Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 34 (4.34)
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Verse 34 (4.34)
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया । उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः | | ४-३४ | |
tadviddhi praṇipātena paripraśhnena sevayā upadekṣhyanti te jñānaṁ jñāninastattvadarśhinaḥ
Word-by-word guide:
Line 1:
- तत्
(tat)— वह(know that) - विद्धि
(viddhi)— जानो(know that) - रइपएन
(pranipatena)— विनम्र(by humble approach) - पइरएन
(pariprashnena)— पइरएन(by sincere questioning) - एवय
(sevaya)— सेवा(by service)
Line 2:
- उपएयइ
(upadekshyanti)— ज्ञान(they will teach you knowledge) - ते
(te)— ज्ञान(they will teach you knowledge) - ज्ञानम्
(jnanam)— ज्ञान(they will teach you knowledge) - ज्ञइन
(jnaninah)— सत्य(wise ones who have seen the truth) - तव-दइन
(tattva-darshinah)— सत्य(wise ones who have seen the truth)
English: This will you learn by prostrating yourself at the Master's feet, by questioning Him and by serving Him. Wise people who have realized the Truth will teach you wisdom.
Learnings from Shloka 34:
- Knowledge-offering is higher than material offering:: Material Yagya is valuable, but Gyan Yagya transforms how all action is understood.
- All action culminates in knowledge:: When knowledge dawns, the purpose of disciplined action becomes clear.
- A teacher matters:: Krishna says true knowledge is learned from those who have seen the Truth.
- The learner needs three qualities:: Approach with humility, ask sincere questions, and serve with respect.
- Questions are aspect of learning:: Arjuna keeps asking until the teaching becomes clear. That is the mark of a serious student.
Gita/Sanskrit Language Quiz
Practice this shloka vocabularyMatch Sanskrit words from shloka 4.34 with their Hindi and English meanings.
Practice vocabulary
Krishna tells Arjuna to learn from realized teachers through humility, sincere questioning, and service. Wisdom is received through relationship, not through argument alone.
The verse gives a complete learning attitude: respect, inquiry, and willingness to serve. Questions are encouraged, but they should come with humility and practice.