Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4.2

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 2: Eternal Wisdom Passed Through Discipleship

Sanskrit Verse:

एवं परम्पराप्राप्तम् इमं राजर्षयो विदुः।
स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परन्तप॥ (Bhagavad Gita 4.2)

Transliteration:

Evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
Sa kāleneha mahatā yogo naṣṭaḥ parantapa

Meaning in English:

"This supreme science was thus received through the disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in the course of time, this knowledge was lost, O Arjuna, due to the influence of time."

" इस प्रकार यह परम विद्या गुरु परम्परा के माध्यम से प्राप्त हुई और ऋषिगणों ने इसे उसी प्रकार समझा। किन्तु हे अर्जुन ! काल के प्रभाव से यह ज्ञान लुप्त हो गया। "

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Explanation of the Verse

1. The Tradition of Knowledge Transfer

Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the sacred knowledge of Yoga and Dharma has always been passed down through a Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-disciple lineage). This ensures the purity and authenticity of the teachings. The "Rajarshis" (royal sages) were righteous kings who upheld this divine wisdom and ruled with justice.

2. The Effect of Time on Knowledge

Krishna laments that over time, this knowledge has been lost due to various factors, such as misinterpretation, lack of true seekers, and the decay of righteousness. The distortion of knowledge over time is a natural phenomenon, and it requires a divine intervention to restore the wisdom.

3. Krishna as the Restorer of Dharma

In the next verse (4.3), Krishna mentions that he is reviving this knowledge by imparting it to Arjuna. This is a recurring theme in Hindu philosophy—whenever Dharma declines, divine intervention restores it.

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Relevance in Modern Times

1. Importance of a Disciplined Learning Tradition:

   • In any field—whether spiritual or worldly—knowledge must be preserved and passed down authentically. Today, with misinformation spreading easily, it's crucial to learn from authentic sources.

2. Time Leads to the Distortion of Knowledge:

   • Ancient traditions and philosophies often get diluted or misinterpreted. It's essential to seek the original meanings rather than blindly following corrupted versions.

3. The Role of True Seekers and Teachers:

• Just as the Rajarshis upheld righteousness, modern leaders and educators should take responsibility for preserving true wisdom and guiding society with integrity.

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Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 4.2 emphasizes the importance of Guru-Shishya Parampara, the loss of knowledge over time, and the need to revive it. Krishna reminds us that true wisdom must be passed down responsibly and protected from distortion. By seeking authentic sources and practicing Dharma, we can ensure that this sacred knowledge remains a guiding light for generations to come.