manuṣhyāṇāṁ sahasreṣhu kaśhchid yatati siddhaye
yatatām api siddhānāṁ kaśhchin māṁ vetti tattvataḥ
manuṣhyāṇām — of men;
sahasreṣhu — out of many thousands;
kaśhchit — someone;
yatati — strives;
siddhaye — for perfection;
yatatām — of those who strive;
api — even;
siddhānām — of those who have achieved perfection;
kaśhchit — someone;
mām — me;
vetti — knows;
tattvataḥ — in truth
This verse emphasizes that among the vast number of people, only a small number are truly interested in reaching a high level of personal growth and understanding, especially in a spiritual context. Most people live their lives focused on basic needs like eating, sleeping, and securing their safety. They may not have the time or interest to reflect on deeper questions about existence or spirituality.
The first six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are meant for those who want to gain higher knowledge. This includes learning about our true selves, understanding the greater power in the universe, and the practices that help us realize these truths. This can involve different methods of yoga, like focusing the mind (dhyana-yoga) or studying (jnana-yoga), to help separate the physical self from a deeper spiritual existence.
However, truly understanding Krishna, the supreme divine figure in the Gita, requires a special type of consciousness. Some seekers may grasp a simpler concept of the divine—that of an impersonal universal spirit—but fully understanding Krishna as a personal being with relationships, like a son or friend, is much more complex. Even those who reach a high level of spiritual understanding (like yogis or jnanis) may struggle to comprehend Krishna's full nature. They might find it hard to connect with Him as someone who has a personal life, like being the son of Mother Yasoda or a charioteer for Arjuna. This truth can sometimes bewilder even divine beings themselves, who acknowledge that knowing Krishna in all His fullness is quite rare.
The verse reminds us that simply gaining spiritual knowledge or enlightenment isn't enough to understand Krishna. To know Him as He really is, a person needs to engage in loving devotion to Him. This devotion is what opens the door to truly grasping Krishna's nature and attributes. Those who are devoted can start to sense Krishna's qualities, such as His unlimited power, wisdom, and beauty. A person who fully embraces this devotion is considered a great soul, and they are very rare to find.
In essence, this verse teaches that while many aspire to achieve greatness or perfection, only a select few reach the level of understanding where they truly know Krishna. And this kind of knowledge isn't just about intellect—it's about a deep, heartfelt connection with the divine.