Chapter 4 Verse 5
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
श्री भगवानुवाच बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन। तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप।।4.5।।
śhrī bhagavān uvācha bahūni me vyatītāni janmāni tava chārjuna tānyahaṁ veda sarvāṇi na tvaṁ vettha parantapa
Word Meanings
| śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | the Supreme Lord said |
| bahūni | many |
| me | of mine |
| vyatītāni | have passed |
| janmāni | births |
| tava | of yours |
| cha | and |
| arjuna | Arjun |
| tāni | them |
| aham | I |
| veda | know |
| sarvāṇi | all |
| na | not |
| tvam | you |
| vettha | know |
| parantapa | Arjun, the scorcher of foes |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said, "Many births of Mine have passed, as well as of thine, O Arjuna; I know them all, but thou knowest not, O Parantapa (scorcher of foes)."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna tells Arjuna that both he and Arjuna have taken many births. The divine remembers all these lives, but Arjuna does not. This points to two truths: the soul goes through many lives, and the Lord or higher wisdom has full knowing of that journey.
The statement shows the difference between limited human understanding and the all-seeing divine. It is not meant to shame but to open Arjuna to a larger view beyond fear and confusion.
Spiritually, this invites trust in a guiding wisdom and encourages inner calm. Knowing the self continues helps lessen the panic about loss, failure, or death and points us toward steady, right action now.
Life Application
- When you feel stuck by past mistakes or worries about the future, remember life is part of a larger journey; focus on correct action today rather than guilt or fear.
- Practice humility: accept that you do not know everything and be open to wise guidance—teachers, scripture, or inner conscience.
- Let the awareness of continuity reduce attachment and anxiety. Make choices based on duty and compassion, not on short-term gain or fear.
Reflection Question
How would your choices change if you trusted that your true self lives beyond any single lifetime?