विवेचन सारांश

The Eternal Dance: Śrī Bhagavān as Time & the Embrace of Saṃsāra

Arjuna, witnessing the awe-inspiring vision of Sri Bhagavān in His cosmic form, uses a powerful metaphor to convey the inevitability of death and the ultimate absorption of all beings into the divine.

Arjuna said:

• Yathā nadīnāṃ bahavo’mbuvegāḥ: Just as the many currents of rivers,
• Samudramevābhimukhā dravanti: Move swiftly towards the ocean,
• Tathā tavāmī naralokavīrā: Similarly, these warriors of the mortal world,
• Viśanti Vāktrāṇyabhivijvalanti: Enter into Your blazing mouths.

Just as rivers inevitably flow into the ocean, warriors rush towards Sri Bhagavān’s blazing mouths, symbolizing the inescapable nature of death and the ultimate return to the divine source. This imagery emphasizes the grandeur and the terrifying aspect of the universal form (Vishvarupa) that Sri Bhagavān has revealed to Arjuna.

Arjuna, overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring vision of Sri Bhagavān in His cosmic form, continues to describe the terrifying and majestic scene he witnesses.

Arjuna said:

• Lelihyase grasamānaḥ ṣamantāl: Devouring all the worlds through Your flaming mouths, and licking them on all sides.
• Lokānṣamagrānvadanairjvaladbhiḥ: With Your blazing mouths, consuming all the worlds.
• Tejobhirāpūrya jagatṣamagraṃ: Filling the entire universe with Your fiery radiance,
• Bhāsastavogrāḥ pratapanti viṣṇo: Your fierce light heats and illuminates the world, O Viṣṇu.

In this verse, Arjuna vividly describes how Sri Bhagavān, in His cosmic form, devours all the worlds through His flaming mouths. The imagery of licking the worlds on all sides adds to the terrifying aspect of the vision, showing the inescapable nature of the divine force.

When Arjuna requested Sri Bhagavān to show His Cosmic Form (Viśvarūpa), he was hoping to see a magnificent yet serene vision. Instead, he was confronted with the fiery and formidable form of Sri Bhagavān. Arjuna started wondering who this figure in front of him was—once his beloved friend, now appearing in a dreadful and awe-inspiring manner.

Dnyaneshwar Maharaj elaborates on this verse:

काय सागराचा घोंटु भरावा ? । कीं पर्वताचा घांसु करावा ? ।
ब्रह्मकटाहो घालावा । आघवाचि दाढे ॥ ४३० ॥

"Can it be that You would drink up all the oceans, or perhaps swallow the mountains, or even devour the entire universe with Your jaws?"

कैसें एकचि केवढें पसरलें । त्रिभुवन जिव्हाग्रीं आहे टेकलें ।
जैसें कां कवीठ घातलें । वडवानळीं ॥ ४३३ ॥

"Though You have a single mouth, how vast and wide it is spread! Just as a small fruit might appear in the vast oceanic fire, similarly, all three worlds seem to be merely touching the tip of Your tongue."

Arjuna further elaborates on Sri Bhagavān's immense and overwhelming energy. The fiery radiance fills the entire universe, symbolizing the pervasive and all-encompassing nature of the divine light. This fierce light illuminates and heats the world, showcasing the formidable and intense power of the divine presence.

Through these vivid descriptions, Arjuna conveys the sheer scale and power of the cosmic form, leaving no doubt about the omnipotent and omnipresent nature of Sri Bhagavān. The vision underscores the ultimate reality that everything is absorbed into the divine, highlighting the cycle of creation and destruction governed by the supreme force.

Following the vivid description of Sri Bhagavān's cosmic form consuming the worlds with fiery radiance, Arjuna is overwhelmed by both awe and confusion. Seeking to understand the essence of the divine form and the purpose behind it, he addresses Sri Bhagavān directly, eager to grasp the nature of the terrifying vision before him.

Arjuna said:

• Ākhyāhi me ko bhavānugrarūpo: Tell me, who You are, so fierce in form.
• Namo'stu te devavara prasīda: I bow deeply to You, O Supreme Deity, be kind.
• Vijñātumicchāmi bhavantamādyaṃ: I wish to know You, the Primal One, in Your essence (tattva),
• Na hi prajānāmi tava pravṛttim: For I do not understand Your objective.

