Chapter 4 Verse 8
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्। धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय संभवामि युगे युगे।।4.8।।
paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśhāya cha duṣhkṛitām dharma-sansthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge
Word Meanings
| paritrāṇāya | to protect |
| sādhūnām | the righteous |
| vināśhāya | to annihilate |
| cha | and |
| duṣhkṛitām | the wicked |
| dharma | the eternal religion |
| sansthāpana-arthāya | to reestablish |
| sambhavāmi | I appear |
| yuge yuge | age after age |
Translation
For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness, I am born in every age.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says the divine appears again and again to protect those who seek what is right, to remove what harms others, and to restore balance and righteousness in the world. It reassures us that goodness will be supported and injustice will not have the final word.
Philosophically, it points to a recurring pattern: when people or systems drift into harm, a corrective force arises to restore order. That corrective force can be an external leader, a social movement, or an inner change in people’s hearts and choices.
Practically, the verse invites both trust and responsibility. Trust that help comes when needed, and take responsibility to align your actions with truth and compassion so you can be part of the restoration rather than its obstacle.
Life Application
- Notice where harm or selfishness is affecting your life; take small, steady actions to reduce it (speak kindly, set boundaries, refuse to support injustice).
- Work on inner change: reduce anger, pride, and habit-driven harm through reflection, honest correction, and simple daily practices like mindful breathing or truthful speech.
- Support fair systems and people who protect the vulnerable—Volunteering, honest work, and ethical choices are practical ways to restore righteousness.
Reflection Question
Where today can I take one small step to protect what is right and reduce harm?