The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Krishna reveals how divine incarnation works. 'Ajaḥ' (unborn) means he's not subject to material birth like ordinary beings. 'Avyayātmā' (imperishable Self) means his essence never changes. Yet he 'takes birth' (sambhavāmi) through 'ātma-māyayā' (his own divine power), controlling his material nature (prakṛtiṁ svām adhiṣṭhāya). This isn't forced birth from karma—it's conscious appearance for a purpose. The key distinction: ordinary beings are born due to karma (compelled); Krishna appears by will (conscious choice). This verse explains verses 4.1-4.5: Krishna remembers all births because they're conscious manifestations, not forced incarnations. His birth is purpose-driven, not karma-driven.