Bhagavad Gita 10.18 — Arjuna's Thirst for the Nectar of the Lord's Words
विस्तरेणात्मनो योगं विभूतिं च जनार्दन ।
भूयः कथय तृप्तिर्हि शृण्वतो नास्ति मेऽमृतम् ॥ १०.१८ ॥
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Arjuna said: O Janārdana, describe again in detail Your yogic power and Your glory, for I am never satisfied by hearing Your nectar-like words.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vistareṇa | in detail |
| ātmanaḥ | Your own |
| yogam | yogic power, divine power |
| vibhūtim | glory, manifestation |
| cha | and |
| janārdana | O Janārdana, O Krishna |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bhūyaḥ | again, once more |
| kathaya | tell, describe |
| tṛiptiḥ | satisfaction |
| hi | indeed |
| śhṛiṇvataḥ | of one who is hearing |
| na | not |
| asti | there is |
| me | for me |
| amṛitam | nectar, the nectar of Your words |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vistareṇa | in detail | bhūyaḥ | again, once more |
| ātmanaḥ | Your own | kathaya | tell, describe |
| yogam | yogic power, divine power | tṛiptiḥ | satisfaction |
| vibhūtim | glory, manifestation | hi | indeed |
| cha | and | śhṛiṇvataḥ | of one who is hearing |
| janārdana | O Janārdana, O Krishna | na | not |
| asti | there is | ||
| me | for me | ||
| amṛitam | nectar, the nectar of Your words | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here, Arjuna repeats his request, asking Krishna to explain His yogic power and glories in detail once more, because hearing the immortal nectar of these words never satisfies him. The verse reveals the eagerness of a devoted listener and the sweetness of divine teaching.
Essence
The Thirst That Grows as It Is Quenched
Vistareṇa (in detail): Arjuna asks for a full, elaborated explanation. He is not content with a summary.
Ātmano yogaṁ vibhūtiṁ ca (Your yoga and Your glories): He asks about both aspects. Yoga here means the Lord's divine power by which He pervades everything, and vibhūti the specific excellent manifestations of that power. One is the power, the other is how that power appears.
Bhūyaḥ kathaya (tell me again): Arjuna has already heard much, yet he asks for more. In the first verse of this chapter, the Lord Himself said bhūyaḥ, "once more." Now the student echoes the teacher.
Janārdana (O Janārdana): This name, often explained as "one who is approached by people for their welfare," is fitting for a request for benefit.
Tṛptir hi śṛṇvato nāsti me 'mṛtam (I am never satisfied hearing this nectar): Ordinary pleasures bring satiety, and one tires of them. But divine words are called amṛta, nectar of immortality, and the more one tastes them, the more one wants. This is a mark of true devotion.
Message for Everyday Life (Cultivating a Hunger for Wisdom)
Find joy in learning: Many of us chase entertainment that leaves us empty. Turning even a small part of our attention to uplifting reading or listening can bring a more lasting sense of satisfaction.
Return to good teachings often: A teaching heard once may only touch the surface. Revisiting it at different stages of life reveals new depth.
The Thirst That Grows as It Is Quenched
Vistareṇa (in detail): Arjuna asks for a full, elaborated explanation. He is not content with a summary.
Ātmano yogaṁ vibhūtiṁ ca (Your yoga and Your glories): He asks about both aspects. Yoga here means the Lord's divine power by which He pervades everything, and vibhūti the specific excellent manifestations of that power. One is the power, the other is how that power appears.
Bhūyaḥ kathaya (tell me again): Arjuna has already heard much, yet he asks for more. In the first verse of this chapter, the Lord Himself said bhūyaḥ, "once more." Now the student echoes the teacher.
Janārdana (O Janārdana): This name, often explained as "one who is approached by people for their welfare," is fitting for a request for benefit.
Tṛptir hi śṛṇvato nāsti me 'mṛtam (I am never satisfied hearing this nectar): Ordinary pleasures bring satiety, and one tires of them. But divine words are called amṛta, nectar of immortality, and the more one tastes them, the more one wants. This is a mark of true devotion.
Message for Everyday Life (Cultivating a Hunger for Wisdom)
Find joy in learning: Many of us chase entertainment that leaves us empty. Turning even a small part of our attention to uplifting reading or listening can bring a more lasting sense of satisfaction.
Return to good teachings often: A teaching heard once may only touch the surface. Revisiting it at different stages of life reveals new depth.
Next Topic
Arjuna has repeated his request with a deep longing to hear more. Lord Krishna, pleased with this sincerity, now begins to answer. In the next verse, He agrees to describe His divine glories, though He notes that they are so many that only the most prominent can be mentioned.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The deepest learner is never full.
Words from a wise heart nourish the soul.
To listen with love is to learn twice.
Return to good teachings; they grow with you.
Wisdom is joy for those who seek it sincerely.
A little detail often turns an idea into an understanding.
A grateful student makes a generous teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Arjuna ask 'bhūyaḥ' (again, once more)?
What is the difference between 'yogam' (yogic power) and 'vibhūtim' (glory)?
Why is Krishna addressed as 'janārdana' (a name of Krishna meaning the one approached by people for their welfare)?
What does 'tṛiptiḥ nāsti' (there is no satisfaction) mean in this context?
Why does Arjuna call the Lord's words 'amṛitam' (nectar)?
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