Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 9.4

“By Me, in My unmanifest form, this entire universe is pervaded; all beings exist in Me, but I am not in them.”
Key Teaching: Krishna’s unmanifest form pervades all, but he transcends beings.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that his unmanifest form pervades the universe, with all beings existing in him, yet he is not in them. This verse, continuing 9.3, addresses Arjuna’s need for divine understanding (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies divine pervasion, and Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga, as he emphasizes transcendence, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s ignorance (1.28–46) obscures Krishna’s nature, unlike Duryodhana’s material focus (1.3–11). Krishna urges Arjuna to recognize his pervasion for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.7). Krishna transcends creation.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human misconception of divine presence, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on transcendence (7.24–25). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to understand pervasion. The theme of Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine supremacy.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its transcendent clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s existence, where Krishna pervades all. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine awareness, aligning with liberation.