Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 4 Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah

Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Some offer the prana into the apana, and others the apana into the prana, restraining the paths of prana and apana in pranayama.

अपाने जुह्वति प्राणं प्राणेऽपानं तथापरे |
प्राणापानगती रुद्ध्वा प्राणायामपरायणा: ||29||

Some offer the prana into the apana, and others the apana into the prana, restraining the paths of prana and apana in pranayama.

Pranayama: Breath control practiced in yoga.
Apana: One of the five life forces.

Krishna references pranayama, the practice of breath control, as a form of sacrifice. This analogy teaches Arjuna that control over bodily energies enhances spiritual focus, aligning mind and spirit. By mastering prana, one can achieve balance and concentration, crucial for spiritual realization.

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Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Still others, controlling their diet, offer the functions of all senses into the life force; all these understand the yajna and destroy their sins through sacrifice.

अपरे नियताहारा: प्राणान्प्राणेषु जुह्वति |
सर्वेऽप्येते यज्ञविदो यज्ञक्षपितकल्मषा: ||30||

Still others, controlling their diet, offer the functions of all senses into the life force; all these understand the yajna and destroy their sins through sacrifice.

Yajna-vidah: Knowers of sacrifice.
Kalmasa: Sins or impurities.

Some renounce sensory pleasures, while others balance sustenance as a form of self-offering, Krishna explains. These practices illustrate the importance of moderation and control in the pursuit of higher goals, urging Arjuna to practice discipline even in everyday choices and habits.

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Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Those who eat the remnants of sacrifice go to eternal Brahman; for those who perform no sacrifice, this world is not joyful, let alone the next.

यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम् |
नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतोऽन्य: कुरुसत्तम ||31||

Those who eat the remnants of sacrifice go to eternal Brahman; for those who perform no sacrifice, this world is not joyful, let alone the next.

Amrita: Nectar, often symbolizing immortality.
Sanatanam: Eternal or timeless truth.

Krishna states that those who partake in the remnants of sacrifice attain eternal Brahman, emphasizing the sanctity of disciplined offerings. This instills in Arjuna a sense of reverence for actions dedicated to higher goals, reinforcing that sacrificial living purifies and elevates one’s soul.

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Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Thus, many types of sacrifices are expanded in the Vedas. Know them all to be born of action, and by knowing this, you will be liberated.

एवं बहुविधा यज्ञा वितता ब्रह्मणो मुखे |
कर्मजान्विद्धि तान्सर्वानेवं ज्ञात्वा विमोक्ष्यसे ||32||

Thus, many types of sacrifices are expanded in the Vedas. Know them all to be born of action, and by knowing this, you will be liberated.

Veda: The sacred scriptures of ancient India.
Moksha: Liberation or freedom from rebirth.

Krishna reveals that all sacrifices are products of action, reminding Arjuna of the transformative power of karma. This underlines that even though action is inevitable, aligning it with dharma ensures liberation. Arjuna is thus encouraged to perform his duties with mindfulness and purpose.

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Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Sacrifice through knowledge is better than material sacrifice, O Parantapa; all actions in their entirety culminate in knowledge.

श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञ: परन्तप |
सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते ||33||

Sacrifice through knowledge is better than material sacrifice, O Parantapa; all actions in their entirety culminate in knowledge.

Dravya-yajna: Material sacrifice.
Parantapa: A title for Arjuna, one who scorches enemies.

Krishna ranks knowledge-based sacrifices above material ones, stressing the supremacy of wisdom. This suggests that Arjuna’s journey is not just about physical duties but also about cultivating understanding, reinforcing that spiritual knowledge is essential for transcending the material world.

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Gyana Karma Sannyasa Yogah - Seek that knowledge by approaching wise seers through surrender, inquiry, and service. They will impart knowledge to you.

तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया |
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिन: ||34||

Seek that knowledge by approaching wise seers through surrender, inquiry, and service. They will impart knowledge to you.

Pranipatena: Offering obeisances.
Tattva-darshinah: Those who see the truth.

Krishna advises seeking knowledge through humility and service to wise teachers. This counsel prepares Arjuna to approach life as a student, with reverence for those who can guide him on the path, encouraging a mindset of openness and respect toward knowledge bearers who reveal divine truths.

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यज्ज्ञात्वा न पुनर्मोहमेवं यास्यसि पाण्डव |
येन भूतान्यशेषेण द्रक्ष्यस्यात्मन्यथो मयि ||35||

Having known this, you will never again fall into illusion, O Pandava; by it, you will see all beings in yourself and in me.

Atmani: Within oneself or the inner self.

Attaining true knowledge, Krishna assures, dispels ignorance and reveals oneness with all beings. This profound insight encourages Arjuna to move beyond ego-based dualities, as he learns to view the self and others as interconnected, fostering unity in his quest for dharma.

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