॥ Chapter 10, Shloka 2 ॥

न मे विदु: सुरगणा: प्रभवं न महर्षय: |
अहमादिर्हि देवानां महर्षीणां च सर्वश: || १०.२ ||

Summary Translation:

Neither the hosts of demigods nor the great sages know My origin or opulences, for, in every respect, I am the source of the demigods and sages.

Detailed Analysis:

Krishna identifies the 'Theoretic Unknowability of the Origin.' He says, 'na me viduḥ sura-gaṇāḥ prabhavaṁ na maharṣhayaḥ'—neither the hosts of gods (sura-gaṇāḥ) nor (na) the great sages (maharṣhayaḥ) know (viduḥ) My (me) origin/glory (prabhavam). 'aham ādir hi devānāṁ maharṣhīṇāṁ cha sarvaśhaḥ'—for (hi) I (aham) am the beginning (ādiḥ) of the gods (devānām) and the great sages (maharṣhīṇām) in every respect (sarvaśhaḥ). This analysis focuses on the 'Theoretic Logic of Causality.' Krishna explains that a 'Result' (the created beings) cannot fully comprehend its 'Cause' (the Creator) because the cause existed before the result. In the 'Theoretic Framework of Transcendental Origin,' even the highest intellects (Sages) and the most powerful beings (Gods) are finite compared to the Infinite Source. This detailed analysis reveals that Krishna defines 'Sarvaśhaḥ' (In every respect) as including the physical, mental, and spiritual origins of all beings. This shloka provides a ' Framework for Intellectual Humility.' It teaches that even the 'Vedas' or 'Siddhas' have limitations when it comes to defining the Absolute. Krishna is telling Arjuna that 'Since I am the source of their very existence and wisdom, they cannot look back to see My beginning, for I was there before they had eyes or minds.' This is the ' Goal of the Awe-struck Seeker,' where 'The Origin' is 'Inaccessible'.

The detailed analysis of 'Prabhavam' (Origin/Power) is the 'Theoretic Description of Divine Precedence.' In our practical lives, we try to trace things back to their roots. Krishna is stating that the 'Root' of all roots is Himself. Krishna is defining 'The Self' as the 'A-priori' (That which comes before). This shloka provides a 'Framework for the Sovereignty of the Source.' It teaches that 'Viduh' (Knowing) is a function of the intellect, which is itself a 'product' of Krishna. Krishna is defining 'Sarvaśhaḥ' as the total encompassing of all origins—biological, karmic, and ontological. This verse is the ' Proof that the Divine is not a part of the universe but the universe is a part of the Divine.' By using the word 'Aham' (I), He centers the entire cosmic history in His person. This shloka is the 'Universal Manual for the Proud Intellect,' forcing us to realize that 'The vessel cannot contain the ocean that filled it'. This is the ' Goal of the Surrendered Seeker,' where 'The Mystery' is 'Accepted'.