“Seeing You touching the sky, blazing with many colors, with gaping mouths and large, fiery eyes, my heart trembles in fear, and I find no courage or peace, O Vishnu.”
Key Teaching: Krishna’s cosmic form terrifies Arjuna, shaking his courage.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga.
Description:
Arjuna describes Krishna’s form touching the sky, blazing with colors, with gaping mouths and fiery eyes, causing his heart to tremble and lose courage and peace. This verse, continuing 11.23, addresses Arjuna’s vision (2.9, 11.3). The themes of guidance, as Krishna reveals, dharma, as Arjuna expresses fear, and Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga, as he details the terrifying form, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s fear (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11). The terrifying vision challenges Arjuna’s Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 11.23). Krishna’s form unsettles Arjuna.
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human fear of divine vastness, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on his glory (10.41). Arjuna’s fear reflects Krishna’s guidance pushing past reluctance. The theme of Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine awe.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Arjuna’s words objectively, emphasizing their fearful clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s fear, where Krishna’s form overwhelms. Krishna’s revelation prepares readers for performing duty with divine courage, aligning with liberation.
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