Introduction
In the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Gita, Shree Krishna reveals His infinite divine powers—known as vibhutis—to help devotees cultivate unwavering faith and devotion. Among these verses, BG 10.7 stands out as a key teaching on how understanding God’s glories leads to unshakeable love and spiritual connection. Swami Mukundananda, in his discourse on this verse, emphasizes the transformative power of divine knowledge in strengthening our faith.
Faith is the foundation of spirituality, but this faith often wavers when we lack true knowledge of God’s greatness. The more we understand His divine attributes, his infinite knowledge, beauty, strength, and compassion, the stronger our devotion becomes. In this blog, we will explore BG 10.7 in detail, incorporating vivid examples and insightful analogies that illustrate how awareness of Shree Krishna’s vibhutis naturally deepens devotion. We’ll see how knowledge leads to faith, and faith leads to love, unveiling a path that anyone can follow to experience divine bliss.
Verse BG 10.7: The Power of Knowing God’s Glories
The verse is as follows:
etāṁ vibhūtim yogaṁ cha mama yo vetti tattvataḥ
so vikampena yogena yujyate nātra sañśhayaḥ
Translation:
“Then, those who know in truth My glories and divine powers become united with Me through unwavering Bhakti-yog. Of this, there is no doubt.”
In this verse, Shree Krishna declares that by truly understanding His divine powers and opulences (vibhutis), devotees develop an unshakable connection with Him. The word vibhuti refers to God’s glory and opulence, and yog signifies the union of the soul with the Divine. Together, Vibhuti Yog means using the knowledge of Shree Krishna’s limitless attributes to strengthen one’s bond with Him.
Who is Bhagavan? Understanding God’s Infinite Vibhutis
To comprehend the significance of Shree Krishna’s vibhutis, it is essential to understand the definition of Bhagavan—the Supreme God. According to Parashar Rishi in the Devi Bhagavad Puran, Bhagavan is the one who possesses six infinite qualities:
Aiśvaryasya samagrasya
Dharmasya yaśasaḥ sriyaḥ
jñāna-vairagyayoś cāpi
ṣaṇṇāṃ bhaga itīṅganā (Devi Bhagavad Puran)
- Infinite Knowledge (Jñāna): The omniscient nature of God, who knows everything from the past, present, and future.
- Infinite Fame (Yash): His glory and reputation are celebrated in all realms.
- Infinite Wealth (Aisvarya): As the creator and sustainer of the universe, all wealth belongs to Him.
- Infinite Strength (Bala): God’s power is beyond all limits and can achieve anything instantly.
- Infinite Beauty (Shriya): His form and presence are infinitely captivating and divine.
- Infinite Detachment (Vairagya): Despite possessing everything, God remains unattached and free from desires.
While these six attributes summarize God’s greatness, Ved Vyas in the Bhagavatam clarifies that God’s vibhutis are truly infinite. Attempting to count or comprehend them all would be as naive as a child trying to measure the sky with his hands. Yet, Shree Krishna reveals a few of these divine qualities to Arjun, not to boast, but to nurture his & our devotion. This knowledge serves as a catalyst, helping Arjun and all devotees deepen their faith and love for God.
The Link Between Knowledge, Faith, and Love
Swamiji emphasizes that devotion is cultivated through knowledge. Without understanding God’s greatness, it’s impossible to develop genuine faith, and without faith, true love cannot arise. This sequence, Gyan (knowledge) → Shraddha (faith) → Prem (love)—is illustrated through relatable examples that make this spiritual principle easy to grasp.
The Ring of Increasing Value
Imagine finding a ring on the street, assuming it’s artificial and worth only $50. You casually keep it in your pocket. Later, a goldsmith reveals it’s real gold, worth $500. Instantly, your appreciation for the ring grows. When a jeweller from New York examines the diamond and declares it’s worth $500,000, your love and attachment for the ring skyrocket.
Did you have to chant “half a million dollar ring” repeatedly to develop this attachment? No. Simply gaining the correct knowledge about its value naturally intensified your love. Similarly, when we understand Shree Krishna’s infinite greatness, our faith and love for Him naturally expand. No extra rituals are needed—just true knowledge leads to profound devotion.
This example shows that love is directly proportional to knowledge. The more you know about the object of your affection, the more your love grows. Just as the knowledge of the ring's value increased the person’s attachment, knowing Shree Krishna’s infinite qualities naturally enhances our love for Him.
The Paras Stone (Philosopher’s Stone)
An officer’s servant, Ramu, once fed a hungry sadhu who, in gratitude, gifted him a Paras, a mythical stone that turns iron into gold. Unaware of its value, Ramu offered it to his master as a decorative item. The officer, stressed from work, dismissed it as a worthless stone and angrily threw it against a door latch made of iron. To his astonishment, the latch turned into gold. Testing it further on a key and a spoon, both transformed into gold.
Realizing the stone’s miraculous power, the officer’s love and attachment for the Paras grew instantly. Did he need to perform fasting or pilgrimage to develop this love? No. Simply recognizing the stone’s true value transformed his feelings. Likewise, when we gain knowledge of Shree Krishna’s divine powers, our faith becomes unwavering, and our love deepens naturally.
