Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 34

English Translation

Know that through prostration, iniry and service. The wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart the Knowledge to you.

Detailed Commentary

Arjuna had previously stated that I see no benefit in killing my own kinsmen in battle (Gita 1.31). Killing these aggressors (ātatāyīs) will incur sin (Gita 1.36). Instead of war, I consider living by begging to be superior (Gita 2.5). Such Arjuna considers renouncing duties like war to be superior. But according to Bhagavan (the Lord), renunciation of actions (karmaṇām tyāga) is not necessary to attain knowledge (jñāna) (Gita 3.20, 4.15). Therefore, Bhagavan is telling Arjuna that if you believe attaining knowledge by renouncing actions is correct, then go to some Tatvadarśī (Truth-realized) Jñānī (wise) Mahāpuruṣa (great soul) and acquire knowledge through the proper method. I will not give such instruction. Here, Bhagavan's intention is not to directly send Arjuna to a Jñānī Mahāpuruṣa, but to warn him. Just as a Mahāpuruṣa, when instructing someone who lacks faith (śraddhā), tells them to go to another Mahāpuruṣa. Here Bhagavan is telling Arjuna that if my words do not seem correct to you, then go to a Jñānī Mahāpuruṣa and obtain knowledge by the correct method. The prevalent method of attaining knowledge is by renouncing actions (karmaṇām tyāga), approaching a Guru with inquisitiveness (jijñāsā), and acquiring knowledge through the proper method. Further, Bhagavan has said that this very Tatva Jñāna (Truth-knowledge) will be attained by you automatically while performing actions (Karmayoga). For this, there is no need to go anywhere else. 'Praṇipātena' – To attain knowledge, go to the Guru and prostrate before them with eight limbs (Sāṣṭāṅga praṇāma). This means to stay with the Guru with humility, and serve them like a humble person serves. Stay with them with humility, simplicity, and inquisitiveness (jijñāsutā), and serve them. Surrender yourself to them. Offer your possessions to them. Through Sāṣṭāṅga praṇāma, offer your possessions to them. 'Sevayā' – Serve the Guru with your body and possessions. Do work that pleases them. Act according to their wishes. This is true service. The greatest service to a Saint-Mahāpuruṣa is to shape one's life according to their principles. Because they value principles more than their own body. Therefore, a true servant follows their principles. 'Paripraśnena' – To know the Paramātma Tattva (Supreme Self-Truth), question the Guru with simplicity. Do not ask questions to display your scholarship or to test them. Who am I? What is the world? What is bondage? What is liberation? Ask the Guru for answers to these questions driven by genuine inquisitiveness (jijñāsā). 'Jñāninastattvadarśinaḥ' – Tatvadarśī are those who have experienced the Paramātma Tattva (Supreme Self-Truth), and Jñānī are those who possess knowledge of the Vedas and Śāstras. One should obtain knowledge only from such a Tatvadarśī and Jñānī Mahāpuruṣa. According to the purity of the Antaḥkaraṇa (inner instrument), there are three types of qualified aspirants (adhikārī) for knowledge – Uttama (superior), Madhyama (middle), and Kaniṣṭha (inferior). The superior aspirant attains knowledge merely by listening (śravaṇa). The middle aspirant attains knowledge through listening (śravaṇa), contemplation (manana), and deep meditation (nididhyāsana). The inferior aspirant has many doubts. The resolution of those doubts can only come from knowledge of the scriptures (śāstras). Therefore, it is essential for the Guru to be both Tatvadarśī and Jñānī. 'Upadekṣyanti' – Mahāpuruṣas impart the teaching of knowledge when saluted and served – this does not mean that Mahāpuruṣas require all these. Rather, when a Sādhaka (spiritual aspirant) stays with a Mahāpuruṣa in this manner, special feelings arise in the heart of the Mahāpuruṣa for the Sādhaka. If the Sādhaka does not stay in this way, even if knowledge is given, they will not be able to receive it. The word 'Jñānam' symbolizes Tatva Jñāna (Truth-knowledge). True Jñāna reveals the nature of Saṁsāra (the world). Upon gaining this knowledge of Saṁsāra, one's attachment to it is severed. Context – After describing the prevalent system for attaining Tatva Jñāna, Bhagavan, in the next three verses, explains the importance of Tatva Jñāna.