FolioCorpusBhagavad-gītā

Bhagavad-gītā 10.1

శ్రీభగవానువాచ భూయ ఏవ మహాబాహో శ‍ృణు మే పరమం వచ: । యత్తేఽహం ప్రీయమాణాయ వక్ష్యామి హితకామ్యయా ॥ ౧ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
[shree-bhagavaan uvaacha]
bhūya eva mahā-bāho
[bhooya eva mahaa-baaho]
śṛṇu me paramaṁ vacaḥ
[shrinu me paramam vachah]
yat te ’haṁ prīyamāṇāya
[yat te ’ham preeyamaanaaya]
vakṣyāmi hita-kāmyayā
[vakshyaami hita-kaamyayaa]
śrī - bhagavān uvāca — the Supreme Personality of Godhead said bhūyaḥ — again eva — certainly mahā - bāho — O mighty-armed śṛṇu — just hear me — My paramam — supreme vacaḥ — instruction yat — that which te — to you aham — I prīyamāṇāya — thinking you dear to Me vakṣyāmi — say hita - kāmyayā — for your benefit .
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śrī-bhagavān uvāca
śrī - bhagavān uvāca
the Supreme Personality of Godhead said
bhūyaḥ
again
bhūya eva mahā-bāho
eva
certainly
mahā - bāho
O mighty-armed
śṛṇu me paramaṁ vacaḥ
śṛṇu
just hear
me
My
paramam
supreme
vacaḥ
instruction
yat te ’haṁ prīyamāṇāya
yat
that which
te
to you
aham
I
prīyamāṇāya
thinking you dear to Me
vakṣyāmi hita-kāmyayā
vakṣyāmi
say
hita - kāmyayā
for your benefit .
  • bhūyaḥ — again
    The opening note of the whole chapter. Kṛṣṇa has already spoken nine chapters; 'again' is not redundancy but mercy. The Gītā's central truths must be heard repeatedly because the conditioned ear is leaky.
  • paramam — supreme
    What follows is not one more topic among many. 'Paramam vacaḥ' — 'the supreme word' — flags that chapters 10 and 11 carry the highest knowledge yet given: the Person behind every excellence.
  • prīyamāṇāya — thinking you dear to Me
    A present participle, dative case. The reason for the speech is not Arjuna's qualification but Kṛṣṇa's affection. Confidential teaching flows from love, not from merit-checking.
  • hita - kāmyayā — for your benefit
    Compound: hita (welfare) + kāmyayā (with desire for). Kṛṣṇa is not displaying knowledge; He is doing welfare-work on a friend. Every word is for Arjuna's good, not for Kṛṣṇa's pleasure of speaking.
  • mahā - bāho — O mighty-armed
    Vocative. The address is not flattery — it reminds the warrior that this transcendent knowledge is being given to one who must still fight a war. Vibhūti-yoga is for actors in the world, not for renunciates in caves.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Listen again, O mighty-armed Arjuna. Because you are My dear friend, for your benefit I shall speak to you further, giving knowledge that is better than what I have already explained.

The word bhagavān is explained thus by Parāśara Muni: one who is full in six opulences, who has full strength, full fame, wealth, knowledge, beauty and renunciation, is Bhagavān, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead. While Kṛṣṇa was present on this earth, He displayed all six opulences. Therefore great sages like Parāśara Muni have all accepted Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Now Kṛṣṇa is instructing Arjuna in more confidential knowledge of His opulences and His work. Previously, beginning with the Seventh Chapter, the Lord has already explained His different energies and how they are acting. Now in this chapter He explains His specific opulences to Arjuna. In the previous chapter He has clearly explained His different energies to establish devotion in firm conviction. Again in this chapter He tells Arjuna about His manifestations and various opulences. The more one hears about the Supreme God, the more one becomes fixed in devotional service. One should always hear about the Lord in the association of devotees; that will enhance one’s devotional service. Discourses in the society of devotees can take place only among those who are really anxious to be in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Others cannot take part in such discourses. The Lord clearly tells Arjuna that because Arjuna is very dear to Him, for his benefit such discourses are taking place.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
1. The Lord said: Again, O Mighty-armed one, hear My supreme teachings, which I will speak to you, who are qualified with prema, because I desire to give you benefit.
Commentary

