The story · Kṛṣṇa originally instructs Vivasvān; Karṇa is later born through Kuntī’s invocation of Sūrya.
Background only: the Gītā verses below mention the people involved, but don't tell this story themselves.
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Chapter4
Jñāna-yoga · 42 verses
Transcendental Knowledge
Knowing Kṛṣṇa and acting in devotional service frees one from reactions to work.
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Verse notes
Every verse in simple words, from Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Tap a verse to study it in depth.
BG 4.1Knowledge Passed Down from Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa taught this eternal science of yoga to Vivasvān, who taught Manu, who then taught Ikṣvāku.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Gītā comes from the Supreme Lord and must be received through the line of teachers and disciples.
- Study the Gītā as it is to develop spiritual knowledge of your eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa.
BG 4.2Receiving the Gītā As It Is
Study this verse- Saintly kings received this supreme science through a chain of teachers. When that chain broke, the science as it is appeared lost.
- Prabhupāda explains that personal interpretations hide the Gītā’s purpose, and many scholars reject Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Study the Gītā as received through the authorized chain of teachers, rather than through personal speculation.
BG 4.3Understanding Through Devotion
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna this ancient science of relationship with the Supreme because Arjuna is His devotee and friend.
- Prabhupāda explains that genuine Gītā commentaries follow Arjuna, who accepts Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Follow the disciplic succession from Arjuna and avoid commentaries that misrepresent Kṛṣṇa.
BG 4.4Arjuna Asks for Others
Study this verse- Arjuna asks how Kṛṣṇa taught this science to Vivasvān, the sun-god, who was born before Him.
- Prabhupāda explains that Arjuna knows Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and asks for those who doubt Him.
- Learn about Kṛṣṇa by welcoming His own words about Himself, as devotees do.
BG 4.5Kṛṣṇa Remembers Every Birth
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says that He and Arjuna have passed through many births. Kṛṣṇa remembers them all, but Arjuna cannot.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa never forgets or changes His eternal spiritual body. Even a liberated soul like Arjuna can never equal Him.
- Seek to understand Kṛṣṇa through pure devotion, not study alone. His devotees understand Him by His grace.
BG 4.6Kṛṣṇa’s Eternal Form
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is unborn and Lord of all living beings. By His internal energy, He appears in every millennium in His original form, which never deteriorates.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa never changes bodies like ordinary souls. His body is eternal, untouched by material nature, and always youthful.
- Concentrate on Kṛṣṇa’s eternal form as described, rather than imagining a form for Him.
BG 4.7Why the Lord Appears
Study this verse- The Lord descends whenever and wherever religious practice declines and irreligion becomes strong.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Lord appears freely in His eternal form to awaken Kṛṣṇa consciousness everywhere.
- Follow the Bhagavad-gītā’s highest religious principle: surrender to the Lord alone.
BG 4.8Why Kṛṣṇa Appears
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa appears millennium after millennium to deliver the pious, destroy wrongdoers, and restore the principles of religion.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa’s main purpose in appearing is to comfort and satisfy His pure devotees.
- Value full devotion to Kṛṣṇa, not merely education or outward appearance, as the mark of a holy person.
BG 4.9Knowing Kṛṣṇa Ends Rebirth
Study this verse- One who truly knows Kṛṣṇa’s divine appearance and activities reaches His eternal abode after death, without taking birth here again.
- Prabhupāda explains that a faithful devotee who understands Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead is freed from material bondage.
- Develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness with faith and knowledge, accepting His teachings rather than relying on speculation.
BG 4.10Taking Shelter of Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Many people became free from attachment, fear and anger by taking shelter of Kṛṣṇa and becoming absorbed in Him. Knowledge of Him purified them, and they attained love for Him.
- Prabhupāda explains that devotional service under a genuine spiritual master's guidance gradually frees us from material attachment and leads to pure love for Kṛṣṇa.
- Take shelter of Kṛṣṇa and follow the practices of devotional life under a genuine spiritual master's guidance.
