11.42 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 11, Verse 42

Verse 11.42 captures a profound moment in Arjuna's spiritual journey, where he humbly apologizes to Lord Krishna for his past casual behavior. In this verse, Arjuna asks for forgiveness for any disrespect shown during their many interactions—whether while resting, sleeping, sitting, or dining together, whether in private or in the company of others. He addresses Krishna as "Achyuta" (the infallible one) and "Aprameya" (the immeasurable one), titles that reflect his new understanding of Krishna's divine nature.

This verse comes at a pivotal point in the Bhagavad Gita, following Arjuna's vision of Krishna's universal form (Vishwaroop). Before this revelation, Arjuna had related to Krishna primarily as a friend and charioteer, often addressing him casually and treating him as an equal. Their relationship had been characterized by the easy familiarity of close companions who ate, rested, and joked together. However, after witnessing Krishna's cosmic form—a manifestation so overwhelming that it filled Arjuna with awe and terror—Arjuna now sees their past interactions in a completely new light.

The language Arjuna uses reveals his deep remorse. He mentions specific contexts where he might have acted disrespectfully: during jest (avahaasaartham), while relaxing (vihaara), resting on beds (shayya), sitting together (aasana), or during meals (bhojana). This detailed enumeration shows Arjuna reflecting carefully on their history together, remembering moments of casual familiarity that now seem inappropriate given his new understanding of Krishna's true identity as the Supreme Being.

What makes this verse particularly touching is that it highlights the complex nature of the relationship between the divine and the devotee. Krishna had never objected to Arjuna's familiar treatment—He had allowed and even seemed to enjoy their friendship on human terms. Yet Arjuna, upon seeing Krishna's cosmic magnificence, feels compelled to acknowledge the disparity between how he treated Krishna and who Krishna truly is. This realization doesn't diminish their bond but transforms it into something more profound—a relationship that contains both intimate friendship and reverential worship.

The verse also illustrates a beautiful paradox in spiritual relationships: the Supreme Being is both beyond comprehension (aprameya) and yet accessible enough to engage in ordinary human activities like dining and resting. Krishna's willingness to participate in these mundane activities with Arjuna, despite His divine status, demonstrates His compassion and love for His devotees. He descends to their level, allowing them to relate to Him in ways they can understand, even as His true nature remains infinitely greater than they can imagine.

Arjuna's apology represents a significant evolution in his spiritual consciousness. It marks the transition from relating to the divine through the lens of ordinary human relationships to understanding the transcendent nature of God while still maintaining a personal connection. This balance between intimacy and reverence is a central theme in devotional traditions, where the goal is not distant worship but loving relationship with the divine—a relationship that acknowledges both the closeness possible between devotee and God and the ultimate mystery of God's nature.

In the broader context of the Bhagavad Gita, this verse serves as a reminder that spiritual awakening often involves reassessing our understanding of reality and our place within it. Just as Arjuna had to reconsider his relationship with Krishna in light of new knowledge, spiritual growth frequently requires us to let go of limited perspectives and embrace deeper truths. The humility Arjuna displays in acknowledging his past misunderstandings reflects an essential quality for anyone on a spiritual path—the willingness to recognize when our understanding has been incomplete and to adjust our attitudes and actions accordingly.