Chapter 10
Divine Glories of God
In this chapter, Shri Krishna carries on from the preceding one, elaborating further on the magnificence of the self to Arjun - someone he deems free from jealousy or the misconception that he is self-aggrandizing.
Verse 1 to 3
Shri Krishna assures Arjun that he will elaborate on his divine splendours due to his profound affection and concern for Arjun's well-being. He asserts that he is the source of all existence, and since he is the ultimate origin, he remains unknown to most. Nevertheless, through divine grace (like the grace bestowed upon Arjun), individuals can come to know him, liberating them from the illusions of material existence. As we read these words, it is plausible to interpret them as an expression of the affection and caring that Shri Krishna holds for us, ensuring our welfare.
Verse 4 and 5
Shri Krishna emphasizes that all 20 qualities attributed to humans, including traits like right knowledge, fearlessness, and charity, find their origin in him.
Verse 6
The entire system of gods, saints, and humans is fashioned by Shri Krishna through his mind.
Verse 7 and 8
Shri Krishna conveys that those who grasp the magnificence of God, his divine essence, and his role as the source of all, hold him in the highest regard and immerse themselves in devotion to him.
Verse 9 to 11
Shri Krishna proceeds to delineate how his devotees practice Bhakti Yog by surrendering themselves to him, finding contentment in his presence, and engaging in the recitation and singing of his glories through kirtans and bhajans. Moreover, he highlights that those who are immersed in profound devotion are bestowed with enlightening knowledge that facilitates their journey towards God (moksha). Through this divine knowledge, he dispels the darkness arising from material energy, allowing individuals to gain insight and ultimately attain God.
Verse 12 to 15
Arjun acknowledges Lord Krishna as the Supreme Lord and fully embraces and believes in his teachings. He conveys that comprehending the entirety of Shri Krishna's nature is beyond human capacity and that only Shri Krishna himself truly knows his complete essence.
Arjuns question 10: Arjuna expresses his desire to gain a deeper understanding of Shri Krishna. In verses 16 to 18, he humbly asks Shri Krishna to provide further elaboration about his divine nature, seeking the divine knowledge. Arjuna specifically requests Shri Krishna to explain the form in which he should meditate upon.
Verse 16 to 18
Since Shri Krishna possesses the most intimate understanding of himself, Arjuna humbly reiterates his request for Shri Krishna to elaborate further on his divine nature and magnificent qualities. Arjuna seeks to learn the method of meditation that will lead him to know Shri Krishna better and wishes to understand the specific form in which he should focus his meditation.
Shri Krishnas Answer 10: From verse 19 to 42, Shri Krishna succinctly provides the response to Arjun's inquiry.
Verse 19 to 39
Shri Krishna briefly defines his divine glories, acknowledging that their details are limitless. He resides within all living beings, encompassing their beginning, middle, and end. Among radiant entities, he's as luminous as the sun, and in the night sky, he shines like the moon amidst stars. In the Vedas, he's the Samved; in water bodies, he's the Ocean; among immovable entities, he's the Himalayas. Shri Krishna continues defining his glories, stating that he represents the quintessence of all we perceive. In essence, he's the supreme magnificence, and nothing moving or stationary exists without him.
Verse 40 to 42
Shri Krishna's description of his glories in verses 19-39 (82 in total) is just a mere sample of his divine magnificence, and his glories are boundless. Everything that Arjun finds beautiful, glorious, or powerful should be understood as a reflection of his glory. Shri Krishna continues by stating that a detailed understanding isn't necessary; it's sufficient to know that the entire universe is sustained by a fraction of his essence.
Conclusion: In response to Arjun's inquiry, Shri Krishna continues to reveal his divine nature in this chapter. Succinctly, he explains that everything in our surroundings is his creation, and his presence can be perceived within it. As the conversation progresses, Arjun, now immersed in profound devotion to Shri Krishna, implores him to reveal his divine (universal) form – which we will read in the next chapter.