BHAGAVAD-GITA 4:15

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BHAGAVAD-GITA 4:15

 

evam jnatva krtam karma

purvair api mumuksubhih

kuru karmaiva tasmat tvam

purvaih purvataram krtam

 

WORD FOR WORD

 

evam--thus; jnatva--knowing well; krtam--was performed; karma--work;

purvaih--by past authorities; api--indeed; mumuksubhih--who attained

liberation; kuru--just perform; karma--prescribed duty;

eva--certainly; tasmat--therefore; tvam--you; purvaih--by the

predecessors; purva-taram--in ancient times; krtam--as performed.

 

TRANSLATION

 

All the liberated souls in ancient times acted with this understanding

of My transcendental nature. Therefore you should perform your duty,

following in their footsteps.

 

PURPORT

 

There are two classes of men. Some of them are full of polluted

material things within their hearts, and some of them are materially

free. Krsna consciousness is equally beneficial for both of these

persons. Those who are full of dirty things can take to the line of

Krsna consciousness for a gradual cleansing process, following the

regulative principles of devotional service. Those who are already

cleansed of the impurities may continue to act in the same Krsna

consciousness so that others may follow their exemplary activities and

thereby be benefited. Foolish persons or neophytes in Krsna

consciousness often want to retire from activities without having

knowledge of Krsna consciousness. Arjuna's desire to retire from

activities on the battlefield was not approved by the Lord. One need

only know how to act. To retire from the activities of Krsna

consciousness and to sit aloof making a show of Krsna consciousness is

less important than actually engaging in the field of activities for

the sake of Krsna. Arjuna is here advised to act in Krsna

consciousness, following in the footsteps of the Lord's previous

disciples, such as the sun-god Vivasvan, as mentioned hereinbefore.

The Supreme Lord knows all His past activities, as well as those of

persons who acted in Krsna consciousness in the past. Therefore He

recommends the acts of the sun-god, who learned this art from the Lord

some millions of years before. All such students of Lord Krsna are

mentioned here as past liberated persons, engaged in the discharge of

duties allotted by Krsna.

 

Copyright 1983 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with

permission.