Jnana-Karma-Sanyasa Yoga

श्रीभगवानुवाच । इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम् विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत् ॥ ...

Lord Krishna continued: I taught this immortal, everlasting “Yoga faction” (Karmayoga) to the Sun God Vivaswan.Vivaswan taught this knowledge to his son Manu and Manu taught this knowledge to his son Ikswaku.

एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदुः । स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परन्तप ॥ ४.२ ॥

By handing down this knowledge of Yoga from generation to generation this knowledge slowly deteriorated, and finally disappeared.

स एवायं मया तेऽद्य योगः प्रोक्तः पुरातनः । भक्तोऽसि मे सखा चेति रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम् ॥ ४.३ ॥

O Arjuna, I reveal this ancient and most important secret of Yoga unto you because you are My dear devotee and friend.

अर्जुन उवाच । अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वतः कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति ॥ ४.४ ॥

Arjuna asked Lord Krishna: Dear Lord, your birth on earth is very recent. The Sun however, took birth an extremely long time ago. I find it difficult then to understand how you could have told this ancient secret to Vivaswan the Sun God.

श्रीभगवानुवाच । बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप ॥ ४....

The Lord looked upon Arjuna and replied: Arjuna, the answer to your question is simple. You are forgetting, O Son of Kunti, the both you and I have taken many births in this world together. However, only I, Lord, can remember this; you cannot.

अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन् । प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय संभवाम्यात्ममायया ॥ ४.६ ॥

O Arjuna, although birth and death do not exist for Me, since I am the immortal Lord, I appear on earth, by my Divine powers and ability, keeping My nature (Maya) under control.

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत । अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥ ४.७ ॥

The Lord declared solemnly unto Arjuna: O Arjuna, whenever good is overcome by evil, or whenever evil manifests itself throughout the world in such a way that good no longer exists. I will always appear on earth.

परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् । धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥ ४.८ ॥

O Arjuna, I appear on earth from time to time for three main purposes. The first is for the protection and preservation of all that represents good, and of all those pure and saintly people on earth. The second purpose for which I appear on earth is for the destruction and removed and wrong-doers. The third purpose is, of course, for the establishment and creation (or recreation) of Dharma (Righteousness or reinstating moral values among people on earth.)

जन्म कर्म च मे दिव्यमेवं यो वेत्ति तत्त्वतः । त्यक्त्वा देहं पुनर्जन्म नैति मामेति सोऽर्जुन ॥ ४.९ ॥

O Arjuna, I was born divinely, all my action (Karma) are divine. The one who knows and understands this fully in reality, is not born again after leaving the body. He comes to me in Heaven for eternity.

वीतरागभयक्रोधा मन्मया मामुपाश्रिताः । बहवो ज्ञानतपसा पूता मद्भावमागताः ॥ ४.१० ॥

O Arjuna, if one really to seek refuge and be one with Me, he must totally free himself from passion, fear and anger, seek my protection only, and purify himself with the fire of Gyan (knowledge). If one manages to accomplish these thing, he will be able to become one with Me in mind and body.

ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम् । मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः ॥ ४.११ ॥

O Arjuna, those people who love, trust and worship Me receive the same love, trust and worship from Me. All wise men follow Me in all respects. They follow my every path.

काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणां सिद्धिं यजन्त इह देवताः । क्षिप्रं हि मानुषे लोके सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा ॥ ४.१२ ॥

O Arjuna, those who do actions or Karma for the fulfillment of their desires and goals and those who worship deities (gods and god desses) for their prosperity, they will undobtedly achieve success quickly.

चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागशः । तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् ॥ ४.१३ ॥

The fourfold-caste has been created by Me according to the differentiation of GUNA an d KARMA; though I am the author thereof know Me as non-doer and immutable.

न मां कर्माणि लिम्पन्ति न मे कर्मफले स्पृहा । इति मां योऽभिजानाति कर्मभिर्न स बध्यते ॥ ४.१४ ॥

The Lord continued: O Arjuna, since I, the immortal Lord, have no cravings for the fruits of action, I do not desire the reward of Karma. Therefore those who know me well are not affected or bound by Karma (action).

एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः । कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम् ॥ ४.१...

The Lord continued:O Arjuna, ancient wise men who were searching for salvation in me, knew the facts well. However they even performed actions. Therefore O Arjuna, continue performing your actions doing your Karma as your ancestors once did in the past.

किं कर्म किमकर्मेति कवयोऽप्यत्र मोहिताः । तत्ते कर्म प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् ॥ ४....

Even the wise men are confused about Karma (action) and Akarma (inaction). I shall now explain to you the truth about Karma. Knowing the truth, O Arjuna, you will be released from the bondage of Karma.

कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मणः । अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः ॥ ४.१७ ॥

One should know the principle of Karma (action) Akarma (inaction) and forbidden Karma, (forbidden action). The philosophy behind Karma is very deep and mysterious. So listen closely.

कर्मण्यकर्म यः पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म यः । स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्तः कृत्स्नकर्मकृत् ॥ ४.१८ ॥

One who sees action (Karma) in inaction (Akarma), and inaction in action, is a wise man and a great sage. That man who has accomplished all actions is a Yogi.

यस्य सर्वे समारम्भाः कामसंकल्पवर्जिताः । ज्ञानाग्निदग्धकर्माणं तमाहुः पण्डितं बुधाः ॥ ४.१९ ॥

One who does all Karma without desire or attachment for the fruits of his Karma and one whose actions are burnt up in the of Gyan or wisdom, is regarded by even the wise men as a sage.

त्यक्त्वा कर्मफलासङ्गं नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयः । कर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्तोऽपि नैव किंचित्करोति सः ॥ ४.२० ॥

The Lord proclaimed: He who is totally unattached to the rewards of action, is forever happy and satisfied, who depends on nobody in this world, and is constantly involved in action, is really performing no action at all.

निराशीर्यतचित्तात्मा त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः । शारीरं केवलं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥ ४.२१ ॥

That person, O Arjuna, who has conquered his body and mind, who has given up all enjoyments and pleasures of the world, and who performs action only for the sake of maintaining his body, does not encounter or subiect himself to sin.

यदृच्छालाभसंतुष्टो द्वन्द्वातीतो विमत्सरः । समः सिद्धावसिद्धौ च कृत्वापि न निबध्यते ॥ ४.२२ ॥

A person who is content with what he has who has no feeling of desire for other things, or uncertainty of any type, who has shed his envious feelings and who is above all even-minded in success and failure, such a person is no longer bound by Karma even if he still performs Karma.

गतसङ्गस्य मुक्तस्य ज्ञानावस्थितचेतसः । यज्ञायाचरतः कर्म समग्रं प्रविलीयते ॥ ४.२३ ॥

Lord Krishna continued: A person who has no attachment to anything whatsoever in this world, whose heart is set on acquiring Gyan (wisdom), who works for the sake of sacrifice, and is a totally liberated person from the world, all actions for this person melt away and are meaningless.

ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम् । ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना ॥ ४.२...

The offerings in a sacrifice are Brahma (God), the sacrificial fire is Brahma (God), the one who performs the sacrifice is Brahma, the sacrifice itself is Brahma, the person performing the action of sacrifice is placed in Brahma and will reach Brahma, the ultimate goal of sacrifice.

दैवमेवापरे यज्ञं योगिनः पर्युपासते । ब्रह्माग्नावपरे यज्ञं यज्ञेनैवोपजुह्वति ॥ ४.२५ ॥

The Lord continued: Some Yogis prefer to perform sacrifice through the worship of deities (gods and god esses): other Yogis perform sacrifice to Brahma in the form of fire.

श्रोत्रादीनीन्द्रियाण्यन्ये संयमाग्निषु जुह्वति । शब्दादीन्विषयानन्य इन्द्रियाग्निषु जुह्वति ॥ ४.२६...

Some offer, in the fire of self-control, one of their senses such as their hearing. (This signifies that the signifies has no attachment to any of his senses.)Others offer sensual objects (objects of perception), such as sound, in the fire of controlled senses.Signifying that the sacrificer has the will-power and restraint not to let his senses be influenced by evil, sin, or sensual objects of destruction.

सर्वाणीन्द्रियकर्माणि प्राणकर्माणि चापरे । आत्मसंयमयोगाग्नौ जुह्वति ज्ञानदीपिते ॥ ४.२७ ॥

Some Yogis sacrifice all the functions of their senses ans all their vital functions of life, into the fire of Yoga, in the shape of self control, which is kindled by Gyan (wisdom). (This signifies the sacrificer’s one-mindedness with the Lord, the Supreme Goal).

द्रव्ययज्ञास्तपोयज्ञा योगयज्ञास्तथापरे । स्वाध्यायज्ञानयज्ञाश्च यतयः संशितव्रताः ॥ ४.२८ ॥

Sacrifices come in many forms. Giving away material wealth for charity is a sacrifice. Austerity is a sacrifice. Yoga is a sacrifice. Making vows and promises involve sacrifice. Even self-study is a sacrifice.

अपाने जुह्वति प्राणं प्राणेऽपानं तथापरे प्राणापानगती रुद्ध्वा प्राणायामपरायणाः अपरे नियताहाराः प्र...

