Chapter 4: Jñāna Karma Sannyāsa Yoga – Renunciation of Actions through Enlightenment: Verse 2
एवं परम्पराप्राप्तमिमं राजर्षयो विदु: ।
स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्ट: परन्तप ॥
evaṃ paramparā-prāptam-imaṃ rājarṣayo vidu:
sa kāleneha mahatā yogo naṣṭa: parantapa – 4.2
This yoga (spiritual science), handed down thus through the Guru-śishya lineage, was possessed well by the Knower kings (Rajarshis). But by passage of inexorable time, it has got lost, O scorcher of enemies!
Chapter 4: Jñāna Karma Sannyāsa Yoga – Renunciation of Actions through Enlightenment - Verse 2
Ma Gurupriya
Kings who became Knowers are called Rajarshis. Archery and administrative skill blending with spiritual wisdom made them wise, invincible as well as compassionate. They could rule the kingdom exemplarily.
To adorn the throne, ensuring welfare of the subjects is always an arduous task, full of challenges and persecution. The royal heart must be ineffably resourceful. Spiritual insight alone can bestow this rare bounty on the rulers.
Knowledge of the Self empowers the mind and intelligence with equanimity and resolve to meet all challenges and assimilate their impacts. Without spiritual wisdom, a king would feel tired and frustrated. Our kings were thus spiritual masters as well, like Janaka and Ikshvaku. But due to passage of time and consequent neglect, Brahmavidya was lost to the royal lineage.
