Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Bharata, I manifest myself.
Krishna outlines his role in preserving dharma and combating adharma. This verse implies that divine intervention occurs when society strays from righteousness. By directly intervening, Krishna reassures Arjuna that he is part of a divine plan to restore equilibrium and protect the righteous.
To protect the righteous, annihilate the wicked, and establish dharma, I appear age after age.
Krishna explains his purpose in incarnating across ages—to protect the virtuous and eliminate forces of evil. This establishes the moral underpinning of his actions as purposeful and just, showing that his divine interventions are both preventative and restorative for preserving harmony.
One who knows the transcendental nature of my birth and actions, upon leaving the body, does not take birth again but comes to me, O Arjuna.
Knowing Krishna’s transcendental nature brings liberation, not rebirth. This commentary highlights the transformative power of spiritual understanding and devotion, suggesting that recognizing divine actions as beyond the cycle of karma frees one from attachment to material life and future rebirths.
Freed from attachment, fear, and anger, many have attained my nature through knowledge and penance, having taken shelter in me.
Krishna points to those who have reached his divine state through dedication and inner purification. This emphasizes that attaining his state is not a privilege but an achievable goal for those who conquer fear, anger, and attachment, showcasing the path of inner discipline and self-realization.
As all surrender unto me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows my path in all respects, O Partha.
Krishna declares that he reciprocates the devotion shown to him. This insight into divine reciprocation establishes that spiritual progress is individualized and that one’s approach to the divine is unique, yet ultimately leads back to Krishna, reinforcing the personal nature of the divine relationship.
Those desiring success in their actions in this world worship the gods, for success born of actions is quickly attained.
Krishna observes that some seek material success through worship, emphasizing that worldly accomplishments are temporary. This foreshadows the greater rewards of spiritual pursuit and suggests that while material gains are real, they lack the permanence and fulfillment found in Krishna’s path.
The four divisions of society were created by me according to the differentiation of guna and karma; though I am their creator, know me to be immutable.
By explaining the division of society into four varnas based on guna and karma, Krishna stresses that social roles are divine creations meant for order. He distances himself from the karma-driven outcomes of these roles, implying that one’s duty should be performed without attachment to results.