FolioCorpusBhagavad-gītā

Bhagavad-gītā 4.2

एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदुः । स कालेनेह महता योगे नष्टः परन्तप ॥ २ ॥
evaṁ paramparā-prāptam
[evam paramparaa-praaptam]
imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
[imam raajarshayo viduh]
sa kāleneha mahatā
[sa kaaleneha mahataa]
yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa
[yogo nashtah paran-tapa]
Word-for-word
evam — thus paramparā — by disciplic succession prāptam — received imam — this science rāja - ṛṣayaḥ — the saintly kings viduḥ — understood saḥ — that knowledge kālena — in the course of time iha — in this world mahatā — great yogaḥ — the science of one’s relationship with the Supreme naṣṭaḥ — scattered param - tapa — O Arjuna, subduer of the enemies .
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
evaṁ paramparā-prāptam
evam
thus
paramparā
by disciplic succession
prāptam
received
imaṁ rājarṣayo viduḥ
imam
this science
rāja - ṛṣayaḥ
the saintly kings
viduḥ
understood
sa kāleneha mahatā
saḥ
that knowledge
kālena
in the course of time
iha
in this world
mahatā
great
yogo naṣṭaḥ paran-tapa
yogaḥ
the science of one’s relationship with the Supreme
naṣṭaḥ
scattered
param - tapa
O Arjuna, subduer of the enemies .
Important Words
  • paramparā — by disciplic succession
    Param-paraḥ — 'one after another,' a chain of links each connected to the previous. The instrumental case here means knowledge is *received through* the chain, not in spite of it. There is no private channel.
  • rāja - ṛṣayaḥ — the saintly kings
    A compound naming the original carriers — kings who were also seers. The Gītā's yoga was first held by ruling sages who applied it to governance, not by world-renunciates. This positions the entire Gītā as a king's manual.
  • kālena — in the course of time
    Instrumental case — time itself acts as the corrupting agent. Not human malice in the first instance; not invasion; just kāla. The chain dies of attrition unless someone keeps re-founding it.
  • naṣṭaḥ — scattered, lost
    Past passive participle of √naś, 'to perish.' The chain is not weakened; it is broken. Kṛṣṇa is signalling that the very act of speaking the Gītā now is itself a re-foundation.
  • param - tapa — O subduer of the enemies
    Arjuna's epithet — 'scorcher of foes.' Kṛṣṇa addresses him as a warrior at the precise moment of giving him a contemplative science. The reception of paramparā is itself a kind of warfare against the decay of kāla.
This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost.
Classical Sanskrit analysis शास्त्रीय विश्लेषण
How Sanskrit scholars read this verse — split, rearranged, grammar-tagged. For the plain English distilled meaning, jump to Plain meaning below.
Auto-generated study layers — original analysis of the public-domain śloka. Review against a published edition for academic work.
Plain meaning (तात्पर्य · Tātparya)
The yoga once held by rājarṣis like Janaka has, over the long span of time, slipped from custody. Kṛṣṇa diagnoses the present crisis: the science is not absent in itself but absent through broken transmission. This sets up His justification for re-speaking it now to Arjuna.
Further notes (विवरण · Vivaraṇa)
Introduces the linked concepts paramparā and naṣṭa-yoga. Royal sages (rājarṣi) — kings who were also realized seers — once embodied the synthesis of karma and jñāna; their disappearance signals dharmic decline. The vocative परन्तप reminds Arjuna that he stands in that very kṣatriya tradition and is the natural heir to a restored teaching.
Prose order (अन्वय · Anvaya)
हे परन्तप! राजर्षयः एवम् परम्परा-प्राप्तम् इमम् (योगम्) विदुः; सः योगः इह महता कालेन नष्टः।
he parantapa! rājarṣayaḥ evam paramparā-prāptam imam (yogam) viduḥ; saḥ yogaḥ iha mahatā kālena naṣṭaḥ|
O scorcher of foes, the saintly kings knew this yoga thus received in disciplic succession; that yoga, here, has been lost over a great span of time.
Word split (पदच्छेद · Padaccheda)
एवम् परम्परा-प्राप्तम् इमम् राजर्षयः विदुः । सः कालेन इह महता योगः नष्टः परन्तप ॥
evam paramparā-prāptam imam rājarṣayaḥ viduḥ | saḥ kālena iha mahatā yogaḥ naṣṭaḥ parantapa ||
Grammar (व्याकरण · Vyākaraṇa)
SanskritIASTGrammarMeaning
एवम् evam ind. (indeclinable), manner adverb thus
परम्परा-प्राप्तम् paramparā-prāptam परम्परा (f.) + प्राप्त p.p.p. (past passive participle) acc.sg. (accusative singular)m., tatpuruṣa cpd. (compound) received through succession
इमम् imam इदम् (dem. (demonstrative) pron. (pronoun)) acc.sg. (accusative singular)m. this
राजर्षयः rājarṣayaḥ राजर्षि (m.) nom.pl. (nominative plural), karmadhāraya the royal sages
विदुः viduḥ √विद् perf. (perfect) 3pl.par. (parasmaipada / active voice) knew
सः saḥ तद् (dem. (demonstrative) pron. (pronoun)) nom.sg. (nominative singular)m. that
कालेन kālena काल (m.) ins.sg. (instrumental singular) by time
इह iha ind. (indeclinable), locative adverb here, in this world
महता mahatā महत् (adj.) ins.sg. (instrumental singular)m. great
योगः yogaḥ योग (m.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) yoga
नष्टः naṣṭaḥ √नश् p.p.p. (past passive participle) nom.sg. (nominative singular)m. lost
परन्तप parantapa परम्+तप, bahuvrīhi cpd. (compound), voc.sg. (vocative singular)m. O scorcher of foes
Purport

