तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया ।
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ॥
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
उस तत्त्वज्ञान को तत्त्वदर्शी ज्ञानी महापुरुषोंके पास जाकर समझ । उनको साष्टाङ्ग दण्डवत् प्रणाम करनेसे, उनकी सेवा करनेसे और सरलतापूर्वक प्रश्न करनेसे वे तत्त्वदर्शी ज्ञानी महापुरुष तुझे उस तत्त्वज्ञानका उपदेश देंगे ॥
English
Know that by prostration, by sincere questioning, and by service. The wise who see reality will teach you that knowledge.
What this verse means
Real understanding comes from approaching wise people with humility, honest questions, and service. Those who truly see reality can teach knowledge.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna is paralyzed by confusion. Krishna now shifts from explaining knowledge to showing how it is received: not through pride, but by humble approach, sincere questioning, and service to those who see clearly.
Why this verse still matters
You are stuck on a hard decision and keep re-reading articles, still confused. Then one honest conversation with someone wiser cuts through the noise because you finally ask cleanly and listen fully.
The takeaway
You do not have to figure everything out alone. Humility opens the door to understanding.
Word-by-word translation
तत् (that) / विद्धि (know) / प्रणिपातेन (by prostration) / परिप्रश्नेन (by sincere questioning) / सेवया (by service) / उपदेक्ष्यन्ति (will teach) / ते (to you) / ज्ञानम् (knowledge) / ज्ञानिनः (the knowers) / तत्त्वदर्शिनः (who see reality)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga — Knowledge and Renunciation of Action, which contains 42 verses.
Explore related themes: jnana (24 verses)