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Bhagavad Gita – Chapter 4: Jnana Yoga (The Path of Divine Knowledge)

The Eternal Wisdom of the Divine

Lord Krishna said:

“This eternal yoga of knowledge I first imparted to the Sun God (Vivasvan). He transmitted it to Manu, and Manu passed it on to Ikshvaku.
But, O Arjuna, over the course of time, this supreme science was lost to the world.”

Hearing this, Arjuna asked with curiosity and humility:

“O Krishna! The Sun God existed long before us. How can I understand that You, who are born in this age, taught this sacred wisdom to him?”

The Blessed Lord smiled and replied:

“Arjuna, both you and I have passed through many births. I know them all — you do not.
Though I am unborn, imperishable, and the Lord of all beings, yet, by My divine energy (Maya), I appear age after age.”

The Purpose of Divine Incarnation

“Whenever righteousness (Dharma) declines and unrighteousness (Adharma) rises, I manifest Myself.
To protect the virtuous, to destroy the wicked, and to reestablish Dharma — I appear in every age.”

“One who truly understands the divine nature of My appearance and activities, upon leaving this body, does not take birth again. Such a soul comes to Me, O Arjuna.”

Those who free themselves from attachment, fear, anger, and who, filled with devotion, contemplate Me — they attain Me alone.

The Way of Devotion and Knowledge

“However men worship Me, I bless them accordingly. O Arjuna, all people follow My path in one way or another.
Those who desire the fruits of their actions receive them quickly in this world, but the wise seek only union with Me.”

“The four divisions of human society were created by Me according to the distinctions of qualities (Guna) and actions (Karma).
Know that though I am their creator, I am beyond action — untouched by all works.”

“One who performs duties without attachment, seeking no reward, is not bound by karma.
The wise, understanding this, perform all actions selflessly, offering them to the Supreme.”

Understanding Action and Inaction

“Now listen, Arjuna, and I will explain to you what action (Karma), inaction (Akarma), and forbidden action (Vikarma) are — for the path of action is profound and difficult to grasp.”

“He who sees inaction in action and action in inaction — such a person is truly wise.
Free from selfish desires, devoid of ego, and whose actions are burned by the fire of knowledge — he is called a sage.”

“He who performs his duties without attachment, who is even-minded in success and failure, free from jealousy and doubt — such a person is not bound by his actions.”

“One who works only for the pleasure of the Lord is not affected even by his past deeds (Prarabdha Karma).”

The Many Paths of Yajna (Sacrifice)

“In reality, all sacrifices are forms of divine offering — for the giver, the receiver, the act of giving, and the object given are all manifestations of Brahman (the Absolute).”

“Some offer the self into the fire of the Self — practicing meditation.
Others offer their senses into the fire of restraint.
Some offer objects of sense into the fire of the senses.
Others, controlling the movement of breath, offer Prana into Apana and Apana into Prana, achieving mastery over their life force.”

“Some offer material wealth in sacrifice (Dravya Yajna), some practice austerities (Tapa Yajna), others engage in breath control (Pranayama Yajna), and still others study the Vedas (Swadhyaya Yajna).
Through these various forms of sacrifice, they destroy their sins.

The remnants of sacrifice are like nectar — those who partake of it attain liberation.
But one who performs no sacrifice enjoys neither happiness in this world nor the next.”

The Path of Knowledge and Wisdom

“Approach the wise with humility, inquiry, and service. Those who have realized the Truth will impart to you divine knowledge.”

“When you acquire true wisdom, you will see all beings in yourself and yourself in all beings — and thus you will never fall into illusion again.”

“Even if you are the worst of sinners, by the raft of knowledge you can cross over the ocean of worldly existence.”

“As fire reduces wood to ashes, so does the fire of knowledge burn all karma to nothingness.
Nothing in this world is as pure and sacred as divine knowledge. He who is perfected in yoga realizes this truth within himself.”

“He who has faith, devotion, and mastery over his senses attains knowledge. With knowledge comes supreme peace.”

“But the ignorant, the faithless, and the doubting perish.
Such souls find neither this world nor the next — they live in misery and confusion.”

“Therefore, O Arjuna, destroy all doubts in your heart through the sword of knowledge, and take refuge in yoga.
Arise, and act in the spirit of devotion.”

Essence of Jnana Yoga (Chapter 4 Summary)

• Knowledge is the purifier of all impurities.
• True wisdom sees the Divine in all beings.
• Action done in the spirit of service is freedom, not bondage.
• Faith, humility, and inquiry lead to realization.
• The fire of knowledge burns away all karma.
• The Lord Himself guides and protects those who seek Him sincerely.

Om Tat Sat — Thus ends the Fourth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, entitled “Jnana Yoga – The Path of Divine Knowledge.”

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