Step 4 of 7 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.

  1. 1Tap a chapter, then a verse
  2. 2Read what it means
  3. 3Try the practice
700 verses37 detailed
Or browse by chapter
Chapter

Chapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge · 42 verses

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142

Deep profile← → keys move between verses

Soul & knowledgeChapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge
4.354.37

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 4.36

Spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubt

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
1

Understand it

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

The Boat of Knowledge

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

Where we are

In the story

Chapter 4, Transcendental Knowledge: spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubt.

What it teaches

Theme summary

Discern the eternal self from the temporary.

2

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: ātmā, jñāna.

3

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 4.36 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.

4

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 4.34The humility of real inquiryBG 4.35Spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubtBG 2.13The self endures bodily changeBG 15.7The living being belongs to Krishna

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

Ask the study guide

Ask about BG 4.36 — get a simple answer linked to related ideas and verses.

Back to step 3The key ideasNext · Step 5 of 7 · 5 minLive the teachingsBring it into your day with a practice and a question, straight from Prabhupāda's purports.