Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 33 (BG 4.33) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

The Blessed Lord Sri Krishna teaches that the sacrifice of knowledge is supreme for self-elevation, surpassing all sacrifices performed through the use of material substances. In the second line, the Lord reveals the reason for this supremacy. The material sacrifices prescribed in ritual action produce fruits whose enjoyment requires the ego-bound soul to assume countless forms of embodiment, in which ever-new actions continue to be performed. Action does not end through action alone. Therefore, action can never find completion within itself. In contrast, in the light of knowledge, the ignorance-born ego is destroyed. From ignorance arise desires, and from desires arise actions. Thus, when knowledge destroys ignorance—the very root source of action—actions cease of themselves. The complete cessation of all actions is accomplished through knowledge. If perfection is attained through knowledge alone, then how may we obtain that knowledge through which all actions are instantly dissolved? The answer is this—