Starting from the seventh chapter, after revealing His powers, Kṛṣṇa spoke of bhakti. Now in the tenth chapter, He speaks of the confidential elements of bhakti along with a description of His vibhūtis. By knowing the powers of the Lord, one understands that the Lord is worthy of worship. These powers have been described starting from the seventh chapter. Now the Lord will explain the powers in detail for the pleasure of those who have devotion. According to the rule that the ṛṣis speak indirectly and the Lord is fond of such indirect statements, and thus, because this knowledge is somewhat difficult to comprehend, the Lord speaks again (bhūyaḥ). parokṣa-vādā ṛṣayaḥ parokṣaṁ ca mama priyam The Vedic seers and mantras deal in esoteric terms, and I also am pleased by such confidential descriptions. SB 11.21.35 “Again (bhūyaḥ), hear My words.” This means, “Again I will speak about the king of knowledge, the king of secrets.” “O Mighty-armed one, you display your supreme power of your arms. This power is greater than that of all others. In the same way, you should display the supreme power of your intelligence in this topic. Listen to the words I speak.” This implies that Arjuna should limit his attention to what is spoken, though he is already listening. “These words are even superior to what I have spoken previously (paramaṁ vacaḥ). I speak these words to you, in order to cause you astonishment.” Use of the dative case (te) with a verb (vakṣyāmi) indicates a suppressed infinitive of purpose, by the rule kriyārthopapadasya ca. (Aṣṭādhyāyī, Pāṇini 2.3.14) [Note: Use of te (dative case) with the verb vakṣyāmi indicates there is a hidden infinite which should be understood. Thus, aham te vakṣyāmi, instead of simply meaning “I speak to you” means “I speak to you in order to amaze you, impress you, please you etc.”] The reason for speaking to Arjuna is then given: “I will speak to you because you are filled with prema (priyamāṇāya).”

Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa Gauḍīya
Translation
1. The Lord said: Again, O Mighty-armed one, hear My supreme teachings, which I will speak in order to astonish you, desiring to give you benefit.
Commentary

The Lord’s aiśvarya, a cause of bhakti, which was discussed in the seventh, eighth and ninth chapters, is further supported in the tenth chapter with a description of the Lord’s vibhūtis. In the previous several chapters bhakti has been described along with intermittent descriptions of the Lord’s powers. Now in this chapter, in order to manifest and increase that bhakti, the Lord will describe in detail His extraordinary vibhūtis which were previously briefly discussed. [Note: These were discussed in chapter 7.8-12 and chapter 9.16-19.] “O Mighty-armed Arjuna! Again (bhūya) hear My auspicious (paramam) words.” Kṛṣṇa commands Arjuna, who is already hearing, to listen, in order to make him alert to what will be taught. “With a desire for benefiting you, I will speak to you words concerning My transcendental powers or vibhūtis.” Dative case (te—to you) is used according to the rule kriyārthopapadasya karmaṇi sthāninaḥ (Pāṇini 2.3.14) to denote the object of a missing verb element. Thus the actual meaning is “I will speak knowledge to astonish you, who are already knowledgeable, who will take pleasure in My words (prīyamānāya) as if drinking nectar. I will speak with a desire for your welfare in the form of producing and increasing your devotion for Me (hita kāmyayā).”

