Chapter 11, Verse 24
नभ:स्पृशं दीप्तमनेकवर्णं व्यात्ताननं दीप्तविशालनेत्रम् | दृष्ट्वा हि त्वां प्रव्यथितान्तरात्मा धृतिं न विन्दामि शमं च विष्णो ॥24॥
nabhaḥ-spṛśaṁ dīptam aneka-varṇaṁ vyāttānanaṁ dīpta-viśāla-netram | dṛṣṭvā hi tvāṁ pravyathitāntarātmā dhṛtiṁ na vindāmi śamaṁ ca viṣṇo ||
"O Vishnu, seeing Your form touching the sky, effulgent, multi-colored, with mouths wide open and large glowing eyes, my innermost soul trembles in fear. I find neither steadiness nor peace."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.24 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.24 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse marks a pivotal psychological shift in the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna, who previously related to Krishna through 'Sakhya Bhava' (the sentiment of friendship), is now overwhelmed by 'Aishvarya Bhava' (the sentiment of awe and majesty). The 'Vishwa-rupa' (Universal Form) is so vast and radiant ('nabhaḥ-spṛśaṁ') that it shatters Arjuna's human frame of reference. In the presence of such infinite power, the ego feels small and threatened, leading to a loss of 'dhṛti' (inner fortitude) and 'śama' (tranquility). This stage of devotion represents the realization of God's 'Vibhuti' or opulence, which is necessary to understand the absolute nature of the Divine before returning to a state of intimate, yet informed, love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 11.24?
O Vishnu, seeing Your form touching the sky, effulgent, multi-colored, with mouths wide open and large glowing eyes, my innermost soul trembles in fear. I find neither steadiness nor peace.