In this verse, Arjuna confronts the terrifying and awe-inspiring vision of Sri Bhagavān's cosmic form. Struck by the ferocity and vastness of the form, he seeks to know the true identity of the being before him. Arjuna humbly bows to Sri Bhagavān, addressing Him as the Supreme Deity and pleading for kindness and understanding.

Arjuna's inquiry reflects his deep desire to comprehend the fundamental nature and purpose of this divine manifestation. He acknowledges the primordial essence of Sri Bhagavān, recognizing Him as the origin of all creation. Yet, he is bewildered by the fierce aspect of the form and seeks to understand the divine will and objective behind it.

This plea for insight and clarity reveals Arjuna's reverence and his quest for deeper knowledge, highlighting the profound impact of the cosmic vision on his understanding of the divine.

Dnyaneshwar Maharaj elaborates on this verse:

तैसी तुज कांहीं । आपुलिया उग्रपणाची सेचि नाहीं ।
परी ऐलीकडिले मुखीं खाई । हो सरली जगाची ॥ ४४० ॥

"Similarly, You seem to have no awareness of Your own fierce nature. Yet, in these nearby mouths, the entire world is being annihilated."

किती वाढविसी या उग्ररूपा । आंगींचें भगवंतपण आठवीं बापा ।
नाहीं तरी कृपा । मजपुरती पाही ॥ ४४३ ॥

"How much will You extend this fierce form? O Bhagavān, remember Your divine nature of preservation. If not for others, at least show mercy for my sake."

मियां होआवया समाधान । जी पुसिलें विश्वरूपध्यान ।
आणि एकेंचि काळें त्रिभुवन । गिळितुचि उठिलासी ॥ ४४६ ॥

"I sought my own satisfaction by inquiring about Your universal form, and in that very moment, You began to devour all three worlds."

तरी तूं कोण कां येतुलीं । इयें भ्यासुरें मुखें कां मेळविलीं ।
आघवियाचि करीं परिजिलीं । शस्त्रें कांह्या ॥ ४४७ ॥

"Who are You, appearing in this fierce form? Why have You manifested these blazing mouths? Why do You seem determined to annihilate the worlds with Your weapons?"

In summary, Arjuna's heartfelt plea for understanding and mercy underscores his profound reverence and the deep impact of the cosmic vision on his perception of the divine. This exploration of Sri Bhagavān's fierce form catalyzes Arjuna's quest for deeper spiritual knowledge and insight into the nature of the universe and the divine will. The vivid imagery and intense descriptions provided by Dnyaneshwar Maharaj further illustrate the overwhelming power and vastness of the divine form, enhancing the sense of awe and urgency in Arjuna's inquiry.

Following the vivid description of Sri Bhagavān's cosmic form consuming the worlds with fiery radiance, Arjuna is overwhelmed by both awe and confusion. Seeking to understand the essence of the divine form and the purpose behind it, he addresses Sri Bhagavān directly, eager to grasp the nature of the terrifying vision before him.

Sri Bhagavān said:

• Kālo'smi lokakṣayakṛtpravṛddho: I am Time, the mighty world-destroyer, grown vast.
• Lokān samāhartumiha pravṛttaḥ: Here to annihilate the worlds.
• Ṛte'pi tvāṃ na bhaviṣyanti sarve: Even without your involvement, all the warriors here
• Ye'vasthtitāḥ pratyanīkeṣu yodhāḥ: Arrayed in the opposing armies, will perish.

In this verse, Sri Bhagavān reveals Himself as Kāla, the all-powerful force of time that inevitably leads to the destruction of all things. He emphasizes that the annihilation of the warriors on the battlefield is destined to happen, independent of Arjuna's actions. This revelation reassures Arjuna that his role in the battle is part of a greater divine plan and that the outcome is already determined by the cosmic order.

The Story from Garuda Purana

The Garuda Purana presents a story that vividly illustrates the inevitability of destiny and the supreme power of Time.

