A declaration · devotional in mood · a little context helps
“True recognition begins where ordinary beings cannot see.”
I accept as true all that you have said, O Keshava. O Bhagavan, neither the devas nor the asuras know your manifested form.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
Read literallyall · this · true · I consider · what · to me · you speak · O Keshava · not · indeed · your · O Bhagavan · manifested form · know · the devas · not · the asuras
Arjuna accepts Krishna's words as true and says that even radiant beings and shadow beings do not understand Krishna's revealed form.
Arjuna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Vibhuti Yoga" (The Yoga of Divine Glories).
Verse 14 sits in Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita — Vibhuti Yoga, "The Yoga of Divine Glories". The chapter has 42 verses in total.
Someone explains something life-changing, and your first instinct is to argue. Arjuna does the opposite: he admits the truth before he fully understands it.
Did you like this verse?
Arjuna accepts Krishna's words as true and admits that neither devas nor asuras know his form.
What this verse means
Arjuna accepts Krishna's words as true and says that even radiant beings and shadow beings do not understand Krishna's revealed form.
Context & commentary
Arjuna has just heard Krishna describe his divine nature. Overwhelmed, he admits that Krishna's words are true and that even radiant beings and shadow beings cannot grasp Krishna's manifested form. The dialogue is moving toward awe and surrender.
What it looks like today
Someone explains something life-changing, and your first instinct is to argue. Arjuna does the opposite: he admits the truth before he fully understands it.
“Some truths are bigger than ordinary understanding, and humility opens the door to them.”
Explore related themes: arjuna prayer (14 verses), bhagavan (11 verses)