Chapter 4
Explanation about the path of knowledge and True Renunciation
Context: In the beginning of this chapter, Shri Krishna discusses the importance of devotion in understanding the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. As Arjuna's teacher, Shri Krishna further emphasizes the significance of Karma and the mental state Arjuna should maintain in his work.
Verse 1 to 3
Shri Krishna tells Arjuna that this is not the first time he is imparting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. He previously conveyed them to the Sun God, who then disseminated them, but over time, this knowledge was lost. Shri Krishna intends to reiterate this knowledge to Arjuna due to their profound friendship and Arjuna's devotion.
Arjun's question 5: Arjuna asks Shri Krishna how he could have imparted this knowledge to the Sun God at the dawn of time, given his 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 9
Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna that they have always existed. Arjuna does not retain past life memories, while Shri Krishna, through his divine power, Yogmaya, retains full awareness of his past. Shri Krishna states that whenever righteousness diminishes and unrighteousness prevails, he manifests on Earth to protect the virtuous, eliminate the corrupt, and restore Dharma (righteousness). He affirms that any devotee who understands this and has unwavering faith in him transcends the cycle of birth and death.
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From this point, Shri Krishna proceeds to further address Arjuna's third question – if the path of knowledge (Sankhya Yoga) is superior to the path of action (Karma Yoga), then why does Shri Krishna urge him to fight in the sacred battle?
Shri Krishna reiterates the significance of maintaining the appropriate mindset while engaging in karma (action) to achieve spiritual evolution and liberation (moksha). As Arjuna's teacher, Shri Krishna is dedicated to instilling within Arjuna the concept of performing actions without attachment to their outcomes. This teaching is crucial to their dialogue, guiding Arjuna towards selfless and detached action.
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Verse 10 to 12
Shri Krishna affirms that any of his devotees who possess unwavering faith in him attains him, transcending the cycle of birth and death. Individuals who transcend attachment, fear, and anger and devote themselves to Shri Krishna attain his divine presence and love.
Whether knowingly or unknowingly, people surrender to him, and he responds accordingly to their nature. Following is an interpretation:
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Non-believers are subject to the Law of Karma, where their actions bring corresponding outcomes.
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Those seeking material desires and rewards find their minds entangled in material energy (Maya), leading to 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 nurtured and protected by him.
Shri Krishna introduces the concept of various deities, who are subordinate to the Supreme Lord. Because these deities bestow material rewards quickly, people 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 has not stated that one's varna is determined by birth into a particular family.
As the creator of this system, Shri Krishna gives each individual the freedom to act according to their 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 freedom from desires and attachments.
Verse 16 to 22
After telling Arjuna to act without desires and with dedication, Shri Krishna explains the deep philosophy of action, which frees one from material desires. He admits this concept can be hard to understand.
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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 explains that the wise are those who act without attachment to the results. They are free from the bondage of karma. Balanced in success and failure, they perform their duties without being affected by the outcomes. By working with devotion to God, they avoid karmic entanglements and realize the divine. Their complete devotion allows them to see the divine in everything. This aligns with the teachings of Karma Yoga.
Verse 23 to 32
To cultivate a spiritual mindset, Shri Krishna outlines various sacrifices. These acts help control the senses and purify the mind and heart, aiding spiritual growth. Examples include self-control, giving up material possessions, practicing austerities, and studying sacred texts. These sacrifices, tailored to individuals, are detailed in the Vedas.
Shri Krishna emphasizes that true sacrifice involves deep devotion, not just physical actions. By dedicating the heart and spirit, individuals create the right conditions for spiritual advancement.
Verse 33 and 34
Shri Krishna explains that sacrifices should be performed with a deep understanding of God and our connection to Him. He emphasizes seeking guidance from a spiritual teacher (Guru). This knowledge should be gained through sincere inquiry and respect for the Guru, with a willingness to serve their mission. This helps individuals understand spiritual truths and build a meaningful relationship with the divine.
The "knowledge" Shri Krishna refers to is understanding the ultimate truth, the soul's eternal nature, and oneness with the divine, leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Verse 35 to 39
Shri Krishna concludes that gaining knowledge of one's relationship with God leads to:
1. Seeing all living beings with respect, recognizing them as part of the Supreme.
2. Purifying even the worst wrongdoers.
3. Dissolving all past actions (karmas) through divine grace.
With consistent practice and strong faith, individuals can deeply understand the Supreme and achieve peace and liberation.
Verse 40 to 42
Those without faith and the desire for knowledge lack peace in this world and the next. Those who dedicate their efforts to God and understand their true relationship with Him are free from karma. Shri Krishna urges Arjuna to seek true knowledge, clear doubts, and perform his duty in the holy war with the spirit of Karma Yoga.
Conclusion: Shri Krishna has predominantly emphasized the crucial role of one's mental attitude while carrying out their duties. The key points highlighted encompass unwavering devotion to God and detachment from the outcomes of actions. He explains 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.