Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 2 (BG 7.2) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

According to Sri Shankaracharya, knowledge consists in understanding the truths expounded in the scriptures, while wisdom consists in the direct, experiential realization of those truths revealed by the scriptures. Here, Lord Sri Krishna assures Arjuna that He will not merely expound the scriptural principles, but will also elevate him to the highest pinnacle of self-realization even during the discourse itself. This promise may seem extraordinary, for in yoga practice and other branches of Indian philosophy, the seeker must first gain intellectual knowledge of the goal and then undertake specific disciplines to attain it. Yet Vedanta stands apart, for it reveals to the seeker his own eternal, ever-perfect nature—not something foreign to himself. Therefore, a worthy student need not retire to some forest after receiving instruction in order to realize the Self. If the disciple possesses the necessary qualities for knowledge and is capable of understanding the reasoning presented by the teacher, he may attain self-realization even during the period of study itself. This is why Vedanta is taught only to the most qualified students. For the excellent disciple, self-realization is immediately attainable; he requires neither the passage of time nor a change of place. If Vedanta is a complete science and self-realization can be accomplished during the very period of instruction, then why are such realized beings so rare throughout the world? The Lord answers: