Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 4

English Translation

O Lord, if You think that it is possible to be seen by me, then, O Lord of Yoga, You show me Your eternal Self.

Detailed Commentary

11.4. Commentary: The word 'Prabho' (vocative of 'Prabhu') means 'All-Powerful' or 'Lord'. Arjuna's statement here implies that if You deem me capable of seeing that Virāṭ Rūpa (Cosmic Form), then it is well. If not, then grant me that capability so that I may behold Your divine, majestic form (Aishvarya Rūpa). The phrase 'manyase yadi tacchakyam mayā draṣṭumiti' (If You think it is possible for me to see it) implies that even if You do not show me that form, I will still believe that Your form is as You describe it, but I am not worthy of seeing it. Arjuna has no doubt in the Lord's words; rather, he has firm faith. Therefore, he asks You to reveal Your Virāṭ Rūpa to him. The address 'Yogeśvara' (Lord of all Yogis/Yoga) indicates that the Lord is the master of all Yogas. Arjuna has prayed for that Virāṭ Rūpa to be shown through His extraordinary Yogashakti (yogic power). In the tenth chapter, Arjuna had referred to the Lord as 'Yogi,' but now he addresses Him as 'Yogeśvara,' who is the Lord of all Yogas. There has now been a significant transformation in Arjuna's perception of the Lord. The phrase 'tato me tvaṁ darśayātmānam avyayam' (Then do You show me Your imperishable Self) means that Your true nature (Svarūpa) is imperishable (Avināśī), from which infinite creations arise, are sustained, and dissolve. Please reveal such an imperishable form of Yourself. Connection: Hearing Arjuna's humble prayer in the previous verse, the Lord now grants Arjuna permission to behold the Viśvarūpa (Universal Form).