Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 4 verse 1
Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga

An Ancient Lineage · Wisdom Passed Down

श्रीभगवानुवाच । इमं विवस्वते योगं प्रोक्तवानहमव्ययम् । विवस्वान्मनवे प्राह मनुरिक्ष्वाकवेऽब्रवीत् ।।1।।

śrī bhagavān uvāca imaṃ vivasvate yogaṃ proktavān aham avyayam vivasvān manave prāha manur ikṣvākave 'bravīt

Meaning

"The Supreme Lord said: I taught this imperishable yoga to Vivasvan, the Sun God, who conveyed it to Manu; Manu, in turn, told it to Ikshvaku."

Explanation

Krishna opens Chapter 4 by tracing this teaching's lineage, showing it as ancient and time-tested wisdom.

Today's Life Lesson

Respect today the wisdom that has been passed down to you through teachers and traditions before you.

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