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Chapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge · 42 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 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
4.374.39

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 4.38

Spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubt

Jīva · The soul

न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते ।

तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ॥ ३८ ॥

na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ

pavitram iha vidyate

tat svayaṁ yoga-saṁsiddhaḥ

kālenātmani vindati

Translation

In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

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

3 study points

Knowledge and Peace Within

  1. 1

    Nothing is as pure and sublime as spiritual knowledge. One accomplished in devotional service enjoys it within in due time.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that ignorance binds us, while spiritual knowledge frees us. This knowledge and inner peace culminate in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

  3. 3

    Continue practicing devotional service, allowing spiritual knowledge and inner peace to mature in time.

Key points from the purport

One achieves self-realization as the mature fruit of all mysticism and finally gets devotional service

a

There is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge

Ignorance is the cause of bondage

Knowledge is the cause of liberation

b

Knowledge is the mature fruit of devotional service

Such a person enjoys peace within himself

Does not search for peace elsewhere

c

The last word in Bhagavad-gita:

Knowledge and peace culminate in Krishna consciousness

Further reading

Conclusion

Acting on ‘transcendental knowledge’ received by disciplic succession destroys the sinful reactions to all work

Therefore one should do his duty fixed in transcendental knowledge

Chapter 4, section V: Conclusion
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nanothing
  2. hicertainly
  3. jñānenawith knowledge
  4. sadṛśamin comparison
  5. pavitramsanctified
  6. ihain this world
  7. vidyateexists
  8. tatthat
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

  • Spiritual knowledge

    Transcendental knowledge is praised as purifying.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 4.38 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to soul & knowledge?

Practice

Spend five minutes reflecting on what in you does not change.

5

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 4.34The humility of real inquiryBG 7.19Types of devotees and mature surrenderBG 4.35Spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubtBG 2.13The self endures bodily change
Live this todayKnowledge Through Devotional ServiceOne practice from this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction