Chapter 4 Verse 32
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
एवं बहुविधा यज्ञा वितता ब्रह्मणो मुखे। कर्मजान्विद्धि तान्सर्वानेवं ज्ञात्वा विमोक्ष्यसे।।4.32।।
evaṁ bahu-vidhā yajñā vitatā brahmaṇo mukhe karma-jān viddhi tān sarvān evaṁ jñātvā vimokṣhyase
Word Meanings
| evam | thus |
| bahu-vidhāḥ | various kinds of |
| yajñāḥ | sacrifices |
| vitatāḥ | have been described |
| brahmaṇaḥ | of the Vedas |
| mukhe | through the mouth |
| karma-jān | originating from works |
| viddhi | know |
| tān | them |
| sarvān | all |
| evam | thus |
| jñātvā | having known |
| vimokṣhyase | you shall be liberated |
Translation
Thus, manifold sacrifices are spread out before Brahman at the face of Brahman. Know them all to be born of action, and thus knowing, you shall be liberated.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says many kinds of sacrifices and rites point to Brahman, the ultimate reality. These external rituals are forms of action done in the world.
It asks you to recognize that all these rites arise from action (karma). When you see their true source, they lose their power to bind you.
Knowing this shifts your view: actions become offerings instead of ways to chase reward. That inner understanding frees you from attachment and leads to inner liberation.
Life Application
- Treat daily work and small rituals as offerings to something larger, not just as means to personal gain.
- Do your duties fully, but practice letting go of results—focus on honest effort, not fruits.
- Use any ritual or routine as a moment to check your intention and bring mindful purpose to action.
Reflection Question
If you truly saw your next task as an offering, how would you do it differently?