BG 4.11Kṛṣṇa Responds to Surrender
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa rewards everyone according to how they surrender to Him. Everyone follows His path.
- Prabhupāda explains that only pure devotees fully realize Kṛṣṇa and enjoy personally serving Him with love.
- Whatever your desires, make every effort to worship Kṛṣṇa, for complete perfection in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 4.12Quick Results Are Temporary
Study this verse- People worship demigods because they want success in work for material rewards, and they get results quickly.
- Prabhupāda explains that demigods serve under Kṛṣṇa, the one Supreme God. Their gifts are material and temporary.
- Seek Kṛṣṇa consciousness rather than temporary rewards, for it offers a permanent solution to material suffering.
BG 4.13Kṛṣṇa Creates the Social Divisions
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa creates society’s four divisions according to the modes of material nature and related work. Yet He remains unchanging, the nondoer.
- Prabhupāda explains that these divisions help people develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Kṛṣṇa Himself is not bound by any division.
- Develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which raises a person above all divisions of human society.
BG 4.14The Lord Is Beyond Karma
Study this verse- The Lord is unaffected by work and does not desire its rewards. One who understands this is also free from work’s binding reactions.
- Prabhupāda explains that the Lord provides facilities for action, but living beings are responsible for their own acts and their results.
- Seek to understand the Lord’s spiritual nature. One who truly knows Him is liberated and firmly fixed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 4.15Follow the Liberated Souls
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna to do his duty, following past liberated souls who understood His transcendental nature.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa consciousness cleanses impure hearts, while those already purified act to set an example for others.
- Do your duty for Kṛṣṇa rather than withdraw from activity and merely make a show of devotion.
BG 4.16Understanding Action and Inaction
Study this verse- Even intelligent people are confused about action and inaction. Kṛṣṇa promises to explain action so that one can be freed from all misfortune.
- Prabhupāda explains that only action in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, guided by authorized teachers in disciplic succession, frees one from material bondage.
- Follow the example of previous genuine devotees rather than inventing your own religious principles.
BG 4.17Understanding Action and Inaction
Study this verse- Action is hard to understand. We must know the difference between action, forbidden action, and inaction.
- Prabhupāda explains that every living being is the Lord’s eternal servant and should therefore act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Learn from authorities in Kṛṣṇa consciousness to understand these distinctions properly.
BG 4.18Action Without Karmic Reactions
Study this verse- One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is intelligent and transcendental, even while busy with many activities.
- Prabhupāda explains that work done for Kṛṣṇa brings no karmic reactions. This is called akarma.
- Act as Kṛṣṇa’s eternal servant, working for Him rather than for personal sense pleasure.
BG 4.19The Fire of Perfect Knowledge
Study this verse- Sages say a person in full knowledge works without desire for sense pleasure, and the reactions of work are burned away.
- Prabhupāda explains that this knowledge means knowing oneself as the eternal servant of the Supreme Lord in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Develop the understanding that you are the Lord’s eternal servant, and work without seeking sense pleasure.
BG 4.20Acting Without Attachment
Study this verse- One who gives up attachment to results remains satisfied and independent, acting without seeking personal rewards.
- Prabhupāda explains that freedom from reactions is possible only by doing everything for Kṛṣṇa out of pure love.
- Do your duty to the best of your ability, leaving the results and your care to Kṛṣṇa.
BG 4.21Working Without Claiming Ownership
Study this verse- A person of understanding controls mind and intelligence, gives up claims of ownership, and works only for basic needs, without sinful reactions.
- Prabhupāda explains that a Kṛṣṇa conscious person acts according to the Supreme’s desire and maintains the body for loving service to the Lord.
- Work honestly for basic needs, keeping yourself fit to serve the Lord rather than seeking personal sense pleasure.
BG 4.22Contentment in Kṛṣṇa’s Service
Study this verse- One who is content with gains that come naturally, free from duality and envy, and steady in success and failure is not bound by action.
