Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 6

English Translation

Though I am birthless, undecaying by nature, and the Lord of beings, (still) by subjugating My Prakriti, I take birth by means of My own Maya.

Detailed Commentary

**4.6 Explanation--** **'Ajo'pi Sannavyayatma'**-- With these words, Bhagavan explains that My birth and death are not like those of ordinary humans. Humans are born and die; but I, though unborn, manifest, and though imperishable, I withdraw. This manifestation and withdrawal are My transcendental *lilas*. All beings were unmanifest before birth and become unmanifest after dying, manifesting only in between (Gita 2.28). But Bhagavan, like the Sun, is always manifest. Just as the Sun remains even at rising and setting, so does Bhagavan. Bhagavan's manifestation and withdrawal are merely in the perception of people; in reality, Bhagavan is eternally manifest. Bhagavan takes birth not subservient to karma. Therefore, age, joy, and sorrow do not affect Him. Bhagavan's body is neither that of a child nor an elder. He performs *lilas* by taking *avatara* and, after reaching youth, remains eternally youthful. Even in Bhagavan's child form, there is no diminution in His *Ishvarabhava*. For example, Shri Krishna killed the demon Putana in childhood. Though appearing small, He remains mighty. **'Prakritim Svam Adhisthaya'**-- Bhagavan's pure *Prakriti* is the source of His powers. Bhagavan's *Prakriti* is neither different nor non-different from His illuminating and burning powers. Power is always present in Bhagavan, but sometimes hidden. Bhagavan manifests by presiding over His own power. Bhagavan's *lilas* take place through His *Yoga-maya*. The vision of Bhagavan is possible only when the veil of *Yoga-maya* is lifted. Through pure *bhakti* and *Brahmavidyā*, the vision of Bhagavan is possible. A special fact regarding *avatara* is that Bhagavan, though omnipresent, descends at a specific place. Taking *avatara* is Bhagavan's greatness. Through *avatara*, Bhagavan, though appearing small, demonstrates greatness. For instance, He was called Giridhari, even though infinite universes reside in His every pore. To witness Bhagavan's *lila*, refuge is taken in *Yoga-maya*, through which His *lilas* are experienced. Bhagavan's powers are infinite and boundless. In *Aishvarya-shakti*, Bhagavan performs deeds that no one else can. In *Madhurya-shakti*, there is Bhagavan's sweetness and charm. The uniqueness and beauty of Bhagavan's *lila* attract everyone towards Him. **'Sambhavamyaatmamaayaya'**-- Bhagavan manifests before devotees by taking refuge in *Yoga-maya*. Due to the veil of Bhagavan's *Yoga-maya*, ignorant individuals (*mūḍha puruṣa*) fail to understand His direct influence, even when it is present before them. Sitaji, Radhaji, etc., are Bhagavan's personal powers (*nija shaktis*). Bhagavan's power cannot be described as entirely different or non-different from Him. Bhagavan's powers are referred to as `Shriji`. Just as the illuminating and burning powers are both distinct and non-distinct from fire, so are Bhagavan's powers from Him. Bhagavan is present everywhere, but His power remains hidden. Through *avatara*, the vision and experience of Bhagavan become possible.