Gita is basic Practical

Preaching book

One must study BG inside

out & that will help govern
our external activities

One must understand the

flow of Philosophy & not in
isolation (cohesive unit, fits
together)
 Chapter 4 -Transcendental Knowledge
Themes in Chapter 4

Lineage of Transcendental Knowledge

1 (BG 4.1-4)

Divine Nature of Krishna Appearance

2 (BG 4.5-10)

Applying Transcendental Knowledge

3 (BG 4.11-15)

Understanding of Karma on the Platform of Knowledge

4 (BG 4.16-24)

How to attain Transcendental Knowledge

5 (BG 4.25-33)

Result of attaining Transcendental Knowledge

6 (BG 4.34-42)
Themes in Chapter 4 Chapter 4 -Transcendental Knowledge

1 Transcendental knowledge about Krishna should be received by disciplic

succession (BG 4.1-4)

2 This reveals the truth about Krishna’s form, His birth and His
activities.Knowing these truths, one who takes shelter of Krishna becomes
purified and attains Krishna(BG 4.5-10)

3 Krishna is neutral and sanctions the awarding of fruits of everyone’s work.

Awards the fruits according to the living entity’s desire and past deeds
Understanding Krishna in this way, keeps one free from material bondage(BG 4.11-15)

One can perform detached actions in Krishna’s service by applying ‘transcendental

4
knowledge’ They are called akarma
Akarma refers to actions without reactions and such actions are on the absolute
platform
Krishna explains how in this way karma can be seen as jnana(BG 4.16-24)

Fruit of all kinds of Vedic sacrifices is ‘transcendental knowledge’

This leads to liberation and ultimately to pure devotional service

5 (BG 4.25-33)

Acting on ‘transcendental knowledge’ received by disciplic succession destroys the sinful

