The discussion in the JKYog Bhagavad Gita Online class covered Shlokas from 4.1 to 4.8.
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम् ।
विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत् ।।1।।
śhrī bhagavān uvācha
imaṁ vivasvate yogaṁ proktavān aham avyayam
vivasvān manave prāha manur ikṣhvākave ’bravīt
In a profound exchange, Krishna, the embodiment of the divine, establishes the legitimacy and significance of the knowledge he's about to impart to Arjuna. This wisdom isn't new; it's the eternal science of Yoga, passed down through generations. Imagine a lineage – Krishna teaches it to the Sun God, Vivasvan, who transmits it to Manu, the father of humanity, who, in turn, shares it with Ikshvaku, the first king of a legendary dynasty.
एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदु: ।
स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्ट: परन्तप ।।2।।
evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣhayo viduḥ
sa kāleneha mahatā yogo naṣhṭaḥ parantapa
This knowledge transfer highlights a crucial point: spiritual wisdom comes from a Guru (teacher), ultimately tracing back to the divine source, God himself. However, this knowledge can become obscured over time. Disciples with materialistic or impure intentions might misinterpret the teachings.
स एवायं मया तेऽद्य योग: प्रोक्त: पुरातन: ।
भक्तोऽसि मे सखा चेति रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम् ।।3।।
sa evāyaṁ mayā te ’dya yogaḥ proktaḥ purātanaḥ
bhakto ’si me sakhā cheti rahasyaṁ hyetad uttamam
Krishna reveals that this ancient science is a cherished secret, not because it's hidden, but because it requires a specific quality for comprehension—devotion. True devotion dissolves the subtle envy we might harbour toward the divine, allowing us to embrace our role as humble servants of God.
अर्जुन उवाच ।
अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वत: ।
कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति ।।4।।
arjuna uvācha
aparaṁ bhavato janma paraṁ janma vivasvataḥ
katham etad vijānīyāṁ tvam ādau proktavān iti
Arjuna, however, is confused. He questions Krishna's claim of having taught this knowledge to Vivasvan in the distant past. Here, Krishna unveils his divine nature. Unlike ordinary humans, God, in his infinite wisdom, can descend into the material world. This descent doesn't diminish his divine qualities; it's a testament to his everlasting presence and commitment to creation.
The concept of a God with a form might be puzzling to some. We might find comfort in the formless, all-pervading nature of the divine. But God's power allows him to manifest a form if he chooses. 'Formless God' is an incomplete picture. God exists as both the formless Brahman and the personal God, these being different dimensions of his being. His divine energy, Yogmaya, creates his form, which is perfect and beyond material limitations.
When injustice rises, the Creator steps in. These manifestations of God, known as Avatars, restore balance by defeating evil and re-establishing dharma, the righteous order. These Avatar serve three purposes:
- Eradicating Evil: Sometimes, liberated souls play along, pretending to be evil figures to assist God's divine plan. Think of Ravan and Kumbhakarna, who were Jaya and Vijaya in disguise.
- Protecting the Pious: God's Avatar allows deserving souls (Adhikari Jeev) who diligently practice spirituality to experience his presence directly.
- Establishing Dharma: Avatars like Krishna establish the path of devotion by offering humanity his names, forms, stories, virtues, and divine associates. These serve as tools for purifying our minds through devotion (bhakti).
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 8.06.2024
