Chapter 11, Verse 38
त्वमादिदेव: पुरुष: पुराण- स्त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम् | वेत्तासि वेद्यं च परं च धाम त्वया ततं विश्वमनन्तरूप ॥38॥
tvam ādi-devaḥ puruṣhaḥ purāṇas tvam asya viśhvasya paraṁ nidhānam | vettāsi vedyaṁ cha paraṁ cha dhāma tvayā tataṁ viśhvam ananta-rūpa ||
"You are the primal Deity, the ancient Person; You are the supreme Resort of this world. You are the knower as also the object of knowledge, and the supreme Abode. O You of infinite forms, the Universe is pervaded by You!"
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.38 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 11.38 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Arjuna identifies Shree Krishna as the 'Adi-deva' (Primal Deity) and the 'Purusha Purana' (Ancient Person), emphasizing that He is the causeless cause of all existence. Krishna is described as the 'Nidhanam' (the ultimate refuge or treasure-house) of the cosmos. Arjuna acknowledges Krishna's omniscience by calling Him 'Vetta' (the Knower) and 'Vedyam' (the ultimate object to be known). Furthermore, the verse highlights the immanence of the Divine; God is not distant but 'tatam' (pervades) the entire universe in 'ananta-rupa' (infinite forms). True knowledge, as clarified by Vedic tradition, is that which leads one to understand this Divine source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 11.38?
You are the primal Deity, the ancient Person; You are the supreme Resort of this world. You are the knower as also the object of knowledge, and the supreme Abode. O You of infinite forms, the Universe is pervaded by You!