6 reactions to all work .
Therefore one should do his duty fixed in transcendental knowledge(BG 4.34-42)
 Chapter 4
Theme 1
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
imaṁ vivasvate yogaṁ
proktavān aham avyayam
vivasvān manave prāha
manur ikṣvākave ’bravīt
evaṁ paramparā-prāptam
imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
sa kāleneha mahatā
yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa
The Personality of Godhead, Lord
Śrī Kṛṣṇa, said: I instructed this
imperishable science of yoga to the
sun-god,Vivasvān, and Vivasvān
instructed it to Manu, the father of
mankind, and Manu in turn
instructed it to Ikṣvāku.
This supreme science was thus
received through the chain of
disciplic succession, and the saintly
kings understood it in that way. But
in course of time the succession
was broken, and therefore the
science as it is appears to be lost.
Bg 4.1-2
Lineage of Transcendental History of Gita and
Propagation of
Knowledge knowledge
(BG 4.1-4)
History of Bhagavad-gītā : it was delivered to the royal order of all planets, beginning from
the sun planet. The kings of all planets are especially meant for the protection of the
inhabitants, and therefore the royal order should understand the science of Bhagavad-gītā in
order to be able to rule the citizens and protect them from material bondage to lust. Human
life is meant for cultivation of spiritual knowledge.
Importance of Bhagavad-gita for Royal order.
To rule the citizens and protect them from material bondage to lust
To impart “Krishna consciousness” and “value of human life” to citizens by education, culture
and devotion
indicates that Bhagavad-gita is not a speculative treatise for insignificant mundane scholars but
a standard book of knowledge from time immemorial
Krishna did not give this knowledge to any ordinary person
He selected sun god because the sun is the king of all planets and controls all planets and is
rotating under Krishna’s order (Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.52) (
History of Bhagavad-Gita Exists in human society since Maharaj Iksvaku (2,005,000 years)
Given to Vivasvan at least 120,400,000 years ago Again spoken to Arjuna 5000 years ago.–
Because original purpose was scattered by motives of unscrupulous commentators (4.2
purport)
Transcendental knowledge about Krishna should be received by disciplic
succession: It is clearly stated that the Gītā was especially meant for the saintly kings
because they were to execute its purpose in ruling over the citizens. Certainly Bhagavad-
gītā was never meant for the demonic persons
.Five thousand years ago it was detected by the Lord Himself that the disciplic succession was
broken, and therefore He declared that the purpose of the Gītā appeared to be lost
 Chapter 4
Theme 1
sa evāyaṁ mayā te ’dya
yogaḥ proktaḥ purātanaḥ
bhakto ’si me sakhā ceti
rahasyaṁ hy etad uttamam
arjuna uvāca
aparaṁ bhavato janma
paraṁ janma vivasvataḥ
katham etad vijānīyāṁ
tvam ādau proktavān iti
That very ancient science of the
relationship with the Supreme is
today told by Me to you because
you are My devotee as well as My
friend and can therefore understand
the transcendental mystery of this
science.
Arjuna said: The sun-god Vivasvān is
senior by birth to You. How am I to
understand that in the beginning
You instructed this science to him?
Bg 4.3-4
Lineage of Transcendental History of Gita and
Propagation of
Knowledge knowledge
(BG 4.1-4)
Transcendental knowledge about Krishna should be received by disciplic
succession: There are two classes of men, namely the devotee and the demon. The Lord
selected Arjuna as the recipient of this great science owing to his being a devotee of the Lord,
but for the demon it is not possible to understand this great mysterious science.One should
try to follow the disciplic succession from Arjuna, and thus be benefited by this great science
of Śrīmad Bhagavad-gītā.
Arjuna’s qualification
Arjuna is devotee and friend
Accepts Krishna as Supreme Personality of Godhead
What is real “devotional service to the cause of Bhagavad-gita– Any commentary on Bhagavad-
gita in footsteps of Arjuna – This is the only way to benefit from Bhagavad-gita
Why does Arjuna question about this doubt:
To defy demoniac and atheistic people who say that ‘Krishna is ordinary
Wants Krishna to speak authoritatively
Wants demons to know that Krishna is superhuman, transcendental and above modes, time and
space
 Chapter 4
Theme 2
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
bahūni me vyatītāni
janmāni tava cārjuna
tāny ahaṁ veda sarvāṇi
na tvaṁ vettha paran-tapa
ajo ’pi sann avyayātmā
bhūtānām īśvaro ’pi san
prakṛtiṁ svām adhiṣṭhāya
sambhavāmy ātma-māyayā
The Personality of Godhead
said: Many, many births both
you and I have passed. I can
remember all of them, but you
cannot, O subduer of the
enemy!
Although I am unborn and My
transcendental body never
deteriorates, and although I am
the Lord of all living entities, I
still appear in every millennium
in My original transcendental
form.
Bg 4.5-6
Divine Nature of Krishna Krishna reveals His
Appearance
transcendental position
about His birth and
(BG 4.5-10) activities
Krishna reveals His transcendental position about His birth and activities:
Krishna reveals His transcendental position about His birth and activities bg 4,5
Peculiarity of Lord’s birth
Lord appears like an ordinary person
But remembers many many past births
Common man cannot remember past few hours, therefore no-one can claim to be God
Lord has many incarnations but He is original -Brahma-Samhita 5.33; 5.39
Qualification to understand these multi-forms –
Only by pure unalloyed devotion and not by simple study of the Vedas, can one understand
I appear in My original transcendental form which is unborn and never
dies , I appear by My own will bg 4,6 /sb 5.5.19 /sb 3.9.36/sb 3.4.7
Lord descends by ‘internal potency’ and not by ‘external potency’
Lord’s body and intelligence never deteriorates (‘avyayam’) and is never contaminated by
material nature (thus it defeats Mayavada teaching)
‘Atma-maya’ also means that Lord descends by ‘causeless mercy’ so that we can concentrate on
His form as He is and not on ‘Mental concoctions and imaginations
Chapter 4 Divine Nature of Krishna Krishna reveals His
Theme 2 Appearance
transcendental position
about His birth and
(BG 4.5-10) activities
 Chapter 4
Theme 2
yadā yadā hi dharmasya
glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya
tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham
paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge
Whenever and wherever there
is a decline in religious practice,
O descendant of Bharata, and a
predominant rise of irreligion –
at that time I descend Myself
To deliver the pious and to
annihilate the miscreants, as
well as to reestablish the
principles of religion, I Myself
appear, millennium after
millennium.
Bg 4.-7-8
Divine Nature of Krishna Krishna reveals His
Appearance
transcendental position
about His birth and
(BG 4.5-10) activities
How the Lord incarnates –
By His internal potency – This is indicated by the word ‘Srjami’ Meaning of ‘Srjami’ – Lord is
not created or born but “manifests” as per free will ‘Srjami’ is mentioned as “manifests”
because Text 4.6 refutes the Lord being born or created, by calling Him as ‘aja’
When does the Lord incarnate – Usual schedule of Lord’s appearance End of Dvapara-
yuga of 28th millennium of seventh Manu of a day of Brahma But no obligation to rule (
For what purpose does the Lord descend – Lord comes to establish “principles of
dharma”
What are the ‘principles of dharma’ – Direct orders of Supreme Personality of Godhead o Ref.
SB 6.3.19 “Dharmam tu…”
What is ‘Highest dharma’ – Surrender unto Him only Common mission: o To lead
people to God-consciousness, or Obedience to the principles of religion
Prime purpose of any Avatara -ŚB 8.24.5 /bg 5.39/sb 10.14.37/sb 10.33.36/
sb 10.2.40 /sb 9.24.61
Prime purpose of any Avatara is to appease His unalloyed devotees e.g. Prahlada Maharaja and
Devaki Otherwise the athiests can be dealt with by the Lord’s agents.
To mitigate anxieties of pure devotees who are anxious to see His Vrindavana pastimes
Principles of Incarnation The avatara, or incarnation of Godhead, descends from the
kingdom of God for material manifestation And the particular form of the Personality of
Godhead who descends is called an incarnation, or avatara
Such incarnations are situated in the spiritual world, the kingdom of God. When they descend
to the material creation, they assume the name avatara
 Chapter 4
Theme 2
janma karma ca me divyam
evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma
naiti mām eti so ’rjuna
One who knows the
transcendental nature of My
appearance and activities does
not, upon leaving the body, take
his birth again in this material
world, but attains My eternal
abode, O Arjuna.
Bg 4.-9
Divine Nature of Krishna Krishna reveals His
Appearance
transcendental position
about His birth and
(BG 4.5-10) activities
How to go back to Godhead–
Liberation of living entity from material bondage is not very easy –
Two paths are possible:
Path of impersonalism and yoga
Path of devotees
Path of Impersonalists and yogis
Endeavor – Not very easy - many, many births bg 12.5
Goal – Only partial success, brahmajyoti
Safety – Risk of fall-down -sb 10.2.32
