10.16 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 10, Verse 16

In Bhagavad Gita 10.16, we find Arjuna making a heartfelt request to Lord Krishna, asking him to describe his divine opulences in detail. The verse shows Arjuna saying: "You alone are capable of describing those divine powers of yours in entirety. The powers by which encompassing all these worlds, you are situated." This request comes after Krishna has already revealed himself as the source of all creation, yet Arjuna yearns to hear more.The beauty of this verse lies in Arjuna's approach. Despite already acknowledging Krishna's supreme position, his request doesn't stem from doubt but rather from a deep desire to immerse himself more fully in understanding the Lord's manifestations throughout creation. Arjuna recognizes that only Krishna himself can adequately explain his divine powers that pervade and sustain all existence. This demonstrates both humility and wisdom on Arjuna's part – acknowledging that the infinite can only be properly described by the infinite.This request reveals something profound about spiritual knowledge: unlike material information that eventually becomes tiresome or repetitive, divine wisdom remains ever-fresh and increasingly attractive the more one hears it. Arjuna's eagerness reflects the nature of spiritual curiosity – it doesn't diminish with satisfaction but rather grows stronger with each new revelation. His desire to hear Krishna describe his vibhūtis (divine opulences) shows how the devoted mind seeks to recognize the divine presence in all aspects of existence.There's also a deeply practical element to Arjuna's request. By asking Krishna to elaborate on his manifestations throughout the worlds, Arjuna seeks a framework for meditation and contemplation. He wants to understand how the supreme truth manifests in the relative world, how the absolute appears in the conditional reality we experience. This reflects the Vedic understanding that true knowledge must be both theoretical and practical – not just abstract philosophy but wisdom that can be applied and experienced.Arjuna's question serves both personal and universal purposes. For himself, hearing about Krishna's divine opulences provides a focal point for meditation and devotion. For others, it creates a bridge of understanding – showing how even those beginning their spiritual journey can recognize aspects of the divine in the world around them. This accessibility is central to Krishna's teachings throughout the Gita – transcendental wisdom made approachable through relatable examples.The verse also highlights the special relationship between Krishna and Arjuna. Only someone with deep love and devotion would make such a request, and only to someone they trust completely. Arjuna acknowledges that Krishna alone can fully describe his own glory, recognizing both the limitations of human understanding and the unlimited nature of divine revelation. This relationship exemplifies the ideal connection between teacher and student, God and devotee – one characterized by trust, sincerity, and eagerness to learn.In essence, Bhagavad Gita 10.16 captures a pivotal moment of spiritual inquiry. It shows us that even after gaining significant spiritual understanding, the truly wise continue to seek deeper knowledge with increasing enthusiasm. Arjuna's request teaches us that spiritual wisdom is inexhaustible, that divine glories are worthy of continual contemplation, and that approaching the infinite with humility and devotion opens doors to ever-deepening realization. Like Arjuna, we too can cultivate this eager, humble attitude in our own spiritual pursuits, recognizing that there is always more depth to uncover in our understanding of the divine.