Chapter 10 · 42 verses
Arjuna asks to hear more about Krishna’s divine manifestations. Krishna names exemplary forms, powers, and qualities through which the divine may be contemplated in the world. The catalogue is not merely a list; it trains the reader to recognise excellence, beauty, strength, and order as reminders of a greater source.
Central focus
Contemplation through the world’s outstanding forms and the recognition of their deeper source.
Chapter outline
- Arjuna’s request to understand divine manifestations
- The source of qualities, capacities, and states of being
- Examples of vibhūtis across the natural and cultural worlds
- How contemplation can turn attention toward the divine
- The concluding principle: all splendour arises from a fraction of divine radiance
Reading the chapter
Read this chapter in the context of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. Notice who is speaking, what question is being answered, and how each teaching develops from the preceding discussion. The chapter’s Sanskrit title is commonly rendered as Vibhuti Yoga; English titles vary across editions.
Verse study pathway
This chapter page introduces the chapter’s structure and key ideas. A complete verse-by-verse edition should present each verse with a verified Sanskrit text, IAST transliteration, a clearly credited translation, grammatical and lexical notes, and commentary that distinguishes the wording of the verse from later interpretation. Verse-level entries will be added in sequence after text and translation verification.
Questions for reflection
- How can examples of excellence become contemplative reminders?
- Why should a catalogue of manifestations not be mistaken for an exhaustive list?
- What is the difference between appreciating a quality and becoming attached to it?
Study note
This is an introductory guide, not a claim that all philosophical schools interpret every passage in the same way. Sanskrit terms are retained where an English equivalent would flatten their range of meaning. Comparative interpretations should be attributed to the specific commentators and editions consulted.