Verse 4.34
Speaker: Krishna
Sanskrit
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया। उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः।।
Transliteration (IAST)
tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
Word-by-Word Meanings
viddhi-know/learn
praṇipātena-by prostration/humble approach
paripraśnena-by submissive inquiry
sevayā-by service
jñāninaḥ-the knowers
tattva-darśinaḥ-seers of truth
Translation
Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.
Commentary
Krishna prescribes the method for acquiring transcendental knowledge: approach a realized teacher with humility (praṇipāta), relevant questioning (paripraśna), and service (sevā). This triad ensures the student is receptive. Knowledge flows from those who have directly realized truth (tattva-darśinaḥ), not merely from scholars.
Themes
jnanabhaktisurrender