Verse-37
Chapter 4 — Gyan Karma Sannayasa Yoga
Verse 37
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
yathaidhāṁsi samiddho'gnirbhasmasātkurute'rjuna
jñānāgniḥ sarvakarmāṇi bhasmasātkurute tathā
🕉 English Translation
Bhadakti huyi aag jaise kabhi,
Kar deti hai bhasm idhan sabhi.
Yuhin gyan agni ko bhi tu samajh,
Kar de bhasm jo karma sab ke sab.
📜 Translation
English
As O Arjun! A Blazing fire turns fuel to ashes; similarly, the fire of knowledge turns all works to ashes.
In order to clarify and present in easily understood and simple terms, use of practical metaphor is the original speciality of the Gita. The boat saves one from drowning in the flowing water and easily takes one across. Knowledge has been presented in the same role in the previous verse. Knowledge saves one from drowning in the ocean of sins and enables one to cross the ocean of life. However old the fuel may be, the fire will reduce it to ashes. When the knowledge of Reality unfolds in the inmost spirit then so many oldest of the old accumulated impressions get extinguished. The words 'Sarva Karmani' deserve a special thought.
If one takes into account only accumulated impressions then what will be the fate of present actions and previous destiny. Bondage can even then persist. But it is not so because from the present actions; the sense of doership on being removed by knowledge. The actions will have no capacity to bind but destiny will persist. The body will exist as per the destiny; but inside there will not be even the slightest effect of favourable and unfavourable situations. Knowledge in a natural manner transforms the inner state in the aforesaid way. The importance of knowledge is there in any case; but supporting the role of the Yoga of Action cannot be denied.