Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 16

English Translation

Be pleased to speak in full of Your own manifestations which are indeed divine, through which manifestations You exist pervading these worlds.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary on 10.16 -- 'By which Vibhutis you pervade these worlds and exist' -- Bhagavan had stated earlier (in the seventh verse) that one who knows My Vibhutis and Yoga in their true essence (Tattva) attains unwavering Bhakti Yoga in Me. Hearing this, Arjuna thought that having firm devotion to Bhagavan is a very simple and superior means, because upon understanding Bhagavan's Vibhutis and Yoga, a person's mind is naturally drawn towards Bhagavan and their devotion awakens. Arjuna desires his own welfare and considers Bhakti to be the most excellent path. Therefore, Arjuna says, "Please describe in detail those unique and wondrous Vibhutis by which You pervade and abide in all the worlds." Because only You are capable of explaining them; no one else can describe them without You. 'Vaktum Arhasy Ashesḥeṇa' -- You had previously described Your Vibhutis (in the seventh, ninth, and at the beginning of this tenth chapter) and stated that the fruit of knowing them is firm Bhakti Yoga. Therefore, so that I too may know all Your Vibhutis and attain firm Bhakti Yoga in You, please narrate Your Vibhutis completely, leaving nothing out. 'Divya Hy Ātma Vibhūtayaḥ' -- The implication of calling Vibhutis divine is that whatever special quality appears in the world, it fundamentally belongs to the divine Paramatma, not to the world itself. Therefore, perceiving the specialties of the world is enjoyment (Bhoga), while perceiving the specialties of Paramatma is a Vibhuti, it is Yoga.