“I am the Self in the heart of all beings, O Arjuna; I am the beginning, middle, and end of all beings.”
Key Teaching: Krishna is the Self and the beginning, middle, and end of all.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Vibhuti Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that he is the Self in the heart of all beings and the beginning, middle, and end of all. This verse, continuing 10.19, addresses Arjuna’s need to understand Krishna’s pervasion (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies his omnipresence, and Vibhuti Yoga, as he reveals his glory, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s limited view (1.28–46) contrasts with Duryodhana’s ignorance (1.3–11). Krishna urges Arjuna to see him as the Self for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 9.4). Krishna pervades all existence.
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human ignorance of divine presence, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on his pervasion (9.4). Arjuna’s reluctance yields to Krishna’s guidance to recognize his omnipresence. The theme of Vibhuti Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine immanence.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its universal clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s essence, where Krishna is the Self. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine awareness, aligning with liberation.