Bhagavad Gita 11.42

Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga · English Translation

In whatever way I may have insulted Thee for the sake of fun, while at play, reposing, sitting or at meals, when alone (with Thee), O Krishna, or in company that I implore Thee, immeasurable one, to forgive.

Sanskrit

यच्चावहासार्थमसत्कृतोऽसि विहारशय्यासनभोजनेषु | एकोऽथवाप्यच्युत तत्समक्षं तत्क्षामये त्वामहमप्रमेयम् ||११-४२||

Transliteration

yaccāvahāsārthamasatkṛto.asi vihāraśayyāsanabhojaneṣu . eko.athavāpyacyuta tatsamakṣaṃ tatkṣāmaye tvāmahamaprameyam ||11-42||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Arjuna speaks to Krishna after witnessing the terrifying and magnificent Cosmic Form (Vishvarupa). He asks for forgiveness for any disrespect he showed in moments of casual intimacy, such as playing with friends or sharing meals. The key teaching is that true devotion requires humility, acknowledging one's imperfections before the infinite divine presence.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse belongs primarily to Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion) as it emphasizes surrendering one's ego through humility before the Divine. It also reflects Jnana Yoga, as Arjuna realizes his limited understanding compared to Krishna's infinite nature (aprameyam), marking a shift from personal attachment to spiritual realization.

Word by Word

यत् whatever, च and, अवहासार्थम् for the sake of fun, असत्कृतः disrespected, असि (Thou) art, विहारशय्यासनभोजनेषु while at play, on bed, while sitting or at meals, एकः (when) one, अथवा or, अपि even, अच्युत O Krishna, तत् so, समक्षम् in company, तत् that, क्षामये implore to forgive, त्वाम् Thee, अहम् I, अप्रमेयम् immeasurable

Classical Commentary

Arjuna, beholding the Cosmic Form of Lord Krishna, seeks forgiveness for his past familiar conduct. He says? I have been stupid. I have treated Thee with familiarity, not knowing Thy greatness. I have taken Thee as my friend on account of misconception. I have behaved badly with Thee. Thou art the origin of this universe and yet I have joked with Thee. I have taken undue liberties with Thee. Kindly forgive me? O Lord. Tat All those offences. Achyuta He who is unchanging. In company In the presence of others. Aprameyam Immeasurable. He Who has unthinkable glory and splendour.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs in the midst of Chapter 11 on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, immediately following Krishna's revelation of his universal form to Arjuna. After being overwhelmed by this cosmic vision and terrified by its terrifying aspects (including seeing all warriors rushing into Krishna's mouths), Arjuna regains composure. He speaks as a humble disciple, realizing that their past relationship was based on friendly familiarity rather than reverence for the Supreme Lord.

Living It Out Today

Consider a moment when you have been given a second chance at work after making a careless mistake during a relaxed team gathering or casual conversation. Instead of hiding your error or getting defensive, acknowledge it directly and ask for grace to move forward with renewed respect for the opportunity. This approach transforms potential embarrassment into trust-building vulnerability.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are best friends with someone who suddenly shows up wearing a giant, glowing superhero costume so big it covers the whole sky! You might have been laughing and teasing them earlier without knowing how amazing they really were. Arjuna is saying to Krishna: 'I know I sometimes teased or didn't treat you seriously when we were just hanging out like normal friends; please forgive me because now I see your true, incredible power.'

Daily Reflection

You often find yourself speaking casually with God during mundane activities, forgetting that the One you are addressing is infinite and awe-inspiring. This verse invites you to pause and recognize how familiarity can sometimes breed a lack of reverence in your heart. By admitting these small transgressions openly, like Arjuna did, you transform ordinary moments into opportunities for deep purification.

A Practice for Today

Begin by acknowledging your own tendency to treat the Divine as merely familiar or casual, perhaps even taking them for granted in daily routines like eating or resting. Silently offer a heartfelt apology for any moments of irreverence born from comfort rather than malice, inviting humility to replace presumption.

Key Teachings

The Danger of Familiarity
Intimacy with the Divine can sometimes lead to a casual attitude where sacredness is overlooked in favor of comfort. Arjuna's confession reveals that even those closest to God must guard against treating the Infinite as an ordinary companion without due respect.
The Power of Humility
True devotion requires the courage to admit one's own imperfections and lack of reverence before the Lord. By explicitly asking for forgiveness, Arjuna demonstrates that humility is the essential vessel through which grace flows.
The Scope of Forgiveness
Divine mercy extends not just to major sins but also to minor lapses in respect born from playfulness or routine. The verse teaches that no act, even one done 'for fun,' is beyond the reach of God's boundless compassion when met with sincere repentance.

Themes

humilitydevotionforgivenessdivine natureego surrenderfriendship with God

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 18.66 6.5 9.30

Read This Next

18.62 — Read this next to see how surrendering all duties to God is the ultimate refuge after acknowledging one's limitations.
9.27 — This verse connects directly by teaching that even simple actions done with love and offering become acts of worship, countering casual irreverence.
10.8 — Read this to understand the source from which Arjuna's forgiveness flows, as Krishna reveals He is the origin of all that exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Arjuna ask for forgiveness specifically regarding 'play' and 'meals'?

Arjuna is highlighting that his past behavior was casual and familiar, often treating Krishna as an equal friend rather than the Supreme Lord. By mentioning intimate settings like meals or play, he acknowledges that familiarity led to a lack of reverence which must now be corrected.

What does the word 'Achyuta' signify in this verse?

'Achyuta' means 'the infallible one' or 'he who never falls,' referring to Krishna's eternal and unchanging divine nature. Arjuna uses this title to emphasize that while he is fallible, Krishna remains perfect and capable of granting forgiveness.

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

While primarily a devotional act, it aligns with Karma Yoga by encouraging action without attachment to one's own ego. Arjuna offers his past mistakes as offerings and seeks purification through surrender, which is essential for performing duty in alignment with divine will.

Can this verse be applied to relationships between human beings?

Yes, it teaches that deep respect often follows the realization of another's true worth or power. In friendships and families, admitting when we have taken someone for granted due to familiarity can restore trust and deepen the bond.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 11.42 →