janma karma cha me divyam evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma naiti mām eti so ’rjuna
janma — birth;
karma — activities;
cha — and;
me — of mine;
divyam — divine;
evam — thus;
yaḥ — who;
vetti — know;
tattvataḥ — in truth;
tyaktvā — having abandoned;
deham — the body;
punaḥ — again;
janma — birth;
na — never;
eti — takes;
mām — to me;
eti — comes;
saḥ — he;
arjuna — Arjun
In this verse, Lord Krishna is explaining something very important about life and the nature of his existence. He mentions that those who truly understand the spiritual and divine nature behind his coming into the world and the actions he performs will not be reborn after they leave their physical body. Instead, they will reach a special place that is eternal, often referred to as his abode or a heavenly state of existence.
Let's break this down further:
1. **Understanding Krishna's Nature**: Krishna is saying that knowing him deeply and spiritually is essential. Many people might see him just as a historical figure or consider him as one of many gods without understanding his divine qualities. But to achieve a higher state of being or consciousness, one must recognize the divine essence behind Krishna's life and actions. This understanding isn't just about knowing facts; it’s about feeling a connection and recognizing the higher purpose behind his teachings and behavior.
2. **The Cycle of Birth and Death**: When Krishna talks about not being reborn, he refers to a common belief in many Indian philosophies which state that we go through a cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth (reincarnation). This cycle can be seen as a kind of trap, where we keep coming back into the physical world due to our desires and attachments. However, if someone understands Krishna as he truly is, they break free from this cycle.
3. **Eternal Abode**: The 'eternal abode' Krishna speaks of is not a physical place like a house or a city. Instead, it is a state of perpetual peace, joy, and existence that is beyond our material understanding. Think of it as a state where there is no suffering or sadness, where one is continuously connected to the divine and experiences bliss. This is considered a high spiritual achievement.
4. **Effort and Understanding**: It’s not easy to reach this understanding or to achieve liberation. Many people spend lifetimes trying to connect with the divine through practices such as meditation or philosophical study. However, those who realize Krishna’s true nature can find that connection more directly and potentially reach liberation faster because they see beyond the surface.
5. **Comparison with Other Paths**: Krishna contrasts this understanding with other paths that might take much longer or provide less complete liberation, like merging into a non-personal form of the divine, which is less fulfilling than being in the loving presence of God. Devotion and love towards a personal God, as Krishna teaches, is a shorter route to liberation.
In essence, this verse emphasizes the idea that true understanding and devotion towards Krishna lead to freedom from life’s cycles and offer a place of everlasting peace and joy. It encourages people to explore and deepen their spiritual knowledge and connection to the divine.