Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 53 (BG 11.53) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

11.53 न not? अहम् I? वेदैः by the Vedas? न not? तपसा by austerity? न not? दानेन by gift? न not? च and? इज्यया by sacrifice? शक्यः (am) possible? एवंविधः like this? द्रष्टुम् to be seen? दृष्टवानसि (thou) hast seen? माम् Me? यथा as.Commentary This Cosmic Form which thou hast seen so easily cannot be obtained either by the study of the Vedas and the six modes of philosophy? nor by the practice of manifold austerities (penances)? nor by charity? nor by sacrifices of various kinds.Arjuna was indeed very fortunate in seeing the Cosmic Form.How can the Lord be seen Listen The heart must be overflowing with true devotion to Him. (Cf.XI.48)

Commentaries

Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.

This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.

Modern

This vision of the Lord's universal form is not easily accessible to anyone. This experience of such a vision cannot be obtained through the study of the scriptures, nor through austerity, nor through charity, nor through sacrifice. Even the celestial beings who dwell in heaven, with all their vast intellect, their long lifespans, and their rigorous spiritual practices, are unable to behold this form and remain forever yearning for it. Yet despite this, Lord Sri Krishna, in His grace, revealed this magnificent and wondrous form to His friend Arjuna—as He Himself acknowledged. We may wonder why the Lord bestows His grace upon one person and not upon another. Surely this cannot be an arbitrary distribution by an all-powerful being who acts freely and without restraint, following no law or reason whatsoever. For in such a case, the Lord would be guilty of partiality and despotism, which is not befitting. The verse provides a rational explanation for why the Lord is, as it were, compelled to shower His special grace upon certain individuals at certain times, and why He does not do so uniformly upon all at all times.