Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 17 (BG 10.17) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 10.17 How shall I contemplate You and meditate upon You so that I may know You directly? The seeker's aim is to realize the atman in unity consciousness. Throughout the chapters thus far, the Bhagavad Gita has never advocated renouncing the world to practice meditation on the banks of rivers or in solitary caves. Sri Krishna's call to humanity is to fulfill one's dharma through righteous action, and to live in the direct experience of the Divine within one's own practical life. We must not forget that the Bhagavad Gita was proclaimed on the battlefield of Kurukshetra at that very moment when the entire nation stood ready to face the most momentous historical transformation of its time. This transformative moment was decisive for both worldly and spiritual values. Arjuna had been completely transformed by the dharma of the Gita—the path of duty. This transformation is particularly revealed in his address to Sri Krishna as "Yogin"—the supreme master of yoga. Sri Krishna was the greatest karma yogi, one who, though immersed in a life full of diverse events and constantly engaged in action, never allowed himself to forget his pure divine nature. In this verse, Arjuna also explains the reason for his request: In what forms and aspects are You worthy of my contemplation? While living a practical life and facing its challenges, if one is to maintain an unbroken remembrance of the atman that pervades all existence, then the seeker must certainly know how and where to perceive that reality in every object, in groups of objects, and in human society. Arjuna further clarifies his desire, saying that even if the Blessed Lord's answer be extensive, he will not tire of hearing and understanding it.