Shloka 4.7
“Whenever dharma declines and adharma rises, O Arjuna, I manifest Myself.”
Key Teaching: Krishna manifests to restore dharma when adharma prevails.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna declares that he manifests whenever dharma declines and adharma (unrighteousness) rises, addressing Arjuna’s doubts (4.4). This verse, continuing 4.6, emphasizes his divine purpose. The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he upholds cosmic order, and Jnana Yoga, as he reveals his divine role, are central.
In the Mahabharata, the Kurukshetra war reflects adharma’s rise (1.3–11). Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s unrighteous ambition, urging Arjuna to fight as a Kshatriya to restore dharma, aligning with Karma and Jnana Yoga (2.47). Krishna’s incarnation supports cosmic balance.
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human need for divine intervention, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on divine purpose. Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9) complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to align with divine restoration. The theme of Jnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine action.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its universal significance. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s moral crises, where divine intervention restores order. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine purpose, aligning with dharma.
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