4.6 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 4, Verse 6

In Bhagavad Gita verse 4.6, Lord Krishna reveals profound truths about His divine nature and how He manifests in the material world. Krishna declares that although He is unborn (aja), imperishable (avyayatma), and the controller of all beings (bhutanam ishvara), He still appears in this world by commanding His own nature (prakritim svam adhishthaya) through His divine energy or maya (atma-mayaya).

This verse establishes a fundamental distinction between Krishna's appearances and ordinary births. While we souls take birth due to our karma, forced into bodies without choice of parents, abilities, or circumstances, Krishna's manifestation is entirely different. He doesn't take birth due to karmic reactions or material nature (bhautik prakriti), but appears through His spiritual energy (daivi prakriti). His appearance is voluntary and purposeful, not the result of past actions or material forces compelling Him.

Krishna's body is unlike our material bodies. For us, there is a distinction between the eternal soul and the temporary material body we inhabit. Krishna, however, has no such distinction—His form is entirely spiritual and never deteriorates. This is what makes Him avyayatma (imperishable). When Krishna appears in the world, it's comparable to the sun rising in the morning. The sun doesn't take birth when it rises; it simply becomes visible to our eyes while continuing to exist even when out of our sight. Similarly, Krishna exists eternally but occasionally becomes manifest within our perception.

As the controller of all beings (bhutanam ishvaro), Krishna's position is supreme. He stands beyond even the greatest yogis and jnanis who have attained liberation. His control over prakriti (material nature) is complete, allowing Him to adjust it according to His divine will when He chooses to manifest. This control demonstrates His supreme position as Ishvara—the natural ruler from the highest beings like Brahma down to the simplest forms of life.

What's particularly significant about this verse is that it addresses the paradox of how someone who is unborn and eternal can appear to be born. Krishna explains that He does so through His own maya or divine potency. Unlike our births, which are compelled by karma, Krishna's appearances are acts of free will—He chooses when and how to manifest, taking forms of His choice rather than being forced into existence by external factors.

The verse also hints at why Krishna chooses to manifest in the world. He is not compelled by karma or necessity, but comes out of compassion and love for all beings. His appearances are acts of mercy for souls who have forgotten their spiritual nature. This compassion (atma-mayaya) is what drives His manifestations, offering hope to all souls seeking to understand their true spiritual identity beyond the temporary material existence.

Krishna's explanation of His divine appearances sets the foundation for understanding the nature of His incarnations. Unlike ordinary beings bound by birth and death, Krishna's manifestations are transcendental—they occur not because of material constraints but through His divine will and purpose. This distinction is crucial for comprehending Krishna's unique position as the Supreme Personality of Godhead who appears in this world not out of necessity but out of choice, guided by divine love and compassion for all beings.