Chapter 11: Viśvarūpa-darśana-yoga: / Verse 6

In reckoning the intriguing order of creation leading up to the present world, our thinkers experienced, like the hosts of sensory objects, various levels, regions and denizens. All these gained indelible imprint in the thoughts, imaginations and culture of our people, instilling abundant interest, hope and confidence.

To begin with, there was neither space nor objects nor time; “neither existence was nor non-existence”, as the ancient Rigveda sings (10.129) (nāsad-āsīt no sad-āsīt tadānīm). Many stages and orders followed, before the sun, moon and stars began to hover in space. In beings also, denizens of the earth are a succession to a host of others. Krishna wants Arjuna to have a glimpse of all these, so as to imbibe greater strength to sustain the onslaught in front. Aditya, Marut, etc. he already mentioned (10.21); Krishna adds Vasus and Ashvins. Instilling expansion in Arjuna, Krishna says, “See these and many other wonders,” making Arjuna sufficiently receptive.