śhreyān dravya-mayād yajñāj jñāna-yajñaḥ parantapa
sarvaṁ karmākhilaṁ pārtha jñāne parisamāpyate
śhreyān — superior;
dravya-mayāt — of material possessions;
yajñāt — than the sacrifice;
jñāna-yajñaḥ — sacrifice performed in knowledge;
parantapa — subduer of enemies, Arjun;
sarvam — all;
karma — works;
akhilam — all;
pārtha — Arjun, the son of Pritha;
jñāne — in knowledge;
parisamāpyate — culminate
In this verse, Lord Krishna talks about the importance of knowledge compared to just giving material things. When he mentions 'sacrifice,' he is referring to the acts of giving or offering made to achieve something valuable. Some people may donate money, food, or other items, thinking that’s all that matters. However, Krishna teaches that understanding—the 'sacrifice of knowledge'—is far more important than simply giving away physical things.
Why is knowledge so important? Knowledge helps us understand the true nature of life and the world around us. It leads us toward spiritual truth and helps us develop a meaningful connection with the Supreme Being, who is God or Krishna in this context. When we achieve this kind of understanding, we experience freedom from suffering and hearts filled with love and service for God.
Krishna also talks about different types of sacrifices based on how much knowledge we have. If a person gives a gift without true understanding of its purpose, then it's a shallow act. They may be doing something good, but without deep awareness, it doesn't elevate them spiritually. In contrast, when someone's actions are driven by profound knowledge and a strong connection to God, those acts uplift them and bring lasting peace.
He hints that there are layers to what sacrifices can be—some offer things for immediate rewards (like a job, money, or success), while others aim for deeper truths and understanding, which is more beneficial in the long run. The highest kind of sacrifice focuses on knowledge that connects us with God; that is where true fulfillment lies.
In summary, while giving material things can be nice and have some value, it’s far more worthwhile to strive for knowledge, as it leads us to deeper spiritual understanding and a lasting connection with the divine. When we aim for awareness and truth, all our actions naturally align with this greater purpose, transforming our lives into meaningful service.