Krishna explains why the Divine incarnates - to restore dharma when it declines.
Sanskrit
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥ परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्। धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥
Transliteration
yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge
Translation
“Whenever and wherever there is a decline in dharma and a rise in adharma, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of dharma, I advent Myself millennium after millennium.”
Chapter 4, Verses 7-8: The Divine Promise of Protection
These verses contain Krishna's famous declaration about Divine incarnation - why and when the Supreme manifests in the world.
Sanskrit Text
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥
Transliteration
yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham
paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge
Translation
Whenever and wherever there is a decline in dharma and a rise in adharma, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of dharma, I advent Myself millennium after millennium.
The Divine Promise
These verses reveal three fundamental truths:
1. The Cyclical Nature of Time
- Dharma naturally declines over time
- Adharma (unrighteousness) rises when dharma weakens
- This is a natural cycle that repeats throughout history
2. Divine Intervention
- When the balance tips too far toward adharma, the Divine intervenes
- This intervention comes through incarnation (avatar)
- The timing is perfect - neither too early nor too late
3. The Purpose of Incarnation
- Paritranaya sadhunam: To protect and deliver the righteous
- Vinashaya cha dushkritam: To destroy evil forces
- Dharma samsthapanarthaya: To reestablish dharma
Understanding Dharma
Dharma in this context means:
- Universal principles of righteousness
- Natural order and harmony
- Moral and ethical foundations
- The path that upholds life and consciousness
Adharma represents:
- Corruption and injustice
- Exploitation of the weak
- Ignorance and hatred
- Actions that destroy harmony
Modern Relevance
Historical Examples
Throughout history, we see this pattern:
- Times of great moral decline
- Appearance of great teachers and reformers
- Restoration of ethical principles
- Renewal of spiritual awakening
Personal Application
On an individual level:
- When our personal dharma weakens, divine grace manifests
- Through spiritual practices, we invite divine intervention
- Inner transformation reflects outer change
- Each person can be an agent of dharma restoration
Collective Responsibility
In society:
- We don't wait passively for divine intervention
- Each righteous action contributes to dharma
- Supporting truth and justice is participating in divine work
- Standing against injustice is serving the divine purpose
The Avatar Principle
The concept of avatar (divine incarnation) teaches us:
- Divine Accessibility: The Supreme is not distant but actively involved
- Hope in Dark Times: No matter how bad things get, divine help comes
- Purpose of Righteousness: Our good actions align with cosmic purpose
- Eternal Vigilance: The Divine is always watching and protecting
Practical Wisdom
- In Personal Crisis: Trust that help comes when we align with dharma
- In Social Issues: Work to restore justice, knowing we serve a higher purpose
- In Spiritual Practice: Understand that divine grace supports our efforts
- In Daily Life: See every act of kindness as serving the divine mission
"Whenever darkness seems overwhelming, remember that light is already on its way. The Divine never abandons those who uphold truth."