Only Knowledge destroys ignorance (Bhagavad Gita)

Knowledge (Atman-Jnana, Gita) cuts into pieces the doubt born of ignorance (Krishna)

Only Knowledge destroys ignorance (Gita 4,42)

Knowledge (Atman-Jnana) cuts into pieces the doubt born of ignorance (Bhagavad Gita)

Verse 42 of Chapter 4, the Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action of the Bhagavad Gita, contains one of the key verses of the Bhagavad Gita. In this same chapter, Krishna had already explained to Arjuna that the Lord incarnates as a man on earth “when evil lurks”, that is, when the eternal Dharma is in danger, he returns, in all times and places, to reestablish the path of good, of principles, that is, the Dharma.

Given Arjuna's depression, Vishnu, incarnated in Krishna, will transmit to Arjuna the knowledge (Jnana) that is the only one that will allow Arjuna to overcome his fears and ignorance (Avidya). Only through this knowledge will Arjuna be able to overcome them, and fight against the Kauravas in this civil war that no one could win. Only then would Dharma be safe.

«Therefore, with the sword of Knowledge, cut into pieces the doubts born of ignorance. “O Arjuna, son of Bharata, take refuge in Yoga and Arise (and act)!» Bhagavad Gita 4-42 The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

«तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनात्मन: |
छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत || 42||». 4-42 Path of Knowledge - Jnana

But what Jnana is Krishna talking about? Atman-Jnana, the knowledge of Atman, self-knowledge. And that is the objective of the Bhagavad Gita to restore this knowledge in man, that is, to achieve self-knowledge, and therefore achieve liberation.

It should be noted that this verse is the last of this very important chapter on Jnana, and ends with the words “Arise, O Arjuna!” All of us, at some point in our lives can feel like Arjuna. This message to get up, to not give up, to fulfill our Dharma, is a message for all humanity, for you and me: don't give up! Get up (and act)! Work fulfilling your duty and detached from the results.

But this force that allows man to “rise” can only come from Atman-Jnana, from the knowledge of the Atman.

Commentary by Swami Vidya Prakashananda (Gita Makaranadam):

«With the sword of knowledge: Ignorance cannot be destroyed by anything except Jnana (Knowledge). Jnana is then compared to a sword that cuts the knot of ignorance and frees man from the bondage of Karma forever.

Realizing Nishkama Karma: Having attained Knowledge, what should man do? This question is answered here. Does the Jnani sit in a corner and waste time? No. He works, he works for the good of humanity. He has nothing to gain from such work. Everything is done to lift humanity out of the mire of illusion, to spread the glorious message of spirituality, to kindle the fire of Atmajnana in others, to purify and empower man, to enable him to see the glory of his true Self.

Shankara, Buddha, Jesus and other sages have done tremendous work for the good of humanity. Many wise men, even today, are doing such selfless work.»

Source: Gita Makaranadam by Swami Vidya Prakashananda

Translated by Pedro Nonell.