Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 50

English Translation

Sanjaya said Thus, having spoken to Arjuna in that manner, Vasudeva showed His own form again. And He, the exalted One, reassured this terrified one by again becoming serene in form.

Detailed Commentary

11.50. Explanation: 'Thus Vasudeva, having spoken to Arjuna, showed His form again'—When Arjuna prayed to Bhagavan to show the Chaturbhuja (four-armed) form, Bhagavan said, "Seeing this Vishvarupa (Universal Form) of mine, do not be distressed or afraid. Behold this form of mine with a cheerful mind." Sanjaya has conveyed this very statement of Bhagavan here with the words 'इत्यर्जुनं वासुदेवस्तथोक्त्वा' (Thus Vasudeva, having spoken to Arjuna). 'Tathā' means that just as Bhagavan had shown the Vishvarupa to Arjuna out of His grace, so too did He show the Chaturbhuja form out of grace. To see these forms, Arjuna had no sādhanā (spiritual practice) or yogyatā (qualification); rather, it was solely Bhagavan's kṛpā (grace). 'Bhūyaḥ' (again) means that the same Chaturbhuja form which Arjuna had seen within the Vishvarupa, and for which he had prayed, Bhagavan showed him again. 'And the Mahātmā, becoming again of gentle form, reassured this frightened one'—Bhagavan Shri Krishna first showed the Chaturbhuja form to Arjuna. Then, for Arjuna's delight, Bhagavan Shri Krishna assumed the Dvibhuja (two-armed) form and reassured Arjuna, who was frightened by seeing the Vishvarupa. The meaning of Bhagavan being Dvibhuja or Chaturbhuja is that Bhagavan always resided in His Dvibhuja form, but from time to time, where He deemed appropriate, He would manifest as the Chaturbhuja form. In the Tenth and Eleventh Chapters, Bhagavan has described His Vibhūtis (glories), extolling His greatness and power, and by showing the Vishvarupa, He has reiterated His greatness. If a human being understands this great power of Bhagavan, he will no longer be attracted to the world. He will be freed from worldly bondage forever. Bhagavan's wonderful kṛpā was upon Arjuna, to whom He first showed the Vishvarupa, then the Chaturbhuja form, and finally the Dvibhuja form. Along with this, Bhagavan has also bestowed His grace upon all of us. In our study, reading, and contemplation of Bhagavan, we can meditate upon Him wherever we wish. In these difficult times, all this is the fruit of Bhagavan's grace alone. Seeing this grace of Bhagavan, we should be joyful. The contemplation of Bhagavan's Vibhūtis and Vishvarupa was available to certain special individuals even at that time, and today, we too have been granted this same opportunity. We should not let this opportunity go to waste. Connection: When Bhagavan, in His human form, reassured Arjuna, Arjuna then spoke—