Bhagavad Gita:
AI Commentaries
Bhagavad Gita:
AI General Inquiries
Bhagavad Gita:
AI Sanskrit Linguist
The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form
Chapter 11, Verses 1-55
Summary of Chapter 11
Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled “Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form,” presents a climactic revelation. Lord Krishna grants Arjuna the divine vision to see his universal form (Vishvarupa), a magnificent and overwhelming manifestation of the divine encompassing all of creation. This form reveals Krishna’s omnipotence, containing the entire cosmos within it, and showcasing both the beautiful and terrifying aspects of divine power. Arjuna, overwhelmed and humbled by this vision, realizes the vastness of the divine and his own place within the cosmic order, leading to a deeper understanding of Krishna’s teachings.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 11
In the modern era, Chapter 11’s depiction of the universal form has profound implications. It symbolizes the vast and intricate nature of the universe, and the small yet significant role each individual plays within it. This chapter challenges the human tendency to see ourselves as central to the universe, promoting a more humble and respectful approach to life and the environment. The awe-inspiring vision of the Vishvarupa can also be seen as a metaphor for the complexity and interconnectivity of our world, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of our actions and their impacts in an increasingly globalized and interconnected society.
Arjuna’s Request for the Universal Form (Chapter 11, Verses 1-4)
Arjuna, inspired by Krishna’s teachings, expresses his desire to see Krishna’s cosmic form. He wishes to see the universal, all-encompassing form of the divine, which encompasses all of creation.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 11, Verses 1-4
This section symbolizes the human yearning to understand the vastness and complexity of the universe. In modern terms, it reflects our quest for comprehending the infinite aspects of existence and the desire to experience something beyond the ordinary.
11.1 (Chapter 11, Verse 1): Arjuna, filled with wonder and curious to see the universal form of the Lord, praises Krishna for the nectar of his words which have dispelled his delusions.
11.2 (Chapter 11, Verse 2): Arjuna acknowledges Krishna’s grace, stating that through his words, the supreme mystery of the Self has been revealed, leading to clarity about the transient nature of existence.
11.3 (Chapter 11, Verse 3): He expresses his eagerness to see Krishna’s divine universal form, having heard of its majestic and boundless nature, and its embodiment of all creation.
11.4 (Chapter 11, Verse 4): Arjuna humbly requests Krishna to show him his universal form, if he deems Arjuna capable of seeing it, revealing his deep longing to witness the divine spectacle.
The Vision of the Universal Form (Chapter 11, Verses 5-14)
Krishna grants Arjuna divine vision, enabling him to see the universal form. This form is described as containing all beings, the entire cosmos, and myriad divine manifestations, overwhelming Arjuna with its magnitude and splendor.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 11, Verses 5-14
These verses emphasize the concept of interconnectedness and the grandeur of existence. In a modern context, it invites individuals to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of our world, promoting a sense of awe and respect for the universe.
11.5 (Chapter 11, Verse 5): Lord Krishna says to Arjuna, “Now behold, O Arjuna, the entire universe, with everything moving and unmoving, all in one, in my body, and whatever else you wish to see.”
11.6 (Chapter 11, Verse 6): Krishna continues, “But you cannot see my cosmic form with these physical eyes of yours; therefore, I grant you divine sight. Behold my majestic power!”
11.7 (Chapter 11, Verse 7): Krishna reveals, “O Arjuna, see now the whole universe, with everything moving and unmoving, standing together in my body, and anything else you wish to see.”
11.8 (Chapter 11, Verse 8): Krishna explains, “However, you cannot see this with your present eyes; therefore, I give you divine eyes. Behold my mystic opulence!”
11.9 (Chapter 11, Verse 9): Sanjaya tells King Dhritarashtra, “O King, having spoken thus, the great Lord of Yoga, Hari, showed Arjuna his supreme form.”
11.10 (Chapter 11, Verse 10): Sanjaya describes, “Arjuna saw in that universal form unlimited mouths and eyes, unlimited wonderful visions, and the form was decorated with many celestial ornaments and held many divine uplifted weapons.”
11.11 (Chapter 11, Verse 11): Sanjaya continues, “He wore celestial garlands and garments, and many divine scents were smeared over his body; all was wondrous, brilliant, unlimited, and all-expanding.”
11.12 (Chapter 11, Verse 12): Sanjaya expresses, “If hundreds of thousands of suns were to rise at once in the sky, their radiance might resemble the effulgence of the Supreme Person in that universal form.”
11.13 (Chapter 11, Verse 13): Sanjaya narrates, “At that time, Arjuna could see in the universal form of the Lord, the unlimited expansions of the universe situated in one place, although divided into many, many thousands.”
11.14 (Chapter 11, Verse 14): Finally, Sanjaya observes, “Then, bewildered and astonished, his hair standing on end, Arjuna bowed his head to the Lord and joined his palms in reverence.”
Arjuna’s Reaction to the Universal Form (Chapter 11, Verses 15-31)
Arjuna reacts with amazement and fear to the universal form. He sees the form’s immense power, witnessing the destruction and consumption of entire worlds and armies within it.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 11, Verses 15-31
This theme represents the human response to realizing the enormity and power of the forces beyond our understanding. In contemporary life, it mirrors our reactions to the overwhelming and sometimes frightening aspects of nature and existence.
