The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Krishna now elevates knowledge-sacrifice above material sacrifice. 'Śreyān... jñānayajñaḥ' (knowledge sacrifice is superior) means understanding why you're sacrificing is more important than the material act itself. The phrase 'sarvaṁ karma akhilaṁ pārtha jñāne parisamāpyate' (all action culminates in knowledge) shows that all forms of sacrifice ultimately lead to knowledge—material giving leads to understanding giving, discipline leads to understanding discipline, practice leads to understanding practice. But knowledge-sacrifice (understanding itself as offering) is the culmination—when you understand why you're doing what you're doing, all action becomes meaningful. This verse doesn't dismiss other forms of sacrifice, but shows that understanding is the highest—all paths lead to knowledge, and knowledge itself can be the highest path.