Bhagavad Gita 11.43 — You Are the Father, the Worshipable and the Greatest Guru
पितासि लोकस्य चराचरस्य त्वमस्य पूज्यश्च गुरुर्गरीयान् ।
न त्वत्समोऽस्त्यभ्यधिकः कुतोऽन्यो लोकत्रयेऽप्यप्रतिमप्रभाव ॥ ११.४३ ॥
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You are the father of this world, of the moving and the unmoving. You are its worshipable object and the greatest teacher. There is none equal to You, so how could there be anyone greater in the three worlds, O One of incomparable power?
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| pitā | father |
| asi | You are |
| lokasya | of the world |
| chara-acharasya | of the moving and the unmoving |
| tvam | You |
| asya | of this |
| pūjyaḥ | worshipable |
| cha | and |
| guruḥ | teacher |
| garīyān | greatest; most venerable |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not |
| tvat-samaḥ | equal to You |
| asti | there is |
| abhyadhikaḥ | greater |
| kutaḥ | how then |
| anyaḥ | another |
| loka-traye | in the three worlds |
| api | even |
| apratima-prabhāva | O One of incomparable power |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| pitā | father | na | not |
| asi | You are | tvat-samaḥ | equal to You |
| lokasya | of the world | asti | there is |
| chara-acharasya | of the moving and the unmoving | abhyadhikaḥ | greater |
| tvam | You | kutaḥ | how then |
| asya | of this | anyaḥ | another |
| pūjyaḥ | worshipable | loka-traye | in the three worlds |
| cha | and | api | even |
| guruḥ | teacher | apratima-prabhāva | O One of incomparable power |
| garīyān | greatest; most venerable | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna continues his praise by declaring that the Lord is the father of the entire world of moving and unmoving beings, its worthy object of worship, and its greatest teacher. He says no one is equal to the Lord in all three worlds, much less greater.
Essence
The Father, the Teacher, the Incomparable
Having asked forgiveness, Arjuna now sums up what the vision has taught him about the Lord's place in the world. The verse gathers three roles into one: father, worshipful being and teacher.
Pitāsi lokasya carācarasya (you are the father of the world, moving and unmoving): The Lord is the source of all that lives and all that does not. Like a father, he gives being and supports it.
Pūjyaś ca gurur garīyān (worthy of worship and the greatest teacher): The word guru means the one who removes darkness. The Lord is the original teacher, the inner source of every insight that has ever lit a human mind. Arjuna has felt this directly, since the Lord himself has just dispelled his confusion.
Na tvat-samo'sty abhyadhikaḥ kuto'nyo (no one is equal to you, so how could anyone be greater?): Arjuna argues step by step. If no one even equals the Lord, then no one can exceed him. The Lord stands alone.
Loka-traye'py apratima-prabhāva (in the three worlds, O one of incomparable power): The word apratima means without a counterpart. Nothing in creation offers a fair comparison for the Lord's glory.
Message for Everyday Life (Honouring Our Sources)
Remember those who gave you life and knowledge: Parents, teachers and mentors have shaped who we are. Respecting them keeps us rooted and humble.
Practical approach: Make a habit of thanking your teachers and elders, in words or in service. Gratitude toward our sources keeps learning alive.
The Father, the Teacher, the Incomparable
Having asked forgiveness, Arjuna now sums up what the vision has taught him about the Lord's place in the world. The verse gathers three roles into one: father, worshipful being and teacher.
Pitāsi lokasya carācarasya (you are the father of the world, moving and unmoving): The Lord is the source of all that lives and all that does not. Like a father, he gives being and supports it.
Pūjyaś ca gurur garīyān (worthy of worship and the greatest teacher): The word guru means the one who removes darkness. The Lord is the original teacher, the inner source of every insight that has ever lit a human mind. Arjuna has felt this directly, since the Lord himself has just dispelled his confusion.
Na tvat-samo'sty abhyadhikaḥ kuto'nyo (no one is equal to you, so how could anyone be greater?): Arjuna argues step by step. If no one even equals the Lord, then no one can exceed him. The Lord stands alone.
Loka-traye'py apratima-prabhāva (in the three worlds, O one of incomparable power): The word apratima means without a counterpart. Nothing in creation offers a fair comparison for the Lord's glory.
Message for Everyday Life (Honouring Our Sources)
Remember those who gave you life and knowledge: Parents, teachers and mentors have shaped who we are. Respecting them keeps us rooted and humble.
Practical approach: Make a habit of thanking your teachers and elders, in words or in service. Gratitude toward our sources keeps learning alive.
Next Topic
Arjuna has declared the Lord to be father, teacher and incomparable. In the next verse, he draws the practical conclusion: he bows to the ground and asks the Lord to be gracious and forgive him, like a father, friend or beloved.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Every life traces back to one parent.
The best teacher is the truth itself.
Some greatness has no rival.
Honor what sustains you.
Love grows where reverence is true.
One family, many forms.
Thankfulness begins with remembering the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Lord called 'pitā' (father) of 'chara-acharasya' (the moving and unmoving)?
What does 'pūjyaḥ' (worshipable) mean here?
Why is He called 'guruḥ garīyān' (the greatest teacher)?
What does 'na tvat-samaḥ' (none equal to You) imply?
What is 'apratima-prabhāva' (of incomparable power)?
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