When Shri Krishna takes on the cosmic form at Arjun’s request….
The Divine Vision
See my hundreds and thousands of diverse divine forms in various colors and shapes (Verse 5)
See in one place the entire universe of moving and non-moving forms, and anything else you wish to see (Verse 7)
Since you are unable to see me with your human eyes, I give you divine vision to observe the grandeur of my cosmic form (Verse 8)
The Majesty of the Cosmic Form
The divine form was awe-inspiring. There were countless faces, eyes, divine ornaments, divine weapons, divine garlands and divine garments anointed with divine fragrances; with God’s face illuminating on all sides (Verse 10 & 11)
Brilliance of a thousand suns rising at the same time in the sky would be of no match to the brilliance of the cosmic form (Verse 12)
The entire universe was visible in the body of that cosmic form (VERSE 13)
The infinite form was visible in all directions with infinite arms, stomachs, faces and eyes. The form, like the universe itself, had no beginning, middle or end (VERSE 16)
Free Yourself From Malice Towards All
Not by studying scriptures or performing rituals or severe austerities or by charity can one see my terrific divine form that I have shown you (VERSE 48)
Do not be afraid and confused on seeing it. With fearless and cheerful mind, now see my human form (VERSE 49)
By pure devotion only is it possible to know and see my divine form and to attain me (Verse 54)
Those who keep me in mind as the Supreme God when doing their duties; are dedicated to me and are without attachment and malice towards all, they surely come to me (Verse 55)
Total Verses in this Chapter: 55
Words of Import:
I, me, Absolute Truth, Supreme Being, God, Divine, Brahman,Universal Consciousness, Shri Krishna – are all used interchangeably.
YAGNA
has a symbolic as well as a literal meaning. Literally it means a ritual where offerings are made to fire, hymns are chanted and deities are invoked for fulfillment of personal or community desires; or to thank God or to seek God’s blessings. Symbolically, Yagna signifies that we have to do our part (offering/action) in other to obtain something (blessing or fulfillment), with the latter not being guaranteed.
YOGA
The word “Yog” is derived from a Sanskrit word “Yuj” which means to join. In Hindu scriptures, yoga means joining or uniting the soul within the individual with that of the universal soul (God). The common usage of yoga as physical exercise is just a subset of the practice of Yoga, which includes disciplines of meditation and mode of conduct among others. It is believed that practice of all these disciplines make a person ready for unification with the Supreme Being.
DHARMA
refers to our duty as it does to the intent behind our actions. According to Hinduism, every living being has their own personal dharma which may or may not be the same as of others. This dharma is based on one’s situation or circumstance in life.
KARMA
is action as well as the result of the action. Its meaning depends on its context.
MOKSHA
is liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Reference:
“Bhagavad Gita As It Is” by Swami Prabhupada
A Mothers Chronicle 