Bhagavad Gita · Verse 11.54
Chapter 11: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (विश्वरूपदर्शनयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
भक्त्या त्वनन्यया शक्य अहमेवंविधोऽर्जुन । ज्ञातुं द्रष्टुं च तत्त्वेन प्रवेष्टुं च परन्तप ॥५४॥
bhaktyā tvananyayā śakya ahamevaṃvidho'rjuna | jñātuṃ draṣṭuṃ ca tattvena praveṣṭuṃ ca parantapa ||54||
Complete Shloka Translation
But through undivided devotion, Arjuna, I can be known, seen in truth in this way, and entered into, scorcher of foes.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| भक्त्या | bhaktyā | by loving devotion |
| तु | tu | alone however |
| अनन्यया | ananyayā | single-minded and unswerving |
| शक्यः | śakyaḥ | possible |
| अहम् | aham | I, the Supreme Lord |
| एवम्-विधः | evam-vidhaḥ | in this direct sovereign manner |
| अर्जुन | arjuna | O Arjuna |
| ज्ञातुम् | jñātum | to truly understand in depth |
| द्रष्टुम् च | draṣṭum ca | and to directly behold face to face |
| तत्त्वेन | tattvena | in authentic reality |
| प्रवेष्टुम् च | praveṣṭum ca | and to enter into divine union with |
| परन्तप | parantapa | O scorcher of adversaries |
by loving devotion
alone however
single-minded and unswerving
possible
I, the Supreme Lord
in this direct sovereign manner
O Arjuna
to truly understand in depth
and to directly behold face to face
in authentic reality
and to enter into divine union with
O scorcher of adversaries
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Undivided devotion joins knowing, seeing and entering the divine. The nature of this attainment is explained differently across philosophical traditions.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Bring sustained attention and love into the search for deeper understanding."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How might sustained devotion deepen your understanding?
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.