Word meanings
- tat
- the Truth
- viddhi
- try to learn
- praṇipātena
- by approaching a spiritual master
- paripraśnena
- by humble inquiries
- sevayā
- by rendering service
- upadekṣyanti
- can impart
- te
- unto you
- jñānam
- knowledge
- jñāninaḥ
- the enlightened
- tattva-darśinaḥ
- those who have realized the Truth
Translations
Know that the wise who have realized the truth will instruct thee in that knowledge through long prostration, supplication, and service.
This you shall learn by prostrating yourself at the master's feet, questioning them, and serving them. The wise who have realized the truth will teach you wisdom.
Know that the wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart the Knowledge to you through prostration, inquiry, and service.
उस- (तत्त्वज्ञान-) को (तत्त्वदर्शी ज्ञानी महापुरुषोंके पास जाकर) समझ। उनको साष्टाङ्ग दण्डवत् प्रणाम करनेसे, उनकी सेवा करनेसे और सरलतापूर्वक प्रश्न करनेसे वे तत्त्वदर्शी ज्ञानी महापुरुष तुझे उस तत्त्वज्ञानका उपदेश देंगे।Commentary
Go to the teachers (those who are well versed in the scriptures dealing with Brahman or Brahmasrotris, and who are established in Brahman or Brahmanishthas). Prostrate yourself before them with profound humility and perfect devotion. Ask them estions? O venerable Guru What is the cause of bondage How can I get liberation What is the nature of ignorance What is the nature of knowledge What is the Antaranga-Sadhana (inward spiritual practice) for attaining Selfrealisation Serve the Guru wholeheartedly.
A teacher who is versed in the scriptures (Sastras) but who has no direct Selfrealisaiton will not be able to help you in the attainment of the knowledge of the Self. He who has knowledge of the scriptures and who is also established in Brahman will be able to instruct thee in that knowledge and help thee in the attainment of Selfrealisation. Mere prostrations alone will not do. They may be tinged with hypocrisy. You must have perfect faith in your Guru and his teaching. You must serve him wholeheartedly with great devotion.
Now hypocrisy is not possible.