Bhagavad Gita: 4.4

 

Understanding Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 4, Verse 4

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, is a philosophical dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. In Chapter 4, known as the Jñāna Karma Sannyāsa Yoga (The Path of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action), Krishna explains the divine knowledge of yoga and how it has been passed down through ages.

One important verse from this chapter is 4.4, where Arjuna, in a state of confusion, asks Krishna about the transmission of this eternal wisdom.

Sanskrit Verse (Bhagavad Gita 4.4)

अर्जुन उवाच |
अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वतः |
कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति ||

Transliteration

arjuna uvāca |
aparaṁ bhavato janma paraṁ janma vivasvataḥ |
katham etad vijānīyāṁ tvam ādau proktavān iti ||

English Translation

Arjuna said:
"Your birth is recent, whereas the birth of Vivasvan (the sun god) happened long ago. How am I to understand that you taught this yoga in the beginning?"

अर्जुन ने कहा: "आपका जन्म तो अभी हुआ है, जबकि विवस्वान (सूर्यदेव) का जन्म तो बहुत पहले हुआ था। मैं कैसे समझूँ कि आपने ही आदि में यह योग सिखाया था ?"

Context and Meaning

In this verse, Arjuna expresses doubt about Krishna's statement that He originally imparted this knowledge to Vivasvan (the Sun God). Arjuna sees Krishna as his friend and contemporary, so he questions how Krishna, who appears to have been born recently, could have taught someone who existed ages ago.

This question provides Krishna with the opportunity to reveal His divine nature. In the next verse (4.5), Krishna explains that He has taken many births but remains aware of all of them, unlike ordinary beings. This hints at Krishna's eternal and divine existence beyond time and space.

Philosophical Significance

1. Time and Eternity: Arjuna’s question reflects the human perception of time as linear, whereas Krishna, as the Supreme Being, transcends time and can incarnate whenever necessary.
2. Divine Knowledge: The verse highlights how spiritual wisdom is eternal and is periodically revealed to restore dharma (righteousness).
3. Faith and Understanding: Arjuna’s doubt represents the human tendency to question divine truths. His skepticism leads to deeper revelations from Krishna, emphasizing the need for faith and a broader perspective.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 4.4 serves as a pivotal moment in the dialogue, leading to Krishna’s revelation about His divine nature. It teaches us that divine wisdom is beyond human constraints of time and that spiritual knowledge is eternal, passed down through divine intervention whenever the world needs it.