Chapter IV · Śloka 34
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया |
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ||
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ||
tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā |
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṃ jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ ||
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṃ jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ ||
Know that knowledge by prostrating yourself, by inquiry, and by service. Those who have seen the truth will instruct you in that knowledge.
The three-fold approach to a teacher — humility, sincere questioning, and service — is not protocol but preparation. The student who has emptied themselves through these three is ready to receive what the knower of truth can give.