11.15 (Chapter 11, Verse 15): Arjuna says, “I see all gods in your body, O God of gods, and hosts of various beings; Brahma, the Lord, seated on the lotus, all the sages and celestial serpents.”
11.16 (Chapter 11, Verse 16): He continues, “I see you with many arms, bellies, mouths, and eyes, on every side. O Universal Form, I see no end, no middle, nor again the beginning of you.”
11.17 (Chapter 11, Verse 17): Arjuna observes, “Your form, adorned with various crowns, clubs, and discs, is difficult to see because of its glaring effulgence, which is fiery and immeasurable like the sun.”
11.18 (Chapter 11, Verse 18): He declares, “You are the imperishable, the supreme being to be realized. You are the ultimate refuge of this universe; you are the protector of the eternal religion, and the eternal person.”
11.19 (Chapter 11, Verse 19): Arjuna adds, “I see you without beginning, middle, or end, with unlimited power, with innumerable arms, the sun and moon being your eyes, and your mouth a blazing fire, heating the entire universe with your radiance.”
11.20 (Chapter 11, Verse 20): He observes, “This space between heaven and earth and all the quarters are filled by you alone. Seeing this wondrous and terrible form of yours, O high-souled one, the three worlds are trembling with fear.”
11.21 (Chapter 11, Verse 21): Arjuna notes, “Indeed, these hosts of gods enter into you; some in fear with joined palms sing your glory, saying ‘Hail’; and bands of great sages and Siddhas, praising you with abundant hymns.”
11.22 (Chapter 11, Verse 22): He says, “All the Rudras, Adityas, Vasus, Sadhyas, Vishvadevas, the two Ashvins, Maruts, and forefathers, and hosts of celestial singers, Yakshas, demons, and perfected beings, are gazing at you in amazement.”
11.23 (Chapter 11, Verse 23): Arjuna expresses, “Seeing your great form, with many mouths and eyes, many arms, thighs, and feet, many stomachs, and terrifying with many teeth, the worlds and I are trembling with fear.”
11.24 (Chapter 11, Verse 24): He continues, “Seeing you touching the sky, blazing with many colors, with open mouths, and with large fiery eyes, my inner self is trembling with fear, and I find neither courage nor peace, O Vishnu.”
11.25 (Chapter 11, Verse 25): Arjuna describes, “Seeing your mouths with terrible teeth, resembling the fire of cosmic dissolution, I do not know the four directions, nor do I find any comfort. Be merciful, O Lord of gods, O refuge of the universe.”
11.26 (Chapter 11, Verse 26): He observes, “All the sons of Dhritarashtra, along with their allied kings, and Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and our chief warriors too, are rushing into your fearful mouths with terrible teeth.”
11.27 (Chapter 11, Verse 27): Arjuna notes, “Some are seen stuck in the teeth with their heads crushed. As the rivers’ swift currents lead into the ocean, so do these heroes of the human world enter your blazing mouths.”
11.28 (Chapter 11, Verse 28): He adds, “As moths rush with great speed into the blazing flame for destruction, so do all these people rush into your mouths for destruction.”
11.29 (Chapter 11, Verse 29): Arjuna says, “You are licking up all the worlds with your flaming mouths, swallowing them from all sides. Your fierce rays are filling the whole world with radiance, causing it to blaze, O Vishnu.”
11.30 (Chapter 11, Verse 30): He describes, “I see you with your mouth wide open and your eyes blazing fiercely; your bright rays are scorching the universe. I see this, O Vishnu, and my inner self is trembling with fear.”
11.31 (Chapter 11, Verse 31): Arjuna asks, “Tell me who you are, so fierce in form. I bow to you, O great god; be gracious. I wish to understand you, O primal one, for I do not comprehend your activity.”
The Divine Purpose and the Call to Action (Chapter 11, Verses 32-34)
Krishna explains that he is time, the great destroyer and that all warriors in the battle are already doomed by his will. He instructs Arjuna to rise and fight, as victory is assured for him.
The Contemporary Wisdom Chapter 11, Verses 32-34
This section deals with the concept of inevitable change and the role of individuals in the grand scheme of things. It suggests embracing one’s role and actions in life with the understanding of the larger forces at play.
11.32 (Chapter 11, Verse 32): Lord Krishna responds, “I am Time, the great destroyer of the world, and I have come here to engage all people. With the exception of you [the Pandavas], all the soldiers here on both sides will be slain.”
11.33 (Chapter 11, Verse 33): Krishna urges Arjuna, “Therefore, get up and attain glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a prosperous kingdom. All these warriors have already been destroyed by me; you be merely the instrument, O Savyasachin (Arjuna).”
11.34 (Chapter 11, Verse 34): Krishna continues, “Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna, and other brave warriors have already been killed by me. Do not be disturbed. Simply fight, and you will vanquish your enemies in battle.”
