Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga - The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of ActionKrishna
Verse 6
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 4, श्लोक 6
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन्।
प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय सम्भवाम्यात्ममायया॥
Transliteration
Ajo'pi Sann-Avyaya-Atma Bhutanam-Ishvaro'pi San.
Prakritim Svam-Adhishthaya Sambhavamy-Atma-Mayaya.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
अजःajahunborn
अपिapialthough
सन्sanbeing
अव्ययात्माavyaya-atmaimperishable self
भूतानाम्bhutanamof beings
ईश्वरःishvarahthe Lord
प्रकृतिम्prakritimnature
स्वाम्svamown
अधिष्ठायadhishthayapresiding over/resorting to
सम्भवामिsambhavamiI manifest/appear
आत्ममाययाatma-mayayaby My own divine power (yoga-maya)
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
यद्यपि मैं अजन्मा, अविनाशी आत्मा और समस्त प्राणियों का ईश्वर हूँ, तथापि अपनी प्रकृति को अधीन करके अपनी योगमाया से प्रकट होता हूँ।
English Translation
Although I am unborn, imperishable, and the Lord of all beings, yet presiding over My own material nature, I manifest by My own divine power (Yoga Maya).
Commentary (टीका)
This verse reveals the mystery of divine incarnation (avatara). Unlike ordinary souls who are forced to take birth by karma, Krishna incarnates by His own free will through His divine power (yoga-maya). He is unborn yet appears to be born; He is imperishable yet seems to act within the material world. This voluntary descent is an act of grace, not compulsion.