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Bhagwad Gita (English) | Chapter 11 | Verse 1

Chapter 11, Verse 1

The Universal Form

Arjuna said: I have heard Your instruction on confidential spiritual matters which You have so kindly delivered unto me, and my illusion is now dispelled.


Verse

अर्जुन उवाच
मदनुग्रहाय परमं गुह्यमध्यात्मसंज्ञितम्।
यत्त्वयोक्तं वचस्तेन मोहोऽयं विगतो मम।।11.1।।


arjuna uvācha
mad-anugrahāya paramaṁ guhyam adhyātma-sanjñitam
yat tvayoktaṁ vachas tena moho ’yaṁ vigato mama

Meaning of each word

arjunaḥ uvācha — Arjun said;
mat-anugrahāya —
out of compassion to me;
paramam —
supreme;
guhyam —
confidential;
adhyātma-sanjñitam —
about spiritual knowledge;
yat —
which;
tvayā —
by you;
uktam —
spoken;
vachaḥ —
words;
tena —
by that;
mohaḥ —
illusion;
ayam —
this;
vigataḥ —
is dispelled;
mama —
my

Interpretation

In this verse, Arjuna is speaking to Krishna. He acknowledges that he has received important teachings from Krishna about deep spiritual truths. These teachings are not just simple ideas; they are considered confidential and profound. Arjuna is expressing gratitude because, through Krishna's guidance, he has gained clarity and understanding about things that were once confusing to him. He feels that his previous misunderstandings, or illusion, have been cleared away.

To break it down further, Arjuna describes Krishna's instruction as ‘out of compassion’—which means Krishna cares deeply about him and wants to help him. When Arjuna says 'confidential spiritual matters,' he refers to the significant and often hidden truths about life, the universe, and the self that are not easily understood or accessible to everyone. These are teachings that shape one’s understanding of reality and existence.

The phrase ‘my illusion is now dispelled’ indicates that before hearing Krishna's words, Arjuna felt lost or misled about certain aspects of life. After hearing Krishna's teachings, he feels enlightened. It’s like being in a dark room and then finally finding the light switch—it changes everything.

This part of the Bhagavad Gita, especially in this chapter, emphasizes Krishna's role as the source of everything. He is not just another god or figure in the universe; he is the reason everything exists and the ultimate cause of all causes. This idea might sound abstract, but it's crucial because it shows Krishna's importance in understanding the nature of existence and spirituality.

In summary, Arjuna is expressing how he has been positively transformed by Krishna's teachings. He recognizes Krishna's wisdom and sees it as a powerful source of guidance that has allowed him to dispel confusion about life and its deeper meanings.


Other Verses of Chapter 11
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