Chapter 4 Verse 37
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन। ज्ञानाग्निः सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा।।4.37।।
yathaidhānsi samiddho ’gnir bhasma-sāt kurute ’rjuna jñānāgniḥ sarva-karmāṇi bhasma-sāt kurute tathā
Word Meanings
| yathā | as |
| edhānsi | firewood |
| samiddhaḥ | blazing |
| agniḥ | fire |
| bhasma-sāt | to ashes |
| kurute | turns |
| arjuna | Arjun |
| jñāna-agniḥ | the fire of knowledge |
| sarva-karmāṇi | all reactions from material activities |
| bhasma-sāt | to ashes |
| kurute | it turns |
| tathā | similarly |
Translation
As the blazing fire reduces fuel to ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of knowledge reduce all actions to ash.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Like a strong fire that turns wood to ash, the "fire of knowledge" destroys the hold that actions and their consequences have on us. It removes the ignorance and self-centered motives that make deeds bind us to repeating patterns.
This does not mean stopping action. Instead, wisdom changes how we act — we do what is right without clinging to rewards or fears. When motives are clear and attachment fades, actions no longer create binding results.
The verse points to inner freedom: understanding who we truly are and seeing life clearly frees us from the cycle of reactive behavior and gives calm and steady action.
Life Application
- Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on why you do what you do; notice any desire for praise, profit, or control and gently release it.
- Practice doing tasks fully but without obsessing over outcomes — focus on effort and quality, not only on success or recognition.
- Use short meditation or mindful breaks to watch repeating habits and let insight slowly weaken them.
Reflection Question
What one habit or attachment would you like inner knowledge to burn away from your life?