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Chapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge · 42 verses

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Soul & knowledgeChapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 4.37

Spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubt

यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्न‍िर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन ।

ज्ञानाग्न‍िः सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा ॥ ३७ ॥

yathaidhāṁsi samiddho ’gnir

bhasma-sāt kurute ’rjuna

jñānāgniḥ sarva-karmāṇi

bhasma-sāt kurute tathā

Translation

As a blazing fire turns firewood to ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of knowledge burn to ashes all reactions to material activities.

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

1Like blazing fire turns wood to ashes, knowledge burns away all reactions to material activities.
2Prabhupāda explains that perfect knowledge of the self, the Superself, and their relationship removes reactions to both pious and impious actions.
3Seek to understand your true position and your relationship with the Superself.

In the story

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

Theme summary

Discern the eternal self from the temporary.

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: ātmā, jñāna.

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

What does BG 4.37 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to soul & knowledge?

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

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

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

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