CH 4, Verse 1

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Chapter 4

Verse 1

 

Atha chaturtho'dhyaayaH.

Chapter 4

 

Jnaana Karma Sa.nnyaasa YogaH

The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Knowledge

 

Shree Bhagavaan uvaacha:

 

ImaM vivasvate yogaM proktavaan aham avyayam /

Vivasvaan Manave praaha Manur Ikshvaakave'braveet //

 

The Blessed Lord said:

 

I told this imperishable yoga to Vivaswat, Vivaswat

told it to Manu and Manu told it to Ikshvaku.

 

LESSONS FROM BHAGAVAD GITA – 28

As taught by Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji

Compiled by: Swami Dattananda

Bhakti Mala, March 1995

 

The fourth chapter is called Jnana Karma Sannyasa

Yoga. It explains in detail about the subtle thought

of action (Karma). Karma sannyasa is not giving up of

actions. It is giving up of the fruits of actions. It

is doing actions without the desire for fruit on

account of the realization of the Truth (Jnana).

 

Every man is bound by his actions, as actions lead to

bondage. And because of that he cannot remain quiet

without doing any action. In fact, he need not give up

actions at all, as there is a device which will enable

him to become free from the bonds of action. He should

perform his actions as a dedication to God, that is,

for the welfare of the world. He should not have any

selfish motive in it. Such a work ensures him freedom

from bondage. Therefore, whatever work a man does, he

should do it without any selfish motive. He should not

have the desire for the enjoyment of its fruits. Such

an action will enable him to remain free from taint.

 

The Lord says at the start of this chapter that the

doctrine of Karma Yoga, combined with Jnana,

(knowledge or wisdom,) is imperishable (Avyayam). It

is valid in all the three times-- past, present and

future.

 

The Lord first imparted this yoga to Vivaswan (the Sun

God,) in the beginning of creation. Vivaswan taught it

to Manu and Manu gave this knowledge to Ikshvaku. The

Lord said, "I told this imperishable yoga to Vivaswat,

Vivaswat told it to Manu and Manu told it to Ikshvaku"

(Chapter 4, Verse 1).

 

This yoga is imperishable because, as long as the

world lasts, work has to be done. So may all work be

done for the good of humanity. Selfless work has the

power to purify the mind, and in the pure mind, the

Self is reflected clearly. This law of Nishkama Karma,

(yoga of selfless action,) holds good till the world

lasts as the direct path to liberation.

 

 

 

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