Chapter 4, Verse 1 (Bhagavad Gita 4.1)
Chapter 4: Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog – Path of Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action
Sanskrit Shloka
श्री भगवानुवाच इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम्। विवस्वान् मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत्
Transliteration
śhrī bhagavān uvācha imaṁ vivasvate yogaṁ proktavān aham avyayam vivasvān manave prāha manur ikṣhvākave ’bravīt
Word Meanings
śhrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Lord Shree Krishna said; imam—this; vivasvate—to the Sun-god; yogam—the science of Yog; proktavān—taught; aham—I; avyayam—eternal; vivasvān—Sun-god; manave—to Manu, the original progenitor of humankind; prāha—told; manuḥ—Manu; ikṣhvākave—to Ikshvaku, first king of the Solar dynasty; abravīt—instructed
Translation
The Blessed Lord said: I taught this imperishable science of Yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, who instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn taught it to Ikshvaku.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse establishes the parampara, or the disciplic succession, emphasizing that spiritual wisdom is not a modern invention but a timeless truth that sustains the universe. By connecting Yoga to the cosmic order, Krishna teaches that this knowledge is eternal and meant for the welfare of all humanity throughout the ages. Psychologically, it invites the seeker to humble themselves before a lineage that transcends ego and individual perspective. It suggests that true wisdom must be passed down through a disciplined transmission to ensure its purity remains untainted. Ultimately, it encourages us to align our personal growth with this ancient, universal science to realize our higher purpose.