Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.38
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते । तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ॥३८॥
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṃ pavitramiha vidyate | tatsvayaṃ yogasaṃsiddhaḥ kālenātmani vindati ||38||
Complete Shloka Translation
Nothing here purifies like knowledge. One perfected through yoga finds it within oneself in time.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| न हि | na hi | surely there is nothing |
| ज्ञानेन सदृशम् | jñānena sadṛśam | comparable to pure wisdom |
| पवित्रम् | pavitram | purifying / sanctifying |
| इह | iha | in this world |
| विद्यते | vidyate | exists |
| तत् | tat | that wisdom |
| स्वयम् | svayam | himself / of one’s own accord |
| योग-संसिद्धः | yoga-saṃsiddhaḥ | one perfected in Karma Yoga |
| कालेन | kālena | in due course of time |
| आत्मनि | ātmani | within the Self |
| विन्दति | vindati | discovers / realizes |
surely there is nothing
comparable to pure wisdom
purifying / sanctifying
in this world
exists
that wisdom
himself / of one’s own accord
one perfected in Karma Yoga
in due course of time
within the Self
discovers / realizes
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Knowledge is praised as the supreme purifier, with yoga preparing its realization. The phrase in time acknowledges ripening rather than instant attainment.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Patient practice allows understanding to mature."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where does your learning need patience rather than haste?
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.