The Blessed Lord said: Hear again, O mighty-armed Arjuna, My supreme words, which I shall speak to you, who are beloved, for your benefit.
Krishna reassures Arjuna that he will elaborate on his divine teachings. This sets the tone for the chapter, where Krishna reveals his cosmic significance, providing Arjuna with clarity and assurance as a devotee seeking truth and purpose.
Neither the hosts of gods nor the great sages know My origin, for I am the source of the gods and the great sages.
This shloka highlights Krishna’s transcendental nature as the origin of all creation. Neither gods nor sages can fully comprehend his essence, underlining his supreme and unfathomable divinity that governs both cosmic and earthly realms.
He who knows Me as unborn and beginningless, and as the Supreme Lord of all the worlds, he among mortals is undeluded and is freed from all sins.
Krishna asserts that understanding him as the eternal and supreme being liberates one from sin. This introduces the importance of self-realization and devotion, paving the way for Arjuna’s transformation through divine wisdom.
Intelligence, knowledge, freedom from delusion, forgiveness, truth, control over the senses and mind, happiness and sorrow, birth and death, fear and fearlessness.
Krishna lists essential qualities originating from him, such as knowledge, truth, and tranquility. These attributes form the foundation for spiritual growth and connect divine grace with the moral and emotional development of individuals.
Nonviolence, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame, and infamy—these various qualities of beings spring from Me alone.
Nonviolence, austerity, and equanimity are among the virtues Krishna claims as emanating from him. By listing diverse qualities, he bridges the gap between spiritual ideals and human aspirations, making divinity relatable.
The seven great sages and the four ancient Manus, who are endowed with powers like Mine, were born of My mind; from them, all the creatures in the world have descended.
Krishna explains the lineage of sages and Manus arising from his cosmic will. This emphasizes the continuity of creation and governance, linking the divine source to the human experience and cultural traditions.
One who knows truly this glory and power of Mine engages in unfaltering yoga; there is no doubt about this.
By knowing Krishna’s glories and cosmic powers, one can attain unwavering focus in spiritual practice. This shloka reassures Arjuna of the transformative potential of devotion, anchoring him in faith and discipline.