Bhagavad Gita 10.13

Vibhuti Yoga · English Translation

All the sages have thus declared Thee, as also the divine sage Narada; so also Asita, Devala and Vyasa; and now Thou Thyself sayest so to me.

Sanskrit

आहुस्त्वामृषयः सर्वे देवर्षिर्नारदस्तथा | असितो देवलो व्यासः स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे ||१०-१३||

Transliteration

āhustvāmṛṣayaḥ sarve devarṣirnāradastathā . asito devalo vyāsaḥ svayaṃ caiva bravīṣi me ||10-13||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Arjuna is speaking to Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He expresses that he now fully believes in Krishna's divine nature because every great sage—from ancient seers like Narada and Vyasa to his own teachers—has confirmed it, and finally, Krishna himself has declared these truths directly to him. The key teaching is that true spiritual knowledge comes from the harmony of authoritative tradition (the sages) and direct personal realization through a living teacher or divine guide.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse anchors the Gita's teaching within Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion) supported by Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge). It establishes that valid spiritual realization requires both Sruti, or revealed wisdom from ancient sages, and personal experience through a living Guru. The concept developed is 'Pratyaksha' combined with 'Aptavachana,' where direct perception validates the words of reliable authorities.

Word by Word

आहुः (they) declared, त्वाम् Thee, ऋषयः the Rishis, सर्वे all, देवर्षिः Devarshi, नारदः Narada, तथा also, असितः Asita, देवलः Devala, व्यासः Vyasa, स्वयम् Thyself, च and, एव even, ब्रवीषि (Thou) sayest, मे to me

Classical Commentary

Rishi is a holy sage of disciplined mind and senses. Devarshi A divine sage more highly evolved than a Rishi.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs during Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, immediately following a long exposition where Lord Krishna reveals his divine manifestations (Vibhutis). Arjuna is overwhelmed with awe and has just asked for confirmation that what he heard was not mere poetic exaggeration. He speaks to Krishna as a devotee who has moved from doubt to certainty after hearing the consensus of ancient sages like Narada, Asita, Devala, and Vyasa.

Living It Out Today

When you face a major career decision where conflicting advice causes anxiety, look for patterns among trusted mentors or established experts rather than relying solely on your initial intuition. If respected leaders in your field all point toward the same ethical path, that collective wisdom serves as a strong signal to move forward with confidence. This approach helps resolve paralysis by aligning personal feelings with proven traditions and authoritative guidance.

Explained for Children

Imagine you heard your mom say she loves ice cream, then your dad says it too, and finally your favorite superhero confirms it—that's how sure Arjuna is now! He realizes that Krishna isn't just a friend giving advice; he is the Supreme God because all the wisest people in history agree with him. Just like you trust your parents when they tell you something important to keep you safe or happy, Arjuna trusts Krishna completely after hearing everyone else speak about his greatness.

Daily Reflection

You often feel like the only one seeking answers, yet this verse reminds you that you stand on the shoulders of giants whose wisdom has already confirmed what Krishna reveals to you. When doubt creeps in about your spiritual journey or the nature of the Divine, remember that Narada and Vyasa have spoken these truths long before they reached you through me today. Let their collective affirmation dissolve your isolation, replacing it with a warm sense of belonging to an unbroken lineage of seekers who found peace.

A Practice for Today

Close your eyes and visualize the collective wisdom of sages like Narada, Vyasa, and Devala nodding in agreement with what you are about to hear today. Invite their ancient voices into your heart as a reminder that truth is not merely an intellectual concept but a living reality witnessed by those who have walked this path before.

Key Teachings

The Consensus of Wisdom
Truth is not subjective; when sages from different eras converge on the same realization, it signifies an objective spiritual reality. This verse teaches us that genuine revelation transcends individual opinion and stands as a verified fact across generations.
The Living Lineage
By listing specific figures like Narada and Vyasa, the text connects the reader to an unbroken chain of spiritual authority. This teaches that our current understanding is validated by those who have walked the path before us with clarity.
Self-Verification
The verse culminates in Krishna speaking directly, transforming external testimony into internal realization for Arjuna (and the reader). True knowledge requires both hearing from masters and experiencing that truth personally as a living reality.

Themes

divine authoritydevotionspiritual wisdomguru-shishya traditionfaith and certaintysacred lineage

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — To learn how to perform one's duty without attachment, a prerequisite for the clarity that sages possess.
3.30 — To understand the practice of dedicating all actions to Krishna, which aligns with the selfless devotion seen in these great souls.
12.15 — To discover how a devotee who is dear to everyone and beloved by the Divine mirrors the qualities of those sages mentioned here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the specific sages mentioned in this verse?

The verse lists four specific figures: Narada, known as a divine sage; Asita and Devala, revered ancient seers associated with Krishna's birth era; and Vyasa, the compiler of the Vedas who also authored the Mahabharata. These names represent the highest authorities in Hindu tradition.

Why does Arjuna mention these sages if he is speaking to Krishna?

The verse elevates the concept of a living teacher or divine guide, as Arjuna places equal weight on the sages' words and Krishna's own direct instruction. It suggests that true knowledge is confirmed when ancient wisdom meets personal interaction with a realized soul.

How does this verse relate to modern decision-making?

In modern terms, it advises seeking consensus from trusted experts before making life-altering decisions rather than relying on isolated intuition. It suggests that when established wisdom and personal experience converge, they provide the strongest foundation for action.

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