- Prabhupāda explains that a Kṛṣṇa conscious person works honestly, accepts what comes, and acts to satisfy Kṛṣṇa despite happiness or distress.
- Work honestly, be satisfied with what you obtain, and do not let other work hinder your service to Kṛṣṇa.
BG 4.23Work for Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- The work of one free from attachment to the material modes and fully established in spiritual knowledge merges into transcendence.
- Prabhupāda explains that a fully Kṛṣṇa conscious person works only for Kṛṣṇa. Such work is sacrifice and brings no material reactions.
- Aim to satisfy Kṛṣṇa through your work.
BG 4.24Activities in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
Study this verse- A person fully absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is sure to reach the spiritual kingdom through spiritual activities.
- Prabhupāda explains that activities done only to satisfy Kṛṣṇa become spiritual, including the offering, the performer and the result.
- Perform your activities for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction, keeping your mind absorbed in Him.
BG 4.25The Purpose of Sacrifice
Study this verse- Some yogīs offer sacrifices to worship demigods; others offer sacrifices in the fire of the Supreme Brahman.
- Prabhupāda explains that sacrifice truly means satisfying the Supreme Lord. One who offers everything to Kṛṣṇa is a first-class yogī and remains an individual.
- Offer your possessions and yourself for Kṛṣṇa’s satisfaction, rather than for temporary material happiness.
BG 4.26Sacrifice Through Sense Control
Study this verse- Students offer hearing and the senses into the fire of mental control; regulated householders offer sense objects into the fire of the senses.
- Prabhupāda explains that all four orders of human life aim at spiritual perfection through restraint, rather than sense pleasure.
- Engage your hearing in the Lord’s glories and the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa.
BG 4.27Controlling the Mind and Senses
Study this verse- Some seek self-realization by offering all sense activities and the life breath into the fire of the controlled mind.
- Prabhupāda explains that Patañjali’s yoga teaches control of the body’s airs to purify the soul of material attachment.
- Direct the activities of your senses toward self-realization rather than sense enjoyment.
BG 4.28Different Forms of Sacrifice
Study this verse- With strict vows, some gain enlightenment by giving possessions, accepting severe austerities, practicing eightfold yoga, or studying the Vedas.
- Prabhupāda explains that these sacrifices seek a higher status of life. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is different: it directly serves the Supreme Lord.
- Kṛṣṇa consciousness is transcendental. It comes only through the mercy of the Lord and His genuine devotees, not through these sacrifices.
BG 4.29Breath Control and Devotional Service
Study this verse- Some offer the outgoing and incoming breaths into each other, finally stopping breathing in trance. Others reduce eating as a sacrifice.
- Prabhupāda explains that breath control helps control the senses and advance spiritual understanding. Loving service to Kṛṣṇa automatically controls the senses and brings liberation.
- Engage your senses in Kṛṣṇa’s service and eat only food first offered to Him. This helps control the senses.
BG 4.30Sacrifice and Eternal Life
Study this verse- Those who understand sacrifice become free from sinful reactions, taste its nectar, and advance toward the supreme eternal atmosphere.
- Prabhupāda explains that all these sacrifices aim to control the senses. Sense gratification is the root cause of material existence.
- Practice sacrifice to control your senses and progress toward the eternal kingdom of God.
BG 4.31Sacrifice and True Happiness
Study this verse- Without sacrifice, one cannot live happily in this life, so how can one be happy in the next?
- Prabhupāda explains that sacrifice leads toward freedom from material bondage, and the highest perfection is to associate with the Supreme Lord.
- Practice Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which brings the highest happiness and solves all the problems of material existence.
BG 4.32Sacrifices That Lead to Liberation
Study this verse- The Vedas approve these sacrifices, which arise from different kinds of work. Understanding them leads to liberation.
- Prabhupāda explains that these sacrifices suit different workers, who act with the body, mind, or intelligence.
