Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.37
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन । ज्ञानाग्निः सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा ॥३७॥
yathaidhāṃsi samiddho'gnirbhasmasātkurute'rjuna | jñānāgniḥ sarvakarmāṇi bhasmasātkurute tathā ||37||
Complete Shloka Translation
As a blazing fire reduces fuel to ashes, Arjuna, so the fire of knowledge reduces all actions to ashes.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| एधांसि | edhāṃsi | fuel |
| भस्मसात् | bhasmasāt | to ashes |
| यथैधांसि | yathaidhāṃsi | [term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel... |
| समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन | samiddho'gnirbhasmasātkurute'rjuna | [term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel... |
| ज्ञानाग्निः | jñānāgniḥ | [term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel... |
| सर्वकर्माणि | sarvakarmāṇi | [term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel... |
| भस्मसात्कुरुते | bhasmasātkurute | [term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel... |
| तथा | tathā | [term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel... |
| ३७ | tathā | [term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel... |
fuel
to ashes
[term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel...
[term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel...
[term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel...
[term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel...
[term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel...
[term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel...
[term] in context of As a blazing fire reduces fuel...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The fire image develops the liberating knowledge of 4.36. Its object is karmic bondage, not the physical disappearance of actions or abandonment of ethical care.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Clear understanding can dissolve patterns that keep us bound."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What recurring attachment could clearer understanding weaken?
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.