विस्तरेणात्मनो योगं विभूतिं च जनार्दन ।
भूयः कथय तृप्तिर्हि शृण्वतो नास्ति मेऽमृतम् ॥18॥
vistareṇātmano yogaṁ vibhūtiṁ cha janārdana
bhūyaḥ kathaya tṛiptir hi śhṛiṇvato nāsti me ’mṛitam
श्लोक १८: हे जनार्दन! कृपया पुन: अपनी दिव्य शक्तियों और अपने स्वरूपों का वर्णन करें। मैं आपके अमृत वचनों को सुनकर कभी तृप्त नहीं होता।
Shloka 18: O Janardana! Please once again describe to me in detail about Your marvellous power and divine manifestations. I do not feel sated in hearing Your words of nectar.
Verse 10.18 of the Bhagavad Gita captures a beautiful moment of spiritual eagerness from Arjuna, who requests Krishna to elaborate further on His divine opulences (vibhūtis) and mystic powers (yoga). After hearing Krishna describe His supreme position as the source of all creation, Arjuna's curiosity is not satisfied but rather intensified. He addresses Krishna as "Janardana" (one who inspires the hearts of all people) and expresses that he can never tire of hearing Krishna's nectar-like words.
This verse reveals something profound about spiritual knowledge - unlike material topics that eventually become tiresome or repetitive, divine wisdom remains ever-fresh and increasingly captivating the more one hears it. Arjuna compares Krishna's words to amṛtam (nectar), suggesting that these teachings provide immortal nourishment for the soul. His request isn't born from doubt or skepticism but rather from a genuine desire to deepen his understanding and meditation on Krishna's omnipresence.
The verse follows Arjuna's question in the previous verse (10.17) about how he should meditate on Krishna - "In what forms can I think of You, O Supreme Lord?" This reflects Arjuna's practical concern: he wants concrete examples of how Krishna manifests in the world so that he can focus his meditation and devotion more effectively. By asking for these specific manifestations, Arjuna demonstrates both his acceptance of Krishna's supreme position and his desire to make this abstract understanding more accessible to his own mind.
There's also a compassionate dimension to Arjuna's request. By seeking detailed examples of Krishna's presence in the universe, he's not just satisfying his own spiritual curiosity but also creating a framework that will help others recognize divine presence in their lives. This shows Arjuna's role as both a student and a conduit of knowledge, seeking wisdom that will benefit humanity at large.
The Sanskrit term "vistareṇa" (in detail) in this verse emphasizes Arjuna's desire for comprehensive understanding. He doesn't want just a philosophical overview but specific instances where Krishna's power and presence can be recognized in the world. This reflects an important aspect of the Vedic approach to spiritual knowledge - abstract concepts are made accessible through concrete examples that relate to human experience.
Krishna's manifestations serve as bridges between the transcendent and the immanent. For those still attached to the material world, recognizing divine presence in extraordinary phenomena or excellence provides an entry point to spiritual understanding. By seeking these examples, Arjuna acknowledges that most people cannot immediately grasp abstract spiritual concepts but need tangible reference points to guide their meditation and devotion.
This verse beautifully illustrates the nature of genuine spiritual inquiry - it is insatiable, ever-deepening, and brings increasing joy. Unlike material desires that create temporary satisfaction followed by renewed craving, spiritual hunger grows more fulfilling as it intensifies. Arjuna's request sets the stage for the famous Vibhuti Yoga section that follows, where Krishna will enumerate His principal manifestations throughout creation, providing a roadmap for those seeking to recognize divine presence in the world around them.
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