BG 4.36
Even if you are the most sinful of sinners, you can cross the ocean of sin on the boat of knowledge alone.
सर्वं ज्ञानप्लवेनैव वृजिनं सन्तरिष्यसि
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api — even
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ched — if
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asi — you are
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pāpebhyaḥ — sinners
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sarvebhyaḥ — of all
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pāpa-kṛit-tamaḥ — most sinful
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pāpa
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kṛit
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tamaḥ
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sarvaṁ — all
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jñāna-plavenaiva — by the boat of knowledge
plavena, eva—certainly-
jñāna
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plavenaiva
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vṛijinaṁ — sin
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santariṣhyasi — you shall cross over
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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God does not accept anyone's virtuous deed nor their sins. Knowledge remains covered by ignorance, and keeps living beings submerged in delusion.
- Verse 5.15
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Even if the most sinful person were to worship me with undivided devotion, they should be regarded as righteous, for they have resolved to follow righteousness.
- Verse 9.30
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Having reach the worlds where the righteous dwell, and having remained there for some time, one who has strayed from the path of spirituality is born again into the house of the pure and wealthy.
- Verse 6.41
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The student of spirituality, after many lives of earnest striving and absolution of sin, attains perfection and reaches the supreme state.
- Verse 6.45
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Free from desire, with control of the mind and intellect, having renounced sensual pleasures, and performing actions with the body alone, one remains untainted by sin.
- Verse 4.21