The story · Arjuna’s prowess, character and devotional friendship reveal exceptional excellence.
What the verses say · Kṛṣṇa says that among the Pāṇḍavas He is Arjuna.
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Chapter10
Vibhūti-yoga · 42 verses
The Opulence of the Absolute
Kṛṣṇa is the source of everything, and all splendor comes from Him.
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Verse notes
Every verse in simple words, from Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Tap a verse to study it in depth.
BG 10.1Hear More About Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa asks His dear friend Arjuna to listen again as He gives him further, better knowledge for his benefit.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, full in strength, fame, wealth, knowledge, beauty and renunciation.
- Regularly hear about Kṛṣṇa with devotees to become more steady in devotional service.
BG 10.2Kṛṣṇa Is the Supreme Source
Study this verse- Even demigods and great sages do not know Kṛṣṇa’s origin or riches and powers, because He is their source.
- Prabhupāda explains that scholarship and guesswork cannot reveal Kṛṣṇa. Fully surrendered devotees understand Him by His mercy.
- Study Kṛṣṇa’s words in Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with faith and devotion to understand Him.
BG 10.3Knowing Kṛṣṇa’s Supreme Position
Study this verse- Only one who knows Kṛṣṇa as unborn, beginningless, and the Supreme Lord of all worlds is free from illusion and all sins.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa’s body never changes, unlike ours. Kṛṣṇa can be known only through devotional service.
- Work under Kṛṣṇa’s directions, given in scripture or by a genuine spiritual master, without seeking the rewards of your actions.
BG 10.4Qualities Come from Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa alone creates all the qualities of living beings, including intelligence, forgiveness, happiness and distress.
- Prabhupāda explains that true knowledge means understanding the difference between spirit and matter.
- Accept what helps you develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and reject what hinders it.
BG 10.5Qualities Come from Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa alone creates all the various qualities of living beings, whether good or bad.
- Prabhupāda explains that equanimity means freedom from attachment and aversion.
- Accept what helps you develop Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and reject what hinders it.
BG 10.6Kṛṣṇa, the Source of All
Study this verse- The seven great sages, the four earlier sages, and the Manus come from Kṛṣṇa’s mind. All living beings descend from them.
- Prabhupāda explains that Brahmā comes from the Supreme Lord’s energy, and these sages and Manus come from Brahmā.
- Remember that Kṛṣṇa is the ultimate source of all living beings, including Brahmā, the grandfather of all.
BG 10.7Knowing Kṛṣṇa’s Greatness
Study this verse- One who is truly convinced of Kṛṣṇa’s greatness and mystic power serves Him with pure devotion, without doubt.
- Prabhupāda explains that knowing how Kṛṣṇa is great naturally leads to surrender and loving devotional service.
- Study Kṛṣṇa’s greatness in Bhagavad-gītā to become steady in sincere devotional service.
BG 10.8Kṛṣṇa Is the Source
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Those who truly know this serve and worship Him wholeheartedly.
- Prabhupāda explains that Vedic teachings confirm Kṛṣṇa as the supreme controller. Learning this from a genuine spiritual master makes devotion firm.
- Avoid unauthorized interpretations of Bhagavad-gītā and continue serving Kṛṣṇa with determination.
BG 10.9Joy in Devotion to Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Pure devotees think of Kṛṣṇa, devote their lives to His service, and find great joy in teaching one another and talking about Him.
- Prabhupāda explains that devotional service grows like a seed watered by hearing and chanting, and matures into love of God.
- Keep hearing and chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, and discuss Kṛṣṇa with other devotees to nourish your devotional service.
BG 10.10Understanding Through Loving Service
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa gives those who constantly serve Him with love the understanding to come to Him.
- Prabhupāda explains that buddhi-yoga means acting in Kṛṣṇa consciousness—the highest intelligence.
- Do some work for Kṛṣṇa with sincere love and devotion, trusting His guidance from within.
BG 10.11Kṛṣṇa Lights the Heart
Study this verse- Out of special mercy, Kṛṣṇa dwells in His devotees’ hearts and destroys ignorance with the shining lamp of knowledge.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa reveals Himself through sincere devotional service, not through thinking or argument alone.
