Chapter 4 · Verse 34 of 42
The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
ज्ञानकर्मसन्न्यासयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Seek this profound Knowledge from the enlightened sages. Approach them with reverence, serve them earnestly, and humbly present your queries and uncertainties. In their wisdom, they shall bestow upon you the insights of spirituality. (4:34)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया ।
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥
Word-by-word
तत् विद्धि प्रणिपातेन, परि-प्रश्नेन, सेवया,
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानम्, ज्ञानिनः तत्त्व-दर्शिनः।
Commentary
This proclamation of the Lord was delivered in an era devoid of printing presses, where the profound wisdom of sages was transcribed onto palm leaves, remaining inaccessible to the public in printed form. Today, the enlightenment and spiritual insights of the self-realized are widely available through printed books, and even ancient palm leaf manuscripts have been transformed into publications. As a result, spiritual seekers can gain a wealth of spiritual wisdom from these literary resources. Foremost among these works is the Bhagavad-Gitā, followed by the Bhāgawata Purāna and the Rām-charit-mānas. Nevertheless, for the exchange of personal spiritual encounters and intricate practices, individuals must still connect with such sages whenever possible. Regrettably, the availability of such self-realized sages has seen a significant decline in modern times. Nonetheless, numerous authentic books elucidating the profound experiences of contemporary accomplished saints are accessible.