Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 4.30

Shloka 4.30

“Others, controlling food intake, offer lifebreaths in lifebreaths; all know sacrifice, destroying sins.”

Key Teaching: Yogis control food intake, offering breaths as sacrifice to destroy sins.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Yoga.

Description:
Krishna describes yogis who control food intake, offering lifebreaths into lifebreaths as a sacrifice, understanding sacrifice to destroy sins. This verse, continuing 4.25–29, addresses Arjuna’s hesitation to act (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies spiritual practice, and Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes sacrificial knowledge, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s mental turmoil (1.28–46) reflects a lack of discipline. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s indulgent ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to adopt disciplined action as a Kshatriya, aligning with Karma and Jnana Yoga (2.47, 3.9). Controlling food and breath purifies action, freeing one from sin.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human need for disciplined practice, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on sacrifice (3.9–16). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to embrace sacrificial discipline. The theme of Jnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on knowledge through sacrifice for liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its practical clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s discipline, where controlled sacrifice purifies. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty as a sacrifice, aligning with spiritual purity and liberation.