Bhagavad Gita · Verse 11.28
Chapter 11: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (विश्वरूपदर्शनयोगः)
(Arjuna said)
यथा नदीनां बहवोऽम्बुवेगाः समुद्रमेवाभिमुखा द्रवन्ति । तथा तवामी नरलोकवीरा विशन्ति वक्त्राण्यभिविज्वलन्ति ॥२८॥
yathā nadīnāṃ bahavo'mbuvegāḥ samudramevābhimukhā dravanti | tathā tavāmī naralokavīrā viśanti vaktrāṇyabhivijvalanti ||28||
Complete Shloka Translation
As many river currents flow toward the ocean, so these heroes of the human world enter Your blazing mouths.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| नदी | nadī | river |
| समुद्र | samudra | ocean |
| यथा | yathā | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| नदीनां | nadīnāṃ | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| बहवोऽम्बुवेगाः | bahavo'mbuvegāḥ | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| समुद्रमेवाभिमुखा | samudramevābhimukhā | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| द्रवन्ति | dravanti | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| तथा | tathā | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| तवामी | tavāmī | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| नरलोकवीरा | naralokavīrā | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| विशन्ति | viśanti | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| वक्त्राण्यभिविज्वलन्ति | vaktrāṇyabhivijvalanti | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
| २८ | vaktrāṇyabhivijvalanti | [term] in context of As many river currents flow to... |
river
ocean
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
[term] in context of As many river currents flow to...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The river comparison conveys convergence into the vast form. It describes the vision’s movement rather than a rule for ordinary decisions.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Remember that individual strength cannot remove life’s finitude."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How does awareness of finitude change your priorities?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to dissolve petty ego: see yourself as a humble instrument (Nimitta-matram) of a vastly larger cosmic intelligence. Let go of personal anxiety over outcomes, doing your duty with courage and dedication.