7.26 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 7, Verse 26

In this profound verse of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reveals the extent of His knowledge and the uniqueness of His divine nature. He declares to Arjuna that He is completely aware of everything that has transpired in the past, everything currently unfolding in the present, and all that is destined to occur in the future. This statement demonstrates His quality of trikāl-darśhī—one who sees across all dimensions of time—underscoring His omniscience and absolute awareness that transcends all temporal limitations.

Krishna’s pronouncement is not limited merely to the events of time, but embraces all living beings as well. He affirms that He knows the destinies, thoughts, and circumstances of every soul—no one and nothing escapes His perception. Unlike ordinary beings, who are often forgetful even of their immediate pasts and oblivious to what lies ahead, Krishna’s consciousness encompasses the entire spectrum of existence, fully and continually.

However, Krishna draws a striking contrast: while He knows everything about everyone, no one fully knows Him. This one-sidedness is a crucial aspect of the verse. Maya, the deluding power, may obscure the vision of mortals, but it cannot obstruct Krishna’s awareness. Instead, it renders Him unknowable to those enveloped by illusion. No matter how much someone may strive intellectually or spiritually, Krishna’s true essence remains beyond full human comprehension. Only through a rare, grace-filled devotion can someone glimpse His reality.

This dynamic can be compared to an observer standing outside an aquarium: the observer sees all the fish within, while the fish inside the tank remain mostly unaware of the observer’s true nature or perspective. Similarly, while Krishna observes and knows each soul intimately, the souls, ensnared by Maya, cannot reach the fullness of His being without divine help.

The distinction between Krishna’s omniscience and humanity’s limited perception highlights the gulf between the finite and the infinite. Whereas humans are bound by time, circumstance, and the veils of ignorance, Krishna remains the untouched witness and controller, His knowledge unclouded by any limitation. Even the greatest yogis, scholars, or deities cannot claim to fully understand or define Him. His transcendental nature is not merely a matter of academic knowledge—it is a living, dynamic reality beyond all conceptual boundaries.

This verse also subtly emphasizes that Krishna’s omniscience is active and benevolent. Unlike a distant or detached observer, Krishna’s comprehensive knowledge is coupled with care, intention, and a personal relationship with every soul. He is not merely a passive knower, but a conscious guide intimately involved with the destinies of all beings. The relationship is thus not mechanical but deeply personal and purposeful.

Krishna’s affirmation that no one knows Him completely serves as a gentle reminder of humility. It underscores the limitations of human intellect and the futility of pride in spiritual understanding. The way to approach Krishna, therefore, is not through prideful knowledge, but through humility, openness, and devotion. Realizing that He is beyond complete comprehension can inspire seekers to continually strive for deeper connection, always anchored in the recognition of His infinite mystery.

In sum, this verse encapsulates an essential truth of the Bhagavad Gita: while Krishna possesses perfect, unimpeded knowledge of all realms and beings, He Himself remains the ultimate spiritual mystery. The journey toward Him is not one of conquest but of surrender and grace—the only way to move closer to the infinite is to acknowledge one’s own finitude and open oneself to divine revelation.