Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Verse 38 Meaning

You are the primal God, the ancient Purusha, the supreme refuge of this universe, the knower, the knowable, and the supreme Abode. Through You, the universe is pervaded, O Being of infinite forms.

BG 11.38

त्वमादिदेवः पुरुषः पुराण स्त्वमस्य विश्वस्य परं निधानम्। वेत्तासि वेद्यं च परं च धाम त्वया ततं विश्वमनन्तरूप

tvam ādi-devaḥ puruṣhaḥ purāṇas tvam asya viśhvasya paraṁ nidhānam vettāsi vedyaṁ cha paraṁ cha dhāma tvayā tataṁ viśhvam ananta-rūpa

Meaning

You are the primal God, the ancient Purusha, the supreme refuge of this universe, the knower, the knowable, and the supreme Abode. Through You, the universe is pervaded, O Being of infinite forms.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: You are the primal God, the ancient Purusha, the supreme refuge of this universe, the knower, the knowable, and the supreme Abode.

In The Yoga of the Universal Form (Visvarupa Darsana Yoga), Krishna explains Arjuna receives divine vision to see Krishna's cosmic universal form.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

Arjuna receives divine vision to see Krishna's cosmic universal form.

Key themes in this chapter include Universal form, Divine vision, Awe.

When to Apply This Verse

  • •When you need steadiness while dealing with universal form
  • •When practicing divine vision amid uncertainty
  • •When applying awe to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 11.38?
You are the primal God, the ancient Purusha, the supreme refuge of this universe, the knower, the knowable, and the supreme Abode. This verse emphasizes universal form with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 11.38 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on divine vision and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 11.32

The Blessed Lord said, "I am the full-grown, world-destroying Time, now engaged in destroying the worlds. Even without you, none of the warriors arrayed in the hostile armies will live."

BG 11.33

Therefore, stand up and obtain fame. Conquer the enemies and enjoy the unparalleled kingdom. Verily, by Me they have already been slain; be thou a mere instrument, O Arjuna.

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"

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← Back to Chapter 11: The Yoga of the Universal Form

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