Bhagavad Gita 10.16

Vibhuti Yoga · English Translation

Thou shouldst indeed tell, without reserve, of Thy divine glories by which Thou existest, pervading all these worlds. (None else can do so.)

Sanskrit

वक्तुमर्हस्यशेषेण दिव्या ह्यात्मविभूतयः | याभिर्विभूतिभिर्लोकानिमांस्त्वं व्याप्य तिष्ठसि ||१०-१६||

Transliteration

vaktumarhasyaśeṣeṇa divyā hyātmavibhūtayaḥ . yābhirvibhūtibhirlokānimāṃstvaṃ vyāpya tiṣṭhasi ||10-16||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, the warrior Arjuna is speaking to Lord Krishna, who has just begun revealing His divine nature. Arjuna acknowledges that while he understands some of it, only Krishna can fully describe how He pervades and sustains every part of creation through His infinite glories. The core teaching here is an invitation for total revelation: the Divine exists in everything, from the smallest atom to the vastest sky, without any restriction.

The Teaching Behind It

This teaching belongs primarily to Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), focusing on the concept of 'Vibhuti' or divine manifestation. It develops the non-dualistic understanding that the Supreme Self is not separate from creation but actively pervades all worlds, bridging the gap between the infinite Creator and finite beings.

Word by Word

वक्तुम् to tell, अर्हसि (Thou) shouldst, अशेषेण without reminder, दिव्याः divine, हि indeed, आत्मविभूतयः Thy glories, याभिः by which, विभूतिभिः by glories, लोकान् worlds, इमान् these, त्वम् Thou, व्याप्य having pervaded, तिष्ठसि existest. No Commentary.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra during a critical moment in Chapter 10, known as Vibhuti Yoga. After Arjuna expresses his confusion and reverence regarding Krishna's previous statements about His cosmic form (Chapter 11 context) or general divinity, he realizes that no human can fully comprehend the Lord's infinite nature on their own. Speaking from a place of deep devotion and humility, Arjuna requests an exhaustive list so that he may finally grasp how the Supreme Being is present in all directions.

Living It Out Today

When you feel overwhelmed by a difficult decision at work or personal anxiety about the future, remember this verse to shift your perspective. Instead of viewing yourself as isolated against problems, visualize the same divine presence sustaining every person around you and every challenge before you; it reminds us that we are never truly alone in our struggles.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are looking at a giant ocean. You see waves, fish, sand, and sunlight on top of it all, but they are all made of water. Arjuna is telling Krishna that he knows Krishna is like that water in the universe—he is inside every tree, star, and person we can see or touch! He asks Krishna to tell him everything about this amazing superpower so everyone can understand how much love holds the whole world together.

Daily Reflection

Today, try to see yourself not just as an observer in these worlds, but as being held and pervaded by the same infinite consciousness that fills all existence. When you feel small or separated, remember that your very life is a manifestation of those divine glories, making every moment sacred. You are never alone because the One who created everything is already inside and around you.

A Practice for Today

Close your eyes and visualize the infinite presence of the Divine not as distant, but as the very substance holding this world together from within. Contemplate that every atom you breathe is a vibration of those divine glories mentioned by Krishna, permeating everything without limit.

Key Teachings

The Necessity of Direct Revelation
Arjuna acknowledges that only Krishna can fully describe His own glories, as no other being possesses this perspective. This establishes the essential role of a realized teacher or divine source in understanding spiritual truth.
Omnipresence Through Vibrant Glories
The Divine does not exist apart from creation but pervades all worlds through distinct manifestations known as Vibhutis. This teaches that the infinite is accessible everywhere, hidden within the finite forms of nature and life.
Divine Immanence in All Worlds
The verse emphasizes that God exists by pervading all these worlds simultaneously through His divine energies. It invites us to shift our gaze from a distant deity to the immediate, living presence within and around us.

Themes

Divine ImmanenceDevotion (Bhakti)Cosmic FormKnowledge of SelfUniversal PervasionHumility

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking and who are they addressing in this verse?

Arjuna, the great warrior, is speaking to Lord Krishna. He addresses Krishna as 'Thou' (Tvam) with deep reverence, asking Him to reveal more about His divine nature.

What does it mean that God pervades all worlds?

It means the Divine is not confined to temples or specific locations but exists in every part of creation simultaneously. From the smallest particle to the largest galaxy, the same spiritual energy sustains and holds everything together.

Why does Arjuna ask Krishna to speak 'without reserve'?

Arjuna realizes that finite human intelligence cannot fully grasp the infinite nature of God on its own. He asks for an exhaustive description because he wants complete knowledge and believes only the Lord can truly explain His own glories.

How does this verse help with anxiety or fear?

This teaching reminds us that we are never isolated; a supportive, all-encompassing presence is within everything. When facing fear, knowing that the same power sustains the universe can provide deep comfort and reduce feelings of vulnerability.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 10.16 →