Do not be disturbed or bewildered by seeing this terrible form of Mine. With a fearless and joyful heart, behold My human form again.
The assurance that austerities, rituals, or sacrifices alone cannot lead to such visions highlights the indispensability of grace and devotion. Krishna underscores that witnessing divinity requires both effort and divine favor.
Sanjaya said: After speaking thus to Arjuna, Krishna displayed His human form once again. Becoming gentle in His appearance, He comforted the terrified Arjuna.
Krishna’s reassurance to Arjuna, paired with His return to a gentle human-like form, signifies compassion. This transition conveys that divinity encompasses both the cosmic and personal aspects, making it accessible to human understanding.
Arjuna said: Seeing this gentle human form of Yours, O Janardana, I have regained my composure and my mind is restored to its natural state.
Krishna’s shift from His universal form to His human-like form soothes Arjuna’s troubled heart. This moment underscores the compassionate nature of divinity, emphasizing its ability to adapt to the devotee’s needs.
The Blessed Lord said: It is extremely difficult to behold this form of Mine, which you have seen. Even the gods are ever eager to behold this form.
Arjuna’s sense of relief and regained composure after witnessing the gentle form of Krishna underscores the human mind’s struggle to comprehend the infinite. This moment signifies the reconciliation of fear and devotion.
Not by study of the Vedas, austerity, charity, or sacrifice can one see Me as you have seen Me.
Krishna explains that even the gods yearn to witness His universal form, underlining the rarity and privilege of Arjuna’s experience. This shloka highlights the exclusivity of such divine revelations and their spiritual significance.
O Arjuna, by undivided devotion, I can be known, seen, and entered into in truth, O scorcher of foes.
The emphasis on devotion and sincerity as prerequisites for knowing, seeing, and entering Krishna’s divine essence underscores the transformational power of faith. Krishna redirects Arjuna’s focus to the importance of heartfelt surrender.
Bhakti alone can reveal the supreme truth about Me. Knowing this, one who loves and worships Me wholeheartedly becomes united with Me.
Krishna highlights the attributes of a true devotee—selfless action, unwavering devotion, and freedom from malice. This shloka serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, linking virtuous conduct with divine realization.