- Serve Kṛṣṇa sincerely and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa constantly to clear material desires from the heart and gain pure knowledge.
BG 10.12Kṛṣṇa Is the Supreme Truth
Study this verse- Arjuna declares that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate abode, the purest, and the eternal, unborn person.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa is different from the individual soul. Everyone depends on Him, and only devotional service enables us to understand Him.
- Practice remembering Kṛṣṇa as a form of devotional service, and accept Arjuna’s statements to understand Bhagavad-gītā.
BG 10.13Kṛṣṇa Is the Supreme
Study this verse- Arjuna accepts Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Great sages confirm this truth, and Kṛṣṇa Himself declares it.
- Prabhupāda explains that Arjuna’s words agree with Vedic truth; they are not mere praise for a friend. Only devotional service enables one to understand Kṛṣṇa.
- Practice remembering Kṛṣṇa as a form of devotional service, and accept these statements to understand Bhagavad-gītā.
BG 10.14Accepting Kṛṣṇa’s Words
Study this verse- Arjuna accepts all Kṛṣṇa’s words as true. Neither demigods nor demons can understand Kṛṣṇa’s personality.
- By Kṛṣṇa’s grace, Arjuna understood Him as the perfect Supreme Truth. The Gītā should be understood through disciplic succession.
- Follow Arjuna by accepting Kṛṣṇa’s words to understand the Gītā and know Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
BG 10.15Knowing Kṛṣṇa as He Is
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa alone knows Himself by His own internal power. He is the Supreme Person, the source and Lord of all.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa can be known through a relationship with Him in devotional service.
- Follow Arjuna’s example: learn Bhagavad-gītā from Kṛṣṇa, not from those who deny Him.
BG 10.16Kṛṣṇa’s All-Pervading Nature
Study this verse- Arjuna asks Kṛṣṇa to describe in detail His divine opulences by which He pervades all worlds.
- By Kṛṣṇa’s grace, Arjuna already understands without doubt that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Understand that Arjuna asks how Kṛṣṇa pervades everything through His energies on behalf of common people.
BG 10.17How to Remember Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Arjuna asks how to know Kṛṣṇa, think of Him constantly, and remember Him in various forms.
- Prabhupāda explains that only surrendered souls and devotees can see Kṛṣṇa, who is hidden by His yoga-māyā energy.
- If spiritual understanding is difficult, try to see how Kṛṣṇa is represented in physical things, as the purport advises.
BG 10.18The Nectar of Hearing
Study this verse- Arjuna asks Kṛṣṇa to describe His divine powers in detail again; the more he hears, the more he wants to hear.
- Prabhupāda explains that accounts of Kṛṣṇa are like nectar and remain fresh, unlike worldly stories.
- Keep hearing and reading about Kṛṣṇa to experience the sweetness of His words and pastimes.
BG 10.19Kṛṣṇa’s Limitless Opulence
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna He will describe only His main glorious manifestations, because His opulence is limitless.
- Prabhupāda explains that our limited senses cannot fully grasp Kṛṣṇa’s greatness, but devotees find spiritual joy in hearing about Him.
- Hear and discuss Kṛṣṇa’s glories with joy, without expecting to understand Him completely.
BG 10.20Kṛṣṇa in Every Heart
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the Supersoul in every living being’s heart and the beginning, middle and end of all beings.
- Prabhupāda explains that creation depends on Kṛṣṇa entering it through His expansions, not on material energy alone.
- Remember that Kṛṣṇa is present in every heart and maintains the whole universe.
BG 10.21Kṛṣṇa’s Prominent Representations
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is Viṣṇu among the Ādityas, the sun among lights, Marīci among the Maruts, and the moon among stars.
- Prabhupāda explains that the sun is chief among lights and is accepted as the glowing eye of the Supreme Lord.
- When you see the sun or moon, remember that they represent Kṛṣṇa.
BG 10.22The Living Force
Study this verse- The Lord is the Sāma Veda among Vedas, Indra among demigods, the mind among senses, and consciousness in living beings.
