Vers 4.24.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.94.104.114.124.134.144.154.164.174.184.194.204.214.224.234.244.254.264.274.284.294.304.314.324.334.344.354.364.374.384.394.404.414.42

This, handed down thus in regular succession, the royal sages knew. This Yoga, by long lapse of time, has been lost here, O Parantapa (burner of the foes).

Thus handed down in succession, the royal sages knew it. But over a long time, scorcher of foes, this yoga was lost here.

Krishna describes how the teaching was preserved and then lost. It passed from one generation to the next through paramparā, a chain of transmission, and was known to rājarṣis, kings who were also sages. These were rulers who governed while holding inner wisdom, a fitting model for Arjuna, himself a prince. Yet with the passing of a great span of time, the yoga faded from the world. The verse explains why it must now be taught again, and it hints that such teachings need living teachers to remain alive.