Bhagavad Gita 10.1

Vibhuti Yoga · English Translation

The Blessed Lord said Again, O mighty-armed Arjuna, listen to my supreme word which I will declare to thee who who art beloved, for thy welfare.

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवानुवाच | भूय एव महाबाहो शृणु मे परमं वचः | यत्तेऽहं प्रीयमाणाय वक्ष्यामि हितकाम्यया ||१०-१||

Transliteration

śrībhagavānuvāca . bhūya eva mahābāho śṛṇu me paramaṃ vacaḥ . yatte.ahaṃ prīyamāṇāya vakṣyāmi hitakāmyayā ||10-1||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna to listen one more time to his most important teachings. He emphasizes that he is speaking out of deep affection and a genuine desire for Arjuna's well-being. This sets the stage for revealing the divine nature within all things, reassuring Arjuna that he is safe in receiving this knowledge. The key teaching is that true wisdom comes from a place of love and concern for the listener's ultimate good.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse initiates the exposition of Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion) by establishing the relationship between the teacher and student as one rooted in divine love and care. It transitions from the theoretical knowledge of Jnana Yoga to a personal revelation where the Divine shares its nature with a devoted seeker. The concept developed here is that spiritual truth is not just intellectual data but a gift given for the liberation and welfare (hitakamyayā) of the devotee.

Word by Word

भूयः again, एव verily, महाबाहो O mightyarmed, श्रृणु hear, मे My, परमम् supreme, वचः word, यत् which, ते to thee, अहम् I, प्रीयमाणाय who art beloved, वक्ष्यामि (I) will declare, हितकाम्यया wishing (thy) welfare

Classical Commentary

I shall repeat what I said before (in the seventh and the ninth discourses). My essential nature and My manifestations have already been pointed out. As it is very difficult to understand the divine nature? I shall describe it once more to you, although it has been described already. I shall tell you of the divine glories and point out in which forms of being I should be thought of. I will speak to you as you are delighted to hear Me. Now your heart is taking delight in Me. The Lord wants to encourage Arjuna and cheer him up and so He Himself comes forward to give instructions to Arjuna even without his reest. Paramam Vachah supreme word. Paramam means supreme, revealing the unsurpassed truth (Niratisaya Vastu which is Brahman).O Arjuna You are immensely delighted with My speech, as if you are drinking the immortalising nectar.

Where This Happens

This verse appears at the beginning of Chapter 10 in the Bhagavad Gita, which takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra just before a great war begins. Arjuna has just finished expressing his confusion and refusal to fight after Krishna explained the immortality of the soul (Chapter 2) and the necessity of duty (Chapters 3-9). Feeling overwhelmed by grief and doubt, Arjuna is in need of further reassurance as he prepares for a momentous decision. Lord Krishna responds here with renewed energy, promising to reveal his divine glories to lift Arjuna's spirits.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where you are facing an overwhelming career crisis or making a difficult life-altering decision that leaves you feeling lost and anxious. A mentor or loved one might step in not just to give advice, but to say, 'I am telling this because I believe in your potential and want the best for you.' This verse teaches us how to offer guidance to others: by first establishing trust and clearly stating our intention is their welfare, we can help them find clarity. It reminds leaders and parents that effective communication starts with empathy and a genuine desire for the other person's growth.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are sitting with your favorite teacher who loves to tell stories because they care so much about you learning important things. In this moment, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, 'Listen closely again, my friend, I am going to share a special secret that will help you feel better and understand the world.' Just like how parents or teachers give advice when they see us worried, Krishna speaks from his heart because he wants Arjuna to succeed. It is about sharing good news with someone you love so they can be happy and strong.

Daily Reflection

You are deeply loved by the Divine, just as Arjuna was addressed as 'prīyamāṇa' or beloved; recognize that your worthiness for God's supreme wisdom comes from this relationship. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that Krishna speaks to you not out of duty but because He desires your welfare and wishes to guide you home. Let this assurance dissolve your anxiety and replace it with a confident trust in the path laid before you.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and recall someone you hold dear, offering your gratitude for their presence as a reflection of divine love. In that warmth, whisper the intention to share this same unconditional care with others today.

Key Teachings

The Primacy of Relationship
God's supreme instruction is not delivered as an abstract law but flows from a personal bond of love. The teacher speaks to Arjuna specifically because he is beloved, showing that receptivity begins with being known and cherished.
The Purpose of Divine Wisdom
True spiritual knowledge is not for intellectual accumulation but is declared 'hitakāmyayā'—for the ultimate welfare of the seeker. Every teaching in the Gita aims to guide you from confusion toward a state of peace and fulfillment.
The Call to Re-listen
Krishna asks Arjuna to listen 'again' (bhūyaḥ), indicating that spiritual truths require repeated immersion rather than a single reading. We must return to these words with fresh attention whenever we feel disconnected or forgetful of our true nature.

Themes

Divine LoveSpiritual GuidanceDharma (Righteous Duty)Devotion (Bhakti)Self-KnowledgeWelfare of Others

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — To understand how Arjuna prepares to receive this supreme word by focusing on duty without attachment.
3.30 — To learn the specific instruction of surrendering all works to Krishna, which follows naturally from hearing His voice with devotion.
12.15 — To discover how one who is devoted and beneficial to others becomes dear to God, mirroring Arjuna's beloved status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'paramaṃ vacaḥ' mean in this verse?

'Paramaṃ vacaḥ' translates to the supreme word or highest teaching. In this context, it refers to the profound knowledge of Krishna's divine glories and his relationship with the universe that he is about to reveal.

Why does Lord Krishna emphasize 'hitakāmyayā' (wishing welfare)?

Krishna emphasizes this to show that his teachings are not abstract philosophy but a practical guide for Arjuna's liberation and well-being. It establishes the teaching as an act of compassion, assuring Arjuna that the difficult truths he will hear are given solely for his benefit.

Who is 'Maha-baho' referring to in this shloka?

'Maha-baho' means O mighty-armed one and is a title of respect used by Krishna to address Arjuna. It acknowledges Arjuna's physical strength as an archer while also highlighting his spiritual potential to fight the battle against ignorance.

How does this verse relate to the concept of Bhakti Yoga?

This verse is foundational for Bhakti Yoga because it frames the transmission of divine knowledge as an exchange between a loving teacher and a beloved student. It teaches that receiving spiritual wisdom requires both devotion from the listener and compassion from the guide.

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