Chapter 11: Viśvarūpa-darśana-yoga: / Verse 26

The scene displays fierce developments the war is expected to fetch. Even though Arjuna came to the war-field to display his unrivalled excellence, he thought of retreating from it with fear and reluctance.

By Krishna displaying the whole event before it was to transpire, Arjuna had the rare occasion to directly witness the consequences, which were not caused by him. In fact, this is the actual purpose of Krishna revealing the Viśva-rūpa.

Viśva, the Universe, has its own existence. It does not depend upon an Arjuna here or another there. In that the Kurukshetra scene has its place. Arjuna must feel convinced about it, fostering a detached view about the whole war. To seek is the seeker’s role. To fulfil it aptly is the choice of the Teacher in front.

Arjuna finds chieftains of his own army also rushing into the gaping mouth of destruction, to meet the same outcome as the enemies in front!

What is then the meaning and relevance of goodness and nobility, when ranged against their opposites? What, above both, decides and instruments their destined outcome? Can the finale for dharma and adharma be alike?

Arjuna has enough to think beyond his feelings and emotions. Far from a mere indulgence, Viśva-rūpa has great relevance and message for a seeker!