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Eternal promise of divine intervention in times of moral and spiritual crises

This shlok illustrates the concept of divine avatars, where God takes on a physical form to protect righteousness and guide humanity

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥

Yadā Yadā Hi Dharmasya Glānir Bhavati Bhārata
Abhyutthānam Adharmasya Tadātmānaṁ Sṛjāmyaham

Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Bharata (Arjuna), at that time I manifest Myself on Earth.

🕉️ Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

  • Yadā Yadā: Means "whenever" or "whenever the time comes," referring to the timing of divine intervention.

  • Dharma: Refers to righteousness, moral values, and cosmic order. Here, it indicates the natural law or the path of virtue.

  • Glāniḥ: Means "decline" or "weakening." It suggests a situation when dharma or righteousness is fading from the world.

  • Bhārata: An affectionate term for Arjuna, derived from the ancient name of India and used here to address him as a descendant of the Bharata dynasty.

  • Abhyutthānam: Refers to the "rise" or "increase" of something. Here, it means the rise of adharma (unrighteousness or wrongdoing).

  • Adharma: Represents everything that opposes dharma, including moral decay, chaos, and injustice.

  • Tadātmānam Sṛjāmyaham: Means "then I manifest Myself." The Lord promises that whenever righteousness is in peril, He will incarnate or manifest Himself to restore balance.

This shlok from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 7) is a profound declaration from Lord Krishna, ensuring that whenever dharma (righteousness) declines and adharma (unrighteousness) prevails, He will incarnate to restore balance and order. It highlights the eternal promise of divine intervention in times of moral and spiritual crises.

When to chant this shlok?

  • Chant this shlok during challenging times or when feeling overwhelmed by injustice or chaos in the world or personal life.

  • It is also a powerful reminder to chant when seeking strength to stand up for righteousness.

  • During meditation, it can be used to reflect on the divine promise and find strength in the Lord’s assurance.

🧩 Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

Morning Affirmation: Recite this shlok in the morning to reinforce your commitment to righteousness and to find strength in the divine promise.

During Difficult Situations: When facing injustice or moral dilemmas, chant this shlok to seek guidance and courage to act with integrity.

Reflection on Values: Use this shlok as a point of reflection to evaluate your actions and ensure they align with dharma, or righteous living.

🙏 Benefits of daily chanting

  • Strength in Adversity: Provides a sense of courage and divine support during difficult times.

  • Faith in Divine Justice: Reinforces faith in the balance of karma, reminding us that justice will prevail.

  • Spiritual Resilience: Encourages us to uphold our own values and principles even in challenging situations.

💡 Good to know…

The concept of avatars—divine incarnations—is central to Hindu philosophy, with Lord Vishnu known for His ten primary avatars, the Dashavatara, that appear across various eras (yugas) to restore balance. Lord Krishna is considered the eighth avatar, descending in the Dwapara Yuga to deliver the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, ensuring that divine guidance remains available for future generations.

💭 Take a moment to reflect…

How can you align your actions and choices with dharma, even when facing difficult circumstances?

Hari om!

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