It is clearly stated that the Gītā was especially meant for the saintly kings because they were to execute its purpose in ruling over the citizens. Certainly Bhagavad-gītā was never meant for the demonic persons, who would dissipate its value for no one’s benefit and would devise all types of interpretations according to personal whims. As soon as the original purpose was scattered by the motives of the unscrupulous commentators, there arose the need to reestablish the disciplic succession. Five thousand years ago it was detected by the Lord Himself that the disciplic succession was broken, and therefore He declared that the purpose of the Gītā appeared to be lost. In the same way, at the present moment also there are so many editions of the Gītā (especially in English), but almost all of them are not according to authorized disciplic succession. There are innumerable interpretations rendered by different mundane scholars, but almost all of them do not accept the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, although they make a good business on the words of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. This spirit is demonic, because demons do not believe in God but simply enjoy the property of the Supreme. Since there is a great need of an edition of the Gītā in English, as it is received by the paramparā (disciplic succession) system, an attempt is made herewith to fulfill this great want. Bhagavad-gītā – accepted as it is – is a great boon to humanity; but if it is accepted as a treatise of philosophical speculations, it is simply a waste of time.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
2. The saintly kings understood this knowledge received in this disciplic succession. By the powerful influence of time, this jñāna-yoga was lost, O afflicter of enemies.
Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa Gauḍīya
Translation
2. The saintly kings understood this knowledge received in this disciplic succession. By the influence of powerful time, this disciplic succession for yoga was broken, O afflicter of enemies.
Commentary

Thus the great saintly kings know this yoga which was received through the line of disciplic succession starting from Vivasvān, and which was taught by their forefathers such as Ikṣvāku. The sampradāya of this yoga in this world (iha) was broken by the influence of powerful time.

Bhūrijana Dāsa Gauḍīya
Commentary

Why is this science, which is so valuable, of transcendental knowledge being now spoken to Arjuna? The next verse describes:

Study Notes — Gauranga Priya Dāsa
Gauranga Priya Dāsa Study
Bhakti-śāstrī Notes, ISKCON Chowpatty (2009)
Theme

COMMON THEME: Ancient origins of Bhagavad-gita and qualifications to receive

The Lord explains that science of work, explained in Chapters 2 and 3, is very old and authorized; and He gave this knowledge to Vivasvan and then the Supreme science was received through ‘disciplic succession’ (Answer to how it was received) but in the course of time the succession was broken.
Who is qualified to receive the transcendental mystery of this science?
Devotee
Friend (Devotee can be in one of the five primary rasas,e.g. Arjuna is a friend)
Other references on Qualifications Ref. 4.34, 4.39, 9.1, 18.67-68
Focus of Learning

(a) Importance of Bhagavad-gita for Royal order. Why? (4.1)

To rule the citizens and protect them from material bondage to lust
To impart “Krishna consciousness” and “value of human life” to citizens by education, culture and devotion
Thus helps them pursue a successful path of human life

(b) Importance of Bhagavad-gita being given to the sun-god as the first disciple (4.1)

This indicates that Bhagavad-gita is not a speculative treatise for insignificant mundane scholars but a standard book of knowledge from time immemorial
Krishna did not give this knowledge to any ordinary person
He selected sun god because the sun is the king of all planets and controls all planets and is rotating under Krishna’s order (Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.52)

(c) History of Bhagavad-Gita (4.1)

Exists in human society since Maharaj Iksvaku (2,005,000 years)
Given to Vivasvan at least 120,400,000 years ago
Again spoken to Arjuna 5000 years ago. Why? – Because original purpose was scattered by motives of unscrupulous commentators (4.2 purport)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF TEXTS 4.1 – 4.3

The presentation of Bhagavad-gita’s history is a precursor to Krishna’s revelation of His

transcendental nature

Learning the tradition of this knowledge will give Arjuna faith in what he is hearing
Additionally, Krishna’s claim to be the original proponent of knowledge that is more than 2 million years old sparks a conversation that allows Krishna to reveal His supreme transcendental position

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SECTION I

Krishna is Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who comes

to the world to protect eternal dharma. One who knows this is factually liberated

Classical Ācāryas
Śrī Śaṅkarācārya Classical
Translation
4.2 Rajarsayah, the king-sages, those who were kings and sages (at the same time); viduh, knew; imam, this Yoga; which was evam parampara-praptam, received thus through a regular succession of Ksatriyas. Sah, that; yogah, Yoga; nastah, is lost, has go its traditional line snapped; iha, now; mahata kalena, owing to a long lapse of time. parantapa, O destroyer of foes. By para are meant those against oneself. He who, like the sun, 'scorches' (tapayati) them by the 'rays' of the 'heat' of his prowess is parantapa, i.e. scorcher of antagonists. Noticing that the Yoga has got lost by reaching people who are weak and have no control of their organs, and that the world has become associated with goals that do not lead to Liberation,
Śrī Rāmānujācārya Classical
Translation
4.1 - 4.2 The Lord said This Karma Yoga declared to you should not be considered as having been taught now merely, for creating encouragement in you for war. I Myself had taught this Yoga to Vivasvan at the commencement of Manu's age as a means for all beings to attain release, which is man's supreme end. Vivasvan taught it to Manu, and Manu to Iksvaku. The royal sages of old knew this Yoga transmitted by tradition. Because of long lapse of time and because of the dullness of the intellect of those who heard it, it has been almost lost.
Śrī Abhinavagupta Classical
Translation
4.2 See Comment under 4.3
Swami Sivananda Classical
Translation
4.2 This, handed down thus in regular succession, the royal sages knew. This Yoga, by long lapse of time, has been lost here, O Parantapa (burner of the foes).
Commentary

4.2 एवम् thus? परम्पराप्राप्तम् handed down in regular succession? इमम् this? राजर्षयः the royal sages? विदुः knew? सः this? कालेन by lapse of time? इह here? महता by long? योगः Yoga? नष्टः destroyed? परन्तप O Parantapa.Commentary The royal sages Men who were kings and at the same time sages also? learnt this Yoga.Arjuna could burn or harass his foes? like the sun? by the heat of his valour and power. Hence the name Parantapa.

Swami Gambhīrānanda Classical
Translation
4.2 The king-sages knew this (yoga) which was received thus in regular succession. That Yoga, O destroyer of foes, in now lost owing to a long lapse of time.
Shri Purohit Swami Classical
Translation
4.2 The Divine Kings knew it, for it was their tradition. Then, after a long time, at last it was forgotten.
Related values & verses
Related values
Tyaga (Renunciation / Letting Go)Atma Nigraha (Self-control)Daksya (Resourcefulness / Skill)Abhaya (Fearlessness)
Related verses
BG 4.1 BG 4.3 BG 18.75 SB 1.3.43 SB 1.4.25 SB 12.3.51 CC Ādi 7.117 CC Madhya 25.101 CC Antya 3.50 Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad 1.1.1Śvetāśvatara Upaniṣad 6.22
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
By the long passage of time the disciplic succession was broken; therefore the science is now received as it was originally given.
Practical Applications
  • Accept that traditions can be corrupted and need re-establishment.
  • Trust authentic re-transmissions (like Prabhupāda's restoration of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism).
  • Study the original texts under guidance, not modern reinterpretations.
Reflection Questions
  • Where am I accepting a corrupted version of a teaching?
  • Whose careful restoration am I drawing from?
Analogy

Imagine an oral lineage of singers, each one teaching the next the precise melody. After several generations of careful repetition, a war scatters the singers; the descendants remember the song approximately but no longer cleanly. The notes are not lost in principle — the melody still exists — but the line has to be re-founded by someone who actually heard it sung pure.

Stories
Vyāsa compiling the Vedas

Tradition records that toward the close of Dvāpara-yuga, Vyāsa saw that human memory and lifespan were declining. The single Veda which earlier sages had carried whole could no longer be held by ordinary minds.

So he divided it into four — Ṛk, Yajus, Sāma, Atharva — and entrusted each to a chief disciple to safeguard for a smaller capacity in a darker age. Then he composed the Mahābhārata and the Bhāgavatam as further protections against the same decay. The verse's diagnosis — kālena... naṣṭaḥ — is the diagnosis Vyāsa himself acted on.

📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

← Read full Chapter 4