श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.८ — न तु मां शक्यसे द्रष्टुम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ११.८ — न तु मां शक्यसे द्रष्टुम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
न
na
not
तु
tu
but
माम्
mām
me
शक्यसे
śhakyase
you are able
द्रष्टुम्
draṣhṭum
to see; to behold
अनेन एव
anena eva
with these very
स्वचक्षुषा
sva-chakṣhuṣhā
with your own (physical) eyes
दिव्यम्
divyam
divine
ददामि
dadāmi
I give
ते
te
to you
चक्षुः
chakṣhuḥ
eye; vision
पश्य
paśhya
behold; see
मे
me
my
योगम् ऐश्वरम्
yogam aiśhwaram
majestic divine power and opulence (of yoga)
Complete Translation
परन्तु तुम अपने इन (प्राकृत) नेत्रों के द्वारा मुझे देखने में समर्थ नहीं हो; इसलिए मैं तुम्हें दिव्यचक्षु देता हूँ, जिससे तुम मेरे ईश्वरीय योग (सामर्थ्य) को देखो।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 8
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eleventh chapter, Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga, Arjuna asks to see Krishna's universal form. Krishna agrees, but explains that human eyes cannot perceive such a vision. He therefore grants Arjuna a divine eye, after which Sanjaya — narrating to Dhritarashtra — describes the overwhelming revelation of the cosmic form that follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Krishna give Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita 11.8?▼
Krishna gives Arjuna a 'divine eye' (divya chakshu), a special spiritual vision, because the universal cosmic form cannot be perceived by ordinary physical eyes. With this divine sight, Arjuna is able to behold Krishna's infinite majesty.
Why can't the cosmic form be seen with physical eyes?▼
The Vishvarupa, or universal form, is transcendental and infinite, beyond the limits of material perception. Just as a small lamp cannot reveal the whole sky, ordinary eyes cannot grasp the boundless form of God; only divinely granted vision can.
What is 'yogam aishwaram' in this verse?▼
'Yogam aishwaram' refers to Krishna's majestic, sovereign power of yoga — His divine, lordly opulence and the mysterious power by which the entire universe is contained within Him. Arjuna is invited to behold this supreme power.
What is the spiritual lesson of this verse?▼
It teaches that true vision of the Divine is a gift of grace. The seeker may purify the heart through devotion, but the higher 'divine eye' of realization is ultimately bestowed by the Lord, reminding us to remain humble and surrendered.
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