पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम् ||41||
Therefore, O best of the Bharatas, control the senses first and slay this sinful thing, the destroyer of knowledge and realization.
- Bharatarṣabha: O best of the Bharatas.
- Jñānavijñāna: Knowledge and realization.
- Pāpmānaṁ: Sinful entity.
Krishna advises Arjuna to conquer desire by first controlling the senses. He portrays discipline as essential to spiritual progress, emphasizing that self-mastery begins with curbing sensory impulses.
मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धे: परतस्तु स: ||42||
The senses are superior to the body, the mind is superior to the senses, and the intellect is superior to the mind; the soul is superior to the intellect.
- Parāṇi: Superior or transcendent.
- Indriya: Senses or faculties.
- Buddheḥ: Intellect or understanding.
Krishna teaches a hierarchy of control, where intellect surpasses mind and senses, and self transcends intellect. This structure guides Arjuna to prioritize spiritual wisdom over physical and mental impulses.
जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम् ||43||
Thus knowing the soul to be transcendental to material intelligence, subdue the mind by the intellect and conquer this formidable enemy, desire.
- Durāsadam: Formidable or difficult to overcome.
- Ātmānam: The self or soul.
- Mahābāho: O mighty-armed one.
Krishna advises Arjuna to recognize the self as superior to desires, urging him to conquer lust and anger. By mastering these formidable enemies, Arjuna can achieve liberation, symbolizing the ultimate victory of spirit over passion.
Chapter 4
Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah
विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत् ||1||
The Blessed Lord said: I instructed this imperishable yoga to Vivasvan; Vivasvan conveyed it to Manu; and Manu imparted it to Ikshvaku.
- Vivasvan: The sun god, to whom the yoga was originally imparted.
- Ikshvaku: The son of Manu, a famous king in the solar dynasty.
Krishna begins by tracing the origin of this timeless yoga, emphasizing its sacred transmission from the divine to kings who upheld dharma. This establishes the Gita’s teachings as a continuum of universal wisdom meant for both rulers and saints, underlining the sanctity and ancient lineage of this path.
स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्ट: परन्तप ||2||
Thus received by the chain of disciplic succession, the saintly kings understood it. But, over a long period, this yoga was lost, O Arjuna.
- Parampara: The chain of disciplic succession.
- Rajarsaya: Saintly kings who upheld dharma.
Krishna laments the loss of this ancient wisdom due to the erosion of values over time, hinting at the need for spiritual renewal. This loss is reflective of cycles where materialism overshadows spiritual knowledge, setting the stage for Arjuna to reclaim this wisdom and reestablish dharma in the present era.
भक्तोऽसि मे सखा चेति रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम् ||3||
Today I have declared this ancient yoga to you, for you are my devotee and friend; it is indeed a supreme secret.
- Puratanah: Ancient and eternal knowledge.
- Rahasya: A supreme secret or confidential knowledge.
Krishna reveals why he has chosen Arjuna as the recipient of this sacred knowledge, highlighting both devotion and friendship. This underscores the personal bond and trust necessary for transmitting spiritual insights, illustrating that wisdom is shared with those who are both committed and capable of understanding it.