Path of Devotees in Krishna consciousness
Endeavor – Very easy, one has to simply understand the transcendental nature of Lord’s birth
and activities (4.9) -sb 11.1.6-7
Goal – Abode of Krishna – Thus complete success is assured -bg 18.65 /9.25 /12.6-7
Safety – Lord protects from falldown again into the material world Who can attain ‘Perfection
of liberation’ - bg 2.40 / bg 18.66 / bg 9.31/
Fate of other processes like empiric philosophers and puffed-up mundane scholars
Waste of time May get important roles in material world, not liberation
Analogy: licking the outer surface of a bottle of honey
What is the hope for these speculators etc. – ‘Only causeless mercy of devotee of the Lord’
Conclusive suggestion – Cultivate Krishna consciousness with faith and knowledge and attain
perfection
 Chapter 4
Theme 2
vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhā
man-mayā mām upāśritāḥ
bahavo jñāna-tapasā
pūtā mad-bhāvam āgatāḥ
Being freed from attachment,
fear and anger, being fully
absorbed in Me and taking
refuge in Me, many, many
persons in the past became
purified by knowledge of Me –
and thus they all attained
transcendental love for Me.
Bg 4.10
Divine Nature of Krishna Krishna reveals His
Appearance
transcendental position
about His birth and
(BG 4.5-10) activities
who is too materially affected to understand the personal nature of the
Supreme Absolute Truth as per Text 4.9
Different degrees of affliction
‘Raga’: Strong attachment to material life – leads to negligence of spiritual life
‘Bhaya’: Fear of personal spiritual identity – For them merging into impersonal is highest, o Because they are too
absorbed in material bodily concept, concept of retaining personality after liberation from matter frightens them
o e.g. Analogy: Impersonalists compare living entities to the bubbles in the ocean which merges into the ocean
‘Krodha’: Conception of void resulting from frustration of life o Become angry at all sorts of spiritual speculation
out of hopelessness o Takes to intoxications o Accept hallucinations as spiritual vision (c) Solution to get freedom
from these three:
Take complete shelter of Lord Under the spiritual master’s guidance Follow disciplines and regulative principles of
devotional life
Different stages of bhakti – This is a progression to higher levels of purity, free from any of the above
mentioned three disease.According to Nectar of devotion -CC Madhya 23.14-15
ādau śraddhā tataḥ sādhu-
saṅgo ’tha bhajana-kriyā
tato ’nartha-nivṛttiḥ syāt
tato niṣṭhā rucis tataḥ
athāsaktis tato bhāvas
tataḥ premābhyudañcati
sādhakānām ayaṁ premṇaḥ
prādurbhāve bhavet kramaḥ
“In the beginning one must have a preliminary desire for self-realization. This will bring one to the stage of trying
to associate with persons who are spiritually elevated. In the next stage one becomes initiated by an elevated
spiritual master, and under his instruction the neophyte devotee begins the process of devotional service. By
execution of devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master, one becomes free from all material
attachment, attains steadiness in self-realization, and acquires a taste for hearing about the Absolute Personality of
Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. This taste leads one further forward to attachment for Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which is matured
in bhāva, or the preliminary stage of transcendental love of God. Real love for God is called prema, the highest
perfectional stage of life.” In the prema stage there is constant engagement in the transcendental loving service of
the Lord. So, by the slow process of devotional service, under the guidance of the bona fide spiritual master, one
can attain the highest stage, being freed from all material attachment, from the fearfulness of one’s individual
spiritual personality, and from the frustrations that result in void philosophy. Then one can ultimately attain to the
abode of the Supreme Lord.
 Chapter 4
Theme3
ye yathā māṁ prapadyante
tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham
mama vartmānuvartante
manuṣyāḥ pārtha sarvaśaḥ
As all surrender unto Me, I
reward them accordingly.
Everyone follows My path in all
respects, O son of Pṛthā.
kāṅkṣantaḥ karmaṇāṁ siddhiṁ
yajanta iha devatāḥ
kṣipraṁ hi mānuṣe loke
siddhir bhavati karma-jā
Men in this world desire success
in fruitive activities, and therefore
they worship the demigods.
Quickly, of course, men get
results from fruitive work in this
world
Bg 4.11-12
Applying Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.11-15)
Everyone is searching for Krishna in different aspects of ‘His manifestation’
3 levels of realizing Absolute Truth – Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan (sb 1.2.11)
Krishna is the object of everyone’s realizations – Anyone and everyone is satisfied according to
one’s desire to have Him. Examples of Lord’s reciprocation to various degrees:
With Fruitive workers: Lord as Yajnesvara
With Impersonalists: Lord as Brahmajyoti
With Yogis: Mystic powers
With Devotees: 5 primary rasas
People are actually following the same principle, but the difficulty is that in our this position of
lower nature we are following in the manner which will not make us happy and satisfied.
Because we are not following the supreme leader, the difficulty. By constitutional position we
are to follow a leader, but because we are misled, because we are deluded to follow a leader
which is not perfect, therefore our position is always unhappy in spite of following the
leadership of a concocted nature.
Therefore the best thing will be to get rid of this concocted position and follow the supreme
leader. That is the highest perfection.
All kinds of spiritual processes are but different degrees of success on the same path Ref.
Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.10: “Akamah sarva kamo…”
Worship Demigods ? Why do they worship others to fulfill their desires?
They are parts and parcels –Isvara parama Krishna ( Brahma-samhita) / Vedas Nitya
Nityanam ..
They are living entities with material powers Even Brahma and Siva worship Vishnu
Narayana or Visnu does not belong to the material world – Narayana para avyaktat
(Sankaracharya)
(BG 7.20). Those who are misguided by material desires, they take the shelter of other
demigods." One goes to the worship of demigods because one is persuaded for a particular
purpose.Then he does not go to all these demigods. He takes at once shelter of the Supreme
Lord.(BG 7.19).One who has become really learned, even after many, many births, and knows
that "I am not this body, I am spirit. My nature, my advancement, my happiness is depending
on the advancement of my spiritual life," such a person only can take shelter of Kṛṣṇa, and
perfectly.
 Chapter 4
Theme 3
cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ
guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ
tasya kartāram api māṁ
viddhy akartāram avyayam
According to the three modes of
material nature and the work
associated with them, the four
divisions of human society are
created by Me. And although I am
the creator of this system, you
should know that I am yet the
nondoer, being unchangeable
na māṁ karmāṇi limpanti
na me karma-phale spṛhā
iti māṁ yo ’bhijānāti
karmabhir na sa badhyate
There is no work that affects Me;
nor do I aspire for the fruits of
action. One who understands this
truth about Me also does not
become entangled in the fruitive
reactions of work.
Bg 4.13-14
Applying Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.11-15)
Varnasrana System
Basis of 4 divisions created by Lord according ‘guna’ and ‘karma’
Different modes of 4 Varnas
‘Brahamana’ – Mode of Goodness
‘Ksatriyas’ – Mode of passion
‘Vaisyas’ – Mode of passion and ignorance
‘Sudras’ – Mode of ignorance
To which class does Lord Krishna belong
He is the creator of the four divisions
He does not belong to any of these divisions because He is not one of the conditioned souls
Why did the Lord create this system
To elevate from animal status to human status
To systematically develop Krishna consciousness
How is a ‘Vaisnava’higher than a ‘Brahmana’
A ‘Brahmana’ by quality is supposed to know about Brahman, the Supreme Absolute Truth but
most of them approach only the impersonal Brahman ,One who transcends this limited
knowledge and reaches the knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is a ‘Vaishnava’
Krishna consciousness includes knowledge of all different plenary expansions like Lord Rama,
Nrsimha etc(BG 14.26)
Krishna creates but is unaffected by the activities of the material world
Krishna creates but is unaffected by the activities of the material world, living entities are
entangled because of the propensity to Lord over
Analogy: King not subject to state laws
Analogy: Proprietor not responsible for activities of workers o Similarly Lord is not interested
in any kind of material happiness, even heavenly planets just like a proprietor is not interested
in the low grade happiness of the workers
Lord is aloof from material actions and reactions e.g. Rains not responsible for different types
of vegetations, although without rains, there is no possibility of vegetative growth Lord only
gives facilities through material nature, living entity is responsible
Brahma-saṁhitā (Bs 5.54)

