BG 4.33
The sacrifice of wisdom is superior to any material sacrifice, for all actions culminate in knowledge.
सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते
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śhreyān — superior
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dravya-mayād — of material possessions
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dravya
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mayād
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yajñāj — than the sacrifice
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jñāna-yajñaḥ — sacrifice performed in knowledge
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jñāna
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yajñaḥ
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parantapa — Arjuna
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sarvaṁ — all
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karmākhilaṁ — all actions
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karma — action, work
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akhilam — all
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pārtha — Arjuna
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jñāne — in knowledge
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parisamāpyate — culminate
These various forms of sacrifice, dependent on action, are the path to your liberation. The sacrifice of wisdom is superior to any material sacrifice, for all actions culminate in knowledge. You shall learn this by placing yourself at the master's feet, questioning them, and serving them. The wise who have realized the truth will teach you wisdom. Know that you shall never again be deluded like this, and by the power of that wisdom, you will see all people as if they were your own self. Even if you are the most sinful of sinners, you can cross the ocean of sin on the boat of knowledge alone. Just as fire consumes the fuel, all actions are reduced to ashes in the fire of wisdom. There is nothing in the world so purifying as knowledge. Those who have perfected the science of action eventually find it within themselves. One who is faithful and can control their senses acquires knowledge. Upon attaining this wisdom, they will soon attain the ultimate peace.
Similar verses
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The sage who understands this transcends all merit from scriptures, sacrifice, austerity, or charity, and reaches the primordial supreme state.
- Verse 8.28
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Just as fire consumes the fuel, all actions are reduced to ashes in the fire of wisdom.
- Verse 4.37
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Others, kindled by wisdom, sacrifice their activities and their breathing into the fire of self-restraint.
- Verse 4.27
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Such a wise student is superior to the ascetic, the scholar, and to those of action - therefore, be a wise person, Arjuna!
- Verse 6.46
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The truly wise sage embarks on every undertaking without desire for material gain, and with actions that have been purified by the fire of knowledge.
- Verse 4.19