श्री भगवानुवाच बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन। तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परन्तप।।4.5।।
shrī-bhagavān uvāca bahūni me vyatītāni janmāni tava ca arjuna; tāni ahaṁ veda sarvāṇi na tvam vettha paramtapa
Translation
The Supreme Lord said: Both you and I have had many births, O Arjuna. You have forgotten them, while I remember all of them, O Parantapa.
Word Meanings
śrī-bhagavān uvāca — the Supreme Lord said; bahūni — many; me — of Mine; vyatītāni — have passed; janmāni — births; tava — of yours; ca — and; arjuna — O Arjuna; tāni — those; ahaṁ — I; veda — do know; sarvāṇi — all; na — not; tvam — you; vettha — know; paramtapa — O subduer of the enemy
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Lord Krishna reminds Arjuna of the timeless nature of the soul. He emphasizes that the soul (ātman) is beyond the physical body and is not confined to a single birth. The phrase \"bahūni me vyatītāni janmāni\" (many births have passed for Me) signifies that the Divine has countless incarnations, each undertaken for the welfare of the world.
By stating \"tava ca arjuna\" (and yours, Arjuna), Krishna places Arjuna on the same spiritual plane, asserting that the warrior has also undergone many lifetimes. This serves to humble Arjuna, who is presently overwhelmed by doubt and anxiety about fighting his kin. The reminder that \"you have forgotten them\" points to the human tendency to identify solely with the temporary body and forget the eternal journey of the soul.
The contrast \"ahaṁ veda sarvāṇi\" (I know all) versus \"na tvam vettha\" (you do not know) underscores Krishna’s omniscience. As the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He retains the memory of every past incarnation, their deeds, virtues, and lessons. This divine memory assures Arjuna that the larger purpose behind each birth is known and orchestrated by the Divine, even when it appears chaotic to the mortal mind.
The epithet \"paramtapa\" (subduer of the enemy) is a reminder of Arjuna’s valor and his role as a protector of dharma. By invoking this title, Krishna reaffirms Arjuna’s duty as a Kshatriya (warrior) and encourages him to act in accordance with his inherent nature, rather than being paralyzed by temporary emotions.
Philosophically, this verse introduces the concept of \"yuga-cyclicity\" and the soul’s migration through time. It aligns with the Sankhya doctrine that the self is immutable, while the material world is ever-changing. The verse also subtly prepares the ground for the later discussions on the eternal nature of the self (Chapter 2) and the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment (Karmayoga).
Practically, Krishna’s reminder serves as a therapeutic tool for Arjuna. By expanding his perspective beyond the immediate battlefield, the Lord helps him see the bigger picture: the conflict is part of a divine plan for restoring dharma, and his role is preordained. This widens Arjuna’s horizon, reducing his anxiety and aligning his mind with divine will.
In summary, Chapter 4, Verse 5 is a poignant reminder of the soul’s immortality, the divine’s all‑knowing nature, and the importance of remembering one’s eternal identity. It encourages the seeker to transcend fleeting emotions, recognize the larger cosmic script, and perform one’s prescribed duties with unwavering faith.
