Bhagavad Gita 4.1

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 1: The Eternal Knowledge of Yoga

Sanskrit Verse:

श्रीभगवानुवाच |
इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम् |
विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत् || 4.1 ||

Transliteration:

śrī-bhagavān uvāca
imaṁ vivasvate yogaṁ proktavān aham avyayam
vivasvān manave prāha manur ikṣvākave ’bravīt

English Translation:

The Supreme Lord said: "I taught this eternal and imperishable Yoga to Vivasvan (the Sun God); Vivasvan passed it on to Manu (the father of mankind), and Manu imparted it to Ikshvaku (the first king of the solar dynasty)."

परमेश्वर ने कहा: "मैंने इस शाश्वत और अविनाशी योग को विवस्वान (सूर्य देव) को सिखाया; विवस्वान ने इसे मनु (मानव जाति के पिता) को दिया, और मनु ने इसे इक्ष्वाकु (सूर्य वंश के प्रथम राजा) को प्रदान किया।"

---

Explanation & Significance

This verse marks the beginning of Chapter 4 (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga – The Path of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action). Lord Krishna reveals that the knowledge of Karma Yoga is not new but has been passed down from ancient times.

Key Insights:

1. Yoga as Eternal Wisdom: Krishna describes Yoga as an eternal and imperishable truth, meaning it is timeless and not limited to any era or culture.
2. Guru-Shishya Tradition: The knowledge of Bhagavad Gita was passed down through parampara (a disciplic succession), ensuring its authenticity.
3. The Solar Dynasty's Role: Vivasvan (Sun God) taught it to Manu (first human lawgiver), who then passed it to King Ikshvaku. This shows how spiritual wisdom was once central to ruling dynasties.
4. Importance of Proper Transmission: When the disciplic succession breaks, knowledge gets distorted. Krishna later explains (Verse 4.2) that due to the loss of this lineage, He is reviving it by teaching Arjuna.

---

Relevance in Modern Life

• Spiritual Knowledge Must Be Preserved: Just like in ancient times, wisdom should be passed down authentically through true spiritual masters.
• The Science of Action (Karma Yoga): The Gita’s teachings are universal—they guide us on how to perform duties selflessly and with devotion.
• Leadership & Wisdom: Just as kings and leaders of ancient times were expected to uphold Dharma, today’s leaders must also lead with wisdom and righteousness.

---

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 4.1 reminds us that the knowledge of Yoga and Dharma is not just for monks or saints but has been the guiding principle for kings, warriors, and householders throughout history. It emphasizes the importance of receiving knowledge from an authentic source and practicing it in daily life.