In the opening verses of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 (verses 1-3), God Kaal, embodied in Shri Krishna, reveals to Arjun the lineage of the eternal way of worship. He explains that this profound knowledge was initially imparted to the Sun God, who passed it on to his son Manu, and then to his son Ikshwaku. Over time, this knowledge was lost. However, due to Arjun's close relationship with Him, God Kaal entrusts Arjun with this sacred knowledge, emphasizing the need for secrecy.
The answer is straightforward. Kaal, the master of our universe, prefers to keep this knowledge hidden from ordinary individuals. If it were widely known, people would realize the trap set by Kaal and strive to escape it. This would lead to the universe becoming empty, a scenario Kaal wishes to avoid.
In Chapter 4, Verse 4, Arjun questions Shri Krishna about the apparent discrepancy in their births. While Shri Krishna's birth is in the current time, God Surya's birth predates it. Arjun seeks clarification on how Shri Krishna could have imparted this knowledge exclusively to Surya.
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, verses 5 to 9, God Kaal elucidates to Arjun the intricate nature of existence. Kaal reveals that while Arjun remains unaware of his multiple births, Kaal himself, as the immortal soul beyond human birth, oversees the creation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. From them emerge incarnations like Krishna and Ram, whom Kaal secretly inhabits. Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness ascends, Kaal manifests these incarnations to safeguard the virtuous and vanquish the wicked.
Key Points from Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4:
God Kaal elucidates that those whose attachments and aversions have dissolved, who recognize that He is the ultimate doer and controller of all actions, embody the essence of scripture-based worship. These individuals, known as Matavlambi, adhere to the teachings of the scriptures.
(Note: These qualities align with the characteristics of Kabir souls, followers of the three mantras, who achieve liberation by chanting Satnaam and Saarnaam and attaining Satlok.)
In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, verse 17, God Kaal expresses favor towards the wise, as they eschew worship of the three gunas (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) in favor of worshipping Him. Similarly, in Chapter 4, verse 11, He states His affinity for those who worship Him, indicating that such devotees, upon encountering a Tatvadarshi saint, embrace true worship.
Furthermore, Kaal asserts that those who attain deep understanding of Him avoid falling into His trap. While worshipping other deities may offer temporary relief, it cannot lead to complete liberation. Therefore, Kaal advises Arjun to follow the scripture-based worship practiced by his ancestors.
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, verses 16 to 22 delve into the concept of karma, or actions. It emphasizes that individuals performing actions should relinquish the notion of being the doer and instead acknowledge, "O Master, I am acting in dependence upon you." This acknowledgment prevents one from becoming ensnared in the cycle of actions.
It is explained that those who perform actions without harboring desires are considered wise and do not become entangled in the bondage of karma.
Verse 34 further underscores that true understanding of actions and their consequences is only attainable through Tatvagyan (true knowledge) – recognizing the worthiness of God and discerning the path of worship. By this knowledge, devotees transcend the bondage of actions imposed by Brahm (Kaal) and attain liberation in Satlok (the eternal realm), freeing themselves from the cycle of karma. Until then, one must endure the consequences of their actions.
Consider the wisdom of God Vishnu, who, despite his exalted status, experienced the consequences of actions. An incident involving Maharishi Narad Ji resulted in Vishnu Ji receiving a monkey's face as a curse. This led to his incarnation as Sri Ramchandra, where he endured various trials, including exile and the slaying of Bali. The karmic repercussions of these actions compelled Vishnu to be reborn as Sri Krishna in the Dwapar Yug. In a subsequent life, Bali's soul, then a hunter, sought retribution by shooting an arrow at Sri Krishna's foot. Thus, Vishnu's divine manifestation as Krishna stemmed from the enduring effects of past actions, illustrating the universal principle of karma.
The sole entity capable of freeing individuals from the shackles of karma is God Kabir. Revered as "Bandichhor" or the Liberator, Kabir holds this divine title for his unique ability to emancipate souls. This truth finds resonance in the Holy Yajurveda, where Chapter 5, Mantra 32, and Chapter 8, Mantra 13, affirm Kabir Parmeshwar (God) as the adversary of sins and the vanquisher of bondage. Thus, Kabir emerges as the ultimate force capable of dispelling the entanglements of Kaal's karmic bonds.
