A devotional verse · devotional in mood · a little context helps
“Real vision begins when control gives way to asking.”
If you think I can see that form, Lord, then show me your imperishable self, Master of yoga.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyif you think · if · that · possible · by me · to see · thus · O Lord · O master of yoga · then · to me · you · show · your self · imperishable
Arjuna asks Krishna to reveal his imperishable form if it can be seen by human eyes.
Arjuna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga" (The Universal Form).
Verse 4 sits in Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita — Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, "The Universal Form". The chapter has 55 verses in total.
You stand before a decision too large for your own certainty and finally say, “Show me what is real.” That pause can be wiser than forcing an answer.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts the mind from control to receptive seeing.
What this verse means
Arjuna asks Krishna to reveal his imperishable form if it can be seen by human eyes.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna has already asked to see Krishna's divine form. Now he admits that ordinary sight may not be enough and begs Krishna, the master of yoga, to reveal the imperishable form directly. This leads into the vision of the cosmic form.
Why this verse still matters
You stand before a decision too large for your own certainty and finally say, “Show me what is real.” That pause can be wiser than forcing an answer.
“There is humility in asking for revelation instead of forcing understanding.”
Explore related themes: arjuna (52 verses), vishwarupa (50 verses), sharanagati (13 verses)