This analogy illustrates the sequence of spiritual growth: from gaining knowledge (Gyan) to developing faith (Shraddha) and ultimately experiencing divine love (Prem). The officer did not need any external motivation to cherish the Paras stone—his love grew spontaneously through knowledge. Similarly, understanding Shree Krishna’s vibhutis naturally leads to unwavering devotion.
The Power of Faith: Believing in God's Infinite Presence
The Kathopanishad states that the moment we truly believe in God’s presence, we attain God-realization. Everyone knows the definition of God, he is omnipresent, omniscient, and the source of all bliss. Yet, few truly believe it. If we genuinely internalized this knowledge, our faith would become unshakable, leading directly to divine love.
Faith is often tested in challenging times. When faced with difficulties, doubts may arise: “Does God really care about me? Why am I suffering if God is all-powerful?” Such doubts arise because our knowledge of God’s infinite compassion and wisdom is incomplete. Just as understanding the true value of the ring or the Paras stone eliminates doubt, knowing Shree Krishna’s divine attributes removes all uncertainty, strengthening our faith even in adversity.
The Phrase “Ram’s Name is True”
In North India, when a person dies, their body is carried to the cremation ground with people chanting, “Ram naam satya hai” meaning “Ram’s name is true.” But imagine a scenario where a supposedly dead child miraculously comes back to life during the procession. The father, overjoyed, says, “No need to continue chanting. Let’s go home!”
Someone suggests continuing the chant as they return home, but the father refuses, saying, “Don’t say that phrase—it’s only for the dead.” This reveals the limited belief people have in God’s name. They associate it with death rather than eternal truth.
Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj humorously points out this contradiction in his Doha:
“When people go to the cremation ground, they say Ram is true. When they return, they say the world is true. This is not real knowledge—it’s ignorance.”
True knowledge means believing in God’s presence at all times, not just during life’s final moments. If we genuinely understood and believed in God’s infinite power, our devotion would become unwavering, leading us to eternal love and bliss.
This example illustrates the difference between intellectual knowledge and heartfelt belief. Many people know that God is omnipresent, yet their actions reveal a lack of true faith. By deepening our understanding of Shree Krishna’s vibhutis, we move from superficial knowledge to unshakeable belief, allowing us to experience His divine presence in every moment.
Why Faith Falters: The Need for True Knowledge
Many well-intentioned devotees struggle because their faith is not deeply rooted in true knowledge. Without understanding Shree Krishna’s divine attributes, their devotion wavers in the face of life’s challenges. This is why Shree Krishna, in BG 10.7, promises to reveal His vibhutis—to help Arjun (and all of us) develop unshakeable faith and love.
Faith built on rituals or external practices alone can be fragile. For example, someone may regularly chant God’s name, but if they do not truly understand God’s infinite power, their faith may falter when faced with difficulties. However, when faith is rooted in knowledge, when we truly know that Shree Krishna is the all-powerful, all-loving protector, no obstacle can shake our devotion.
Applying Vibhuti Yog in Daily Life
- Recognize God’s Presence Everywhere:
Just as the officer’s love for the Paras stone grew once he recognized its value, our devotion deepens when we see Shree Krishna’s presence in everything, the beauty of nature, the strength of our relationships, and the wisdom within us. - Transform Knowledge into Faith:
Merely knowing about Shree Krishna’s greatness is not enough. We must believe it wholeheartedly. As the Kathopanishad teaches, true belief leads directly to God-realization. - Let Faith Blossom into Love:
With unwavering faith comes unconditional love. This love is not dependent on circumstances it remains steady through life’s ups and downs, bringing peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. - Strengthen Your Faith Through Study and Reflection:
Regularly reading the Bhagavad Gita and reflecting on Shree Krishna’s teachings deepens our understanding of His divine nature. Meditation and contemplation help internalize this knowledge, transforming intellectual understanding into heartfelt belief. - Practice Bhakti-Yog With Confidence:
Knowing that Shree Krishna’s divine powers are infinite, approach your spiritual practices with confidence. Chant His name, offer your prayers, and serve others with the firm conviction that Shree Krishna is always present, guiding and protecting you.
Conclusion: The Path to Unwavering Bhakti-Yog
Bhagavad Gita reveals a powerful truth about Shree Krishna’s divine powers. As illustrated through the examples of the valuable ring, the Paras stone, and the phrase “Ram’s name is true,” knowledge leads to faith, and faith leads to love. This sequence is the key to spiritual transformation, no complex rituals are required, just a sincere understanding of God’s infinite greatness.
Shree Krishna’s promise to Arjun is also a promise to all of us, by knowing His vibhutis, we can cultivate a love so deep that nothing can shake it. This love is the essence of bhakti-yog, the union of the soul with God through pure, selfless devotion. As we grow in knowledge, our faith strengthens, and our hearts overflow with divine love, leading us to the ultimate goal of life, eternal union with Shree Krishna.
Call to Action: Deepen Your Faith Today
Take the first step toward unwavering devotion by learning more about Shree Krishna’s divine vibhutis. Reflect on His infinite knowledge, strength, beauty, and compassion, and let this understanding nurture your faith. As your faith grows stronger, you’ll experience the boundless love and bliss that come from a deep connection with God.
Start today, explore the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, meditate on Shree Krishna’s glories, and witness the transformative power of true knowledge in your spiritual journey.
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