Loading...
Current layer: Translation
Chapter 11 • Verse 24
The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form
MEANING & CONTEXT
Arjuna expresses his inner turmoil upon seeing the cosmic form. 'Nabhaḥ-spṛśaṁ dīptam aneka-varṇaṁ'—touching the sky (nabhaḥ-spṛśam), blazing (dīptam) with many colors (aneka-varṇam). 'Vyāttānanaṁ dīpta-viṣāla-netram'—with wide-open mouths (vyāttānanaṁ) and huge (viṣāla) blazing (dīpta) eyes (netram). 'Dṛṣṭvā hi tvāṁ pravyathitāntarātmā'—having seen (dṛṣṭvā) You (tvām), indeed (hi), my inner self (antarātmā) is trembling (pravyathita). 'Dhṛtiṁ na vindāmi śamaṁ ca viṣṇo'—I find not (na vindāmi) steadiness (dhṛtim), and (ca) peace (śamam), O Vishnu (viṣṇo). Arjuna's inner self is completely shaken—he cannot find steadiness or peace. The cosmic form is so overwhelming that it disrupts his inner equilibrium. This verse shows the profound effect of the cosmic vision on Arjuna's psyche.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that profound truths can shake your inner equilibrium—you lose steadiness and peace. The cosmic form is so overwhelming that Arjuna's inner self (antarātmā) trembles, and he cannot find steadiness (dhṛtim) or peace (śamam). When you see profound truths, they can disrupt your inner balance—not because they're wrong, but because they're so powerful. The cosmic vision shows that truth isn't always comfortable—it can shake you to your core, leaving you without the steadiness and peace you once had.
Personal Reflection
What truths have shaken your inner equilibrium? Does seeing profound reality disrupt your inner balance? How does recognizing that truth can shake you change your approach to seeking it?
Shortcuts
←/→ Verses
↑/↓ Layers