The gods gathered for a grand meeting, and Bhagavān Sri Vishnu arrived on his vehicle, Garuda. As Vishnu entered the meeting, Garuda waited outside and noticed two birds chirping happily on a tree. Soon, Yamaraja, the god of death, arrived and looked intently at the birds before entering the venue. The birds, sensing the gaze of Yamaraja and understanding its implication, were frightened and feared their imminent end. They approached Garuda and pleaded with him to take them far away to avoid another encounter with Yamaraja, as they were incapable of flying long distances themselves.

Moved by compassion, Garuda flew the birds to the Himalayas, believing he had saved them from their fate. After the meeting, Yamaraja emerged and, noticing the absence of the birds, asked Garuda about them. Garuda recounted how he had taken the birds to the Himalayas to protect them. Yamaraja laughed and said, "The birds were destined to die in the Himalayas. I was wondering how they would get there when I saw them here. By taking them there, you have fulfilled their destiny."

The Moral of the Story

This story underscores the might of Kāla (Time) and the inevitability of destiny. It highlights that regardless of individual efforts, the divine plan will always prevail. This serves as a profound lesson on the limitations of human action against the grand design of the universe.

Though everything unfolds according to Sri Bhagavān’s plan, this does not negate the need for individual action. Sri Bhagavān emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to the results, as every action is part of the divine will.

This narrative not only reinforces the message of the Bhagavad Gītā but also provides a broader context of the interplay between destiny, duty, and divine will, illustrating the overwhelming power and vastness of the divine form and the inevitability of cosmic order.

Following Sri Bhagavān's revelation of His role as Time and the inevitable destruction it brings, He now instructs Arjuna to rise and fulfil his duty, emphasizing Arjuna's role as an instrument in the divine plan.

Sri Bhagavān speaks to Arjuna, urging him to take action and fulfil his duty in the battle:

Sri Bhagavān said:

• Tasmāttvamuttiṣṭha yaśo labhasva: Therefore, arise and win glory.
• Jitvā śatrūn bhuṅkṣva rājyaṃ samṛddham: Conquer the foes and enjoy the prosperous kingdom.
• Mayaivaite nihatāḥ pūrvameva: These warriors are already slain by Me.
• Nimittamātraṃ bhava savyasācin: You are merely an instrument, O Savyasācin (one who can shoot arrows with both hands).

Sri Bhagavān motivates Arjuna to rise and engage in the battle, assuring him of victory and glory. He encourages Arjuna to conquer his enemies and enjoy the rewards of a prosperous kingdom. Importantly, Sri Bhagavān reveals that the warriors Arjuna is about to face are already destined to be defeated by His divine will. Arjuna's role is to be an instrument in this preordained outcome.

This instruction emphasizes the concept of divine determinism, where the outcomes of actions are already determined by a higher power. As Sri Bhagavān is Time (Kala) Himself, He knows the past, present, and future. Albert Einstein provided an analogy to explain this possibility using scientific principles.

Einstein suggested considering a train two light months-long—light takes two months to travel from one end to the other. When the guard at the rear gives a green signal, the driver at the front would see it two months later. An observer on the platform, seeing the signal immediately, can predict that the train will start in two months. This example illustrates how future occurrences can be foreseen from a certain perspective.

In Geeta Pariwar, Swami Ji emphasizes the need to approach these teachings scientifically, using the Panchsutri methodology.

This verse follows Sri Bhagavān's revelation of His cosmic form and His role as the destroyer of worlds. It builds on the concept that the destruction of the warriors is already determined, addressing Arjuna's hesitation and doubts by reminding him of his duty as a warrior. The assurance that victory is preordained and that Arjuna is merely an instrument helps alleviate his fears and doubts, motivating him to rise and fulfil his responsibilities.

Sri Bhagavān's message in this verse is profound and motivational, urging Arjuna to rise, perform his duty, and trust in the divine plan. It serves as a reminder of the inevitability of destiny and the importance of fulfilling one's dharma with detachment and faith in the higher power.

Sri Bhagavān's message also draws a beautiful metaphor: just as He plays the flute and produces enchanting music, if we become His instruments, beautiful results will emanate from us. To achieve this, we need to overcome our ego and surrender to Him, performing our duties as though they are His work. In Chapter 3, Sri Bhagavān advises:

तस्मादसक्त: सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर |
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुष: || 3.19 ||

tasmād asaktaḥ satataṁ kāryaṁ karma samāchara
asakto hyācharan karma param āpnoti pūruṣhaḥ

"Therefore, giving up attachment, perform actions as a matter of duty because by working without being attached to the fruits, one attains the Supreme."

Those involved with Geeta Pariwar often observe how large-scale activities are possible through volunteers who view their work as a service to Sri Bhagavān. This perspective allows the organization to function smoothly, with volunteers, trainers, and technicians all happily performing their roles. Implementing the teachings of the Bhagavad Gītā in life means performing our duties with the understanding that we are chosen by Sri Bhagavān for these tasks and offering the outcomes to Him.

Arjuna speaks to Sri Bhagavān, acknowledging the universal reaction to His divine presence. He observes that it is fitting for the entire universe to rejoice and be filled with love when chanting the names and glories of Sri Bhagavān. He also notes that demons flee in terror, and perfected souls (Siddhas) bow in reverence.

Arjuna said:

• Sthāne hṛṣīkeśa tava prakīrtyā: O Omniscient Bhagavān, it is but apt that by chanting Your names and glory,
• Jagatprahṛṣyatyanurajyate ca: The universe exults and is filled with love.
• Rakṣāṃsi bhītāni diśo dravanti: Terrified demons are fleeing in all directions,
• Sarve namasyanti ca siddhasaṅghāḥ: And all the hosts of Siddhas (perfected souls) are bowing to You.

This verse captures the dual nature of the reaction to Sri Bhagavān's presence: joy and reverence from the virtuous beings and fear and flight from the malevolent ones. Arjuna's words reflect his deep understanding of the universal impact of the divine and his recognition of Sri Bhagavān's supreme and all-encompassing power.

Arjuna continues:

• Kasmācca te na nameranmahātman: O Great Soul, why should they not bow to You,
• Garīyase brahmaṇo'pyādikartre: The greatest of all, the progenitor, even of Brahmā?
• Ananta deveśa jagannivāsa: O Infinite one, O God of the gods, Abode of the universe,
• Tvamakṣaraṃ sadasattatparaṃ yat: You are eternal. You are the being (real), the non-being (unreal), and that which is beyond both being and non-being, the Imperishable Brahma.

The Real (Sat) is unaffected by time and space, whereas the non-being (unreal/Asat), which is the Samsara, changes continuously. The earth rotates about itself and around the sun. Our bodies are continuously transforming. It is important to see the Paramātmā situated everywhere, including the Asat Samsara. It is not desirable to abandon the Samsara to attain the Paramātmā.

Dhyaneshwar Maharaj elaborates this verse:

हे विश्वपण जावे मग माते घ्यावे 
ऐसा नव्हे मी आघवे हे सकटची मी

Sri Bhagavān declares that one can reach Him without relinquishing the Samsara. If someone thinks that letting this Samsara vanish will make Sri Bhagavān appear, then it is a false assumption. Sri Bhagavān confirms that He comes along with the Samsara. Therefore, this chapter rightly gives the wisdom to witness the Paramātmā everywhere.

This verse is a testament to Sri Bhagavān's supreme nature and the respect and devotion He commands from all beings in the universe. Arjuna expresses his awe and reverence for Sri Bhagavān, acknowledging His supreme and infinite nature. He recognizes that all beings, including the highest deities, naturally bow to Sri Bhagavān because He is the ultimate source of creation, even above Brahmā, the creator god. Sri Bhagavān is described as the eternal, infinite being who encompasses both the real and the unreal and transcends them as the imperishable Brahman. It reflects Arjuna's deep reverence and his realization of Sri Bhagavān's true cosmic form.

Arjuna speaks to Sri Bhagavān, acknowledging the universal reaction to His divine presence. He observes that it is appropriate for the entire universe to rejoice and be filled with love when chanting the names and glories of Sri Bhagavān. He also notes that demons flee in terror, and perfected souls (Siddhas) bow in reverence.

Arjuna said:

• Tvamādidevaḥ puruṣaḥ purāṇaḥ: You are the Primeval God, the primordial spirit.
• Tvamasya viśvasya paraṃ nidhānam: You are the ultimate shelter of the universe.
• Vettāsi vedyaṃ ca paraṃ ca dhāma: You are the knower, the knowable, and the Supreme Abode.
• Tvayā tataṃ viśvamanantarūpa: This universe is fully pervaded by you, Being of infinite forms.

Arjuna continues to praise Sri Bhagavān, acknowledging His primeval and eternal nature. He recognizes Sri Bhagavān as the original God, the primordial spirit, and the ultimate refuge of the universe. Sri Bhagavān is the knower of all, the object of knowledge, and the supreme abode. Arjuna marvels at how Sri Bhagavān, in His infinite forms, pervades the entire universe. This verse further emphasizes Sri Bhagavān's all-encompassing presence and His supreme position as the source and sustainer of all existence.

Just as only the sky can explain its vastness, and only a mother can truly describe motherhood, only Paramātmā can fully reveal His nature. Therefore, it is necessary to surrender and merge with Paramātmā. Just as a machine made up of multiple components works seamlessly when all its elements function together, Sri Bhagavān asks Arjuna to become merely an instrument in the grand plan that He has devised. This emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with the divine will and recognizing the omnipresence and omnipotence of Sri Bhagavān.

Arjuna continues to praise Sri Bhagavān, recognizing His divine and multifaceted nature.

Arjuna said:

• Vāyuryamo'gnirvaruṇaḥ śaśāṅkaḥ: You are the God of wind (Vayu), the God of death (Yama), the God of fire (Agni), the God of water (Varuna), and the moon-god (Shashanka).
• Prajāpatistvaṃ prapitāmahaśca: You are Prajapati (the creator) and the great grandfather of beings.
• Namo namaste'stu sahasrakṛtvaḥ: Salutations to You, salutations a thousand times,
• Punaśca bhūyo'pi namo namaste: Again and again, salutations to You.

Arjuna continues to praise Sri Bhagavān by recognizing Him as embodying all divine aspects and deities. Arjuna acknowledges Sri Bhagavān as the God of wind, death, fire, water, and the moon. He also recognizes Sri Bhagavān as Prajapati, the creator, and the great grandfather of all beings. Arjuna offers countless salutations to Sri Bhagavān, expressing his profound reverence and awe for the divine presence that pervades all aspects of existence. This verse highlights the multifaceted nature of Sri Bhagavān and the deep devotion Arjuna feels towards Him.

Arjuna, overwhelmed by the infinite nature that Sri Bhagavān has displayed, is unable to discern whether he is standing in front or behind Him.

Arjuna said:

• Namaḥ purastādatha pṛṣṭhataste: O Bhagavān, my salutations to You from the front and the rear,
• Namo'stu te sarvata eva sarva: Salutations to You from all sides, O All in all!
• Anantavīryāmitavikrāmastvaṃ: O Bhagavān of infinite prowess and limitless might,
• Sarvaṃ samāpnoṣi tato'si sarvaḥ: You pervade the world, You are omnipresent.

Arjuna offers his salutations to Sri Bhagavān from all directions, recognizing His omnipresence and limitless power. Arjuna acknowledges Sri Bhagavān's infinite prowess and His ability to pervade the entire universe. This verse highlights Arjuna's deep reverence and recognition of Sri Bhagavān's all-encompassing presence and supreme might, expressing his devotion and awe for the divine.

Arjuna’s praise illustrates the vastness and omnipresence of Sri Bhagavān:

• Salutations from All Directions: By offering salutations from the front, rear, and all sides, Arjuna acknowledges that Sri Bhagavan’s presence is infinite and surrounds him completely.
• Recognition of Infinite Prowess: Arjuna extols Sri Bhagavān’s boundless strength and power, recognizing Him as the ultimate force that permeates the entire universe.
• Omnipresence: Arjuna’s words convey his understanding that Sri Bhagavan is present everywhere, transcending all spatial limitations.

This verse underscores the profound impact of the divine vision on Arjuna, who is filled with awe and devotion. It reflects his realization of Sri Bhagavān’s supreme power and omnipresence, reinforcing the theme of divine omnipotence and the infinite nature of the divine being.