The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form

Arjuna expresses his confusion and requests to understand Krishna's original nature. 'Kim etad iti māṁ viśveśa viśva-rūpa'—what (kim) is this (etat), thus (iti), to me (mām), O Lord of the universe (viśveśa), O universal form (viśva-rūpa)? 'Namas te 'stu deva-vara prasīda'—salutations (namas) to You (te), let there be (astu), O best of gods (deva-vara), be gracious (prasīda). 'Vijñātum icchāmi bhavantam ādyaṁ'—I desire (icchāmi) to know (vijñātum) You (bhavantam), the original (ādyaṁ) one. 'Na hi prajānāmi tava pravṛttim'—I do not understand (na prajānāmi), indeed (hi), Your (tava) nature (pravṛttim). Arjuna is overwhelmed by the cosmic form and doesn't understand it. He acknowledges Krishna as the Lord of the universe and best of gods, offers salutations, and pleads for grace. He wants to know Krishna's original nature, because he doesn't understand the cosmic form's purpose. This verse shows Arjuna's humility and confusion, preparing for Krishna's explanation and the eventual return to his original form.