Unborn – In Gita Verse 4.6 Although I am unborn and My transcendental body never deteriorates, and although I am the Lord of all living entities, I still appear in every millennium in My original transcendental form.
In Verse 4.6 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna imparts deep wisdom on how consciousness manifests within the material realm. He declares that, although he is immortal and unborn, he chooses to manifest in the world through Yogamaya, a divine power that allows him to transcend his inherent nature. This is not a claim of exclusive divinity but an assertion of a universal truth: that all beings are inherently unborn, yet they remain unaware of this reality. Their belief in birth and death constrains them, while Krishna’s awareness of his unborn nature liberates him from such limitations.
This concept invites deep introspection. Despite witnessing death all around, we struggle to comprehend our mortality. If isolated from the concept of death, the thought of our own demise would never naturally arise. This is because our inner essence is not subject to birth or death; it is eternal. Krishna’s assertion of being unborn highlights this truth. He is not born like others because he recognises his eternal nature, a state others can achieve once they realise they are also unborn.
Krishna’s birth is a conscious act, unlike the unconscious births driven by desire. When desire ceases, compassion emerges, prompting enlightened beings like Krishna, Buddha, or Mahavira to incarnate out of love and to share their wisdom. Their births are not dictated by worldly conditions but by a conscious choice to descend into the world through Yogamaya, a mystical process akin to hypnosis where the soul can willingly unite with the material realm.
Understanding Yogamaya requires recognising that enlightened beings are not born out of necessity or to serve a particular purpose. They are not bound by the conditions of their times but instead shape time according to their will. Their presence is not a response to societal needs but a manifestation of their intrinsic joy and compassion. They are like flowers blooming for the sheer joy of it, not to serve any utilitarian purpose. Their fragrance is available to all, but it is not meant for anyone in particular.
Our inclination to view Krishna’s birth as merely a response to the exigencies of his era highlights our habitual tendency to interpret events through the lens of utility. We often erroneously perceive Krishna’s presence as a reaction to turbulent times, overlooking the enduring significance of his teachings. Just as flowers bloom not solely for the delight of passersby but for the inherent joy of blossoming, Krishna’s existence transcends temporal needs. His teachings, like the fragrance of a flower, are timeless, offering guidance and illumination to all who are receptive, irrespective of the era.
Krishna, much like a flower that blooms in solitude, emerges from a place of joy and bliss, not out of obligation to others. His presence is not dictated by the needs of humanity but by the sheer essence of his being. While individuals may benefit from his wisdom, it is not his raison d’être. In every age, with its unique challenges and tribulations, the presence of such enlightened beings provides an invaluable source of joy and wisdom, guiding those who seek enlightenment.
It is a misconception to gauge Krishna’s significance purely in terms of utility. Every epoch, regardless of its specific ills, is fraught with suffering and in need of guidance. The teachings of Krishna, much like the fragrance of a flower, are universally appealing and beneficial. They offer solace and insight to all who encounter them, underscoring the timeless relevance of his wisdom. Thus, it is essential to appreciate Krishna beyond mere utility, recognising the profound impact of his teachings across all ages.
Krishna’s message is a call to transcend the limitations of our conditioned thinking. By recognising our true nature, we can live with enthusiasm and participation, unaffected by external circumstances. This is the essence of being oneself, a state where one is in the world but not of it, like a lotus that remains untouched by the water in which it blooms. Enlightened beings remind us that the key to a fulfilled life lies in embracing our innate divinity and living authentically.
Krishna’s teachings transcend time and space, offering a profound understanding of the nature of existence. His conscious incarnation is a testament to the power of Yogamaya, a divine force that allows the eternal to manifest in the temporal. By recognising our own unborn nature, we too can transcend the limitations of birth and death, living a life of joy and purpose. This is the ultimate message of Krishna: to awaken to our true selves and live in harmony with the eternal truth.
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