161. Beginning, Middle and End.
I n response to Arjuna’s request to describe in detail mystic power and opulence, Krishna says, “I will now briefly describe My divine glories to you, for there is no end to their detail” (10.19). While acceding to Arjuna’s request, Krishna cautions him that there is no end to His divine glories. It is important to note that this vast existence, being infinite, cannot be fully described. Moreover, it is constantly evolving and changing with time. Referring to how the universe is balanced, Krishna earlier said that all the worlds are pervaded by Him in the unmanifested form (9.4) and the whole universe is strung on Him like gems on a string (7.7). Referring to living entities Krishna says, “I am atma (soul) in the heart of all creatures. I am their beginning, middle, and also the end” (10.20). Each one of us possesses His divinity ( atma ), though we find it difficult to identify it in ourselves as well as in others. Another indication is that this divinity (creativity) is responsib...