A declaration · expansive in mood · builds on earlier teachings
“Separation is only appearance; the many are held by one.”
Undivided among beings, it appears divided. Know it as the one who bears, devours, and creates all beings.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
Read literallyundivided · and · among beings · divided · as if · and · situated · bearer of beings · and · that · to be known · devouring · originating · and
The supreme reality seems split into many beings, but it is actually one. It is the source, support, and end of all life.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga" (Field and Knower of the Field).
Verse 17 sits in Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita — Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga, "Field and Knower of the Field". The chapter has 35 verses in total.
After a property quarrel, brothers sit at the same table as two camps. Krishna's teaching here would have them see one reality appearing as many people, divided in look and undivided underneath.
Did you like this verse?
Undivided, yet seeming divided among beings: Krishna calls Brahman the one that sustains, devours and creates them all.
What this verse means
The supreme reality seems split into many beings, but it is actually one. It is the source, support, and end of all life.
Context & commentary
Krishna explains that the divine stays undivided, though it seems divided among beings. What seems separate is one reality appearing in many forms, and that reality sustains, consumes, and creates all beings.
What it looks like today
After a property quarrel, brothers sit at the same table as two camps. Krishna's teaching here would have them see one reality appearing as many people, divided in look and undivided underneath.
“The feeling of separation softens. What seemed isolated is held inside one larger reality.”
Explore related themes: kshetrajna (20 verses), manifestation (11 verses)