Chapter 4: Jnana Yoga

"The Supreme Lord said: I taught this eternal science of yoga to the sun-god Vivasvan, who taught it to Manu, who in turn taught it to Ikshvaku."

"This knowledge was passed through disciplic succession, but over time it was lost."

"I am teaching you this ancient knowledge because you are my devotee and friend."

"Arjuna said: You were born recently, while Vivasvan lived long ago — how can I understand that you taught him?"

"Krishna said: Many births have passed for both you and Me. I remember them all, but you do not."

"Though I am unborn and eternal, I manifest myself through my divine energy."

"Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and rise of unrighteousness, I manifest Myself."

"To protect the good, destroy the wicked, and re-establish dharma, I appear in every age."

"One who understands my divine birth and actions is not reborn but attains Me."

"Freed from attachment, fear, and anger, many have attained purity and come to Me through knowledge."

"As people approach Me, I reciprocate accordingly."

"Those desiring success worship various deities and quickly achieve results through action."

"The four social divisions were created by Me based on qualities and actions."

"Actions do not bind Me, as I have no attachment to results. One who understands this is also not bound."

"Knowing this, even the ancient seekers performed action. Therefore, you should act as they did."

"Even wise people are confused about what is action and inaction. I will explain it to you."

"One must understand action, wrong action, and inaction — the nature of action is very complex."

"One who sees inaction in action and action in inaction is wise."

"One whose actions are free from desire and burned by knowledge is considered wise."

"One who gives up attachment to results remains free even while acting."

"Free from expectation and ownership, performing only necessary actions, one is not affected by sin."

"Content with what comes naturally, free from dualities, one is not bound by action."

"For one who is detached and acts for sacrifice, all actions dissolve."

"Everything in sacrifice is divine — the offering, the fire, and the act itself."

"Some perform sacrifices to divine forces, others offer knowledge into the fire of wisdom."

"Some sacrifice senses into discipline, others sacrifice sense objects."

"Some offer all actions into the fire of self-control and knowledge."

"Some perform sacrifices of wealth, austerity, yoga, and knowledge."

"Some practice breath control as a form of sacrifice."

"Others regulate food and offer life forces into discipline — all are purified through sacrifice."

"Those who partake in the remnants of sacrifice attain the eternal divine; those who do not perform sacrifice have no happiness even in this world."

"Many types of sacrifice are described in the scriptures; understanding them frees one from bondage."

"Sacrifice of knowledge is superior to material sacrifice, for all actions culminate in knowledge."

"Approach a wise teacher with humility, inquiry, and service — they will impart knowledge."

"Knowing this, you will not fall into confusion again and will see all beings in yourself and in Me."

"Even the greatest sinner can cross over all sin by the boat of knowledge."

"Just as fire reduces wood to ashes, knowledge burns all actions to ashes."

"There is nothing as purifying as knowledge; in time, one realizes it within oneself."

"One with faith, control, and dedication attains knowledge and peace."

"The ignorant, faithless, and doubtful are destroyed and find no happiness."

"One who has renounced actions through yoga and destroyed doubts through knowledge is not bound."

"Therefore, cut doubt with the sword of knowledge and arise to action."

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