Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 4 · Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 4.15 एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः
श्लोक 4.15
एवं ज्ञात्वा कृतं कर्म पूर्वैरपि मुमुक्षुभिः ।
कुरु कर्मैव तस्मात्त्वं पूर्वैः पूर्वतरं कृतम् ॥
evaṃ jñātvā kṛtaṃ karma pūrvairapi mumukṣubhiḥ |
kuru karmaiva tasmāttvaṃ pūrvaiḥ pūrvataraṃ kṛtam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
यह जानकर पहले के मोक्ष चाहने वाले लोगों ने भी कर्म किए थे। इसलिए तुम भी वैसे ही कर्म करो, जैसे पूर्वजों ने बहुत पहले से किए हैं।
Meaning in English
Knowing this, even the seekers of liberation in ancient times performed action. Therefore you too should act, just as the ancients did long before.
Bhagavad Gita 4.15 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| एवम् | evam | thus |
| ज्ञात्वा | jñātvā | knowing |
| कृतम् | kṛtam | was done |
| कर्म | karma | action |
| पूर्वैः | pūrvaiḥ | by the ancients |
| अपि | api | also |
| मुमुक्षुभिः | mumukṣubhiḥ | by seekers of liberation |
| कुरु | kuru | do, perform |
| कर्म | karma | action |
| एव | eva | indeed |
| तस्मात् | tasmāt | therefore |
| त्वम् | tvam | you |
| पूर्वैः | pūrvaiḥ | by the ancients |
| पूर्वतरम् | pūrvataram | in former times |
| कृतम् | kṛtam | done |
Explanation
Knowing this, the seekers of liberation in ancient times also performed action. Therefore, Krishna tells Arjuna, you too should simply act, as the ancients did long ago. Understanding how action binds is not a reason to stop acting but a reason to act rightly.
This verse draws the practical conclusion of 4.13 and 4.14 and echoes 3.20, where Krishna cited King Janaka and others who reached perfection through action. Shankara holds that for one not yet established in knowledge, action is a means to purify the mind; for the knower, it continues for the good of the world. Ramanuja reads the verse as a direct instruction to follow the path of disciplined action. Tilak cites it in support of his view that the Gita teaches active engagement in the world as the central path.
भावार्थ
पहले के मोक्ष चाहने वाले लोगों ने भी ऐसा जानकर ही कर्म किए थे। इसलिए तुम भी पूर्वजों द्वारा सदा से किए जाते आए कर्म को ही करो।
Living it today
Understanding should lead to better action, not to doing nothing. Learn from those who came before and get on with the work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 4.15?
Knowing this, the seekers of liberation in ancient times also performed action. Therefore, Krishna tells Arjuna, you too should simply act, as the ancients did long ago. Understanding how action binds is not a reason to stop acting but a reason to act rightly.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 4.15?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 4 (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 4.15 in daily life?
Understanding should lead to better action, not to doing nothing. Learn from those who came before and get on with the work.
Reflected on verse 4.15?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.