4.3 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 4, Verse 3

In Bhagavad Gita verse 4.3, Krishna reveals to Arjuna that He is imparting the same ancient knowledge of Yoga that He had previously shared with the Sun God millions of years ago. This verse addresses why Krishna chose Arjuna specifically as the recipient of this profound wisdom on the battlefield where many others were present.

Krishna explains that this knowledge is extremely ancient (puratanah) despite being spoken just 5000 years ago from our current perspective. This highlights how the Vedic wisdom extends far back into antiquity, possibly millions of years. The knowledge being shared concerns "yoga" - which fundamentally means to unite, connect, or harmonize oneself with the Supreme Lord.

What makes Arjuna uniquely qualified to receive this knowledge is his dual relationship with Krishna - he is both a friend (sakha) and a devotee (bhakta). As a true friend, Arjuna can understand Krishna's heart and intentions without confusion. This deep connection allows him to grasp the nuances of Krishna's teachings that others might miss. The friendship between them creates an environment of trust where profound wisdom can be shared freely.

Being a devotee means Arjuna recognizes Krishna's supreme position beyond the material world, while understanding his own subordinate position in their loving relationship. This disposition is essential for comprehending Krishna's transcendental nature. Later in the conversation, Arjuna acknowledges that though Krishna stands before him as a friend, He is actually the Supreme Being beyond material existence.

Krishna describes this knowledge as "rahasya" - a secret. This might seem contradictory since the conversation happens in the presence of many others on the battlefield. However, Krishna reveals that while this knowledge is accessible, it isn't easily comprehensible to everyone. Like advanced quantum physics written in plain English might still be incomprehensible to most readers, the Gita is an "open secret" - available to all but truly understood only by those with the right qualifications.

The special qualifications needed are the very qualities Arjuna possesses - devotion and friendship. These represent the ideal internal disposition required to receive spiritual knowledge: humility, openness, and a loving connection to the source of knowledge. Without these qualities, one might read the words but miss their deeper significance entirely.

This verse ultimately teaches us that the transmission of spiritual knowledge isn't merely an intellectual exercise but depends greatly on the receptivity of the student. Krishna chose Arjuna not for his scholarly abilities or social position, but for his heart's readiness to receive this wisdom with both love and humility. This relationship between teacher and student becomes the perfect vessel for conveying the ancient science of yoga that helps beings reconnect with their spiritual source.