Arjuna’s Submission and Return to Normal Vision (Chapter 11, Verses 35-55)
Arjuna, humbled and enlightened by the vision, submits to Krishna and acknowledges his divine nature. Krishna returns Arjuna to his normal vision and explains the rarity and significance of seeing the universal form.
The Contemporary Wisdom of Chapter 11, Verses 35-55
The closing part of the chapter emphasizes humility, devotion, and the transformative power of profound experiences. It teaches the importance of recognizing one’s place in the universe and the value of wisdom gained through extraordinary insights.
- 11.35 (Chapter 11, Verse 35): Sanjaya says, “Hearing these words of Keshava (Krishna), Arjuna, with folded hands, trembling, prostrating himself, spoke to Krishna in a faltering voice, overwhelmed with fear.”
11.36 (Chapter 11, Verse 36): Arjuna praises Krishna, “O Hrishikesha (Krishna), the world delights and rejoices in your praise; demons flee in fear, and the hosts of Siddhas bow to you.”
11.37 (Chapter 11, Verse 37): He continues, “Why should they not bow to you, O great soul, greater than Brahma, the original creator? O infinite being, O God of gods, O abode of the universe, you are both imperishable and what is perishable.”
11.38 (Chapter 11, Verse 38): Arjuna acknowledges, “You are the original God, the ancient person; you are the ultimate resort of this universe. You are the knower, the object of knowledge, and the supreme abode. O you of infinite forms, the whole universe is pervaded by you.”
11.39 (Chapter 11, Verse 39): He adds, “You are Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, the moon, the creator, and the great-grandfather. I offer my salutations to you a thousand times, and again and again.”
11.40 (Chapter 11, Verse 40): Arjuna exclaims, “Salutations to you from front and behind, salutations to you on all sides, O all. You are infinite in power and infinite in might; you pervade everything, therefore you are everything.”
11.41 (Chapter 11, Verse 41): Arjuna expresses regret, “Thinking of you as merely a friend, unaware of your greatness, I have presumptuously addressed you as ‘O Krishna,’ ‘O Yadava,’ ‘O friend,’ out of affection or carelessness.”
11.42 (Chapter 11, Verse 42): He continues apologizing, “If I have treated you disrespectfully while playing, lying, sitting, or dining, alone or in front of others, O Achyuta (infallible one), I implore you for forgiveness for my immeasurable transgressions.”
11.43 (Chapter 11, Verse 43): Arjuna honors Krishna, “You are the father of this world, moving and unmoving. You are to be worshipped and the most venerable teacher. There is none equal to you; how can there be another superior to you in the three worlds, O being of incomparable greatness?”
11.44 (Chapter 11, Verse 44): He requests, “Therefore, bowing down and prostrating my body, I seek your forgiveness, O Lord of Lords, O refuge of the world. Please tolerate my wrong actions, as a father tolerates those of his son, a friend of his friend, or a lover of his beloved.”
11.45 (Chapter 11, Verse 45): Arjuna expresses his awe, “I am delighted, having seen what has never been seen before; but my mind is confounded with fear. Show me that form only, O God; have mercy, O God of gods, O abode of the universe.”
11.46 (Chapter 11, Verse 46): He requests, “I wish to see you in the same form as before, with a crown, with a club, and with a disc in hand, in your four-armed form, O thousand-armed, universal form.”
11.47 (Chapter 11, Verse 47): Lord Krishna replies, “O Arjuna, pleased with you, by my divine power I have shown you this supreme, shining, universal, infinite, and primal form, which no one before you has ever seen.”
11.48 (Chapter 11, Verse 48): Krishna continues, “Not by the study of the Vedas, nor by sacrifice, nor by charity, nor by rituals, nor by severe austerities, can this form be seen in the world of men by anyone other than you, O heroic Kuru (Arjuna).”
11.49 (Chapter 11, Verse 49): Krishna reassures, “Do not be afraid or bewildered by seeing this terrifying form of mine. Be free from fear and with a happy heart, now see my previous form again.”
11.50 (Chapter 11, Verse 50): Sanjaya narrates, “Saying this, Hari (Krishna), the great lord of yoga, showed his own form again, and the mighty soul, assuming his gentle form, consoled the frightened Arjuna.”
11.51 (Chapter 11, Verse 51): Arjuna says, “Seeing this human-like form of yours, so very beautiful, I am now composed and restored to my own nature, O purifier.”
11.52 (Chapter 11, Verse 52): Krishna explains, “This form of mine you have seen is very difficult to behold. Even the gods are ever longing to see this form.”
11.53 (Chapter 11, Verse 53): He continues, “Not by the Vedas, nor austerity, nor by gifts, nor by sacrifice, can I be seen in this form as you have seen me.”
11.54 (Chapter 11, Verse 54): Krishna elaborates, “But by unswerving devotion alone can I, as I am, be known and seen in reality, O Arjuna, and also entered into, O scorcher of foes.”
11.55 (Chapter 11, Verse 55): Krishna concludes, “He who does all actions for me, who regards me as the supreme, who is devoted to me, who is free from attachment, and who is free from enmity towards any creature, O Arjuna, reaches me.”