Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 11: The Vision of the Cosmic Form

Bhagavad Gita 11.48

na vedayajñādhyayanairna dānai- rna ca kriyābhirna tapobhirugraiḥ | evaṃrūpaḥ śakya ahaṃ nṛloke draṣṭuṃ tvadanyena kurupravīra ||

Not by study of the Vedas, nor by sacrifices, nor by gifts, nor by rites, nor by severe austerities can I be seen in this form in the human world by anyone but you, hero of the Kurus.

Modern context

Not study, not sacrifice, not charity, not ritual, not severe austerity: none of these can produce this vision. Every method of religious effort is listed and set aside. This does not mean they are worthless; elsewhere the Gita praises them. It means the highest vision is beyond any technique. Effort prepares the ground, but what grows there is a gift.