Word meanings
- śreyān
- 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
Translations
Superior is wisdom-sacrifice to the sacrifice with objects, O Parantapa (scorcher of the foes). All actions in their entirety, O Arjuna, culminate in knowledge.
The sacrifice of wisdom is superior to any material sacrifice, for, O Arjuna, the pinnacle of action is always realization.
O destroyer of enemies, knowledge considered as a sacrifice is greater than sacrifices requiring materials. O son of Prtha, all actions in their totality culminate in knowledge.
हे परन्तप अर्जुन ! द्रव्यमय यज्ञसे ज्ञानयज्ञ श्रेष्ठ है। सम्पूर्ण कर्म और पदार्थ ज्ञान-(तत्त्वज्ञान-) में समाप्त हो जाते हैं।Commentary
Sacrifices with material objects cause material effects and bring the sacrificer to this world for the enjoyment of the fruits, while wisdomsacrifice leads to Moksha. Therefore wisdomsacrifice is superior to the sacrifice performed with material objects. Just as rivers join the ocean, so do all actions join knowledge, i.e., they culminate in knowledge. All actions purify the heart and lead to the dawn of knowledge of the Self. All actions that are performed as offerings unto the Lord with their fruits are contained in the knowledge of Brahman.
(Cf.IX.15X.25XVIII.70)