Bhagavad Gita 11.45 — Delighted and Frightened, Arjuna Asks for the Gentle Form
अदृष्टपूर्वं हृषितोऽस्मि दृष्ट्वा भयेन च प्रव्यथितं मनो मे ।
तदेव मे दर्शय देव रूपं प्रसीद देवेश जगन्निवास ॥ ११.४५ ॥
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I am delighted at having seen what was never seen before, yet my mind is shaken with fear. Show me that same form, O Lord; be gracious, O Lord of gods, abode of the universe.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| adṛiṣhṭa-pūrvam | what was never seen before |
| hṛiṣhitaḥ | thrilled; delighted |
| asmi | I am |
| dṛiṣhṭvā | having seen |
| bhayena | with fear |
| cha | and |
| pravyathitam | disturbed; shaken |
| manaḥ | mind |
| me | my |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tat | that |
| eva | same |
| me | to me |
| darśhaya | please show |
| deva | O Lord |
| rūpam | form |
| prasīda | be gracious |
| deva-īśha | O Lord of gods |
| jagat-nivāsa | O abode of the universe |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| adṛiṣhṭa-pūrvam | what was never seen before | tat | that |
| hṛiṣhitaḥ | thrilled; delighted | eva | same |
| asmi | I am | me | to me |
| dṛiṣhṭvā | having seen | darśhaya | please show |
| bhayena | with fear | deva | O Lord |
| cha | and | rūpam | form |
| pravyathitam | disturbed; shaken | prasīda | be gracious |
| manaḥ | mind | deva-īśha | O Lord of gods |
| me | my | jagat-nivāsa | O abode of the universe |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Arjuna admits that he is thrilled to have seen what no one has seen before, yet his mind is shaken with fear. He asks the Lord to be gracious and show him the earlier, familiar form.
Essence
Joy and Fear Together
Arjuna's honesty is striking. He does not say the vision was only wonderful or only terrible. He says both are true, and that the mind cannot hold such an experience for long.
Adṛṣṭa-pūrvaṁ hṛṣito'smi dṛṣṭvā (having seen what was never seen before, I am thrilled): The word hṛṣita means delighted, with the hair standing on end. Arjuna feels the joy of a rare, sacred experience.
Bhayena ca pravyathitaṁ mano me (and my mind is shaken with fear): The same mind that rejoices is also trembling. The ordinary human mind has a limited capacity, and the infinite is more than it can comfortably bear.
Tad eva me darśaya deva rūpam (show me that very form, O Lord): Arjuna asks for the familiar form he knew. This is not ingratitude but a natural need for a form the heart can relate to.
Prasīda deveśa jagan-nivāsa (be gracious, Lord of gods, abode of the universe): The prayer returns to grace. Arjuna depends on the Lord's compassion to make the vision bearable.
A lesson on spiritual experience: Even the greatest experiences must be integrated into daily life. A vision that cannot be lived with has not yet become wisdom.
Message for Everyday Life (Balancing Inspiration and Stability)
Seek balance, not only intensity: Peak experiences can be inspiring, but we also need steady and familiar ground. A healthy life holds both.
Practical approach: After a deeply moving experience, give yourself time to rest and absorb it. Return to simple routines that keep you steady.
Joy and Fear Together
Arjuna's honesty is striking. He does not say the vision was only wonderful or only terrible. He says both are true, and that the mind cannot hold such an experience for long.
Adṛṣṭa-pūrvaṁ hṛṣito'smi dṛṣṭvā (having seen what was never seen before, I am thrilled): The word hṛṣita means delighted, with the hair standing on end. Arjuna feels the joy of a rare, sacred experience.
Bhayena ca pravyathitaṁ mano me (and my mind is shaken with fear): The same mind that rejoices is also trembling. The ordinary human mind has a limited capacity, and the infinite is more than it can comfortably bear.
Tad eva me darśaya deva rūpam (show me that very form, O Lord): Arjuna asks for the familiar form he knew. This is not ingratitude but a natural need for a form the heart can relate to.
Prasīda deveśa jagan-nivāsa (be gracious, Lord of gods, abode of the universe): The prayer returns to grace. Arjuna depends on the Lord's compassion to make the vision bearable.
A lesson on spiritual experience: Even the greatest experiences must be integrated into daily life. A vision that cannot be lived with has not yet become wisdom.
Message for Everyday Life (Balancing Inspiration and Stability)
Seek balance, not only intensity: Peak experiences can be inspiring, but we also need steady and familiar ground. A healthy life holds both.
Practical approach: After a deeply moving experience, give yourself time to rest and absorb it. Return to simple routines that keep you steady.
Next Topic
Arjuna has asked to see the earlier form again. In the next verse, he specifies exactly what he longs for: the crowned form with mace and discus, in its gentle four-armed appearance.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Wonder can thrill and frighten at once.
Say plainly what you can bear.
Even seekers long for familiar faces.
Ask for gentleness when the vast overwhelms.
Admit mixed feelings.
Love needs a form it can hold.
Awe is best held with tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'adṛiṣhṭa-pūrvam' (never seen before) mean?
Why is Arjuna 'hṛiṣhitaḥ' (delighted)?
Why does he say 'bhayena pravyathitam manaḥ' (my mind is shaken with fear)?
What does 'tad eva rūpam' (that same form) refer to?
What does 'jagan-nivāsa' (abode of the universe) express here?
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