The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 4
The Yoga of Wisdom
On 5th July 2020, my dear Dad passed away and moved on to the next realm. The Bhagavad Gita, a book sacred to Hinduism, was by far his most cherished text and he studied it up to the very end. In his memory, I am committing to write 18 pieces - one for each chapter - and will attempt to capture the essence of this great text. No prior knowledge of Hinduism is necessary and I shall steer clear of jargon as much as possible. If you haven’t already, do subscribe below to get all the pieces straight to your inbox. Lastly if you are just joining and would like to start at the beginning, click here for Chapter 1
A quick recap
In Chapter 3 Krishna started to provide answers to Arjuna. In a chapter focused on the Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga), Krishna explained the way for action-oriented people. He stated that action is superior to inaction, explained the importance of sacrifice & renunciation, as well as the importance of following one’s duty (Svadharma).
Chapter 4 - The Yoga of Wisdom
Krishna begins this chapter by highlighting how old and timeless this wisdom is and states that it was he who taught this knowledge. But unfortunately with the passage of time, this knowledge has been lost to the world. Krishna then says he happy to impart this knowledge of the Supreme to Arjuna as he is his friend and devotee.
Arjuna then questions Krishna and asks him how he taught this knowledge, when he is much younger than some of those mentioned (see Manu, Vivasvan, and Ikshvaku).
Krishna replies by saying that both him and Arjuna have passed through many births and while Krishna is aware of them all - Arjuna is not. Essentially saying that he/his essence has remained the same through time (previously mentioned as the immortality of the Soul).
“Although I am unborn, the imperishable Self and the Lord of all beings, by resorting to My own nature I manifest through My own illusive power. Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and a rise in unrighteousness I manifest Myself.”
“Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me, taking refuge in Me, and purified by the fire of Knowledge - many have attained My state (free from the cycle of Birth and Rebirth). In whatever manner people worship Me, I respond accordingly.”
Thus Krishna hints to various methods of worship (action, knowledge etc). Krishna then mentions the Varnas (classes) which are based on the previously mentioned Gunas and Karmas (please read this article for an excellent explanation of how Varnas should be viewed in today’s society, they are by no means meant to be a basis for discrimination).
“Actions do not contaminate me because I have no desire for the fruit of my actions. One who understands Me thus is also not bound by actions. The wise performed Selfless action - you too do the same.”
“What is action? What is inaction? This question has confused even the wise. Therefore I will impart to you the Path of Action. Understand the differences between a) action, b) inaction and c) wrong action. The true nature of action is mysterious. A person who having given up attachment to the fruits of their action, is ever content and independent - hence does not do anything at all even when engaged in action. Content with whatever happens to be obtained, transcending dualities, free of envy, steady in success and failure - such a person is not bound even while working. A person who is detached (from the fruits of action) with the mind established in knowledge and performing work as an offering to the Divine - such a person’s Karmic bondage completely dissolves.”
“Brahman (Ultimate Reality) is attained by one whose attention is centred upon such Brahma-Karma (engaging oneself to the Ultimate Reality by living truthfully, being in control of the senses and having control of the mind).
Note: Traditionally Hindus perform Yajnas (sacrifice or worship) by offering things via a ritual to the fire (see Agni) - hence the mentioning of fire in the below paragraphs. Sacrifice or worship refers to the same idea of "right action" as a ritual through which the doer experiences wisdom and truth.
“Some Yogis (practitioners of Yoga) perform sacrifice to the Devas (Gods), others offer the sacrifice into the fire of Brahman through the sacrifice as described. Some Yogis offer the senses such as hearing and the like into the fire of Self-Control, others offer sense objects such as sound and the like into the fire of the senses. Some offer the functions of all the senses and the vital forces into the fire of self-controlled Yoga which is kindled by knowledge.”
“Some make material offerings, others offerings of penance, others again offerings of Yoga. Other ascetics make offerings of self study and knowledge. Others who are committed to Pranayama (section of Yoga focused on breathing) offer the force of inhalation and exhalation. Those who control their consumption of food offer the life forces into the life forces. Those who drink the nectar - which is the remnant of sacrifice - attain the Ultimate Reality. Without sacrifice one can not live happily even in this world, how then is it possible for them to live happily in the other world?”
“Thus there are many sacrifices that have emanated from the Vedas and are born of action. Understanding this you will attain liberation.”
“The sacrifice performed in knowledge is better than the mere sacrifice of material substances. All action reaches its conclusion in wisdom. One can also learn the truth from a spiritual master. Inquire with devotion and the truth will be imparted to you. Having attained this wisdom you will never again be deluded. Just as a blazing fire reduces a log of wood to ashes, the fire of wisdom reduces karmic reactions to ashes. There is nothing more purifying than the transcendental knowledge. Over time one who is perfect in Yoga will accomplish it within himself.”
Krishna concludes:
“He attains wisdom who is full of trust, intent upon it with his senses under control. An ignorant person who has no trust and has a doubting nature - perishes. For the person who is doubtful there is no happiness either in this world or anywhere else.”
“One who has renounced action through Yoga, whose doubts have been dispelled through wisdom, who is rooted in the Self is not bound by actions (karma).”
“With this sword of knowledge, slash the doubt in your heart that has risen due to ignorance. Take refuge in Yoga and stand up!”
Parting thoughts
This chapter highlights that simultaneous outer action (i.e. engaging fully in whatever one does) along with inner renunciation (i.e. not being attached to the fruit of those actions) is the secret to the life of freedom. The last verses of this chapter state that while action leads to knowledge - selfless action leads to spiritual awareness.
I found the line about trust quite impactful. There are times when one is not sure about the things that they are doing. Using some of the guidelines in this article about Svadharma one can identify whether they are meant to be done or not. And then trust is an important factor - trust that everything will play out as needed from that point on.
The type of wisdom Krishna insists comes from practicing Karma Yoga can be framed as an understanding of the nature of existence and the ability to see the truth beyond the illusory world of the senses.
Deepak
Deeper into the rabbit hole.... keep swimming!
Beautiful