Bhagavad Gita 10.13 — Sages Confirm What Krishna Himself Declares
आहुस्त्वामृषयः सर्वे देवर्षिर्नारदस्तथा ।
असितो देवलो व्यासः स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे ॥ १०.१३ ॥
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Arjuna said: All the sages declare You to be so, as do the celestial sage Nārada, Asita, Devala, and Vyāsa; and now You Yourself are telling me the same.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| āhuḥ | declare, proclaim |
| tvām | You |
| ṛiṣhayaḥ | the sages |
| sarve | all |
| devarṣhiḥ | the celestial sage |
| nāradaḥ | Nārada |
| tathā | as well as |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| asitaḥ | Asita |
| devalaḥ | Devala |
| vyāsaḥ | Vyāsa |
| svayam | Yourself |
| cha | and |
| eva | indeed |
| bravīṣhi | You are telling |
| me | to me |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| āhuḥ | declare, proclaim | asitaḥ | Asita |
| tvām | You | devalaḥ | Devala |
| ṛiṣhayaḥ | the sages | vyāsaḥ | Vyāsa |
| sarve | all | svayam | Yourself |
| devarṣhiḥ | the celestial sage | cha | and |
| nāradaḥ | Nārada | eva | indeed |
| tathā | as well as | bravīṣhi | You are telling |
| me | to me | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here, Arjuna supports his faith with authority: the great sages, including Nārada, Asita, Devala and Vyāsa, have all declared Krishna to be the Supreme, and Krishna Himself now confirms it. The verse shows that true faith is grounded in the agreement of scripture, seers and direct revelation.
Essence
Three Sources of Knowledge
Āhus tvām ṛṣayaḥ sarve (all the sages declare you): Arjuna is not presenting a personal fancy. He points out that the wisest seers of the tradition have all affirmed the same truth about Krishna.
Devarṣir nārada (the divine sage Nārada): a celestial seer and great devotee, known for travelling the worlds and teaching devotion. Asita and Devala: ancient sages respected for their wisdom. Vyāsa: the great compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahābhārata.
These are not minor voices. They stand among the highest authorities in the tradition.
Svayaṁ caiva bravīṣi me (and You Yourself are telling me): Beyond the testimony of sages, Arjuna now hears the declaration directly from Krishna. This is the highest authority, the Lord's own word.
Testimony and Experience
Knowledge in the spiritual path rests on a balance. The testimony of wise predecessors gives direction. The teacher's instruction gives clarity. Personal conviction, awakened by grace, makes it one's own. Arjuna shows that he has all three: the sages, Krishna's words and his own inner recognition.
Message for Everyday Life (Healthy Faith Rests on Good Foundations)
Learn from reliable sources: In an age of endless opinions, it is wise to check what we believe against trusted teachers, time-tested wisdom and our own reflection.
Let experience confirm teaching: Try putting a spiritual principle into practice and observe how it affects your life. Personal experience turns borrowed knowledge into conviction.
Three Sources of Knowledge
Āhus tvām ṛṣayaḥ sarve (all the sages declare you): Arjuna is not presenting a personal fancy. He points out that the wisest seers of the tradition have all affirmed the same truth about Krishna.
Devarṣir nārada (the divine sage Nārada): a celestial seer and great devotee, known for travelling the worlds and teaching devotion. Asita and Devala: ancient sages respected for their wisdom. Vyāsa: the great compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahābhārata.
These are not minor voices. They stand among the highest authorities in the tradition.
Svayaṁ caiva bravīṣi me (and You Yourself are telling me): Beyond the testimony of sages, Arjuna now hears the declaration directly from Krishna. This is the highest authority, the Lord's own word.
Testimony and Experience
Knowledge in the spiritual path rests on a balance. The testimony of wise predecessors gives direction. The teacher's instruction gives clarity. Personal conviction, awakened by grace, makes it one's own. Arjuna shows that he has all three: the sages, Krishna's words and his own inner recognition.
Message for Everyday Life (Healthy Faith Rests on Good Foundations)
Learn from reliable sources: In an age of endless opinions, it is wise to check what we believe against trusted teachers, time-tested wisdom and our own reflection.
Let experience confirm teaching: Try putting a spiritual principle into practice and observe how it affects your life. Personal experience turns borrowed knowledge into conviction.
Next Topic
Arjuna has cited the sages and Krishna Himself as the basis of his conviction. He now completes his declaration with a statement of full acceptance, and a humble acknowledgement that not even the gods and demons can truly comprehend the Lord's manifestation.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Truth becomes clearer when many wise people point to it.
Trust is built on consistency between words and wisdom.
Great teachers reflect the same light from different angles.
Listen widely, then reflect deeply.
The wise seek confirmation from the wiser.
Hearing is the seed; experience is the fruit.
Truth speaks the same in every honest voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'ṛiṣhayaḥ' (sages) mentioned in this verse?
Who is 'devarṣhiḥ nāradaḥ' (the celestial sage Nārada)?
Who are Asita and Devala?
Who is 'vyāsaḥ' (Vyāsa)?
Why does Arjuna say 'svayam cha eva bravīṣhi me' (and You Yourself are telling me)?
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