Bhagavad GitaBhagavad Gita 4.38
Chapter 4, verse 38: the Sanskrit, the Roman letters, the meaning and what it is used for.
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते
तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṃ pavitramiha vidyate
tatsvayaṃ yogasaṃsiddhaḥ kālenātmani vindati
Meaning
Indeed, there is nothing in this world as purifying as knowledge. One who has become perfected in yoga finds it in the self in time.
Explanation
Knowledge is presented as a purifier, a way of clearing away mistakes and attachments. The verse also says that it comes "in time", which is a reminder that deep understanding is not found in a day. It is a common verse for school and college events and for those who feel their studies are slow.
Where it fits
This is verse 38 of 42 in chapter 4, "Knowledge, action and renunciation" (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga). previous verse (4.37) · next verse (4.39)
Questions people ask
What does Bhagavad Gita 4.38 mean?
Indeed, there is nothing in this world as purifying as knowledge. One who has become perfected in yoga finds it in the self in time.
Where is this verse?
It is verse 38 of chapter 4 (Knowledge, action and renunciation), which has 42 verses.
Meanings and explanations are our own wording, not an authorised translation. Readers of the Gita follow different traditions and teachers; please ask yours about what you read here.