Jnana Yoga

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THE BLESSED LORD SAID:

 

1. I taught this imperishable Yoga to Vivasvat (Sun); Vivasvat taught it to

Manu; Manu taught to Ikshvaku.

 

2. This, handed down thus in succession, the King-sages learnt. This yoga, by

long lapse of time, has been lost here, O harasser of foes.

 

3. That same ancient Yoga has been to-day taught to thee by Me, seeing that thou

art My devotee and friend; for, this is the Supreme Secret.

 

ARJUNA SAID:

 

4. Later is Thy birth and prior the birth of Vivasvat; how am I to understand

that Thou taughtest this Yoga in the beginning?

 

THE BLESSED LORD SAID:

 

5. Many births of Mine have passed, as well as of thine, O Arjuna; all these I

know, thou knowest not, O harasser of foes.

 

6. Though I am unborn, of imperishable nature, and though I am the Lord of all

beings, yet ruling over My own nature, I am born by My own Maya.

 

7. Whenever there is a decay of religion, O Bharata and an ascendency of

irreligion, then I manifest Myself.

 

8. For the protection of the good, for the destruction of evil-doers, for the

firm establishment of religion, I am born in every age.

 

9. Whoso knows thus My divine birth and action in truth is not born again on

leaving this body; he comes to Me, O Arjuna.

 

10. Free from passion, fear and anger, absorbed in Me, taking refuge in Me,

purified by the fire (tapas) of wisdom, many have reached My being.

 

to be continued...