Bhagavad Gita 7.2

Jnana Vijnana Yoga · English Translation

I shall declare to thee in full this knowledge combined with realisation, after knowing which nothing more here remains to be known.

Sanskrit

ज्ञानं तेऽहं सविज्ञानमिदं वक्ष्याम्यशेषतः | यज्ज्ञात्वा नेह भूयोऽन्यज्ज्ञातव्यमवशिष्यते ||७-२||

Transliteration

jñānaṃ te.ahaṃ savijñānamidaṃ vakṣyāmyaśeṣataḥ . yajjñātvā neha bhūyo.anyajjñātavyamavaśiṣyate ||7-2||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna promises Arjuna that he will reveal the complete knowledge of reality along with direct spiritual experience. He assures his student that once a person truly understands and realizes this truth through personal practice, there is nothing left in life to be known or sought after. This declaration marks the beginning of Chapter 7, where Krishna transitions from discussing duty to revealing the ultimate nature of existence.

The Teaching Behind It

This teaching belongs to the Jnana Yoga, or the path of knowledge, specifically focusing on the distinction between theoretical study (jnana) and direct experiential realization (vijnana). It develops the concept that ultimate truth is not merely an intellectual accumulation but a transformative state where the seeker becomes one with the known.

Word by Word

ज्ञानम् indirect knowledge of Sastras, ते to thee, अहम् I, सविज्ञानम् combined with realisation (direct knowledge of the Atman through experience), इदम् this, वक्ष्यामि will declare, अशेषतः in full, यत् which, ज्ञात्वा having known, न not, इह here, भूयः more, अन्यत् anything else, ज्ञातव्यम् what ought to be known, अवशिष्यते remains

Classical Commentary

Jnanam is Paroksha Jnanam or indirect knowledge of Brahman obtained through the study of the Upanishads. Vijnanam is Visesha Jnanam, i.e.? Aparoksha Jnanam obtained through direct Selfrealisation (intuitional wisdom).In this verse the Lord praises knowledge in order to make Arjuna follow His instruction closely with rapt attention, faith and interest. The Lord says I shall teach thee in full. You will attain to omniscience or perfect knowledge of the Self, after knowing which nothing more remains to be known here. If anyone attains the knowledge of the Self, he will know everything. That is the reason why Saunaka, the great householder, approacehd Angirasa respectfully and asked What is that? O Lord, which being known all this becomes known (Cf. XIII.11)

Where This Happens

This verse occurs at the start of Chapter 7 on the battlefield of Kurukshetra during the Mahabharata war. Lord Krishna is speaking to Arjuna immediately after reassuring him in previous chapters about his duty and dispelling his confusion with teachings on the eternal soul. Having just explained that one must perform their duty without attachment, Krishna now prepares Arjuna for a deeper revelation of divine wisdom before the impending battle begins.

Living It Out Today

Consider facing a major career pivot where you feel overwhelmed by endless research, conflicting opinions from mentors, and fear of making the wrong choice. Instead of getting lost in more data or second-guessing every step, this verse suggests that once you gain true clarity on your core values and purpose (the 'realization'), further analysis becomes unnecessary noise. You can stop searching for a perfect plan and move forward with confidence because you have found what truly matters.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are learning about how stars work by reading a book; that's like having information on paper. But what if your teacher took you outside at night and showed you a real star shining in the sky? That moment is when you truly 'know' it, not just read about it. Lord Krishna says he will give Arjuna this special experience of knowing God directly, so after that amazing discovery, there are no more mysteries left to solve.

Daily Reflection

In our frantic search for more answers today, remember that true fulfillment comes from fully understanding what has already been revealed rather than chasing endless new information. When you truly internalize the knowledge of your own nature and its connection to the Divine, the restlessness fades because there is no greater mystery left to solve. Trust in this completeness; it invites a profound peace where seeking ends.

A Practice for Today

Close your eyes and silently acknowledge that you are about to receive the complete essence of truth, not just a fragment. Visualize the divine presence declaring within you that there is nothing left unknown once this wisdom settles in your heart.

Key Teachings

The Unity of Knowledge and Realization
This verse distinguishes between intellectual understanding (jnana) and direct experiential realization (vijnana), emphasizing that true wisdom requires both. It teaches that merely knowing the concepts is insufficient without living them to their fullest extent.
The Finality of Divine Wisdom
Krishna promises a declaration 'in full' because this specific knowledge contains everything necessary for liberation and self-realization. It establishes that once one truly knows the Self through divine connection, no further spiritual seeking is required.
The Completeness of the Path
By stating 'nothing more remains to be known,' the verse assures seekers that the path leads to a definitive destination rather than an infinite loop. It encourages total surrender and trust in this comprehensive teaching as the ultimate solution.

Themes

Direct RealizationUltimate KnowledgeDivine WisdomSelf-DiscoverySpiritual FulfillmentThe Nature of Truth

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'jnana' and 'vijnana' mentioned in this verse?

'Jnana' refers to theoretical knowledge or indirect understanding gained from studying scriptures, while 'vijnana' signifies direct realization or personal experience of that truth. Krishna promises to share not just the theory but the lived experience where the student knows God directly through their own consciousness.

Does this verse mean we don't need to learn anything else after realizing God?

Yes, it suggests that once one realizes the ultimate truth of the Self and its connection with the Divine, all fundamental questions about existence are answered. While practical skills for daily life remain necessary, no further spiritual seeking or knowledge is required because the root cause of ignorance has been removed.

Who exactly is Lord Krishna speaking to in this verse?

Krishna is addressing Arjuna, his close friend and warrior disciple who is currently overwhelmed by confusion on the battlefield. This promise marks a special moment where Krishna shifts from general moral instruction to revealing the deepest secrets of divine nature specifically for Arjuna's benefit.

How does this verse relate to the concept of 'nothing more remains'?

The phrase implies that spiritual knowledge is complete and self-sufficient; it is not an endless accumulation of facts but a singular realization that solves all existential problems. Once one understands their true nature as part of the Divine, there are no further mysteries or unmet needs in the realm of consciousness.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 7.2 →