Bhagavad Gita · Verse 11.8
Chapter 11: Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga (विश्वरूपदर्शनयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
न तु मां शक्यसे द्रष्टुमनेनैव स्वचक्षुषा । दिव्यं ददामि ते चक्षुः पश्य मे योगमैश्वरम् ॥८॥
na tu māṃ śakyase draṣṭumanenaiva svacakṣuṣā | divyaṃ dadāmi te cakṣuḥ paśya me yogamaiśvaram ||8||
Complete Shloka Translation
You cannot behold Me with these ordinary eyes. I give you divine sight; behold My sovereign power of yoga.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| न तु | na tu | not however |
| माम् | mām | Me |
| शक्यसे | śakyase | you are able |
| द्रष्टुम् | draṣṭum | to behold with direct sight |
| अनेन एव | anena eva | with these very |
| स्व-चक्षुषा | sva-cakṣuṣā | mortal human physical eyes |
| दिव्यम् | divyam | divine, celestial, and transcendent |
| ददामि | dadāmi | I bestow and confer |
| ते | te | unto you |
| चक्षुः | cakṣuḥ | spiritual vision / eye |
| पश्य | paśya | behold now |
| मे | me | My |
| योगम् ऐश्वरम् | yogam aiśvaram | supreme sovereign cosmic power |
not however
Me
you are able
to behold with direct sight
with these very
mortal human physical eyes
divine, celestial, and transcendent
I bestow and confer
unto you
spiritual vision / eye
behold now
My
supreme sovereign cosmic power
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna supplies the capacity needed for this vision. Divine sight is a gift in the narrative, not a promise that ordinary effort can force the same experience.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Recognizing the limits of perception is part of seeking insight."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which limits of perception can you acknowledge?
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.