Bhagavad Gita: 4.15

 

Bhagavad Gita: Verse 4.15 – The Path of Karma Yoga

Sanskrit Verse:

एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः।
कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम्॥ १५॥

Transliteration:

evaṁ jñātvā kṛtaṁ karma pūrvair api mumukṣubhiḥ
kuru karmaiva tasmāt tvaṁ pūrvaiḥ pūrvataraṁ kṛtam

English Translation:

"Having known this, even the ancient seekers of liberation performed actions; therefore, you too should perform your duty, just as those in ancient times did."

" यह जानकर ही मोक्ष के प्राचीन साधकों ने भी कर्म किये हैं; अतः तुम भी प्राचीन काल के लोगों की भाँति अपने-अपने कर्तव्य का पालन करो। "

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Explanation of Verse 4.15

This verse is part of Karma Yoga, where Lord Krishna emphasizes the significance of performing one's duties while being detached from the fruits of action. He tells Arjuna that enlightened beings in the past, knowing the eternal truth, engaged in action without attachment. Hence, Arjuna should follow their example and perform his prescribed duties.

Key Themes:

1. Following the Path of the Wise:

   • Many sages and great beings in the past have followed the path of action with wisdom.
   • The pursuit of liberation (Moksha) does not require abandoning duties but rather performing them with the right understanding.

2. Importance of Karma Yoga:

   • This verse reinforces the idea that work, when done selflessly, purifies the mind.
   • Instead of renouncing action, one should engage in righteous work while surrendering the results to the Divine.

3. Continuation of Tradition:

   • The verse highlights that the spiritual path has been followed by enlightened beings across generations.
   • It is not a new doctrine but an age-old wisdom that should be upheld.

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Relevance in Modern Life

• Work with Detachment: In today’s fast-paced world, people often work with expectations of success and reward. However, Krishna’s teaching advises us to focus on action rather than being overly attached to results.
• Finding Purpose in Action: By performing our duties with sincerity and devotion, we contribute to society and also evolve spiritually.
• Spiritual Legacy: Just as sages followed this wisdom, we too should adopt the attitude of selfless service in our personal and professional lives.

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Conclusion

Verse 4.15 of the Bhagavad Gita teaches us that Karma Yoga is an eternal path followed by seekers of liberation throughout history. It inspires us to act with wisdom, selflessness, and devotion, ensuring that our work becomes a means of spiritual upliftment rather than mere material pursuit.