Chapter 11 Verse 37 | Krishnaverse

Word Meanings

kasmāt	why
cha	and
te	you
na nameran	should they not bow down
mahā-ātman	The Great one
garīyase	who are greater
brahmaṇaḥ	than Brahma
api	even
ādi-kartre	to the original creator
ananta	The limitless One
deva-īśha	Lord of the devatās
jagat-nivāsa	Refuge of the universe
tvam	you
akṣharam	the imperishable
sat-asat	manifest and non-manifest
tat	that
param	beyond
yat	which

Translation

And why should they not, O great Soul, bow to Thee Who art greater than all else, the primal cause even of the Creator (Brahma), O Infinite Being, O Lord of the gods, O Abode of the universe; Thou art the imperishable, the Being, the non-being, and That which is supreme—that which is beyond the Being and the non-being.

Philosophical Significance

Core Meaning

This verse declares that the great Soul (the Lord) is worthy of deep respect because He is the original cause of everything—even above the creator Brahma. He is the infinite home of the world and the ruler of the gods.

He is described as imperishable and as both manifest and unmanifest. In other words, the Divine is present in all forms we see and also beyond all forms and categories of being and non-being.

Philosophically, the verse points to one reality that both fills the universe and stands beyond it. The right response to this truth is humility, awe, and surrender, not pride or narrow self-importance.

Life Application

When you feel proud or small, pause and remember you are part of a larger reality; this helps reduce ego and bring calm.
Treat people and nature with respect, seeing them as expressions of the same source rather than objects to use.
In stress or doubt, spend a few quiet breaths or a short prayer to connect with the sense of something steady and timeless within.

Reflection Question

How can I recognize and honor the presence greater than my small self in my daily life today?