โศลก 4.64.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.94.104.114.124.134.144.154.164.174.184.194.204.214.224.234.244.254.264.274.284.294.304.314.324.334.344.354.364.374.384.394.404.414.42

Though I am unborn, of imperishable nature, and though I am the Lord of all beings, yet, governing My own Nature, I am born by My own Maya.

Though I am unborn and my self is imperishable, though I am lord of all beings, I come into being through my own power, governing my own nature.

Krishna explains how his births differ from those of other beings. He is aja, unborn, imperishable and the lord of all creatures, yet he takes form by governing his own nature (prakṛti) through his ātmamāyā, his own power. Ordinary beings are born under the compulsion of their past actions; Krishna appears by his own will. Traditions differ on how to understand this power, some calling it divine creative ability and others the appearance of the infinite in limited form. All agree that his birth is not bondage.