10.40 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 10, Verse 40

In this verse, Krishna brings Arjuna’s attention to the boundless nature of His divine manifestations. After detailing numerous examples throughout the chapter, Krishna now reveals that what has been described so far is not exhaustive, but just a tiny sample, much like a droplet compared to the vastness of the ocean. The intent behind this declaration is to convey the infinite scope of Krishna’s glories, making it clear that they surpass the limits of human comprehension and description.

Through his conversation with Arjuna, Krishna uses the language of assurance, calling Arjuna “O mighty conqueror of enemies” (parantapa), and reminding him that the multitudes of divine expressions seen in the world are countless and inexhaustible. The many powers and wonders that Krishna has listed earlier—whether in the form of natural phenomena, great personalities, or remarkable achievements—are merely chosen to illustrate a larger, unending reality.

This verse serves as a humbling reminder of the vastness of the divine. If all the glories and powers of Krishna were to be enumerated, they would be limitless. No scripture, no sage, and no devotee can fully capture or contain the entirety of His opulences. The use of the phrase “mere indication” or “sample” by Krishna is crucial; it underscores that even the most awe-inspiring manifestations encountered in the material, intellectual, or spiritual world are only faint glimpses of His boundless nature.

Imagine standing before a panoramic mountain range at sunrise, or witnessing the brilliance of a master artist at work—such experiences leave us awestruck. Yet, Krishna explains that every example observed, no matter how magnificent, is just a shadow of His true grandeur. The suggestion is that the wonders we perceive are only sparks, while the source, Krishna Himself, remains eternally beyond full grasp and measure.

There is a subtle encouragement here: the more one contemplates the infinite nature of Krishna’s manifestations, the greater the sense of awe and reverence that arises. Recognizing that the universe is filled with these limited yet marvelous glimpses of divinity, the mind is invited to move from attachment towards phenomena themselves, and instead to wonder about their inexhaustible source.

This perspective brings a shift from the pursuit of isolated marvels—be it power, beauty, or intelligence—towards the understanding that all such qualities are ultimately rooted in Krishna. No matter where one looks or how deeply one inquires, the world is teeming with divine fingerprints, but never the full picture. Krishna’s invitation, through this summing up, is to seek the infinite behind the finite, to appreciate the world as a tapestry woven with threads of His own splendor.

The verse also conveys a sense of humility for both the seeker and the knower. However much someone may know or experience, there is always more that lies beyond—an endless horizon of understanding that waits in the divine’s embrace. Thus, the nature of Krishna’s opulences is such that it eternally invites curiosity, wonder, and devotion, rather than complacency or finality of comprehension.

Ultimately, BG 10.40 encapsulates the core message that divinity permeates all things without limit. Krishna reassures Arjuna that while He has provided specific examples to foster understanding, these are but pointers, not the totality. The full expanse of divine reality remains without end, inspiring the devotee to continue seeking, appreciating, and connecting with the infinite behind every extraordinary manifestation in the world.