तस्मादज्ञानसम्भूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनात्मन: |
छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत || 42||
tasmād ajñāna-sambhūtaṁ hṛit-sthaṁ jñānāsinātmanaḥ
chhittvainaṁ sanśhayaṁ yogam ātiṣhṭhottiṣhṭha bhārata
tasmāt—therefore; ajñāna-sambhūtam—born of ignorance; hṛit-stham—situated in the heart; jñāna—of knowledge; asinā—with the sword; ātmanaḥ—of the self; chhittvā—cut asunder; enam—this; sanśhayam—doubt; yogam—in karm yog; ātiṣhṭha—take shelter; uttiṣhṭha—arise; bhārata—Arjun, descendant of Bharat
Translation:
Therefore, with the sword of Knowledge cut asunder the doubt born of ignorance about the Self, dwelling in the heart and take refuge in Yoga. Arise, O Arjuna!
Commentary:
Thus the Lord, having taught the secret of the Supreme Self, and by that Knowledge, the ability to perform Nishkama Karma, finally exhorts Arjuna to stand up and fight the battle. It should be noted that Jnana enables man to discharge his duties under all circumstances with a clear vision of the true nature of action, and his own immovable station is the Self. This Discourse is entitled Jnana Yoga and the last words of the Lord are “Stand up O Arjuna!” Arjuna was sunk in despair and doubt, and now knowing the Truth about the real Self, he should stand up and fight the battle as it is the duty prescribed for him in the present situation.
Born of ignorance: All doubts and delusions have their origin in ignorance. The moment Knowledge dawns, they are all cleared as the mist is cleared by the sun.
In the heart: Ignorance is lodged in the heart from the beginning of time. But all that darkness is cleared when the lamp of Knowledge is lit (i.e.) when the real Self is perceived.
With the sword of knowledge: Ignorance cannot be destroyed by anything except Jnana. So Jnana is compared to a sword that cuts the knot of ignorance and releases man from the bondage of Karma forever.
Perform Nishkama Karma: Having attained Knowledge, what should man do? This question is answered here. Does the Jnani sit in a corner and idle away the time? No. He works, works for the good of humanity. He has nothing to gain by such work. It is all done to lift mankind from the mire of delusion, to spread the glorious message of spirituality, to kindle the fire of Atmajnana in others, to purify and enable man, to enable him to see the glory of his real Self. Sankara, Buddha, Jesus and other sages have done tremendous work for the good of mankind. Many wise men even today are performing such selfless work.
Arise: Stand up, O Arjuna! How inspiring these words are for all people! Are not millions of people, perplexed with doubt, and clouded by delusion, weeping and wailing helplessly on account of their weakness to meet the challenges of life? To rouse such men from their ignorance, and inspire them with the courage to fight the battle of life is the greatest service that could be done to humanity. Lord Krishna, through the medium of Arjuna, delivers this message to mankind. Ignorance is the root cause of all the evils of life. It should be shattered by the sword of Knowledge, and then man becomes fit to fight the battle of life under all circumstances.
Swami Chetanananda: “In the West, so many people come to us: some are depressed, some are deluded. Do you have any advice for them?”
Swami Bhuteshananda: “Lust and greed are the source of all trouble. Nothing can be achieved unless one develops some dispassion. One needs the knife of renunciation, just as nowadays the doctors use a laser to cut through cataracts. One has to learn to love the Ideal, leaving aside the pleasures of the world.”
(Source: Stories of Vedanta Monks, Vol 1)
Question: Where are doubt and delusion?
Answer: In the human heart.
Question: Whence do they arise?
Answer: From ignorance.
Question: How can ignorance be conquered?
Answer: By the sword of Knowledge.
Question: Having obtained the highest Knowledge what is man’s duty?
Answer: He works for the good of all beings.
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 4 🔻 (42 Verses)
