Principle of the Transmission of Knowledge in the Bhagavad Gita
The transmission of spiritual wisdom is not merely an academic exercise but a sacred tradition spanning millennia. In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna reveals that the supreme knowledge of Yoga is often lost to the world through the passage of time, requiring a "restoration of knowledge" through God's messengers.
Pedro Nonell, a renowned Spanish expert in the Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta, guides us through Chapter 4, explaining how this "Supreme Secret" is passed from Master to student. This process requires humility, service, and a keen spirit of inquiry to ensure that the ancient wisdom of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna remains accessible to the modern, digitalized world.
The Sacred Chain: Acquiring and Sharing Spiritual Wisdom with Pedro Nonell
At the beginning of Chapter 4 - The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action (Jnana-Karma-Sannyasa) Sri Krishna explained to Arjuna that He exposed this imperishable yoga (“Knowledge”) at the beginning of time and that.
“O Arjuna! The royal sages (Rishis) of old knew this Yoga, which was handed down in succession from generation to generation. But in the course of time, this Yoga was lost to the world. That same ancient Yoga, the supreme secret, I am revealing to you today, for you are My devotee and My friend” Bhagavad Gita 4.2-3.
The Bhagavad Gita says that this knowledge must be acquired through competent masters (acharyas):
“The masters of knowledge, who have realized the Truth, will impart this knowledge to you; learn it with humility, through service, and by asking repeatedly” Bhagavad Gita 4.34.
And finally Sri Krishna concludes:
“When you have attained this knowledge, you will never again fall into error; by it, you will perceive all beings in yourself, and thereby see them in Me” Bhagavad Gita 4.35.
- Restore the Knowledge
- Ignorance and Knowledge
- PPrinciples of Knowledge Transmission
- Lower and Higher Knowledge
- West (Science)-India (spirituality)
- Sacrifice and austerity
Educational Model
The main objective of our training is to make the principles of the Bhagavad Gita (Philosophy of Yoga) accessible so that they can be applicable in our time marked by Globalization and digitalization so that they can be adopted by a normal person, with family and business obligations. or work, and not only by a Swami or an ascetic.
Our training is based on the study not only of the Bhagavad Gita, but also the study of the life and teachings of several Swamis who lived according to their profound wisdom: , , , Swami Sarvapriyananda or . Studying their commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and reflecting on how they applied or developed these teachings is crucial to truly understanding its profound message.
Chain of knowledge transmission of the Bhagavad Gita
They, not us, are these “Masters of knowledge” referred to in the previous verse.
Thus we try to apply the principle of Shastra (the path of self-control established by sages and saints according to Gandhi) indicated by Krishna in Chapter 16 - The Yoga of Divine Inheritance (Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita:
“Therefore, let the Shastra be your authority in determining what should and should not be done; ensure that its injunctions are fulfilled, and perform your duties accordingly” Bhagavad Gita 16.21.
Our model for transmitting this knowledge is based on the following verse:
“Some offer material goods in sacrifice, others through austerities, through Yoga, through the acquisition of knowledge, and still others through its transmission. All these sacrifices are acts of rigorous discipline and sincere effort.” Bhagavad Gita 4.28.
Facilitating access to the Gita
That is, in accordance with our mission to facilitate access to the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita, our function is as indicated in the previous verse: we are transmitters of this knowledge, we are not Swamis at all, but people with a total commitment and devotion to the teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.
In chapter 15- The Yoga of the Supreme Person (Purushottama Yoga) Krishna affirms that only from Him comes Knowledge and the dissipation of doubts:
That is, we can help the student with what we humbly know, but we will not have answers to all the questions that may arise, although we undertake to investigate if any Swami has given an answer to a similar topic.
And as Gandhi stated.
“(Self-)repetitive questions are equally essential, because without a keen spirit of inquiry there is no knowledge.” .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Pedro Nonell?
Pedro Nonell is a Spanish expert and translator specialized in the Bhagavad Gita, Advaita Vedanta, and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
How is knowledge transmitted according to the Bhagavad Gita?
Knowledge is handed down through a succession of generations (Parampara). It must be acquired from "Masters of Knowledge" who have realized the Truth, through service and repeated inquiry.
Can a layperson with a family and job practice these teachings?
Yes. The mission of the Gita Institute is to make these principles accessible to everyone—not just ascetics—so they can be applied in modern life, work, and business.
What is the role of God in acquiring knowledge?
According to Bhagavad Gita 15.15, God is the author of Vedanta, and from Him comes all knowledge, memory, and the dissipation of doubts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Bhagavad Gita teaches us that knowledge is a living flame that must be tended to with discipline and devotion. By studying the lives of great souls like Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, we see the practical application of these spiritual laws.
Whether we offer our efforts through material sacrifice, austerity, or the transmission of wisdom, the goal remains the same: to see all beings within ourselves and, ultimately, to see all beings in God.
Through this sacred chain of transmission, we find the tools to navigate the complexities of the modern world with a steady mind and a devoted heart.
Principio transmisión conocimiento Bhagavad Gita 
Princípio transmissão conhecimento Bhagavad-Gita.
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