Chapter 11 Verse 31

Tell me, who you are, so fierce of form. I offer my salutations to you, O God Supreme; have mercy on me. I desire to know you, the original Being. I do not indeed know your workings.

Core Meaning

Arjuna stands before a terrifying, cosmic form and admits he cannot understand it. He bows, asks for mercy, and expresses a sincere wish to know the primeval Being behind that power. This shows humility in the face of the divine and a desire to learn rather than to judge.

Philosophically, the verse teaches that ultimate reality can be both awe-inspiring and frightening, and human reason has limits. True spiritual knowing begins with surrender, reverence, and the honest admission of not knowing. From that humble place, one opens to guidance and deeper insight.

It also reminds us that the divine’s work includes both creation and destruction, order and upheaval. Trust and devotion, not only intellectual control, are needed to live in harmony with that larger reality.

Life Application

• When shocked or overwhelmed by events, pause, bow inward (mentally), and ask for guidance instead of reacting in panic.
• Keep learning and reflecting, but accept that some things are beyond immediate understanding; focus on right action rather than full explanation.
• Practice simple surrender: offer your efforts and outcomes to a higher purpose and move forward without clinging to results.

Reflection Question

What situation in my life do I need to face with humility and ask for guidance rather than trying to control everything?