In the Bhagavad-gita’s tenth chapter, Arjuna asks to hear more about Krishna’s glories (10.16), for he never tires of hearing those glories (10.18). Though such requests are common in bhakti literature (e.g. Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.01.13), Arjuna’s request might seem out of place in the Gita, given that his urgent battlefield duty awaits him. 

To better appreciate the significance of Arjuna’s request, consider the preceding Gita verses. The Chatur-Shloki Gita (10.08-11) states that devotees delight in discussing Krishna’s glories (10.09). In the light of that statement, Arjuna’s request implies that he too has arisen to the level of devotion that is characterized by spontaneous longing for Krishna. This in turn indicates that the Gita’s words have succeeded in infusing Arjuna with devotional attraction for Krishna. 

But isn’t Arjuna already an intimate devotee of Krishna, as indicated earlier by Krishna (04.03)? Yes. Still, at the start of the Gita, the sight of his relatives, including his venerable elders, in the opposing army overwhelmed Arjuna. That agony had eclipsed his memory of even his spiritual identity, leave alone his devotional relationship with Krishna. Arjuna’s request indicates that his understanding has been restored.  

Let’s now consider the Gita’s battlefield context. Though Arjuna knows that his battlefield duty awaits, he can’t stop himself from voicing his eagerness to hear about Krishna. Of course, he channels that eagerness by seeking to know how he can remember Krishna in the world (10.17) — that is, on the battlefield. Thus, he doesn’t let his longing for Krishna make him negligent toward his martial duty; he uses it to learn how to equip his consciousness for fighting in devotional consciousness. 

One-sentence summary:

Arjuna’s eagerness to hear Krishna’s glories demonstrates the success of the Gita’s message in infusing Arjuna with devotional attraction toward Krishna. 

Think it over:

  • Why might Arjuna’s request to hear Krishna’s glories in detail seem out of place?
  • What does Arjuna’s request signify in the light of the Chatur-Shloki Gita?
  • Does Arjuna’s eagerness to hear about Krishna make him practically negligent? Explain.

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10.18: O Janardana, again please describe in detail the mystic power of Your opulences. I am never satiated in hearing about You, for the more I hear the more I want to taste the nectar of Your words.

What Arjuna’s eagerness to hear about Krishna signifies

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