Chapter 4 Theme 3
evaṁ jñātvā kṛtaṁ karma
pūrvair api mumukṣubhiḥ
kuru karmaiva tasmāt tvaṁ
pūrvaiḥ pūrva-taraṁ kṛtam
All the liberated souls in ancient
times acted with this
understanding of My
transcendental nature. Therefore
you should perform your duty,
following in their footsteps.
Bg 4.15
Applying Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.11-15)
Previous liberated souls perform their Varnasrama dharma for Krishna’s pleasure,
knowing Him to be the transcendental creator of Varnasrama. Krishna advises Arjuna to
do the same
when the jiva understands these facts about Krishna and applies this transcendental knowledge
to his own work and becomes a servant of Krishna, he also becomes aloof from the material
whirl of action and reaction. Krishna has no attachment for the fruits of work. Knowing this,
Arjuna should fight with faith, for Krishna’s pleasure, if he desires to become liberated. Krishna
wants Arjuna to fight in knowledge of Krishna’s position and as an offering to Him. In this way
Arjuna should follow the example of previous great devotees.
Those that are ‘materially polluted’ and Those that are ‘freed from material contamination’
Krishna consciousness is equally beneficially to both classes ‘Materially polluted’ – They take
to Krishna consciousness as a gradual cleansing process ‘Freed from material contamination’ –
They may continue to act in Krishna consciousness to set a perfect example
Foolish plans of retirement (escaping attitude)
Neophytes in Krishna consciousness want to retire from activities without having knowledge of
Krishna consciousness E.g. Arjuna’s desire to retire from battlefield
Advice to Arjuna To retire from battlefield and sit aloof making a show of Krishna
consciousness is less important
Follow in the footsteps of the Lord’s previous disciples such as sun-god Vivasvan
Lord knows all His past activities as well as of persons who acted in Krishna consciousness in
the past – Therefore He recommends the example of the sun-god Who are referred here as ‘past
liberated souls’ – All the previous students of Lord Krishna who engaged in the discharge of
duties adopted by Krishna
cc madhya 17.186 /noi 3

