Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 1

English Translation

The Blessed Lord said O mighty-armed one, listen over again ot My supreme utterance, which I, wishing your welfare, shall speak to you who take delight (in it).

Detailed Commentary

व्याख्या -- 'भूयः एव' -- Realizing the *Vibhūtis* (divine manifestations) of Bhagavān in essence leads to devotion and love for Him. Therefore, out of compassion, Bhagavān previously described seventeen *Vibhūtis* in the seventh chapter (verses 8 to 12) and thirty-seven *Vibhūtis* in the ninth chapter (verses 16 to 19). Now, to reveal even more *Vibhūtis* and to give a specific description of a devotee, Bhagavān says 'भूयः एव' (again, further). 'श्रृणु मे परमं वचः' -- Bhagavān desires to speak of His glory and influence. Hence, He tells Arjuna, "Listen to My supreme word." Another interpretation is that whenever Bhagavān reveals His special significance and influence to Arjuna, He uses terms like 'supreme word' (*Paramam Vachah*) and 'mystery' (*Rahasyam*). For instance, in the fourth chapter, He refers to the instruction given to Sūrya with the words 'रहस्यं ह्येतदुत्तमम्' (this supreme mystery), and in the eighteenth chapter, He instructs Arjuna to abandon all *dharmas* and take refuge in Him with 'श्रृणु मे परमं वचः'. Here, Bhagavān's intention is that all beings originate from Him and reside in Him. The seven Mahārṣis, the four Sanakādis, and the fourteen Manus—all are born from His mind. The implication is that He is the root of all. After speaking of *Jnāna-Vijnāna* (knowledge and wisdom) in the seventh and ninth chapters, He reiterates that resolve in the tenth chapter. Here Bhagavān states that in the path of *Jnāna-Mārga*, discrimination (viveka) is paramount, hence it is called 'ज्ञानानां ज्ञानमुत्तमम्' (the supreme knowledge among all knowledge). In the path of *Bhakti-Mārga*, faith (shraddhā) is paramount; therefore, it is called 'परमं वचः'. 'यत्तेऽहं प्रीयमाणाय वक्ष्यामि हितकाम्यया' -- When the listener holds faith and love for the speaker, and the speaker, in turn, harbors benevolent intentions (hita-bhāvanā) towards the listener out of grace, then the speaker's words firmly embed themselves in the listener's mind. This fosters interest, devotion, and love for Bhagavān. The word 'हितकाम्यया' (out of a desire for your welfare) might raise a doubt: Bhagavān has forbidden desire (*kāmanā*) in the Bhagavad Gītā, so why does He Himself harbor desire? The answer is that desiring pleasure and comfort for oneself is *kāmanā*. Desiring the welfare of others is not *kāmanā* but rather renunciation (*tyāga*) and a means to eradicate one's own desires. Bhagavān says that just as He speaks out of a desire for welfare, so too should humans desire the welfare of all beings. This will eradicate their own desires, and the attainment of Bhagavān will become easy. One who desires the welfare of all beings attains both the Saguna (with attributes) and Nirguna (without attributes) forms of Bhagavān. सम्बन्ध -- Regarding the supreme word which I shall further speak, there is none other than Me who can fully explain it. Bhagavān explains the reason for this in the next verse.