Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 24 (BG 11.24) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

This extraordinary and terrible vision experienced by Arjuna could not be confined to any single place. In truth, it extended to the very limits of omnipresence. Yet Arjuna perceived it in his inner vision as a bounded form with a definite shape. Whenever we intellectually comprehend formless qualities—such as freedom, love, or patriotism—we bestow upon them a definite shape for the sake of our own understanding, though such qualities never become perceptible to the senses. Similarly, though the cosmic form is indeed universal, Arjuna experiences it as if it possesses a particular shape. However, when he attempts to describe this perceived vision, his words fail to express his own feelings, and his very purpose remains unfulfilled. Arjuna sees that all the worlds are seized with fear upon beholding this cosmic being, which possesses many mouths, many eyes, many arms, many thighs and feet, many bellies, and other such forms. He declares: I too am trembling with fear. We have all experienced this—when we find ourselves in an excited multitude or in the company of the spiritually devoted, the atmosphere there affects our minds in the same manner. All the worlds are afraid, and Arjuna acknowledges: I too am becoming distressed. After this admission, his fear seemed to him a disgrace for a warrior and a sign of cowardice. Therefore, to justify his fear, he describes this terrible form as infinite and formless, saying that the cosmic form encompasses all within itself. This vast form touches the heavens. It blazes with countless hues. Its enormous fiery eyes gleam brilliantly. Its mouth devours all. This combined vision shakes even the courage of the celestial beings. Arjuna also confesses: The sight of this form terrifies me. I find neither steadiness nor peace. It is noteworthy that in this state of overwhelming fear, he addresses the cosmic form as "O Vishnu." As I have said at the outset, the cosmic form that appears so vividly clear in Arjuna's inner vision is truly a description of the infinite Supreme Self as it manifests through the endless expanse of names and forms in this universe. Students of the Gita should not forget these subtle philosophical currents that Vyasa has concealed for the benefit of sincere and dedicated seekers. Stating the cause of his fear, Arjuna speaks: