त्व-दर्शिनः | tattva-darśinaḥ | the seers who have realized Truth |
that divine wisdom
know / understand
by humble prostration / reverence
by sincere inquiry
by selfless, devoted service
will impart / initiate into
unto you
the sacred knowledge
the wise philosophers
the seers who have realized Truth
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna joins respectful approach, inquiry, and service as ways of learning. Teachers are described as both knowledgeable and truth-seeing; sincere questioning remains part of the relationship.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Humility and thoughtful questions strengthen each other in learning."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What thoughtful question could you ask with humility?
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.