
13
CHAPTER
VERSE
16
बहिरन्तश्च भूतानामचरं चरमेव च |
सूक्ष्मत्वात्तदविज्ञेयं दूरस्थं चान्तिके च तत् || 13.16 ||
Bahiraṇtaḥ ca bhūtānām acaraṁ caram eva ca |
Sūkṣmatvāt tad avijñeyam dūrasthaṁ cāntike ca tat ||
Both within and without all beings, the unmoving and also the moving, because of Its subtlety, inconceivable; far away and yet near, is That.
Lesson:
He clarifies the omnipresence and transcendental nature of the Supreme Being. He describes the divine essence as pervading both the external and internal realms, encompassing all living beings, whether stationary or mobile. Krishna emphasizes that due to its subtlety, the true nature of the Supreme Being is inconceivable to the human intellect.
Krishna's words emphasize the all-encompassing nature of the divine presence. He transcends the duality of inner and outer, stationary and mobile, illustrating that the Supreme Being permeates every aspect of existence. This assertion underscores the fundamental unity underlying the diversity of creation, emphasizing that the divine is not confined to any specific location or form.
Moreover, Krishna states that due to its subtlety (sūkṣmatvāt), the true essence of the Supreme Being is beyond human comprehension (avijñeyam). This highlights the limitations of the human intellect in grasping the transcendental reality of the divine. Despite its incomprehensibility, the Supreme Being is ever-present, existing both far away and yet near to all beings.
The phrase "dūrasthaṁ cāntike ca tat" signifies the paradoxical nature of the divine. It is simultaneously distant and close, transcendent and immanent. This concept challenges conventional notions of spatial and temporal existence, inviting seekers to contemplate the infinite and boundless nature of the Supreme Being.
Krishna's teachings in this verse invite seekers to transcend the limitations of perception and conceptual understanding. By recognizing the omnipresence and inconceivable nature of the divine, one can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe towards the ultimate reality. It encourages seekers to go beyond the confines of dualistic thinking and embrace the profound mystery of existence.
In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into the nature of the Supreme Being. It emphasizes the omnipresence, subtlety, and incomprehensibility of the divine essence, transcending human notions of space and time. Through contemplation and devotion, seekers can strive to perceive the divine presence both within and without, recognizing its eternal presence and immeasurable glory.