Inner Science – In Gita Verse 4.1 The Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, said: I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvān, and Vivasvān instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Ikṣvāku.
In the Bhagavad Gita Verse 4.1, Krishna imparts profound insights to Arjuna, illustrating that the truth he shares is not a novel revelation. Instead, it is an eternal truth, a wisdom that transcends the boundaries of time. Krishna recounts how this imperishable science of yoga was first imparted to the sun-god, Vivasvān, who then passed it on to Manu, the progenitor of mankind, and from Manu to King Ikṣvāku. This lineage of wisdom underscores that truth is neither new nor old; it simply is.
Truth exists beyond the confines of time. What resides within time is subject to change, to birth and death, to youth and old age. It is mutable, whereas truth remains constant, unchanging, and eternal. Krishna’s words to Arjuna are a reminder that the wisdom he shares is timeless, a beacon of light that has illuminated the path of countless seekers before him.
The concept of the “beginning of time” is intriguing, for it suggests a realm beyond the temporal. When Krishna speaks of imparting this knowledge at the dawn of time, he refers to a state of consciousness that transcends the temporal realm. This is the realm of eternal truth, unbounded by the limitations of time and space.
Krishna’s dialogue with Arjuna reveals a deeper understanding of the self. The “I” that Krishna refers to is not the physical embodiment standing before Arjuna but rather the universal consciousness, the divine essence that speaks through him. This is the voice of the eternal, the voice of truth that has been echoed through the ages by sages and seers.
In spirituality, there is a profound experience where all that remains is light. This is the essence of existence, the core of spiritual awakening. When Krishna speaks of sharing this wisdom with the sun, he symbolically refers to the first manifestation of light, the primal force from which all creation emerges. Light is both the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega of existence.
This understanding of truth as light is echoed in various spiritual traditions. The Quran describes God as the form of light, the Bible proclaims God as light, and Krishna speaks of the sun as the first bearer of this eternal truth. The sun, as a metaphor, represents the source of all creation, the wellspring from which life emerges.
Krishna’s teachings emphasise the importance of direct experience. He urges Arjuna to internalise the knowledge he receives, to transform it from mere information into personal wisdom. This transformation occurs through practice, through living the teachings and allowing them to become a part of one’s being. It is only through direct experience that knowledge becomes knowing, a deep inner understanding that transcends intellectual comprehension.
In this transition from knowledge to own knowing, one learns to engage in conflict without hostility. The body itself becomes a laboratory for inner science. When Krishna says the science of yoga means that you don’t reject any knowledge but never try to share with others without you having experiments with yourself.
The process of self-remembering is crucial in this transformation. It is the practice of staying present, of being aware of one’s actions and thoughts, and of aligning them with the deeper truths of existence. In self-remembering, one moves from the realm of ego-driven action to the realm of divine consciousness.
Truth is not a possession to be claimed or owned. It is not about asserting one’s version of truth over another’s. Instead, it is about recognising the universal truth that underlies all existence. This truth has been spoken by countless sages across time, each adding their voice to the eternal chorus of wisdom.
In a world often divided by personal truths and subjective realities, Krishna’s message is a call to transcend ego and embrace the universal. It is an invitation to stand behind truth rather than attempting to make truth conform to personal biases. This is the path of yoga, the path of union and integration, where one moves from fragmentation to wholeness.
Krishna’s teachings are a reminder that while we may come and go, the truth remains. It is a constant presence, a guiding light that leads us beyond the temporal into the eternal. As we journey through life, may we embrace this truth, allowing it to transform us from within and guide us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe.
Tags: Inner Science
