11.18 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 11, Verse 18

Standing amidst the unimaginable vision of Krishna’s Universal Form, Arjuna finds himself enveloped by an overwhelming sense of awe. With divine sight granted by Krishna, he perceives the entire expanse of creation embodied within Krishna's form—a vision not limited by space or time. What Arjuna witnesses is not merely an extraordinary shape, but a cosmic tapestry: all beings, realms, and forces, from the most exalted creator gods to the humblest, most secret corners of existence, contained within the vastness of Krishna. This cosmic form impresses upon Arjuna a revelation of the unity and infinity of the divine.

As Arjuna tries to articulate the grandeur before him, he recognizes Krishna as akṣaraṁ—the imperishable and the ultimate reality that is to be realized by all seekers. The word “imperishable” here signifies not just something that lasts, but that which is beyond destruction, decay, and transformation; it is the eternal substrate underlying all phenomena. To Arjuna, Krishna is now seen as the one worthy of knowledge, the supreme goal to which all spiritual paths ultimately lead.

Arjuna continues, calling Krishna the “supreme foundation” of all that exists. This metaphor is striking: just as the foundation of a building supports every wall and roof, so is Krishna the hidden, unwavering base that upholds the entirety of the cosmos. Nothing can exist, move, or be sustained without His support. Everything, from the lives of small creatures to the motions of galaxies, rests upon this divine presence.

In his description, Arjuna uses the word avyayaḥ, meaning inexhaustible or undecaying. He understands now that Krishna, in this universal manifestation, cannot be diminished by anything that happens within the world. Wars, births, deaths, and the endless cycle of creation and destruction have no impact on the unchanging essence of Krishna. He is not only the ultimate shelter for all but the very core of existence that is never spent or altered.

This realization prompts Arjuna to see Krishna as the undying guardian of sanātana dharma, the eternal order or law that governs the universe. Krishna is not just passively present; He actively preserves and upholds the cosmic law. Even when the world seems chaotic or when righteousness appears threatened, it is Krishna who sustains the deeper rhythm and harmony of dharma, ensuring that the eternal principles do not perish.

Arjuna’s words reach their peak with the recognition of Krishna as the “most ancient personality”—the Sanātana Purusha. This term brings a sense of timelessness: Krishna is without beginning or end, older than the oldest, yet ever new. Through this perspective, Arjuna sees his friend as the very primal being from whom all else emanates, not just as a historical figure or wise guide, but as the eternal consciousness that underlies all time and space.

Amidst the dazzling brilliance of the Universal Form, Arjuna’s own identity and experiences seem to dissolve, as he confronts the foundation of all reality. He recognizes that his previous understanding—limited to Krishna as a close companion and charioteer—is dwarfed by the realization of Krishna’s all-encompassing divinity. Everything, from the highest spiritual aspirations to the farthest reaches of creation, is encompassed in this vision. The awe and humility that arise in Arjuna reflect the soul’s journey when confronted with the infinite: a transition from intellectual acceptance to a lived, transformative experience of the divine.

In sum, this verse is not merely a poetic praise of Krishna’s greatness but an intimate account of a soul beholding, for the first time, the true scope of divinity. It articulates the essential vision of the Bhagavad Gita: that behind the veil of everyday appearances lies an eternal, boundless reality, sustaining all, transcending all, and available to be realized through divine grace. Arjuna’s words become the voice of every seeker who, after much searching, finally glimpses the unity and infinity at the heart of existence.