Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 2

English Translation

O you with eyes like lotus leaves, the origin and dissolution of beings have been heard by me in detail from You. ['From You have been heard the origin and dissolution of beings in You.'] And (Your) undecaying glory, too, (has been heard).

Detailed Commentary

*Bhava* (birth) and *Apyaya* (dissolution) of beings – all this I have heard from You in detail. The Lord had previously stated that 'I am indeed the source of origin and the dissolution of the entire universe'. The *Sattva*, *Rajas*, and *Tamas* *bhāvas* also originate from Me. The many diverse states of beings arise from Me alone. All beings emanate from Me, and through Me, they perform all their actions. I am indeed the beginning, middle, and end of all beings. Based on this, Arjuna says, 'I have heard from You in detail the description of the origin and dissolution of beings'. This does not merely signify the origin and destruction of beings, but rather that all beings originate from You, reside in You, and merge back into You – meaning, everything is You alone. 'My *māhātmya* (glory) and *avyayam* (imperishable nature)' – You stated in the Tenth Chapter that whoever perfectly knows My *Vibhūti* (divine manifestations) and *Yoga* (divine power), becomes endowed with unwavering *Bhaktiyoga*. To know Your *Vibhūti* and *Yoga* is a great virtue that does not perish. Because Bhagavān (the Lord) is imperishable and eternal, His devotion (*bhakti*) and love (*prema*) will also be imperishable. Now, in the next two verses, Arjuna prays to the Lord for the vision of the *Virāṭ Rūpa* (Universal Form).