Chapter 4 Theme 2
kiṁ karma kim akarmeti
kavayo ’py atra mohitāḥ
tat te karma pravakṣyāmi
yaj jñātvā mokṣyase ’śubhāt
Even the intelligent are bewildered
in determining what is action and
what is inaction. Now I shall
explain to you what action is,
knowing which you shall be
liberated from all misfortune.
karmaṇo hy api boddhavyaṁ
boddhavyaṁ ca vikarmaṇaḥ
akarmaṇaś ca boddhavyaṁ
gahanā karmaṇo gatiḥ
The intricacies of action are very
hard to understand. Therefore one
should know properly what action
is, what forbidden action is and
what inaction is.
Bg 4.16-17
Understanding of Karma on the Platform of Knowledge (BG 4.16-24)
Action in Kṛṣṇa consciousness has to be executed in accord with the examples of previous
bona fide devotees. This is recommended in the fifteenth verse. Why such action should
not be independent
In the next nine verses (4.16 – 4.24), in pursuance of Krishna’s description of His own work,
Krishna will explain how work (karma) can be seen as inactivity (akarma). Arjuna previously
said he wished to leave the battlefield and avoid the results of his karma, like a jnani, through
inactivity. Krishna will show him that no karma accrues to one who works in transcendental
knowledge and that properly performed karma can thus be seen as non-different from the
process of jnana
Must follow liberated souls (Mahajana)
Must follow liberated souls – Without following liberated souls one is sure to be bewildered in
discovering karma, vikarma and akarma This verse mentions the need to avoid independent
work – Action has to be executed in accordance with the example of previous bona-fide
devotees Therefore Lord offers to explain karma, vikarma and akarma
Lord Himself lays down religions-
It is said that one cannot ascertain the ways of religion simply by imperfect experimental
knowledge. Actually, the principles of religion can only be laid down by the Lord
Himself. Dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam (Bhāg. 6.3.19).
Understand this science through Mahajanas – (Mahajana yena gata sa pantha)
Lord’s causeless mercy ,he is explaining directly to Arjuna so that His devotees can understand
Only action performed in Krishna consciousness can deliver a person
Why learn this subject
If one is serious about liberation from material bondage, one has to understand the distinctions
between action, inaction and unauthorized actions. One has to apply oneself to such an analysis
of action, reaction and perverted actions because it is a very difficult subject matter.
What is the conclusion that Bhagavad-gita is directed towards
To understand Kṛṣṇa consciousness and action according to its modes, one has to learn one’s
relationship with the Supreme; i.e., one who has learned perfectly knows that every living entity
is an eternal servitor of the Lord and that consequently one has to act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness
How to learn this subject –Any other conclusions against this consciousness and its attendant
actions are vikarmas, or prohibited actions.
To understand all this one has to associate with authorities in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and learn the
secret from them; this is as good as learning from the Lord directly. Otherwise, even the most
intelligent persons will be bewildered.(BG 11.55)-mat-karma-kṛn (BG 18.66).