The core message of Chapter 4, Verses 23-24, is that a devout individual who undertakes all actions with God as the witness perceives his deeds akin to those of Brahm (God). Such a devotee, known as the Tatvagyani or knower of truth, does not engage in capricious conduct contrary to scriptural injunctions. Consequently, their speech and actions are dedicated to glorifying God, and their mind remains immersed in divine contemplation. Every action is meticulously performed with thoughtful consideration.
Some devotees engage in sacrificial rituals like hawan yagya, while others practice sensory restraint (sadhna) or immerse themselves in the pursuit of knowledge. Acts of charity, ascetic practices, fasting, and intense spiritual actions are also observed. Many believe these rituals absolve sins.
However, it's essential to recognize that these practices don't eradicate sins but merely bear their consequences. While such worship may grant supernatural powers or heavenly rewards, it doesn't cleanse one of sinful deeds. True liberation comes from devotion to the Supreme God through constant remembrance (sumiran) of His divine names, leading to eternal freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
The devotee of the Supreme God prioritizes 'Gyan Yagya' alongside the other four types of yagyas. By diligently studying religious texts, attending spiritual discourses, and reciting the Guru Mantra, sins are purged, leading to ultimate liberation. The five yagyas encompass Dharm Yagya (meritorious acts), Dhyan Yagya (concentration on the Supreme God), Hawan Yagya (sacrificial fire), Pranaam Yagya (submission through prostration), and Gyan Yagya (knowledge acquisition through study and spiritual contemplation).
The Holy Bhagavad Gita, in Chapter 4 Verses 31-32, imparts crucial insights:
Beyond sacrificial rituals, those who engage in the profound chanting of Satnam and Saarnaam experience the divine bliss and attain the Supreme God (Sanatan Brahm). While emphasizing the significance of yagya, Kaal (the lord of time) underscores the necessity of performing five yagyas alongside the chanting of naam mantra.
These yagyas serve as essential nourishment for the growth of worship, akin to water and manure for plants. Without their diligent practice, devotees risk becoming prideful, callous, and devoid of faith. Mere performance of yagya without the genuine recitation of mantras yields no fruit.
Those who haven't received initiation from a complete Saint or fail to perform the five yagyas post-initiation will find no worldly or spiritual benefit. Arjuna is advised that those who regard the Supreme God as the deity of yagyas and combine the practice of actual mantras with yagyas will attain ultimate liberation.
In the Sukshm Ved, the Supreme God elucidates all yagyas, accomplished through physical acts of devotion, leading to liberation. Even the speaker of the Gita acknowledges his lack of complete knowledge. Seekers are urged to seek out saints versed in Tatvagyan for guidance on the path to complete liberation.
Essential - O Arjun! Seek out the Tatvadarshi saints, those who possess complete knowledge and the solution to reach the Supreme God. Humbly bow before them, inquire with love and respect about the path to the Divine. These saints will guide you to the Supreme God, freeing you from the veil of ignorance. With this knowledge, you will recognize your entanglement in the trap of Kaal and strive to break free.
Refer to Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15 Verses 1 to 4 for insight into the identity of a Tatvadarshi Saint.
In Chapter 4 Verses 33 to 42, Kaal God, the narrator of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes:
Knowledge yagya surpasses charity yagya. I (the speaker of Bhagavad Gita) lack knowledge of the Supreme God. Therefore, approach a Tatvadarshi saint who comprehends the Divine thoroughly. Pay homage, serve them, and humbly seek guidance on attaining the Supreme God. They will impart comprehensive knowledge and bestow initiation, enabling you to understand Kaal's nature and your own predicament.
Upon acquiring knowledge of the Supreme God, seek a Complete Guru who imparts Satnam and Saarnaam. Chanting these mantras, including Om+ Tat+ Sat, bestowed by the Tatvadarshi saint, eradicates sin.
Intense devotion to Satnaam and Saarnaam purifies like fire, a power exclusive to the Supreme God. Embrace scripture-based acts of devotion, as enlightenment leads to ultimate peace and liberation.
A devotee, free from doubt and surrendered to the Supreme God, dispels uncertainty through Tatvagyan. Stay vigilant, absorb Tatvagyan from the Tatvadarshi saint, and steadfastly adhere to scriptural worship.