We learned in the previous section that the secret to receiving transcendental knowledge is an uncompromising acceptance of a bona fide spiritual master in our life. Through a submissive, inquisitive, and service mood toward the spiritual master, we make it possible for our misconceptions to be overwritten by spiritual conceptions of life. Therefore, we need 3 essential qualities to fully receive this descending transcendental knowledge: (1) faith to trust (śraddhā), (2) eagerness to receive (tat-paraḥ), and (3) sense-control to apply (saṁyatendriyaḥ) what is being bestowed unto us. By this sublime formula, we receive transcendental knowledge along with supreme spiritual peace without any delay (BG 4.39).
We should learn (viddhi) the truth (tad ) by submission (praṇipātena), inquiry (paripraśnena), and service (sevayā). The knowledgeable [self-realized] souls (jñāninas) will impart (upadekṣyanti) knowledge (jñānaṁ) unto us (te) because they have seen the truth (tattva-darśinaḥ). (BG 4.34)
What are the fruits of receiving this knowledge?
Once having obtained knowledge [from a self-realized soul] (yaj jñātvā), we will not (na) return back (yāsyasi) again (punar) into such (evaṁ) illusion (moham), for by this knowledge (yena) we will see (drakṣyasy atho mayi) that all (aśeṣāṇi) beings (bhūtāny) are situated in the Self (ātmany), that is (atho), in Krishna (mayi). (BG 4.35)
Even if (api ced) we are (asi) the most sinful (sarvebhyaḥ pāpa-kṛt-tamaḥ) of all sinners (pāpebhyaḥ), by the boat of transcendental knowledge alone (jñāna-plavenaiva) we will cross over (santariṣyasi) all (sarvaṁ) miseries (vṛjinaṁ). (BG 4.36)
Here is a summary of the fruits:
- All the past reactions to our actions are like firewood, which is burned to ashes by the fire of transcendental knowledge (BG 4.37).
- Even if we happen to be most sinful, the boat of transcendental knowledge can carry us beyond the ocean of miseries (BG 4.36).
- This transcendental knowledge is indeed the mature fruit of the yogic perfection and therefore offers us the purest platform of bliss in due course of time (BG 4.38).
- Once we are sheltered by the transcendental knowledge, we will never fall back into the illusion again (BG 4.35).
- Through the lens of transcendental knowledge, we can factually see that all living entities are parts of Krishna or the Supersoul (BG 4.35).
Work causes bondage in this world unless it is done in the spirit of sacrifice for the pleasure of Krishna. This sacrifice reaches its pinnacle point by acceptance of a bona fide spiritual master. The satisfaction of the spiritual master by submissively following his/her instructions opens the doorway to transcendental knowledge. This transcendental knowledge in turn transforms our life completely and fills us up with transcendental bliss.
