4.10 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 4, Verse 10

Bhagavad Gita verse 4.10 presents Krishna's beautiful explanation of how spiritual aspirants throughout history have attained divine realization. In this verse, Krishna states: "Being free from attachment, fear, and anger, becoming fully absorbed in Me, and taking refuge in Me, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me, and thus attained My divine love."

Krishna reveals that countless souls before us have achieved spiritual perfection through the purification process of knowledge and devotion. This verse comes after Krishna has explained the divine nature of his birth and activities, now confirming that understanding this truth leads to liberation. The Sanskrit words "vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhā" specifically identify three major obstacles on the spiritual path that must be overcome: attachment (raga), fear (bhaya), and anger (krodha).

Attachment develops naturally in this material world as we form dependencies on people, possessions, positions, or anything that seems to fulfill our desires. We mistakenly believe that our happiness depends on external circumstances and relationships. This attachment triggers a psychological chain reaction that further binds us to material existence. When we become attached, we inevitably develop fear—the anxiety of potentially losing what we value. This fear of loss constantly disturbs our peace, compelling us to create elaborate plans to secure and protect what we believe is essential for our happiness.

When someone or something threatens what we're attached to, the third obstacle arises—anger. We become hostile toward whatever we perceive as endangering our attachments. This cycle of attachment, fear, and anger keeps us deeply entrenched in material consciousness, preventing us from experiencing our true spiritual nature. As Shree Aurobindo beautifully expressed it: "You must keep the temple of the heart clean, if you wish to install therein the living presence."

Krishna explains that spiritual knowledge acts as a purifying fire, burning away these impurities from our consciousness. The Sanskrit term "jñāna-tapasā" indicates that this spiritual knowledge is not merely intellectual understanding but a form of austerity or concentrated discipline. Developing transcendental knowledge requires patience, sincere effort, and humility. Just as fire purifies gold by removing its impurities, the fire of spiritual wisdom purifies the heart of all material contamination.

When freed from attachment, fear, and anger, a person naturally becomes absorbed in Krishna consciousness. The phrase "man-mayā mām upāśritāḥ" describes this state of being fully absorbed in thoughts of Krishna and taking complete shelter in Him. This divine absorption creates a positive spiritual resonance that aligns perfectly with the soul's true nature. Even while still living in this world, such a person experiences a profound inner transformation and develops pure love for God.

What makes this verse particularly encouraging is Krishna's use of the word "bahavo" (many). It assures us that this path of purification through knowledge and devotion is not theoretical but has been successfully traveled by countless souls throughout history. By following in their footsteps—cultivating spiritual knowledge, overcoming the obstacles of attachment, fear, and anger, and becoming absorbed in divine consciousness—we too can attain Krishna's divine love and ultimately reach His eternal abode.