Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.7
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत । अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥७॥
yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānirbhavati bhārata | abhyutthānamadharmasya tadātmānaṃ sṛjāmyaham ||7||
Complete Shloka Translation
Whenever dharma declines and adharma rises, O descendant of Bharata, then I manifest myself.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यदा यदा | yadā yadā | whenever / at whatever time |
| हि | hi | certainly / indeed |
| धर्मस्य | dharmasya | of righteousness / cosmic order |
| ग्लानिः | glāniḥ | decline / decay / corruption |
| भवति | bhavati | occurs / takes place |
| भारत | bhārata | O scion of Bharata (Arjuna) |
| अभ्युत्थानम् | abhyutthānam | ascendance / uprising |
| अधर्मस्य | adharmasya | of unrighteousness / evil |
| तदा | tadā | at that time |
| आत्मानम् | ātmānam | Myself |
| सृजामि अहम् | sṛjāmi aham | I manifest / create into embodiment |
whenever / at whatever time
certainly / indeed
of righteousness / cosmic order
decline / decay / corruption
occurs / takes place
O scion of Bharata (Arjuna)
ascendance / uprising
of unrighteousness / evil
at that time
Myself
I manifest / create into embodiment
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna links manifestation to the decline of dharma. Dharma here includes the sustaining moral and spiritual order, beyond a single personal preference.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Recognizing a loss of integrity is the beginning of restoring it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where could you help restore integrity in an ordinary situation?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.