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Bhagavad Gita 4.34
The traditional text
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥
Roman reading aid
tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā |
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṃ jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ ||
Meaning in everyday language
Learn that knowledge through a humble approach, searching questions and service. Those who know and have seen the truth will teach it to you.
Understand the teaching
Krishna has been explaining knowledge that frees one from the binding force of action. The verse describes a relationship of learning with those who have realised the truth. Three elements stand together: humility, inquiry and service. Pariprashna makes questioning part of learning; respect is compatible with asking how a teaching is understood and applied.
In an ordinary lesson, preparation and an honest question can make the conversation useful. First explain what you understood, then identify the point that is unclear. Service in the verse belongs to a traditional teacher–student setting; a modern educational application can express consideration, helpfulness and attention while preserving sound personal boundaries.
Words and phrases
- प्रणिपातेन (praṇipātena)
- through humble approach or bowing
- परिप्रश्नेन (paripraśnena)
- through careful inquiry
- सेवया (sevayā)
- through service
- ज्ञानिनः (jñāninaḥ)
- those who know
- तत्त्वदर्शिनः (tattva-darśinaḥ)
- seers of reality
Pause and think
Turn “I understand nothing” into a question that supports learning.
See an explained answer
I understood the first step, but I cannot see why the second follows. Could you explain that connection with an example?