Chapter 4
Explanation about the path of knowledge and True Renunciation
In the beginning of this chapter, Shri Krishna primarily discusses devotion – its importance in understanding the teachings of The Holy Bhagavad Gita. Moving forward, within the chapter, as Arjuna's teacher, Shri Krishna once again emphasizes the significance of Karma and the mental frame of mind within which Arjuna should approach his work.
Verse 1 to 3
Shri Krishna informs Arjuna that this isn't the first instance of his imparting the teachings of the Holy Bhagavad Gita. He had previously conveyed these teachings to the Sun God, who subsequently disseminated them. Over time, however, this knowledge was lost. Shri Krishna reveals his intention to reiterate the same knowledge to Arjuna, citing their profound friendship and Arjuna's devotion. Being a devotee holds great significance in comprehending and absorbing the teachings of the Holy Bhagavad Gita.
Arjun's question 5: Arjuna queries Shri Krishna about how it is possible for him to have imparted this knowledge to the Sun God at the dawn of time, considering Arjuna's own identity as the son of Vasudev ji and Devki ji, while the Sun God has existed for countless ages.
Shri Krishna’s Answer 5:
Verse 4 to 8
In response to this question, Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna that both he and Arjuna have existed for all time. The difference lies in the fact that Arjuna does not retain memories of past lives, whereas Shri Krishna, who incarnates through his divine power, yog maya, retains full awareness of his past.
Shri Krishna continues by expressing that whenever righteousness diminishes and unrighteousness prevails, he manifests on Earth to safeguard the virtuous, eliminate the malevolent, and restore the principles of Dharma (righteousness). He affirms that any of his devotees who holds this understanding and possesses unwavering faith in him attains him, thereby transcending the cycle of birth and death.
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From this point, Shri Krishna proceeds to further address Arjuna's third question, reiterating the significance of maintaining the appropriate mindset while engaging in karma (action) to achieve spiritual evolution and liberation (moksha). In his role as Arjuna's teacher, Shri Krishna is dedicated to instilling within Arjuna the concept of performing actions without attachment to their outcomes. This teaching serves as a crucial aspect of their ongoing dialogue, aimed at guiding Arjuna towards a state of selfless and detached action.
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Verse 9 to 12
Individuals who have transcended attachment, fear, and anger and have wholeheartedly devoted themselves to Shri Krishna attain his divine presence and love. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, people surrender to him, and he responds accordingly to their disposition.
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Non-believers are subject to the Law of Karma, wherein their actions bring about corresponding outcomes.
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Those who believe in material desires and seek material rewards find their minds entangled in the grip of material energy (Maya). This entanglement leads to negative emotions such as anger, lust, and greed, depriving them of inner peace.
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Devotees and worshipers of Shri Krishna, who keep their minds detached from worldly desires, are continuously nurtured and protected by him.
Shri Krishna introduces the concept of various forms of deities (whom people worship) that are subordinate to the Supreme Lord. These deities swiftly bestow material rewards, and hence individuals often worship them for such gains.
Verse 13 to 15
Shri Krishna introduces the varna system (Shudra, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya) and clarifies that individuals, based on their inherent nature (Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas guna), naturally gravitate towards certain types of work, thus becoming associated with a specific varna. He emphasizes that one's varna is not determined by birth into a particular family.
As the creator of this system, Shri Krishna entrusts each individual soul with the freedom to act according to their own will. He asserts that he is not accountable for individual actions and remains untainted by the consequences of karma due to his lack of attachment to the results of actions.
Understanding Shri Krishna's divine nature liberates one from the karmic repercussions of worldly actions. By working selflessly and dedicating one's efforts to Shri Krishna, one invokes his grace and attains a state of freedom from desires and attachments.
Verse 16 to 22
After instructing Arjuna to perform actions without desires and with unwavering dedication, Shri Krishna proceeds to elucidate the profound philosophy of action, a concept that offers liberation from material desires. He acknowledges that this philosophy can be difficult to grasp.
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Action: This refers to deeds aligned with scriptures that contribute to the purification of the mind.
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In-action: It involves performing actions without attachment, solely for the pleasure of God. Such acts do not bind individuals to the cycle of karma; mentally, one remains devoted to God, detached from the outcomes.
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Forbidden action: These are deeds that degrade the soul and are to be abstained from.
Shri Krishna asserts that those who engage in in-action within action – carrying out all tasks devoid of attachment to results – are the wise. They transcend the shackles of karmic bondage. Equanimous in success and failure, they execute diverse activities while remaining untethered by the repercussions. Such individuals, working solely with devotion to God, are unburdened by karmic entanglements and attain realization of the divine. Their absorption in God is complete, allowing them to perceive the divine essence in all aspects of existence. This philosophy aligns with the teachings of Karma Yoga, expounded earlier in the text.
Verse 23 to 32
To cultivate the necessary mindset for spiritual growth, Shri Krishna outlines various forms of sacrifices. These acts of sacrifice aid in controlling one's senses and contribute to the purification of the mind and heart, facilitating spiritual advancement. Shri Krishna highlights several examples of sacrifices, such as practicing self-control, relinquishing material possessions, engaging in austerities, and studying sacred texts. These sacrifices, tailored to suit individual nature, are comprehensively detailed within the Vedas.
Shri Krishna emphasizes that these sacrifices should be carried out with unwavering devotion, extending beyond mere physical actions. True sacrifice involves a profound dedication of the heart and spirit, not limited to external rituals alone. By embracing this approach, individuals can foster the conducive conditions for their spiritual evolution.
Verse 33 and 34
Shri Krishna elaborates that every sacrifice should be carried out with a profound understanding of God and our inherent connection with Him. He emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a spiritual teacher (Guru) who has traversed the path before us. The acquisition of knowledge should transpire through a process of earnest inquiry, leading to internal conviction. This quest for knowledge should be accompanied by a deep reverence for the Guru and a sincere willingness to serve and assist the Guru's mission. In this manner, individuals can cultivate a genuine understanding of spiritual truths and foster a meaningful relationship with the divine.
Verse 35 to 39
Shri Krishna concludes that upon attaining the knowledge of one's relationship with God:
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One perceives all living beings with reverence, recognizing them as integral parts of the Supreme.
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Even the most grievous wrongdoers undergo purification.
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Through divine grace, all accumulated material actions (karmas) are dissolved.
He further elaborates that with consistent practice and unwavering faith, individuals ultimately achieve a profound understanding of the Supreme.
Verse 40 to 42
Those devoid of faith and lacking the thirst for knowledge remain bereft of peace both in this world and the next. Conversely, those who offer all their endeavours to God and possess the correct understanding are unburdened by the chains of karma. Shri Krishna urges Arjun to seek the right knowledge, dispel any lingering doubts, and execute his duty in the holy war with the righteous spirit of Karma Yoga.
Conclusion: Shri Krishna has predominantly emphasized the crucial role of one's mental disposition while carrying out their duties. The key tenets highlighted encompass unwavering devotion to God and detachment from the outcomes of actions. He expounds on the means to cultivate these attributes, primarily through the practice of sacrifice. Shri Krishna's teachings underscore the significance of aligning one's actions with spiritual principles and fostering a mindset of selfless dedication, ultimately leading to a path of spiritual growth and liberation.