Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 25 (BG 11.25) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

As described in the verse, Arjuna is losing his composure and peace upon witnessing such a terrifying form. This is the image of all-devouring Time, the force that levels all beings into uniformity. When such a vast vision presents itself before one's sight, and that too with such sudden intensity, the very magnitude of it seems to strangle the faculty of discernment, and for a moment the person becomes bereft of all sensation. The state of confusion-born disorder is expressed here in these words: I can no longer discern the directions. But the matter does not end there. I can neither maintain steadiness nor find peace. In this state of ultimate wonder, the astonished human realizes that his physical strength, mental capacities, and the subtle penetration of intellect—in their individual forms and in their collective expression—are truly insignificant instruments. The small ego, casting off the veil of false pride and the armor of illusory power, stands completely bare and humbly surrenders itself before the might of the collective universal force. Before the supreme divine, the collective power—for one who has fully understood the meaninglessness of his hollow conceits—there remains but one refuge: prayer. At the end of this verse, Arjun prays: O Lord of the gods, O Dweller in all worlds, be pleased with me. Through this prayer, Vyasa shows that a person whose heart is full of pride and arrogance can never offer true prayer. Only when a person understands his insignificance in this vast cosmic universe does he pray with a sincere heart. Arjun was doubtful about his victory in this war. The main purpose of this passage, which begins from the twenty-first verse, is to give Arjun some understanding of future events. While assuring him regarding the outcome of the war, the Lord now directly shows the warriors of the armies entering into the mouth of Time.