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Chapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge · 42 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Soul & knowledgeChapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge

4.35 4.37

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 4.36

Spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubt

Karma · Action

अपि चेदसि पापेभ्यः सर्वेभ्यः पापकृत्तमः ।

सर्वं ज्ञानप्ल‍वेनैव वृजिनं सन्तरिष्यसि ॥ ३६ ॥

api ced asi pāpebhyaḥ

sarvebhyaḥ pāpa-kṛt-tamaḥ

sarvaṁ jñāna-plavenaiva

vṛjinaṁ santariṣyasi

Translation

Even if you are considered to be the most sinful of all sinners, when you are situated in the boat of transcendental knowledge you will be able to cross over the ocean of miseries.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

The Boat of Knowledge

1
Even the most sinful person can cross the ocean of miseries in the boat of transcendental knowledge.
2
Prabhupāda explains that understanding our relationship with Kṛṣṇa frees us from material struggle. Perfect knowledge from the Supreme Lord leads to liberation.
3
Seek to understand your relationship with Kṛṣṇa and take shelter in the boat of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Key points from the purport

By that knowledge you will cross over the ocean of miseries, even if you are the most sinful of all sinners

Analogies:

Knowledge compared to boat – Material world is compared to an ocean, even an expert swimmer cannot swim across the ocean but has to be lifted out of the ocean by a suitable boat

Material world is also compared to blazing forest fire