Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 38 (BG 4.38) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

Just as there is no possession more valuable to a drowning man than a life-saving object, so too for a deluded soul there is no wealth greater than the acquisition of knowledge. Only that person who has attained purity of heart through perfection in yoga can realize the knowledge of the Self. It is for this purification of consciousness that twelve types of sacrificial practices have been described. No teacher can bestow upon a disciple the purification of heart through mere touch. The disciple must make the effort themselves. A false notion has spread among people that a teacher can perfect a disciple merely by touching them. This is impossible. Otherwise, the Lord Sri Krishna Himself could have granted complete spiritual knowledge to His most beloved friend and disciple Arjun through a mere touch. Many seekers wish to obtain in an instant the knowledge earned by their teacher as a reward for rendering some service. Such a desire is but the loss of life's precious opportunities. Countless disciples waste the invaluable moments of their lives waiting to purchase divinity at a bargain price. Although many teachers in this land sell spirituality from their ashrams, the seeker is cautioned here that there is no scriptural basis for such commerce. Lord Sri Krishna tells Arjun plainly that he himself must make the effort to purify his heart, so that in due time he may directly experience the ultimate truth. No assurance of a fixed timeframe is given here for the attainment of perfection. It is only said that one who practices with complete dedication the sacrifices described earlier will acquire the necessary inner qualification, and then in due time will attain Self-realization. The word "kalen" indicates that if the seeker makes greater effort, the attainment of the goal will not take long. Therefore, all seekers should continue their efforts ceaselessly. The definite means of attaining knowledge is explained in the next verse.