Chapter 4 Theme 2
karmaṇy akarma yaḥ paśyed
akarmaṇi ca karma yaḥ
sa buddhimān manuṣyeṣu
sa yuktaḥ kṛtsna-karma-kṛt
One who sees inaction in action
and action in inaction is intelligent
among men, and he is in the
transcendental position, although
engaged in all sorts of activities.
yasya sarve samārambhāḥ
kāma-saṅkalpa-varjitāḥ
jñānāgni-dagdha-karmāṇaṁ
tam āhuḥ paṇḍitaṁ budhāḥ
One is understood to be in full
knowledge whose every endeavor
is devoid of desire for sense
gratification. He is said by sages to
be a worker for whom the
reactions of work have been
burned up by the fire of perfect
knowledge.
Bg 4.18-19
Understanding of Karma on the Platform of Knowledge (BG 4.16-24)
Akarma any work which is being done, but it has no reaction but one who is trying to
avoid the reaction of karma, but he is being entangled in karma.
Just like Arjuna, when he first refused to work, refused to fight that, "My dear Kṛṣṇa, it is not
possible for me to fight with my relatives, brothers. I am not going to fight," but from material
estimation, this conclusion, this decision of Arjuna, is very good. Very good. So materially,
from material standing of, standpoint of view, that he is not going to commit nonviolence . . .
violence—he is nonviolent—he's very good man. But from spiritual point of view, it is not so.
From spiritual point of view, it is not so.
So one has to see. Simply by external features, that one is working and one is not working, that
we cannot . . . what is the standard of work? Under what consciousness he's working? If he's
working in material consciousness, then he's being bound up. However good may be that work,
he's being bound up.
A person acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is naturally free from the bonds of karma. His activities
are all performed for Kṛṣṇa; therefore he does not enjoy or suffer any of the effects of work.
Consequently he is intelligent in human society, even though he is engaged in all sorts of
activities for Kṛṣṇa. Akarma means without reaction to work.
Because everything is done for Kṛṣṇa, he enjoys only transcendental happiness in the discharge
of this service. Those who are engaged in this process are known to be without desire for
personal sense gratification. The sense of eternal servitorship to Kṛṣṇa makes one immune to all
sorts of reactionary elements of work.
VikarmaVikarma Against scriptural injunctions Result – bad reaction -sb 5.5.4
Karma according to sastras Result – good reaction Facility – Krishna creates Varnasrama
according to quality and work Pious work also has reaction (SB 1.8.26).janma-mṛtyu-jarā-
vyādhi (BG 13.9) (BG 8.16) (BG 15.6)
Only a person in full knowledge can understand the activities of a person in Kṛṣṇa
consciousness.
Because the person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is devoid of all kinds of sense-gratificatory
propensities, it is to be understood that he has burned up the reactions of his work by perfect
knowledge of his constitutional position as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead.
He is actually learned who has attained to such perfection of knowledge. Development of this
knowledge of eternal servitorship to the Lord is compared to fire. Such a fire, once kindled, can
burn up all kinds of reactions to work. Pandita BG 10.8) (BG 5.18)

Chapter 4 Theme 2
tyaktvā karma-phalāsaṅgaṁ
nitya-tṛpto nirāśrayaḥ
karmaṇy abhipravṛtto ’pi
naiva kiñcit karoti saḥ
Abandoning all attachment to the
results of his activities, ever
satisfied and independent, he
performs no fruitive action,
although engaged in all kinds of
undertakings.
Bg 4.20
Understanding of Karma on the Platform of Knowledge (BG 4.16-24)
Akarma
The formula is that we have to become detached from the result
of the work and must be situated in full knowledge. In full
knowledge. Unless we are situated in full knowledge, it is not
possible to be detached from the work which you are doing. And
that detachment and that knowledge, to be situated in full
knowledge, is possible when we perform yajña, or sacrifice.
This freedom from the bondage of actions is possible only in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, when one is
doing everything for Kṛṣṇa. A Kṛṣṇa conscious person acts out of pure love for the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, and therefore he has no attraction for the results of the action. He is not
even attached to his personal maintenance, for everything is left to Kṛṣṇa. Nor is he anxious to
secure things, nor to protect things already in his possession. He does his duty to the best of his
ability and leaves everything to Kṛṣṇa. Such an unattached person is always free from the
resultant reactions of good and bad; it is as though he were not doing anything. This is the sign
of akarma, or actions without fruitive reactions. Any other action, therefore, devoid of Kṛṣṇa
consciousness, is binding upon the worker, and that is the real aspect of vikarma, as explained
hereinbefore.
 Chapter 4 Theme 2
nirāśīr yata-cittātmā
tyakta-sarva-parigrahaḥ
śārīraṁ kevalaṁ karma
kurvan nāpnoti kilbiṣam
Such a man of understanding acts
with mind and intelligence
perfectly controlled, gives up all
sense of proprietorship over his
possessions and acts only for the
bare necessities of life. Thus
working, he is not affected by sinful
reactions.
yadṛcchā-lābha-santuṣṭo
dvandvātīto vimatsaraḥ
samaḥ siddhāv asiddhau ca
kṛtvāpi na nibadhyate
He who is satisfied with gain which
comes of its own accord, who is
free from duality and does not
envy, who is steady in both success
and failure, is never entangled,
although performing actions.
Bg 4.21-22
Understanding of Karma on the Platform of Knowledge (BG 4.16-24)
A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is always dovetailed with the supreme desire
A Kṛṣṇa conscious person does not expect good or bad results in his activities. His mind and
intelligence are fully controlled. He knows that because he is part and parcel of the Supreme,
the part played by him, as a part and parcel of the whole, is not his own activity but is only
being done through him by the Supreme.
When the hand moves, it does not move out of its own accord, but by the endeavor of the whole
body. A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is always dovetailed with the supreme desire, for he has no
desire for personal sense gratification. He moves exactly like a part of a machine. As a machine
part requires oiling and cleaning for maintenance, so a Kṛṣṇa conscious man maintains himself
by his work just to remain fit for action in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. He is
therefore immune to all the reactions of his endeavors.
A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is above duality
A Kṛṣṇa conscious person does not make much endeavor even to maintain his body. He is
satisfied with gains which are obtained of their own accord. He neither begs nor borrows, but he
labors honestly as far as is in his power, and is satisfied with whatever is obtained by his own
honest labor. He is therefore independent in his livelihood.
A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is above duality because he does not hesitate to act in any way for
the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa. Therefore he is steady both in success and in failure. These signs are
visible when one is fully in transcendental knowledge.
 Chapter 4 Theme 2
gata-saṅgasya muktasya
jñānāvasthita-cetasaḥ
yajñāyācarataḥ karma
samagraṁ pravilīyate
The work of a man who is
unattached to the modes of
material nature and who is fully
situated in transcendental
knowledge merges entirely into
transcendence.
brahmārpaṇaṁ brahma havir
brahmāgnau brahmaṇā hutam
brahmaiva tena gantavyaṁ
brahma-karma-samādhinā
A person who is fully absorbed in
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is sure to
attain the spiritual kingdom because
of his full contribution to spiritual
activities, in which the
consummation is absolute and that
which is offered is of the same
spiritual nature.
Bg 4.23-24
Understanding of Karma on the Platform of Knowledge (BG 4.16-24)
Action by Kṛṣṇa conscious person is meant for sacrifices or satisfying the Supreme
Person
Becoming fully Kṛṣṇa conscious, one is freed from all dualities and thus is free from the
contaminations of the material modes. He can become liberated because he knows his
constitutional position in relationship with Kṛṣṇa, and thus his mind cannot be drawn from
Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Consequently, whatever he does, he does for Kṛṣṇa, who is the primeval
Viṣṇu. Therefore, all his works are technically sacrifices because sacrifice aims at satisfying the
Supreme Person, Viṣṇu, Kṛṣṇa. The resultant reactions to all such work certainly merge into
transcendence, and one does not suffer material effects. īśāvāsyam idaṁ sarvam (Īśo mantra 1)
A Kṛṣṇa conscious person is above duality
just the principle of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is described. A conditioned soul, entangled in material
contamination, is sure to act in the material atmosphere, and yet he has to get out of such an
environment. The process by which the conditioned soul can get out of the material atmosphere
is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. For example, a patient who is suffering from a disorder of the bowels
due to overindulgence in milk products is cured by another milk product, namely curds. The
materially absorbed conditioned soul can be cured by Kṛṣṇa consciousness as set forth here in
the Gītā. This process is generally known as yajña, or activities (sacrifices) simply meant for
the satisfaction of Viṣṇu, or Kṛṣṇa. The more the activities of the material world are performed
in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, or for Viṣṇu only, the more the atmosphere becomes spiritualized by
complete absorption.
In that condition of spiritual consciousness, the contributor,
the contribution, the consumption, the performer or leader
of the performance and the result or ultimate gain –
everything – becomes one in the Absolute, the Supreme
Brahman. That is the method of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.(Īśo
Invocation)pūrṇam idaṁ pūrṇam adaḥ
 Chapter 4 Theme 5
Some yogīs perfectly worship the
How to attain Transcendental Knowledge
demigods by offering different sacrifices (BG 4.25-33)
to them, and some offer sacrifices in the
fire of the Supreme Brahman.

