Chapter 4 Verse 2
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदुः। स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परन्तप।।4.2।।
evaṁ paramparā-prāptam imaṁ rājarṣhayo viduḥ sa kāleneha mahatā yogo naṣhṭaḥ parantapa
Word Meanings
| evam | thus |
| paramparā | in a continuous tradition |
| prāptam | received |
| imam | this (science) |
| rāja-ṛiṣhayaḥ | the saintly kings |
| viduḥ | understood |
| saḥ | that |
| kālena | with the long passage of time |
| iha | in this world |
| mahatā | great |
| yogaḥ | the science of Yog |
| naṣhṭaḥ | lost |
| parantapa | Arjun, the scorcher of foes |
Translation
This, handed down in regular succession by the royal sages, was known. This Yoga, however, has been lost here over time, O Parantapa (burner of the foes).
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says that this teaching came down in an unbroken line from wise leaders. It was known and preserved by those who lived and practiced it.
Over time, however, the outer form of the teaching grew weak or was lost in the world. This is not a failure of truth, but a reminder that practices and institutions can fade.
Philosophically, the verse points to two things: spiritual truth survives when lived and passed on, and it can vanish if people stop practicing it. It asks us to take responsibility for keeping wisdom alive by learning, practicing, and sharing it.
Life Application
- Keep a simple daily practice (breathing, short meditation, or study) to stay connected to deeper teachings.
- Seek a living teacher or a sincere community, but focus on direct experience rather than only external forms.
- Teach or share what you learn in small, practical ways so the wisdom continues.
Reflection Question
What small practice or teaching will I commit to preserve or pass on?