Shloka 4.4
“Arjuna said: Your birth is recent, Vivasvan’s ancient; how am I to understand you taught this yoga?”
Key Teaching: Arjuna questions Krishna’s claim of teaching ancient yoga.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Yoga.
Description:
Arjuna, puzzled, questions how Krishna, born recently, could have taught this yoga to Vivasvan, born long ago (4.1). This verse shifts to Arjuna’s inquiry, addressing his doubts (3.1–2). The themes of guidance, as Arjuna seeks clarity, dharma, as he explores Krishna’s nature, and Jnana Yoga, as he questions divine knowledge, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s confusion (2.9) reflects human limitations in understanding divinity. His question, unlike Duryodhana’s unreflective ambition (1.3–11), shows his quest for truth, preparing him to fulfill his Kshatriya duty with clarity, aligning with Jnana Yoga.
Philosophically, this verse reflects the human challenge of comprehending divine eternity, a theme Krishna will refine by revealing his divine nature (4.5). Arjuna’s question complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to understand divinity. The theme of Jnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on knowledge resolving doubts.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s question objectively, emphasizing its philosophical depth. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s mysteries, where inquiry leads to wisdom. Arjuna’s question prepares readers for Krishna’s divine revelation, clarifying his role in duty.
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