Chapter 4 Verse 3
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
स एवायं मया तेऽद्य योगः प्रोक्तः पुरातनः। भक्तोऽसि मे सखा चेति रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम्।।4.3।।
sa evāyaṁ mayā te ’dya yogaḥ proktaḥ purātanaḥ bhakto ’si me sakhā cheti rahasyaṁ hyetad uttamam
Word Meanings
| saḥ | that |
| eva | certainly |
| ayam | this |
| mayā | by me |
| te | unto you |
| adya | today |
| yogaḥ | the science of Yog |
| proktaḥ | reveal |
| purātanaḥ | ancient |
| bhaktaḥ | devotee |
| asi | you are |
| me | my |
| sakhā | friend |
| cha | and |
| iti | therefore |
| rahasyam | secret |
| hi | certainly |
| etat | this |
| uttamam | supreme |
Translation
That same ancient yoga has been today taught to you by me, for you are my devotee and my friend; it is the supreme secret.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna tells Arjuna that the yoga he is teaching is not new; it is an ancient truth being passed on now because Arjuna is ready. The moment of teaching matters: a living teacher gives timeless wisdom to a receptive heart.
Calling Arjuna a devotee and friend shows that trust and love open us to inner truth. The "secret" is not a mystery to boast about but a deep practice and insight that changes how we live.
This verse points to the personal side of spiritual learning: knowledge alone is not enough—feelings of devotion, honesty, and friendship make the teaching effective. True yoga is both wisdom and the steady practice that transforms action, mind, and heart.
Life Application
- Find a sincere guide or teacher and stay open; a trusted relationship helps spiritual lessons take root.
- Practice the teaching daily in small steps—through mindful action, prayer, or quiet reflection—so it becomes lived wisdom.
- Use what you learn with humility and care; let it change how you treat others, not just your ideas.
Reflection Question
Who in my life helps me receive and apply inner wisdom with trust and humility?