Bhagavad Gita 11.2 — Hearing of Creation, Dissolution and Imperishable Glory
भवाप्ययौ हि भूतानां श्रुतौ विस्तरशो मया ।
त्वत्तः कमलपत्राक्ष माहात्म्यमपि चाव्ययम् ॥ ११.२ ॥
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O lotus-eyed Krishna, I have heard from You in detail about the origin and dissolution of all beings, and also about Your imperishable greatness.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bhava | origin; creation |
| apyayau | dissolution; withdrawal |
| hi | indeed |
| bhūtānām | of all beings |
| śhrutau | have been heard |
| vistaraśhaḥ | in detail |
| mayā | by me |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tvattaḥ | from You |
| kamala-patra-akṣha | O lotus-eyed one |
| māhātmyam | greatness; glory |
| api | also |
| cha | and |
| avyayam | imperishable; changeless |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bhava | origin; creation | tvattaḥ | from You |
| apyayau | dissolution; withdrawal | kamala-patra-akṣha | O lotus-eyed one |
| hi | indeed | māhātmyam | greatness; glory |
| bhūtānām | of all beings | api | also |
| śhrutau | have been heard | cha | and |
| vistaraśhaḥ | in detail | avyayam | imperishable; changeless |
| mayā | by me | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Arjuna recalls the two great themes of Lord Krishna's teaching: how beings arise and dissolve, and the imperishable greatness of the Lord himself. He shows that his clarity rests on having listened carefully and completely.
Essence
Listening That Leads to Understanding
Arjuna now names the content of what he has learned. This is not vague gratitude; it is the gratitude of a student who knows what he has received. Spiritual understanding grows from attentive listening, and Arjuna shows that he has listened closely.
Bhavāpyayau (origin and dissolution): The word combines bhava, coming into being, and apyaya, merging back. Arjuna has understood that all beings arise from the Lord and return to him. Birth and death are not final facts but phases within a larger cycle held by the Supreme.
Vistaraśaḥ (in detail): Arjuna says he has heard this at length. Lord Krishna did not offer a brief slogan; he patiently explained prakṛti, the Self, devotion, knowledge and action across many chapters. Depth of understanding requires patient listening.
Māhātmyam api cāvyayam (and your imperishable greatness): Arjuna has also heard of Lord Krishna's māhātmya, his glory, which is avyaya, never diminished. In the tenth chapter, Lord Krishna described his vibhūtis, the manifestations of his glory in the world. Everything splendid and powerful is but a spark of the Supreme.
Message for Everyday Life (The Discipline of Deep Listening)
Listen fully: In a world of quick summaries and distracted attention, we often hear without absorbing. Real understanding in any field, whether relationships, work or spiritual life, comes from giving full attention.
Practical approach: When someone is teaching or sharing something important, set aside the phone and the urge to reply. Listen as Arjuna did, so that you can later say what you have understood.
Listening That Leads to Understanding
Arjuna now names the content of what he has learned. This is not vague gratitude; it is the gratitude of a student who knows what he has received. Spiritual understanding grows from attentive listening, and Arjuna shows that he has listened closely.
Bhavāpyayau (origin and dissolution): The word combines bhava, coming into being, and apyaya, merging back. Arjuna has understood that all beings arise from the Lord and return to him. Birth and death are not final facts but phases within a larger cycle held by the Supreme.
Vistaraśaḥ (in detail): Arjuna says he has heard this at length. Lord Krishna did not offer a brief slogan; he patiently explained prakṛti, the Self, devotion, knowledge and action across many chapters. Depth of understanding requires patient listening.
Māhātmyam api cāvyayam (and your imperishable greatness): Arjuna has also heard of Lord Krishna's māhātmya, his glory, which is avyaya, never diminished. In the tenth chapter, Lord Krishna described his vibhūtis, the manifestations of his glory in the world. Everything splendid and powerful is but a spark of the Supreme.
Message for Everyday Life (The Discipline of Deep Listening)
Listen fully: In a world of quick summaries and distracted attention, we often hear without absorbing. Real understanding in any field, whether relationships, work or spiritual life, comes from giving full attention.
Practical approach: When someone is teaching or sharing something important, set aside the phone and the urge to reply. Listen as Arjuna did, so that you can later say what you have understood.
Next Topic
Arjuna has acknowledged all that he has heard about the Lord's origin, dissolution and glory. Yet hearing is different from seeing. In the next verse, Arjuna expresses a deep longing: to behold with his own eyes the divine form that Lord Krishna has described in words.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Everything that begins must end; the observer remains.
Wonder is the beginning of reverence.
To hear fully is to be halfway to understanding.
What returns to its origin was never truly lost.
Knowledge grows when listened to with attention.
Behind every changing scene lies something unchanging.
Hearing about greatness prepares us to witness it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'bhava-apyayau' (origin and dissolution) mean?
Why is Krishna addressed as 'kamala-patrākṣha' (lotus-eyed)?
What is meant by 'māhātmyam' (greatness) here?
Why does Arjuna stress 'avyayam' (imperishable)?
What does 'śhrutau vistaraśhaḥ' (heard in detail) show about Arjuna?
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