Other Yogis (wise men) perform sacrifice by controlling the amount of breaths they take. By holding in their breath for a long periond of time whilepronouncing My name, they increase their life’s longevity. This act is known as PRANAYAM.Others perform sacrifice by controlling what they eat,(fasting). Those whose sins have been destroyed by sacrifice, understand the power and importance of sacrifice.

सर्वेऽप्येते यज्ञविदो यज्ञक्षपितकल्मषाः । यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम् ॥ ४.३० ॥

Other Yogis (wise men) perform sacrifice by controlling the amount of breaths they take. By holding in their breath for a long periond of time whilepronouncing My name, they increase their life’s longevity. This act is known as PRANAYAM.Others perform sacrifice by controlling what they eat,(fasting). Those whose sins have been destroyed by sacrifice, understand the power and importance of sacrifice.

नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतोऽन्यः कुरुसत्तम ॥ ४.३१ ॥

O Arjuna, only those people who have sacrificed to achieve wisdom and knowledge of Gyan, go to Brahma, (the creator of all beings and God of Wisdom in the World). Without performing some sort of sacrifice in life, one cannot possibly remain happy in this world, not to mention the afterworl

एवं बहुविधा यज्ञा वितता ब्रह्मणो मुखे । कर्मजान्विद्धि तान्सर्वानेवं ज्ञात्वा विमोक्ष्यसे ॥ ४.३२ ॥

The Lord continued:O Arjuna, many sacrifices are mentioned extensively throughout the Vedas. All of these sacrifices involve some sort of action or Karma to be performed. With this knowledge in mind, you will achieve the state of unattached Karma, or action done without the expectation of any results.

श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञः परन्तप । सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते ॥ ४.३३ ॥

O Arjuna, sacrifice of wisdom (Gyan) is always better than sacrifice of material objects because all actions end with Gyan.

तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया । उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः ॥ ४.३४ ॥

The Lord advised:O Arjuna, learn the principles of Gyan and ask questions about Gyan respectfully and with determination, from those who fully understand the principles of Gyan. Thay will explain “Gyan” to you. Knowing Gyan, you will never be in the confused state as you are in now.

यज्ज्ञात्वा न पुनर्मोहमेवं यास्यसि पाण्डव । येन भूतान्यशेषेण द्रक्ष्यस्यात्मन्यथो मयि ॥ ४.३५ ॥

The Lord continued:O Arjuna, through Gyan, you will see all beings within yourself, and thereafter, all beings in Me.

अपि चेदसि पापेभ्यः सर्वेभ्यः पापकृत्तमः । सर्वं ज्ञानप्लवेनैव वृजिनं सन्तरिष्यसि ॥ ४.३६ ॥

O Arjuna, even if you are the greatest sinner in the world, this river of sins can be crossed with the boat of Gyan.

यथैधांसि समिद्धोऽग्निर्भस्मसात्कुरुतेऽर्जुन । ज्ञानाग्निः सर्वकर्माणि भस्मसात्कुरुते तथा ॥ ४.३७ ॥

O Arjuna, as the burnig fire reduces fuel to ashes, in this same way, Karma (attached Karma binding a person to the material world), is burnt down with the fire of Gyan.

न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते । तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ॥ ४.३८ ॥

In this world, O Arjuna, there is no greater purifier than Gyan or wisdom itself. The person who has mastered Yoga to perfection feels wisdom in his soul at the proper time.

श्रद्धावाँल्लभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेन्द्रियः । ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शान्तिमचिरेणाधिगच्छति ॥ ४.३९ ॥

To abtain Gyan, one must conquer the senses, and develop a real devotion and faith towards the Lord. When one obtains Gyan, he has discovered the key to Supreme peace.

अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति । नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः ॥ ४.४० ॥

If a person is ignorant of the Knowledge of God, the person who lacks faith in God and the one who is full of doubts in his own self, will undoubtedly be destroyed. If one has doubts, he can never achieve peace and Bliss in the world, nor in the after-world.

योगसंन्यस्तकर्माणं ज्ञानसंछिन्नसंशयम् । आत्मवन्तं न कर्माणि निबध्नन्ति धनंजय ॥ ४.४१ ॥

One who has rid himself of attached Karma by practising Yoga and one who has rid himself of doubts by achieving Gyan, he is a self-realized person and is not bound by attached Karma.

तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनात्मनः । छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत ॥ ४.४२ ॥

Hence, be established in yoga by cutting the ignorance born doubt about the self with the sword of knowledge. Stand up, O Bharata.