Gita Sāra 12 - स एवायं मया तेऽद्य योगः प्रोक्तः पुरातनः

Shri Krishna imparts the timeless wisdom of Karma Yoga to Arjuna, encouraging the path of selfless action without attachment. This sacred teaching is a reflection of the ancient teachings found in the Vedas and Upanishads and it has been revered and practiced by illustrious kings and sages throughout the ages, handed down from Surya to the noble Manu, and further bestowed from Manu to the great Ikshvaku. As descendants of the noble Manu, we are entrusted with the duty to honor and embody this noble tradition.

Shri Krishna reveals the profound truth that He bestowed the teachings of Karma Yoga to Surya, long before His incarnation in the Dvāpara Yuga. He also addresses the natural question that arises - how could He have imparted wisdom to the Surya at the very dawn of creation?

In response, Shri Krishna elucidates the eternal mystery of His divine incarnation. He transcends the boundaries of time and space, existing beyond the limitations of human comprehension. As the Supreme Being, His divine manifestation is not confined to a particular era or form. Instead, He assumes various incarnations, each a manifestation of His boundless compassion and love.

The concept of multiple births and divine incarnations is deeply woven into the tapestry of existence. Recognizing that life extends beyond a single lifetime is essential to understanding the broader spiritual journey. It is true that despite leading a righteous life, individuals often encounter significant suffering and challenges. This enigma of life's hardships can perplex and test one's faith in the path of virtue. On the contrary, some seem to flourish in their indulgent and unrighteous ways, seemingly untouched by the consequences of their actions. This stark contrast raises questions about the significance of practicing righteousness.

The notion of viewing one lifetime as the entirety of our existence gives rise to such questions. Within a few days' experiences, no one can determine the full outcome of actions,both righteous and unrighteous deeds as the results take time to manifest. In the vast and continuous journey of the Jīva, one birth is merely like a single day. The impact of one's actions, be it in terms of Dharma or Adharma, cannot be measured solely by the immediate pleasures or sorrows experienced in a limited lifetime. A broad and profound vision is necessary to comprehend the true repercussions of our deeds. This courageous attitude emerges from an understanding of the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the transitory nature of life's challenges.

Just as there are numerous lifetimes for individual souls, the Supreme Being also manifests in various incarnations. This manifestation of the Supreme Being is known as an Avatāra. Free from any transformations or limitations, the Divine chooses to manifest in the world out of His own free will, untethered by any worldly attachments.

The Divine is always aware of His incarnations, knowing the past and future manifestations. However, we humans are not conscious of our previous or future births. We remain unaware, bound by the cycle of birth and death, subjected to the consequences of our actions, and entangled in the web of karma, the distinction between the Divine and ourselves becomes evident. This intrinsic difference between the Divine's incarnations and our own continuous cycles of birth and death underscores the profound nature of the Supreme Being's divine manifestations.

श्रीमध्वेशकृष्णार्पणमस्तु

To be continued.