Bhūrijana Dāsa Gauḍīya
Translation
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Listen again, O mighty‑armed Arjuna. Because you are My dear friend, for your benefit I shall speak to you further, giving knowledge that is better than what I have already explained. (com) When Krsna was speaking 9th chapter, especially by the end, He was opening His heart and speaking confidential knowledge. Arjuna was so happy to hear, so Krsna was eager to speak more without His devotee asking. Visvanath Lord Krsna has spoken about devotional service beginning in 7th Chapter by speaking about His opulences which is useful for devotional service. He says bhuyah. I will speak more again and He will speak raja vidya again. *** He has indirectly mentioned that He will again speak it by saying "bhuyah". "Mahabaho," you have performed many great activities with long arms now I expect you to show strength of intelligence. "Hear this again," Why? Arjuna was already hearing so Krsna wanted him to be attentive. Superior to what has been spoken, and it will surprise you. He'll explain energies, qualities, aisvarya, vibhutis in this chapter. Krsna has been explaining about His opulences, about devotional service, and same, in more detail will be explained here. Previously Krsna has explained His aisvarya and devotional service and now He'll explain in great details and opulences which increases or gives devotion. "Again here it" asking him to become more attentive, I will explain My wonderful opulences for Your benefit. Although you know already, you'll still become surprised. I'm desiring auspiciousness for you because you are priyamanaya and this will increase your devotion "hit‑kam/yoga". You are hearing like nectar so I'll make you drink more nectar.
Commentary

Krsna is going to describe a knowledge that is even better than the 'Most Confidential Knowledge'. Actually is just a further 'push' on the previous knowledge. Srila Prabhupada says in his Purport: "Previously, beginning with the Seventh Chapter, the Lord has already explained His different energies and how they are acting. Now in this chapter He explains His specific opulences to Arjuna. In the previous chapter He has clearly explained His different energies to establish devotion in firm conviction. Again in this chapter He tells Arjuna about His manifestations and various opulences. The more one hears about the Supreme God, the more one becomes fixed in devotional service. One should always hear about the Lord in the association of devotees; that will enhance one's devotional service. Discourses in the society of devotees can take place only among those who are really anxious to be in Krsna consciousness. Others cannot take part in such discourses. The Lord clearly tells Arjuna that because Arjuna is very dear to Him, for his benefit such discourses are taking place." The reason why Krsna is going to do this is because He wants to increase the devotion that is already established. Just like if we have a friend and we like him very much and then we hear who he is: "O he is quadrillionaire, he knows everyone, he is so powerful!" , then we realize how a wonderful friend we have. The fact that he is opulent, powerful, etc, that enhances our appreciation of the loving part of our relationship with him. How fortunate we feel to have such a great personality as a personal friend. That makes us also feel that our part in that relationship is more seriously. Similarly to increase Arjuna's devotion, Krsna is going to describe His opulences. In this Section A, Krsna is going to describe something very wonderful. One who understands Krsna's unknowable position serves Him. This is contradictory by definition. If something is unknowable how can we understand it? But it is possible whe knowable person explains to us his opulences and that is ex what happens in this Chapter. First Krsna glorified the knowledge that He is going to explain and now,

Gauranga Priya Dāsa Study
Bhakti-śāstrī Notes, ISKCON Chowpatty (2009)
Theme

Kṛṣṇa has just established that devotion to Him is the goal of life, and He now discusses His opu-

lences to increase Arjuna’s devotion. How does knowing Kṛṣṇa’s opulences increase one’s devo-

tion? Imagine discovering that an intimate friend is really a famous billionaire. He is so powerful that

when he snaps his fingers, people line up in their eagerness to serve him. We then realize, “What a

wonderful friend we have!” Our understanding his opulence and power has naturally enhanced our

appreciation of him. We feel fortunate to be friends with someone so great. Similarly, when a

devotee understands Kṛṣṇa’s greatness in detail, he feels increased gratitude for his good fortune of

being able to reciprocate intimately with such a great and powerful Lord.

Kṛṣṇa’s opulence is simultaneously knowable and unknowable. Is this a contradiction? No, because

we can know the unknowable to some degree, not through our own limited abilities, but when

Kṛṣṇa reveals Himself to us. Even a fraction of knowledge about Kṛṣṇa’s otherwise unknowable po-

sition inspires us to serve Him.

