Chapter 4, Verse 4
अर्जुन उवाच | अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वत: | कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति ॥4॥
arjuna uvāca | aparaṁ bhavato janma paraṁ janma vivasvataḥ | katham etad vijānīyāṁ tvam ādau proktavān iti ||4||
"Arjuna said: Your birth was later, whereas the birth of Vivasvan (the Sun-god) was earlier. How am I to understand this—that You instructed him in the beginning?"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 4.4 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 4.4 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Arjuna points out a chronological discrepancy: Krishna is his contemporary, yet Krishna claims to have taught the Sun-god (Vivasvan) at the dawn of creation millions of years ago. This question is pivotal as it invites Krishna to reveal the mystery of His 'Avatara' (divine descent) and His eternal nature beyond the physical body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 4.4?
Arjuna said: Your birth was later, whereas the birth of Vivasvan (the Sun-god) was earlier. How am I to understand this—that You instructed him in the beginning?