Bhagavad Gita 10.19 — The Lord Promises to Describe His Chief Glories
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
हन्त ते कथयिष्यामि दिव्या ह्यात्मविभूतयः ।
प्राधान्यतः कुरुश्रेष्ठ नास्त्यन्तो विस्तरस्य मे ॥ १०.१९ ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
The Blessed Lord said: Yes, I shall describe to you My divine glories, O best of the Kurus, only the prominent ones, for there is no end to My expanse.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| hanta | yes, very well |
| te | to you |
| kathayiṣhyāmi | I shall describe |
| divyāḥ | divine |
| hi | indeed |
| ātmavibhūtayaḥ | My glories |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| prādhānyataḥ | according to their prominence, the chief ones |
| kuruśreṣhṭha | O best of the Kurus |
| na | not |
| asti | there is |
| antaḥ | end |
| vistarasya | of the extent |
| me | My |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| hanta | yes, very well | prādhānyataḥ | according to their prominence, the chief ones |
| te | to you | kuruśreṣhṭha | O best of the Kurus |
| kathayiṣhyāmi | I shall describe | na | not |
| divyāḥ | divine | asti | there is |
| hi | indeed | antaḥ | end |
| ātmavibhūtayaḥ | My glories | vistarasya | of the extent |
| me | My | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna agrees to Arjuna's request and promises to describe His divine glories, but with an honest note: because they are endless, He will speak only of the principal ones. The verse introduces the great catalogue of vibhūtis that follows.
Essence
The Lord Accepts the Request
Hanta (very well, yes): This short word expresses joyful readiness. The Lord is pleased to speak, because the question has come from a heart that truly wants to learn.
Te kathayiṣyāmi (I shall tell you): The Lord does not hesitate. He takes up the request and honours the student's sincerity.
Divyā hy ātma-vibhūtayaḥ (My divine glories): He repeats Arjuna's words, confirming that these manifestations are indeed divine.
Prādhānyataḥ (according to their prominence): Krishna explains how He will teach. He will mention the chief examples, the most excellent in each category, since no one can list everything.
Nāsty anto vistarasya me (there is no end to My expansion): The Lord states plainly that His glories are limitless. This is a reminder that even the longest description is only a sample. Just as a handful of water gives us the taste of the sea without exhausting it, these examples give a taste of the Lord's infinite nature.
Why the Method of the Best?
The mind is trained to see the divine more easily in what is outstanding. When we see the highest peak, the finest horse or the purest sound, we are reminded of the source of all excellence. This is a practical technique for a seeker who cannot yet see God in everything equally.
Message for Everyday Life (Seeing Excellence as a Doorway)
Let beauty lift your mind: When you see a magnificent sunrise, a moving piece of music or great courage in a person, pause and let it remind you of something higher than yourself.
Accept that some things are beyond listing: Not everything can be explained completely. Being comfortable with mystery is part of spiritual maturity.
The Lord Accepts the Request
Hanta (very well, yes): This short word expresses joyful readiness. The Lord is pleased to speak, because the question has come from a heart that truly wants to learn.
Te kathayiṣyāmi (I shall tell you): The Lord does not hesitate. He takes up the request and honours the student's sincerity.
Divyā hy ātma-vibhūtayaḥ (My divine glories): He repeats Arjuna's words, confirming that these manifestations are indeed divine.
Prādhānyataḥ (according to their prominence): Krishna explains how He will teach. He will mention the chief examples, the most excellent in each category, since no one can list everything.
Nāsty anto vistarasya me (there is no end to My expansion): The Lord states plainly that His glories are limitless. This is a reminder that even the longest description is only a sample. Just as a handful of water gives us the taste of the sea without exhausting it, these examples give a taste of the Lord's infinite nature.
Why the Method of the Best?
The mind is trained to see the divine more easily in what is outstanding. When we see the highest peak, the finest horse or the purest sound, we are reminded of the source of all excellence. This is a practical technique for a seeker who cannot yet see God in everything equally.
Message for Everyday Life (Seeing Excellence as a Doorway)
Let beauty lift your mind: When you see a magnificent sunrise, a moving piece of music or great courage in a person, pause and let it remind you of something higher than yourself.
Accept that some things are beyond listing: Not everything can be explained completely. Being comfortable with mystery is part of spiritual maturity.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has promised to describe the chief of His glories. Before listing any specific manifestations, He first reveals the most intimate truth: that He dwells as the Self in the heart of every being, and is the beginning, middle and end of all creatures.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
True teachers give gladly.
Some things can be pointed to but never completed.
Start with what is most essential.
A few clear examples can reveal a vast principle.
Greatness shows itself in many forms.
Accept what you are given, and grow into what remains.
The more we learn, the more we see how much there is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hanta' (yes, very well) signify?
Why does the Lord say He will speak only 'prādhānyataḥ' (according to prominence)?
Why is Arjuna addressed as 'kuruśreṣhṭha' (best of the Kurus)?
What does 'nāsti antaḥ vistarasya me' (there is no end to My expanse) tell us?
Does the Lord have glories beyond those that He lists?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: