In Chapter IV of the Bhagavad-Gita, titled “The Book of the Religion of Knowledge,” Lord Krishna reveals the sacred and ancient practice of Yoga, initially taught to Vivaswata, and how it was passed down through generations of sages but eventually lost with time. To Arjuna, his friend and disciple, Krishna makes known this forgotten knowledge, emphasizing the cyclic nature of his own births and the purpose behind his divine reincarnations. Whenever righteousness wanes and unrighteousness grows strong, Krishna incarnates to restore balance. He elucidates that those who understand the divine truth of his manifestations transcend the cycle of rebirth and achieve eternal unity with him.

Krishna expands on the concept of action and inaction, stating that true knowledge leads to the realization that all actions are driven by the nature of the universe, not by the self. By acting without attachment to the fruits of actions, one can achieve the ultimate state of freedom and peace. He stresses that sacrifices made in the spirit of knowledge purify the soul more effectively than material offerings. True wisdom leads to action that is unaffected by desires, contributing to the liberation of the soul.

Furthermore, Krishna distinguishes between mere renunciation of actions and the renunciation of the results of actions, advocating for the latter as the path to supreme bliss. He underscores the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment, which aligns one with the divine, leading to liberation.

Chapter V begins with Arjuna’s confusion about the seemingly contradictory teachings on renunciation of actions and the duty to act. Krishna clarifies that both paths lead to enlightenment, but acting selflessly in accordance with one’s duty is superior. He explains that a wise person sees the unity in all beings and acts without ego, achieving peace and eternal union with Brahman, the ultimate reality. Such a person lives in joy and equanimity, unaffected by the dualities of life. Krishna concludes by stressing the significance of living with a spirit of detachment, focusing on inner spirituality rather than external rituals.

These chapters convey the essence of spiritual enlightenment through the path of knowledge and selfless action, emphasizing unity with the divine and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.