Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 - Samkhya Yoga - Sloka 46

The entire content of this mail is from Swami Chidbhavananda's translation of  The Bhagavad Gita, published by Ramakrishna Mission.

The Key to Yoga - 45-53

1 Gita Sloka every day - Chapter 2 - Samkhya Yoga - Sloka 46

Yavan artha udapane sarvatah sampluta udake I

Tavan sarvesu vedesu brahmanasya vijanatah II sloka 46

यावान अर्थः  उदपाने सर्वतः संप्लुत उदके ।

तावान सर्वेषु वेदेषु ब्राह्मणस्य विजानतः ।। श्लोक ४६ 

To an enlightened Brahmana all vedas are as useful as a tank when there is a flood everywhere

It is evident that a tank containing water is very useful in a place where water cannot be had from any other source. But nobody ever pays any attention to such a tank in a locality submerged everywhere with pure water. Likewise the vedas and the scriptures are of use to those who are still in ignorance. By faithfully following the sacred books, happiness can be obtained on earth and in heaven  which are both in the region of the phenomenon. But the various spheres of relative existence become meaningless to the one illumined with Brahma-jnanam.   It is infinite beatitude. All earthly and heavenly happiness are mere rays of that endless brilliance. The food  consumed in dream does not nourish the body; whereas what is consumed in the wakeful state gives succour both in the wakeful state and in sleep. Like wise Brahma-jnanam which leads to the absolute existence enriches the Prakriti-bound relative existence also abundantly. 

 The courtesan of a prince heeds not the courting of a beggar on the road. The one enjoying the supreme bliss of communion with the Maker cares not for all earthly joys and enticements 

Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa