In the Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna speaks metaphysical points the most in the tenth chapter (10.12-18). His speech in the eleventh chapter on seeing the universal form is less a metaphysical declaration and more a description (11.15-31) and a prayer (11.36-46).
Arjuna’s tenth chapter speech follows immediately after the Chatur-Shloki Gita (the Gita’s four nutshell verses, 10.08-11). During this speech, he initially declares his understanding of Krishna’s position (10.12-13); accepts Krishna’s words in full, while acknowledging that Krishna’s full glories are unknowable for everyone (10.14)— even for Krishna himself (10.15); and seeks to know more about those glories (10.16-18).
Arjuna’s declaration of Krishna’s position is especially significant for understanding the Gita’s essential message. In the Gita’s narrative, Krishna outlines and overviews various means (sadhana) and ends (sadhya). Amid this complex analysis, what does Arjuna, as its original student, understand to be the ultimate means and the ultimate ends? Arjuna accepts bhakti as sadhana in his conclusive declaration (18.73) and Krishna as sadhya here (10.12-13).
Might Arjuna have spoken this statement in a non-philosophical vein, as when a person flatters their friend? Allaying such concerns, Arjuna states that Krishna too has spoken about his position. This refers not just to the Chatur-Shloki Gita, but also to several other Gita sections, especially in its middle six chapters (06.30, 06.47, 07.04-07, 08.14-16, 09.04-10, 10.02-07). And if Krishna’s self-revelation were not enough, Arjuna adds that he has heard the same for great sages. This refers to the discourses he has heard throughout his life, including especially during his thirteen-year exile, when he associated frequently with sages in the forest. Lest any doubts still remain about Arjuna’s gravitas, he announces that he accepts Krishna’s words in full (10.14).
One-sentence summary:
Arjuna’s categorical declaration of Krishna’s supreme position establishes him to be the supreme sadhya.
Think it over:
- Why is Arjuna’s declaration of Krishna’s position significant for understanding the Gita?
- What does Arjuna accept as sadhana and sadhya?
- How can we know that Arjuna’s statement about Krishna is not friendly flattery?
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10.12: Arjuna said: You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate abode, the purest, the Absolute Truth. You are the eternal, transcendental, original person, the unborn, the greatest.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
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