- Prabhupāda explains that consciousness distinguishes spirit from matter and is supreme and eternal.
- Consciousness cannot be produced by combining matter.
BG 10.23Representations of the Supreme Lord
Study this verse- The Lord says He is Śiva among Rudras, Kuvera among Yakṣas and Rākṣasas, fire among Vasus, and Meru among mountains.
- Śiva is foremost among eleven Rudras and is the Supreme Lord’s incarnation in charge of the mode of ignorance. Kuvera, the demigods’ treasurer, represents the Supreme Lord.
- Meru is a mountain famous for its rich natural resources.
BG 10.24Hints of Kṛṣṇa’s Greatness
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says He is Bṛhaspati among priests, Kārttikeya among generals, and the ocean among bodies of water.
- Prabhupāda explains that Bṛhaspati is Indra’s priest and chief of priests; Kārttikeya is chief of military commanders.
- Remember that these great examples give only hints of Kṛṣṇa’s greatness.
BG 10.25Representations of Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says He is Bhṛgu among great sages, oṁ among vibrations, chanting the holy names among sacrifices, and the Himālayas among immovable things.
- Prabhupāda explains that chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa is the simplest and purest sacrifice. It involves no violence and is the purest representation of Kṛṣṇa among sacrifices.
- Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa as a simple, pure sacrifice.
BG 10.26Kṛṣṇa’s Representatives
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says He is the banyan among trees, Nārada among demigod sages, Citraratha among Gandharvas, and Kapila among perfected beings.
- Prabhupāda explains that Nārada is the greatest devotee in the universe and represents Kṛṣṇa as a devotee.
- Kapila, the son of Devahūti, is an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa. He is different from the later Kapila, whose philosophy was atheistic.
BG 10.27Representatives of Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa identifies Himself as Uccaiḥśravā among horses, Airāvata among lordly elephants, and the monarch among people.
- Prabhupāda explains that Uccaiḥśravā and Airāvata came from nectar during the ocean’s churning, making them special representatives of Kṛṣṇa.
- Righteous kings represent Kṛṣṇa by maintaining their kingdoms and caring for their citizens, just as Kṛṣṇa maintains the universe.
BG 10.28Kṛṣṇa’s Special Representatives
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the thunderbolt among weapons, surabhi among cows, Kandarpa among causes of having children, and Vāsuki among serpents.
- The thunderbolt shows Kṛṣṇa’s power. In His spiritual home, Kṛṣṇaloka, He herds surabhi cows, which give unlimited milk at any time.
- Kandarpa means sex desire for having good children and represents Kṛṣṇa. Sex only for sense pleasure does not represent Him.
BG 10.29Kṛṣṇa’s Representatives
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says He is Ananta among many-hooded Nāgas, Varuṇa among aquatics, Aryamā among departed ancestors, and Yama among those who enforce law.
- Ananta and Varuṇa are the greatest in their groups and represent Kṛṣṇa. Aryamā rules the ancestors’ planet and also represents Him.
- Yama is the chief giver of punishment. After death, very sinful people are taken to his planet, where he arranges their punishments.
BG 10.30Representatives of Kṛṣṇa
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says He is Prahlāda among Daityas, time among subduers, the lion among beasts, and Garuḍa among birds.
- Though born among atheistic Daityas, Prahlāda was devoted from childhood. His devotional service and godly nature make him Kṛṣṇa’s representative.
- Time represents Kṛṣṇa because it wears down all things in the material universe.
BG 10.31Kṛṣṇa’s Representatives
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the wind among purifiers, Rāma among weapon wielders, the shark among fishes, and the Ganges among flowing rivers.
- Prabhupāda explains that the shark is one of the biggest aquatic creatures and the most dangerous to humans.
- The shark therefore represents Kṛṣṇa.
BG 10.32Kṛṣṇa and Conclusive Truth
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the beginning, middle and end of all creation, the spiritual science of the self, and conclusive truth in debate.
- Prabhupāda explains that those who create, maintain and destroy are incarnations of the Supreme Lord’s material qualities. Spiritual knowledge, especially the Vedānta-sūtra, represents Kṛṣṇa.