Śrī Śaṅkarācārya Classical
Translation
10.1 O mighty-armed one, srnu, listen; bhuyah eva, over agiain; me, to My; paramam, supreme; vacah, utterance, which is expressive of the transcendental Reality; yat, which supreme Truth; aham, I; vaksyami, shall speak; te, to you; priyamanaya, who take delight (in it). You become greatly pleased by My utterance, like one drinking ambrosia. Hence, I shall speak to you hita-kamyaya, wishing your welfare. 'Why shall I speak?' In answer to this the Lord says:
Śrī Rāmānujācārya Classical
Translation
10.1 The Lord said Listen with rapt attention to these words which I shall utter - words which are supreme and which give you a much wider understanding of My greatness. I shall speak out to you about the rise and growth of devotion to Me, as you are pleased with listening to My greatness and as I too love you.
Śrī Abhinavagupta Classical
Translation
10.1 See Comment under 10.5
Swami Sivananda Classical
Translation
10.1 The Blessed Lord said Again, O mighty-armed Arjuna, listen to my supreme word which I will declare to thee who who art beloved, for thy welfare.
Commentary

10.1 भूयः again? एव verily? महाबाहो O mightyarmed? श्रृणु hear? मे My? परमम् supreme? वचः word? यत् which? ते to thee? अहम् I? प्रीयमाणाय who art beloved? वक्ष्यामि (I) will declare? हितकाम्यया wishing (thy) welfare.Commentary I shall repeat what I said before (in the seventh and the ninth discourses). My essential nature and My manifestations have already been pointed out. As it is very difficult to understand the divine nature? I shall describe it once more to you? although it has been described already. I shall tell you of the divine glories and point out in which forms of being I should be thought of.I will speak to you as you are delighted to hear Me. Now your heart is taking delight in Me.The Lord wants to encourage Arjuna and cheer him up and so He Himself comes forward to give instructions to Arjuna even without his reest.Paramam Vachah supreme word. Paramam means supreme? revealing the unsurpassed truth (Niratisaya Vastu which is Brahman).O Arjuna You are immensely delighted with My speech? as if you are drinking the immortalising nectar.

Swami Gambhīrānanda Classical
Translation
10.1 The Blessed Lord said O mighty-armed one, listen over again ot My supreme utterance, which I, wishing your welfare, shall speak to you who take delight (in it).
Shri Purohit Swami Classical
Translation
10.1 "Lord Shri Krishna said: Now, O Prince! Listen to My supreme advice, which I give thee for the sake of thy welfare, for thou art My beloved.
Related values
Anahankarah (Freedom from False Ego)
Related verses
Hear again My supreme word, which I speak for your benefit, dear friend — knowledge of Kṛṣṇa is repeated for those who can receive it.
Practical Applications
  • Welcome repetition as kindness, not redundancy.
  • Receive the same teaching twice with greater openness.
  • Don't dismiss familiar verses; receive them fresh.
Reflection Questions
  • What familiar verse have I stopped really hearing?
  • What would fresh hearing reveal?

A father teaches his child the same lesson many times, not because the child is dull but because love repeats. Kṛṣṇa says 'bhūyaḥ' — 'again' — and the word itself is the affection. The same nectar is poured a second time so the cup, which leaked the first, may catch a drop more.

Nārada returns to Vyāsa

After Vyāsa compiled the four Vedas, the Mahābhārata, and the Vedānta-sūtra, he sat by the Sarasvatī still uneasy. Nārada arrived and told him plainly: you have not yet spoken of the Lord's pastimes — repeat the teaching, this time with Kṛṣṇa at the center.

Out of that loving repetition came the Bhāgavatam. Vyāsa did not resent being told to say it again; he received the instruction as kindness, and the world received its sweetest scripture. Kṛṣṇa's 'bhūyaḥ' to Arjuna belongs to the same lineage of merciful repetition.

📝 My note

← Read full Chapter 10