- Understand that the ultimate purpose of all these sacrifices is liberation from the body.
BG 4.33Sacrifice Guided by Knowledge
Study this verse- Sacrifice with spiritual knowledge is better than merely giving material possessions. All sacrifices of work lead to spiritual knowledge.
- Prabhupāda explains that sacrifice aims at complete knowledge, freedom from material suffering, and ultimately loving service to Kṛṣṇa.
- Seek spiritual knowledge when making sacrifices, aiming for Kṛṣṇa consciousness rather than material results.
BG 4.34Learning from a Spiritual Master
Study this verse- Learn the truth from a self-realized spiritual master by asking humbly and serving him.
- Prabhupāda explains that a genuine spiritual master belongs to the line of teachers from the Lord and passes on His message unchanged.
- Ask questions to gain clear understanding, with humility and a willingness to serve—not blind following.
BG 4.35Our Eternal Relationship with Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Real knowledge from a self-realized soul frees you from illusion and shows that all living beings are parts of Kṛṣṇa.
- Prabhupāda explains that thinking we exist apart from Kṛṣṇa is illusion. We are His eternal servants, not equal to Him.
- Learn from a genuine spiritual master and serve Kṛṣṇa, remembering that your purpose is to satisfy Him.
BG 4.36The Boat of Knowledge
Study this verse- Even the most sinful person can cross the ocean of miseries in the boat of transcendental knowledge.
- Prabhupāda explains that understanding our relationship with Kṛṣṇa frees us from material struggle. Perfect knowledge from the Supreme Lord leads to liberation.
- Seek to understand your relationship with Kṛṣṇa and take shelter in the boat of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
BG 4.37The Fire of Knowledge
Study this verse- Like blazing fire turns wood to ashes, knowledge burns away all reactions to material activities.
- Prabhupāda explains that perfect knowledge of the self, the Superself, and their relationship removes reactions to both pious and impious actions.
- Seek to understand your true position and your relationship with the Superself.
BG 4.38Knowledge and Peace Within
Study this verse- Nothing is as pure and sublime as spiritual knowledge. One accomplished in devotional service enjoys it within in due time.
- Prabhupāda explains that ignorance binds us, while spiritual knowledge frees us. This knowledge and inner peace culminate in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Continue practicing devotional service, allowing spiritual knowledge and inner peace to mature in time.
BG 4.39Faith, Knowledge, and Peace
Study this verse- A faithful person dedicated to spiritual knowledge who controls the senses can gain this knowledge and quickly reach supreme spiritual peace.
- Prabhupāda explains that faith means firmly trusting that acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness brings the highest perfection.
- Develop faith through devotional service and chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, which cleanses the heart, and practice controlling the senses.
BG 4.40Faith in Scripture and Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Those who doubt revealed scriptures and lack faith do not attain God consciousness and find happiness neither in this world nor the next.
- Prabhupāda explains that knowing scripture is not enough: one must have faith in its words and believe in and worship Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
- Follow scriptural principles with faith and follow the great teachers in disciplic succession to gain spiritual understanding and success.
BG 4.41Freedom Through Devotional Service
Study this verse- One who serves devotionally, gives up the fruits of work, and has doubts removed by spiritual knowledge is free from work’s reactions.
- Prabhupāda explains that one in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness knows oneself as part of the Lord and is beyond bondage to action.
- Follow Bhagavad-gītā as the Lord teaches it, and serve without seeking the fruits of your work.
BG 4.42Cut Doubts with Knowledge
Study this verse- Cut away doubts born of ignorance with the weapon of knowledge. Armed with yoga, stand and fight.
- Prabhupāda explains that spiritual knowledge means understanding ourselves as parts of the Lord and knowing Him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Study Bhagavad-gītā under a genuine spiritual master, with service and surrender, to overcome ignorance.
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Stories
The Mahābhārata background, and stories Prabhupāda tells in his purports. Tap one to read it.