Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 32

English Translation

O Arjuna, of creations I am the beginning and the end as also the middle, I am the knowledge of the Self among knowledge; of those who date I am vada.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation: 'Of creations, I am the beginning, the end, and the middle' – whatever Sarga and Mahasarga occur, meaning, all beings that come into existence, I am at their beginning, I am in their middle, and I am at their end (when they dissolve). This implies that everything is Vasudeva. Therefore, whenever one beholds the world or any being, the remembrance of the Lord should arise. 'Among all Vidyas, I am the spiritual knowledge (Adhyatma-vidya)' – The knowledge by which a human being attains welfare is called Adhyatma-vidya. One may study countless worldly Vidyas, yet there always remains more to learn; but upon attaining Adhyatma-vidya, nothing remains unknown. Therefore, the Lord has declared this as His Vibhuti (divine manifestation). 'Among disputations, I am Vada' – When people engage in scriptural debate (Shastrartha), it is of three types: (1) Jalpa – That in which one's own position is supported and the opponent's position is refuted through arguments, with the aim of one's own victory and the other's defeat, is called Jalpa. (2) Vitanda – That in which no position is presented, and only the opponent's position is refuted, is called Vitanda. (3) Vada – The exchange of ideas conducted without any bias, solely for the determination of truth (Tattva-nirnaya), is called Vada. Among these three types of Shastrartha, 'Vada' is the most excellent. This alone has been declared by the Lord as His Vibhuti.