- In discussion, seek conclusive truth rather than merely trying to defeat others. This truth represents Kṛṣṇa.
BG 10.33Sound, Time, and Creation
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the letter A, the dual compound, inexhaustible time, and Brahmā among creators.
- Prabhupāda explains that A begins sound and Vedic literature, while time ultimately destroys everything.
- Brahmā is the chief creator among living beings and represents the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa.
BG 10.34Kṛṣṇa’s Powers and Qualities
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is all-devouring death and the source of all future beings. Among women, He is fame, fortune, fine speech, memory, intelligence, steadfastness and patience.
- Prabhupāda explains that death works at every moment. Both death and birth, the beginning of future activities, are Kṛṣṇa.
- Use intelligence to understand and apply what you study. Practice patience by staying humble, gentle and balanced in sorrow and joy.
BG 10.35The Lord’s Special Representations
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is Bṛhat-sāma among Sāma Veda hymns, Gāyatrī among poetry, Mārgaśīrṣa (November–December) among months, and flower-bearing spring among seasons.
- Prabhupāda explains that Gāyatrī represents the Supreme Lord because it is meant for God realization. Chanting it requires spiritual qualifications.
- Spring represents Kṛṣṇa as the most joyful season, with pleasant weather, blossoming flowers and trees, and ceremonies remembering His pastimes.
BG 10.36Kṛṣṇa’s Greatness Is All-Sided
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the gambling of cheats, splendor, victory, adventure, and the strength of the strong.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa’s greatness is all-sided: no one can surpass Him, even in deceit.
- When you see splendor, victory, or strength, remember Kṛṣṇa’s greatness.
BG 10.37Kṛṣṇa and His Representatives
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa says He is Vāsudeva among Vṛṣṇi’s descendants, Arjuna among the Pāṇḍavas, Vyāsa among sages, and Uśanā among great thinkers.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa is the original Supreme Personality of Godhead. Here, Vāsudeva refers to Baladeva, Kṛṣṇa’s immediate expansion.
- Vyāsa explained Vedic knowledge in many ways so ordinary people could understand it. He is also an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa.
BG 10.38Kṛṣṇa’s Forms of Wisdom
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is punishment that restrains lawlessness, morality for victory, silence among secrets, and wisdom among the wise.
- Prabhupāda explains that wisdom distinguishes matter from spirit—God’s inferior and superior natures. This knowledge is Kṛṣṇa Himself.
- Use silence in hearing, thinking, and meditating; the purport says silence helps one progress very quickly.
BG 10.39Kṛṣṇa, the Seed of Everything
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa is the source of all beings. Nothing moving or nonmoving can exist without Him.
- Prabhupāda explains that everything depends on Kṛṣṇa’s energy; therefore, He is all-powerful.
- Existence not founded on Kṛṣṇa’s energy is called māyā, meaning “that which is not.”
BG 10.40Unlimited Divine Greatness
Study this verse- The Supreme's divine manifestations have no end; those described are only a small indication.
- Prabhupāda explains that a few examples are given to satisfy Arjuna's curiosity.
- Remember that these examples cannot fully describe the Supreme's unlimited greatness and energies.
BG 10.41A Spark of Kṛṣṇa’s Splendor
Study this verse- All rich, beautiful, and glorious creations come from just a spark of Kṛṣṇa’s splendor.
- Prabhupāda explains that beauty and glory in both the spiritual and material worlds show only a fragment of Kṛṣṇa’s opulence.
- When you see extraordinary beauty or richness, recognize it as a sign of Kṛṣṇa’s opulence.
BG 10.42Kṛṣṇa Supports the Entire Universe
Study this verse- Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna that with a single fragment of Himself, He pervades and supports the entire universe.
- Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa sustains all beings as the Supersoul within them. No one, including the demigods, is equal to or greater than Him.
- Study Kṛṣṇa’s greatness to understand His supreme position and keep your mind fixed on worshiping and serving Him.
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Stories
The Mahābhārata background, and stories Prabhupāda tells in his purports. Tap one to read it.