Bhagavad Gita 10.42 — One Part of the Lord Supports the Entire Universe
अथवा बहुनैतेन किं ज्ञातेन तवार्जुन ।
विष्टभ्याहमिदं कृत्स्नमेकांशेन स्थितो जगत् ॥ १०.४२ ॥
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The Blessed Lord said: But what need is there, O Arjuna, for you to know all these details? I exist, supporting this entire universe with just one part of Myself.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| athavā | or rather, but |
| bahunā | by much |
| etena | by this |
| kim | what |
| jñātena | by knowing |
| tava | your |
| arjuna | O Arjuna |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| viṣhṭabhya | having pervaded, supporting |
| aham | I |
| idam | this |
| kṛitsnam | entire, whole |
| ekāṁśhena | by one part |
| sthitaḥ | remain, abide |
| jagat | universe |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| athavā | or rather, but | viṣhṭabhya | having pervaded, supporting |
| bahunā | by much | aham | I |
| etena | by this | idam | this |
| kim | what | kṛitsnam | entire, whole |
| jñātena | by knowing | ekāṁśhena | by one part |
| tava | your | sthitaḥ | remain, abide |
| arjuna | O Arjuna | jagat | universe |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this concluding verse of the chapter, Lord Krishna asks Arjuna what need there is to know all these details, and reveals that the entire universe is sustained by just one portion of Himself. The verse completes Vibhūti Yoga with a humbling vision of the Lord's greatness and opens the way toward Arjuna's request for a direct vision.
Essence
Beyond the Catalogue: One Portion Supports All
Athavā bahunaitena kiṁ jñātena tavārjuna (or, what is the use of knowing so much detail, Arjuna?): After a long and loving description, Lord Krishna gently steps back. The purpose of the catalogue was never to burden Arjuna with endless information. It was to open his heart and mind to a single central truth. He now states that truth directly.
Viṣṭabhyāham idaṁ kṛtsnam (I pervade and support this entire universe): The word viṣṭabhya means "having supported" or "having pervaded." The Lord holds up the whole universe, with all its worlds, galaxies, beings and forces.
Ekāṁśena sthito jagat (remaining as it is, by one portion of Myself): The most astonishing phrase of the chapter is ekāṁśena, "by a single part." All of creation, so vast that the human mind can hardly imagine it, is supported by only a fraction of the Lord. The rest of Him remains beyond it. The universe is thus not the limit of the Lord but only a small expression of Him.
Humility and Fearlessness
This vision has two effects on a seeker. It brings deep humility, since our entire world is so small compared with the Lord. At the same time, it brings fearlessness, since the one who supports the whole universe also supports us. Nothing that happens takes place outside His care.
The Chapter's Final Lesson
The tenth chapter began with the Lord speaking out of love for a devoted listener, and it ends with the vision of the universe resting in a fraction of His being. In between, we have seen that the Lord can be recognised in splendour, in the mind, in the Self within, and even in the smallest seed. The practical outcome is that the seeker learns to see the Divine everywhere and to respond with devotion and gratitude.
Message for Everyday Life (Perspective and Trust)
Gain perspective on your worries: When a problem feels overwhelming, recall that the same power that supports the whole universe supports your life as well. This does not remove your responsibility, but it can ease your fear.
Let wonder lead to devotion: Spend a few moments every day noticing something remarkable around you, such as a tree, a sky, a kind gesture. Allow it to turn your heart toward gratitude.
Beyond the Catalogue: One Portion Supports All
Athavā bahunaitena kiṁ jñātena tavārjuna (or, what is the use of knowing so much detail, Arjuna?): After a long and loving description, Lord Krishna gently steps back. The purpose of the catalogue was never to burden Arjuna with endless information. It was to open his heart and mind to a single central truth. He now states that truth directly.
Viṣṭabhyāham idaṁ kṛtsnam (I pervade and support this entire universe): The word viṣṭabhya means "having supported" or "having pervaded." The Lord holds up the whole universe, with all its worlds, galaxies, beings and forces.
Ekāṁśena sthito jagat (remaining as it is, by one portion of Myself): The most astonishing phrase of the chapter is ekāṁśena, "by a single part." All of creation, so vast that the human mind can hardly imagine it, is supported by only a fraction of the Lord. The rest of Him remains beyond it. The universe is thus not the limit of the Lord but only a small expression of Him.
Humility and Fearlessness
This vision has two effects on a seeker. It brings deep humility, since our entire world is so small compared with the Lord. At the same time, it brings fearlessness, since the one who supports the whole universe also supports us. Nothing that happens takes place outside His care.
The Chapter's Final Lesson
The tenth chapter began with the Lord speaking out of love for a devoted listener, and it ends with the vision of the universe resting in a fraction of His being. In between, we have seen that the Lord can be recognised in splendour, in the mind, in the Self within, and even in the smallest seed. The practical outcome is that the seeker learns to see the Divine everywhere and to respond with devotion and gratitude.
Message for Everyday Life (Perspective and Trust)
Gain perspective on your worries: When a problem feels overwhelming, recall that the same power that supports the whole universe supports your life as well. This does not remove your responsibility, but it can ease your fear.
Let wonder lead to devotion: Spend a few moments every day noticing something remarkable around you, such as a tree, a sky, a kind gesture. Allow it to turn your heart toward gratitude.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has concluded the chapter by revealing that the entire universe is supported by a single portion of Himself. Having heard about the Lord's glories in such detail, Arjuna is moved with a desire to see this divine splendour with his own eyes. The next chapter begins with his thanks and with his request to behold the cosmic form.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Details inform, but essence transforms.
The whole universe is a fraction of the Divine.
Realizing the scale of existence softens the ego.
Truth is often simpler than we think.
The one who holds the universe can hold you too.
Put your attention on what truly matters.
The infinite is not far; it supports every moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Lord say 'kiṁ jñātena' (what is the use of knowing) after listing many glories?
What does 'bahunā etena' (by much of this) mean?
What does 'viṣhṭabhya' (supporting, pervading) tell us about the Lord?
What is meant by 'ekāṁśhena' (by one part)?
How does this verse prepare for the next chapter?
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