Gita 13.8

Sadhak: "Guru ji, these sound like ethical qualities, not 'knowledge.' Why does Krishna call them jnana?"

Guru: "Because knowledge isn't just intellectual. A scholar can explain Vedanta perfectly and still be proud, violent, pretentious. That's not knowledge—that's information. Real knowledge transforms the knower. These qualities are both the way TO knowledge and the evidence OF knowledge."

Sadhak: "Humility comes first. But if I know the truth, shouldn't that make me confident, not humble?"

Guru: "Real knowledge reveals how little the ego knows. The more you know, the more you realize there is to know. Pride comes from superficial understanding. Deep understanding naturally humbles because you see yourself as an instrument, not the source."

Sadhak: "What about 'service to the teacher'? Some teachers misuse this."

Guru: "True. But the principle remains valid. This knowledge has been preserved through teacher-student transmission for millennia. Approaching with reverence and service opens you to receive. A student who thinks he's equal to the teacher learns nothing."

Sadhak: "Non-violence seems straightforward, but you mentioned mental harm?"

Guru: "Physical violence is obvious. But judging others in your mind, harboring resentment, wishing someone ill—these are subtle violences. Even harsh words cause wounds. True ahimsa is non-harm at all levels: body, speech, and mind."