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Chapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge · 42 verses

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Soul & knowledgeChapter 4 · Transcendental Knowledge
4.374.39

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 4.38

Spiritual master, knowledge and removal of doubt

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.

Knowledge and Peace Within

  1. 1Nothing is as pure and sublime as spiritual knowledge. One accomplished in devotional service enjoys it within in due time.
  2. 2Prabhupāda explains that ignorance binds us, while spiritual knowledge frees us. This knowledge and inner peace culminate in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
  3. 3Continue practicing devotional service, allowing spiritual knowledge and inner peace to mature in time.

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.

Spiritual knowledge

Transcendental knowledge is praised as purifying.

3

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.

4

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 changeBG 15.7The living being belongs to Krishna

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

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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.