Bhagavad Gita 11.4 — Arjuna Humbly Requests to See the Imperishable Self
मन्यसे यदि तच्छक्यं मया द्रष्टुमिति प्रभो ।
योगेश्वर ततो मे त्वं दर्शयात्मानमव्ययम् ॥ ११.४ ॥
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O Lord, if You think that it is possible for me to see it, then, O Master of Yoga, please show me Your imperishable Self.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| manyase | You think; You consider |
| yadi | if |
| tat | that |
| śhakyam | possible |
| mayā | by me |
| draṣhṭum | to be seen |
| iti | thus |
| prabho | O Lord; O Master |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yoga-īśhvara | O Lord of Yoga; O Master of all mystic powers |
| tataḥ | then |
| me | to me |
| tvam | You |
| darśhaya | please show |
| ātmānam | Your Self |
| avyayam | imperishable; changeless |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| manyase | You think; You consider | yoga-īśhvara | O Lord of Yoga; O Master of all mystic powers |
| yadi | if | tataḥ | then |
| tat | that | me | to me |
| śhakyam | possible | tvam | You |
| mayā | by me | darśhaya | please show |
| draṣhṭum | to be seen | ātmānam | Your Self |
| iti | thus | avyayam | imperishable; changeless |
| prabho | O Lord; O Master | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna now makes his request with humility. He does not insist on the vision; he leaves it to Lord Krishna to decide whether he is capable of beholding it. This is the mark of a sincere seeker.
Essence
The Humility of a True Seeker
Having expressed his desire, Arjuna immediately softens it with the words 'if you think it possible.' He recognises that the vision of the infinite is not a right to be claimed but a gift to be received, and that he himself may lack the capacity for it.
Manyase yadi tac chakyam (if you consider it possible for me): Arjuna submits the question to Lord Krishna's judgement. Truth cannot be commanded by the ego. Genuine spiritual progress begins when we stop demanding and start asking with openness.
Yogeśvara (Lord of Yoga): Arjuna calls Lord Krishna Yogeśvara, the master of all yogic power. Only one who commands the highest powers of yoga can reveal what ordinary vision cannot hold. By choosing this title, Arjuna acknowledges that the vision depends entirely on the Lord's own power.
Darśayātmānam avyayam (show me your imperishable Self): Arjuna asks to see the avyaya ātmā, the undying reality of the Lord. His request is not for spectacle but for the revelation of the changeless truth behind all change.
Message for Everyday Life (Asking with Humility)
Approach learning without arrogance: We learn most from those whom we approach with humility. Pride closes the mind, while humility opens it.
Practical approach: When seeking guidance from a mentor, elder or teacher, ask rather than assume. Admit what you do not know. This attitude makes others willing to share their best with you.
The Humility of a True Seeker
Having expressed his desire, Arjuna immediately softens it with the words 'if you think it possible.' He recognises that the vision of the infinite is not a right to be claimed but a gift to be received, and that he himself may lack the capacity for it.
Manyase yadi tac chakyam (if you consider it possible for me): Arjuna submits the question to Lord Krishna's judgement. Truth cannot be commanded by the ego. Genuine spiritual progress begins when we stop demanding and start asking with openness.
Yogeśvara (Lord of Yoga): Arjuna calls Lord Krishna Yogeśvara, the master of all yogic power. Only one who commands the highest powers of yoga can reveal what ordinary vision cannot hold. By choosing this title, Arjuna acknowledges that the vision depends entirely on the Lord's own power.
Darśayātmānam avyayam (show me your imperishable Self): Arjuna asks to see the avyaya ātmā, the undying reality of the Lord. His request is not for spectacle but for the revelation of the changeless truth behind all change.
Message for Everyday Life (Asking with Humility)
Approach learning without arrogance: We learn most from those whom we approach with humility. Pride closes the mind, while humility opens it.
Practical approach: When seeking guidance from a mentor, elder or teacher, ask rather than assume. Admit what you do not know. This attitude makes others willing to share their best with you.
Next Topic
Arjuna has placed his request humbly before the Lord. Lord Krishna now responds with great generosity. In the next verse, he begins by inviting Arjuna to behold the countless forms in which the one Reality appears.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Asking for much while claiming nothing is the way of the wise.
Place the request in capable hands and wait.
Some doors open only from the other side.
Wisdom knows when we are ready, even when we do not.
A request without demand is a request without ego.
Gentle words invite generous answers.
The unchanging is revealed to the sincere, not the forceful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Arjuna say 'manyase yadi' (if You think)?
What does 'yogeśhvara' (Lord of Yoga) mean?
What is meant by 'ātmānam avyayam' (imperishable Self)?
Why does Arjuna address Krishna as 'prabho' (Master)?
What can seekers learn from the manner of this request?
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