Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 18

English Translation

You are the Immutable, the supreme One to be known; You are the most perfect repository of this Universe. You are the Imperishable, the Protector of the ever-existing religion; You are the eternal Person. This is my belief.

Detailed Commentary

You are the Akshara (Imperishable), the Supreme to be known. That Akshara Brahman, whose nature is supreme bliss, which is known as Nirguna-Nirakara (attributeless and formless), and which is to be known through the Vedas, Shastras, Puranas, Smritis, the words of saints, and by realized great beings—that indeed are You. You are the supreme Nidhāna (repository) of this universe. Whatever we can see, hear, and comprehend, of that world, You are the ultimate refuge and support. When the Mahapralaya (great dissolution) occurs, the entire universe, along with its causes, merges into You, and then at the beginning of creation, it manifests from You alone. In this way, You are the supreme Nidhāna of the universe. You are the protector of the Sanatana Dharma (eternal righteousness). When Dharma declines and Adharma (unrighteousness) increases, You alone take Avatar and, by destroying Adharma, protect Sanatana Dharma. You are the Avyaya (imperishable), Sanatana (eternal) Purusha—this is my conviction. You are the imperishable, eternal, beginningless, ever-existent Supreme Purusha; this is my belief. Context: Having described the wondrous divine form from verses fifteen to eighteen, Arjuna now, in the next two verses, describes the fierce nature, influence, and power of that Vishwarupa.