आहुस्त्वामृषयः सर्वे देवर्षिर्नारदस्तथा। असितो देवलो व्यासः स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे।।10.13।।
āhuḥ tvā mṛṣayaḥ sarve devarṣir nāradaḥ sthatha; asito devalo vyasāḥ svayaṁ caiva bravīṣi me
Translation
All the sages together, as well as the divine sage Narada, Asita, Devala, Vyasa, and even I myself declare to you, O Arjuna, that you are the Supreme.
Word Meanings
आहु: — proclaim; त्वम् — you; ऋषयः — sages; सर्वे — all; देवर्षिः — divine sages; नारदः — Narada; तथा — likewise; असितः — Asita; देवलः — Devala; व्यासः — Vyasa; स्वयं — self; चैव — also; ब्रवीषि — say; मे — to me
Understanding the Verse
In this verse of Chapter 10, Lord Krishna enumerates the testimonies of the most revered rishis and sages, establishing the universal acceptance of his divine nature. The statement begins with “āhuḥ tvā mṛṣayaḥ sarve,” meaning ‘all the seers proclaim to you.’ This underscores that the recognition of the Supreme is not confined to a single tradition or a solitary authority; it is a consensus among the learned and enlightened.
Krishna then specifically names some of the most eminent personalities of Vedic tradition: Narada, the celestial messenger known for his devotion and his role as a conduit of divine wisdom; Asita, the sage who, according to legend, recognized the extraordinary nature of the infant Krishna; Devala, a rishi associated with the Devalas and the custodians of Vedic fire; and Vyasa, the great compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata itself. By invoking these figures, Krishna demonstrates that even those who have shaped the spiritual canon affirm his supreme identity.
The inclusion of “svayaṁ caiva” – ‘and also I myself’ – adds a profound layer: the Divine not only receives validation from the exalted but also directly confirms it. This self‑assertion eliminates any doubt about the source of authority; it is the Lord who is both the object of veneration and the ultimate speaker of truth. The verse thereby weaves a tapestry of external testimony and internal proclamation, leaving no room for ambiguity about the ultimate reality that Krishna embodies.
From a philosophical standpoint, this verse illustrates the concept of "paropakāra"—the principle that all knowledge ultimately points toward the same Supreme Truth. The rishis, though diverse in their lineages and teachings, converge on the same conclusion: the Supreme Brahman manifests as Krishna. This unity amidst diversity exemplifies the inclusive nature of Vedanta, where multiple paths and perspectives are harmonized within a single, all‑encompassing reality.
For the seeker, the verse serves as both inspiration and instruction. It encourages an attitude of humility, recognizing that wisdom can be received from teachers, scriptures, and personal experience alike. At the same time, it invites an inner inquiry: if the divine is acknowledged by the greatest of sages, what is the barrier that prevents one’s own direct realization? By reflecting on this verse, aspirants are urged to harmonize outward reverence with inward realization, thereby moving closer to the ultimate state of self‑knowledge and liberation.