Some [the unadulterated brahmacārīs]
sacrifice the hearing process and the
senses in the fire of mental control, and
others [the regulated householders]
sacrifice the objects of the senses in the
fire of the senses.
Fruit of all kinds of Vedic sacrifices is ‘transcendental knowledge’ This leads to
liberation and ultimately to pure devotional service
Variety of sacrifices are described in Texts 4.25 – 4.33, because these sacrifices have
“transcendental knowledge” as their ultimate goal
1 st goal: Control senses – This purifies one of all sins and makes one happy

Others, who are interested in achieving 2 nd goal: Gain transcendental knowledge – Texts 4.19 – 4.24 explain how sacrifice uncovers
self-realization through control of the Brahman (spiritual nature) and reveals transcendental knowledge
mind and senses, offer the functions of
all the senses, and of the life breath, as 3 rd goal: Devotional service
oblations into the fire of the controlled
Why variety of sacrifices – different types are appropriate for different types of workers
mind. (according to one’s position in Varnashrama and their level of realization) (4.32)
Having accepted strict vows, some
How to do – Perform sacrifices in Krishna consciousness of Texts 4.19 – 4.23, then the result
become enlightened by sacrificing their will be “realization of Brahman (4.24)
possessions, and others by performing
severe austerities, by practicing the yoga
of eightfold mysticism, or by studying
the Vedas to advance in transcendental
knowledge.
Some yogīs perfectly worship the
demigods by offering different sacrifices to
them, and some offer sacrifices in the fire
of the Supreme Brahman.
Bg 4.25-29
 Chapter 4 Theme 5
All these performers who know the
meaning of sacrifice become cleansed of
sinful reactions, and, having tasted the
nectar of the results of sacrifices, they
advance toward the supreme eternal
atmosphere
O best of the Kuru dynasty, without
sacrifice one can never live happily on
this planet or in this life: what then of
the next?
All these different types of sacrifice are
approved by the Vedas, and all of them
are born of different types of work.
Knowing them as such, you will become
liberated.
O chastiser of the enemy, the sacrifice
performed in knowledge is better than
the mere sacrifice of material
possessions. After all, O son of Pṛthā, all
sacrifices of work culminate in
transcendental knowledge.
Bg 4.30-33
How to attain Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.25-33)
The purpose of all sacrifices is to arrive at the status of complete
knowledge, then to gain release from material miseries to ultimately
become Kṛṣṇa consciousness
From the foregoing explanation of different types of sacrifice (namely sacrifice of one’s
possessions, study of the Vedas or philosophical doctrines, and performance of
the yoga system), it is found that the common aim of all is to control the senses thus
helps one free from sinful reactions. Real knowledge culminates in Kṛṣṇa
consciousness, the highest stage of transcendental knowledge. Without the elevation
of knowledge, sacrifices are simply material activities.
But all of them are recommended for ultimately bringing about liberation from the body.
This is confirmed by the Lord herewith from His own mouth.
The purpose of all sacrifices is to arrive at the status of complete knowledge, then to gain
release from material miseries and, ultimately, to engage in loving transcendental service
to the Supreme Lord (Kṛṣṇa consciousness).
Sense gratification is the root cause of material existence; therefore, unless and until
one is situated on a platform apart from sense gratification, there is no chance of
being elevated to the eternal platform of full knowledge, full bliss and full life.
This platform is in the eternal atmosphere, or Brahman atmosphere. All the above-
mentioned sacrifices help one to become cleansed of the sinful reactions of material
existence.
By this advancement in life, not only does one become happy and opulent in this life,
but also, at the end, he enters into the eternal kingdom of God, either merging into
the impersonal Brahman or associating with the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
Kṛṣṇa.
 Chapter 4 Theme 6
tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ
Just try to learn the truth by
approaching a spiritual master.
Inquire from him submissively and
render service unto him. The self-
realized souls can impart
knowledge unto you because they
have seen the truth.
yaj jñātvā na punar moham
evaṁ yāsyasi pāṇḍava
yena bhūtāny aśeṣāṇi
drakṣyasy ātmany atho mayi
Having obtained real knowledge
from a self-realized soul, you will
never fall again into such illusion, for
by this knowledge you will see that
all living beings are but part of the
Supreme, or, in other words, that
they are Mine.
Bg 4.34-35
Result of attaining Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.34-42)
Approach an bona fide spiritual master to receive transcendental knowledge
The path of spiritual realization is undoubtedly difficult. The Lord therefore advises us to
approach a bona fide spiritual master in the line of disciplic succession from the Lord Himself.
No one can be a bona fide spiritual master without following this principle of disciplic
succession. The Lord is the original spiritual master, and a person in the disciplic succession
can convey the message of the Lord as it is to his disciple. No one can be spiritually realized by
manufacturing his own process, as is the fashion of the foolish pretenders.
The Bhāgavatam (6.3.19) says, dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītam: the path of religion is
directly enunciated by the Lord. Therefore, mental speculation or dry arguments cannot help
lead one to the right path. Nor by independent study of books of knowledge can one progress in
spiritual life. One has to approach a bona fide spiritual master to receive the knowledge. Such a
spiritual master should be accepted in full surrender, and one should serve the spiritual master
like a menial servant, without false prestige. Satisfaction of the self-realized spiritual master is
the secret of advancement in spiritual life. Inquiries and submission constitute the proper
combination for spiritual understanding. Unless there is submission and service, inquiries from
the learned spiritual master will not be effective.
The result of receiving knowledge from a self-realized soul, is one who knows things as they
are, that all living beings are parts and parcels of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī
Kṛṣṇa.
when one is engaged in transcendental service through Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one becomes at
once liberated from this illusion The sense of an existence separate from Kṛṣṇa is
called māyā (mā – not, yā – this).
. One can acquire such pure knowledge only from the bona fide spiritual master and thereby
avoid the delusion that the living entity is equal to Kṛṣṇa. Perfect knowledge is that the
Supreme Soul, Kṛṣṇa, is the supreme shelter for all living entities, and giving up such shelter,
the living entities are deluded by the material energy, imagining themselves to have a separate
identity. the Bhāgavatam (2.10.6): muktir hitvānyathā-rūpaṁ svarūpeṇa
vyavasthitiḥ. Liberation means to be situated in one’s constitutional position as an eternal
servitor of Kṛṣṇa (Kṛṣṇa consciousness).
 Chapter 4 Theme 6
api ced asi pāpebhyaḥ
sarvebhyaḥ pāpa-kṛt-tamaḥ
sarvaṁ jñāna-plavenaiva
vṛjinaṁ santariṣyasi
Even if you are considered to be
the most sinful of all sinners, when
you are situated in the boat of
transcendental knowledge you will
be able to cross over the ocean of
miseries.
yathaidhāṁsi samiddho ’gnir
bhasma-sāt kurute ’rjuna
jñānāgniḥ sarva-karmāṇi
bhasma-sāt kurute tathā
As a blazing fire turns firewood to
ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of
knowledge burn to ashes all
reactions to material activities.
Bg 4.36-37
Result of attaining Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.34-42)
Situated in the boat of transcendental knowledge you will be able to cross over the
ocean of miseries.
Proper understanding of one’s constitutional position in relationship to Kṛṣṇa is so nice that it
can at once lift one from the struggle for existence which goes on in the ocean of nescience.
This material world is sometimes regarded as an ocean of nescience and sometimes as a blazing
forest. In the ocean, however expert a swimmer one may be, the struggle for existence is very
severe. If someone comes forward and lifts the struggling swimmer from the ocean, he is the
greatest savior. Perfect knowledge, received from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the
path of liberation. The boat of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is very simple, but at the same time the
most sublime
transcendental knowledge is like a fire burns up all reactions to pious and impious
activities
Perfect knowledge of self and Superself and of their relationship is compared herein to fire.
