In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very important point stressed upon by Bhagawan Krishna as we’ve commenced the fourth “Adhyaaya” of the Bhagawad Gita. Upon a doubt cast by Arjuna whether this “Karma Yoga” terminology is something that Bhagawan invented just for him, Bhagawan Krishna replies that He has already spoken about it to Vivasvaan (Surya Bhagawan) around 28 “Chatur Yugas” ago! In due course, we’ve also witnessed a brief calculation of a “Chatur Yuga” and how it works. Thus, the crux of this conversation is that, this term called “Karma Yoga” wasn’t just for Arjuna, but it has been in existence for several “Chatur Yugas” now! This is the norm of the world and there is nothing new about “Karma Yoga” just for Arjuna’s sake.
As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, He also explains to Arjuna – “Oh Arjuna! Even though this “Karma Yoga” concept exists for several “Chatur Yugas” now, with time, it has been forgotten by many people across many generations. When I taught this to Vivasvaan, things were happening very well at that time. It was the “Satya Yuga” by then. After that, Vivasvaan taught it to King Manu and henceforth, the “Tretha Yuga” commenced. As time progressed, the concept of “Karma Yoga” started experiencing a downfall and now we’re in the “Dwaapara Yuga” wherein this aspect of “Dharma” is almost forgotten by many! It is for this reason I’ve incarnated as the son of Devaki and Vasudeva. Hence, my main purpose of incarnation in this world is to re-establish this “Dharma” and destroy the “Adharma” that is preventing this “Dharma” from prospering!”
Bhagawan Krishna further continues thus, “Oh Arjuna! Here you should be very careful in your understanding – You should not conclude that nobody is performing the “Karma Yoga” nowadays and people have found out other shortcuts to attain “Moksha”. Not at all! Please remember – There is no shortcut for attaining “Moksha”! Of course, there is ample evidence as to how people have followed the path of “Karma Yoga” and have attained “Moksha”. I’ve mentioned about King Janaka in the previous “Tretha Yuga” earlier, wherein he has attained the highest “Moksha” through the path of “Karma Yoga”. With the help of his Guru, Sage Yaagnyavalkya, King Janaka has implemented all the aspects of the “Karma Yoga”, thereby attaining “Moksha” at the end. Hence, there is no exception for anybody here and all of us have to fall in line with this concept of “Karma Yoga” at some point in time!”
As Bhagawan says thus, He also adds with a tinge of sorrow thus, “Oh Arjuna! Even though this might be the fact of the world, many people are not aware of this! It is for this reason I’m inculcating this value system into you, by sitting on your chariot in the middle of the battlefield! Oh Arjuna! Please do not conclude that you’re the only recipient of this Bhagawad Gita! This is being told by me for the benefit of the entire world! In fact, my sole purpose of incarnating in this world as Bhagawan Krishna is for this reason – To re-establish the “Dharma” of attaining the highest “Moksha” through the “Karma Yoga”!” Many of us might know this shloka below and Bhagawan Krishna says thus:
“Yadaa yadaa hi dharmasya glaanirbhavati bhaarata!
Abhyuktaanam adharmasya tadaatmaanam shrujaamyaham!!”
Here, Bhagawan says clearly thus, “Oh Arjuna! Whenever whenever (“Yadaa yadaa hi” there is a decline and a downfall of “Dharma” in this world, I keep incarnating to re-establish this “Dharma”. But you might wonder how do I re-establish this “Dharma” in this world. I do it by destroying the “Adharma” or all the evil forces (“Abhyuktaanam adharmasya”) that are a stumbling block for the implementation of “Dharma”!” By saying this, Bhagawan clearly reveals the purpose behind His divine incarnation, isn’t He? So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further with what Bhagawan Krishna further says! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 