This fire not only burns up all reactions to impious activities, but also all reactions to pious
activities, turning them to ashes. There are many stages of reaction: reaction in the making,
reaction fructifying, reaction already achieved, and reaction a priori. But knowledge of the
constitutional position of the living entity burns everything to ashes. When one is in complete
knowledge, all reactions, both a priori and a posteriori, are consumed. In the Vedas (Bṛhad-
āraṇyaka Upaniṣad 4.4.22) it is stated, ubhe uhaivaiṣa ete taraty amṛtaḥ sādhv-asādhūnī: “One
overcomes both the pious and impious reactions of work.”
 Chapter 4 Theme 6
na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ
pavitram iha vidyate
tat svayaṁ yoga-saṁsiddhaḥ
kālenātmani vindati
In this world, there is nothing so
sublime and pure as transcendental
knowledge. Such knowledge is the
mature fruit of all mysticism. And
one who has become accomplished
in the practice of devotional service
enjoys this knowledge within himself
in due course of time.
śraddhāvāḻ labhate jñānaṁ
tat-paraḥ saṁyatendriyaḥ
jñānaṁ labdhvā parāṁ śāntim
acireṇādhigacchati
A faithful man who is dedicated to
transcendental knowledge and who
subdues his senses is eligible to
achieve such knowledge, and having
achieved it he quickly attains the
supreme spiritual peace.
Bg 4.38-39
Result of attaining Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.34-42)
Transcendental knowledge is most sublime and pure
When we speak of transcendental knowledge, we do so in terms of spiritual understanding. As
such, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Ignorance is the cause
of our bondage, and knowledge is the cause of our liberation. This knowledge is the mature
fruit of devotional service, and when one is situated in transcendental knowledge, he need not
search for peace elsewhere, for he enjoys peace within himself. In other words, this
knowledge and peace culminate in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. That is the last word in
the Bhagavad-gītā.
A faithful man is eligible to achieve transcendental knowledge and attains the supreme
spiritual peace.
Such knowledge in Kṛṣṇa consciousness can be achieved by a faithful person who believes
firmly in Kṛṣṇa. One is called a faithful man who thinks that simply by acting in Kṛṣṇa
consciousness he can attain the highest perfection. This faith is attained by the discharge of
devotional service and by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare
Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare, which cleanses one’s heart of all material dirt.
Over and above this, one should control the senses. A person who is faithful to Kṛṣṇa and who
controls the senses can easily attain perfection in the knowledge of Kṛṣṇa consciousness
without delay.
SB 2.3.12 /SB 4.24.75/ SB 5.12.16
 Chapter 4 Theme 6 Result of attaining Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.34-42)
ajñaś cāśraddadhānaś ca
Doubtful persons have no status whatsoever in spiritual emancipation
saṁśayātmā vinaśyati
nāyaṁ loko ’sti na paro Out of many standard and authoritative revealed scriptures, the Bhagavad-gītā is the best.
Persons who are almost like animals have no faith in, or knowledge of, the standard revealed
na sukhaṁ saṁśayātmanaḥ scriptures; and some, even though they have knowledge of, or can cite passages from, the
revealed scriptures, have actually no faith in these words. And even though others may have
But ignorant and faithless persons faith in scriptures like Bhagavad-gītā, they do not believe in or worship the Personality of
Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Such persons cannot have any standing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
who doubt the revealed scriptures
do not attain God consciousness;
They fall down. Out of all the above-mentioned persons,
they fall down. For the doubting
soul there is happiness neither in those who have no faith and are always doubtful make no
this world nor in the next. progress at all. Men without faith in God and His revealed
word find no good in this world, nor in the next. For them
yoga-sannyasta-karmāṇaṁ
there is no happiness whatsoever.
jñāna-sañchinna-saṁśayam
ātmavantaṁ na karmāṇi
One should therefore follow in the footsteps of
nibadhnanti dhanañ-jaya
great ācāryas who are in the disciplic succession and
One who acts in devotional service, thereby attain success.
renouncing the fruits of his actions,
and whose doubts have been One should therefore follow the principles of revealed scriptures with faith and thereby be
raised to the platform of knowledge. Only this knowledge will help one become promoted to
destroyed by transcendental the transcendental platform of spiritual understanding.
knowledge, is situated factually in
the self. Thus he is not bound by the If One who follows the instruction of the Bhagavad-gītā, as it is imparted by the Lord, the
Personality of Godhead Himself, becomes free from all doubts by the grace of transcendental
reactions of work, O conqueror of knowledge. He, as a part and parcel of the Lord, in full Kṛṣṇa consciousness, is already
riches. established in self-knowledge. As such, he is undoubtedly above bondage to action.
Bg 4.40-41
 Chapter 4 Theme 6
tasmād ajñāna-sambhūtaṁ
hṛt-sthaṁ jñānāsinātmanaḥ
chittvainaṁ saṁśayaṁ yogam
ātiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhārata
Therefore the doubts which have
arisen in your heart out of
ignorance should be slashed by the
weapon of knowledge. Armed with
yoga, O Bhārata, stand and fight.
Bg 4.42
Result of attaining Transcendental Knowledge
(BG 4.34-42)
The yoga system instructed in this chapter is called sanātana-yoga, or eternal activities
performed by the living entity. This yoga has two divisions of sacrificial actions:
1.one is called sacrifice of one’s material possessions,
2.the other is called knowledge of self which is pure spiritual activity.
If sacrifice of one’s material possessions is not dovetailed for spiritual realization, then such
sacrifice becomes material. But one who performs such sacrifices with a spiritual objective, or
in devotional service, makes a perfect sacrifice.
When we come to spiritual activities, we find that these are also divided into two:
1.namely, understanding of one’s own self (or one’s constitutional position),
2.and the truth regarding the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
who follows the path of Bhagavad-gītā as it is can very easily understand these two important
divisions of spiritual knowledge. For him there is no difficulty in obtaining perfect knowledge
of the self as part and parcel of the Lord. And such understanding is beneficial, for such a
person can easily understand the transcendental activities of the Lord.
Kṛṣṇa consciousness is awakened by different types of sacrifices to the demigods, sacrifice to
Brahman, sacrifice in celibacy, in household life, in controlling the senses, in practicing mystic
yoga, in penance, in forgoing material possessions, in studying the Vedas and in partaking of
the social institution called varṇāśrama-dharma. All of these are known as sacrifice, and all of
them are based on regulated action. But within all these activities, the important factor is self-
realization. One who seeks that objective is the real student of Bhagavad-gītā, but one who
doubts the authority of Kṛṣṇa falls back.
One is therefore advised to study Bhagavad-gītā, or any other scripture, under a bona fide
spiritual master, with service and surrender. A bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic
succession from time eternal, and he does not deviate at all from the instructions of the
Supreme Lord as they were imparted millions of years ago to the sun-god, from whom the
instructions of Bhagavad-gītā have come down to the earthly kingdom. One should, therefore,
follow the path of Bhagavad-gītā as it is expressed in the Gītā itself
 Chapter 4: Transcendental
Knowledge

Chapter 4: Transcendental Knowledge -Summary

The science of Bhagavad – gita was first spoken by Krishna to Vivasvan, the sun-
god. Vivasvan taught the science to his descendents, who taught it to humanity.
This system of transmitting knowledge is called disciplic succession.
Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religion and a rise of irreligion, Krishna
appears in His Original Transcendental Form, untouched by material nature. One
who understands the transcendental nature of the Lord attains the Lord’s eternal
abode at the time of death.

Everyone surrenders to Krishna, directly or indirectly, and Krishna reciprocates

according to one’s surrender.

Krishna created a system called varnasrama, with divisions of social and spiritual
life, to engage people according to their psychophysical natures. By sacrificing the
results of work to the Supreme, people gradually rise to the platform of
transcendental knowledge. Ignorant and faithless people who doubt the revealed
knowledge of the scriptures can never be happy, nor attain God Consciousness.