And I am shaken too

rūpaṃ mahatte bahuvaktranetraṃ mahābāho bahubāhūrupādambahūdaraṃ bahudaṃṣṭrākarālaṃ dṛṣṭvā lokāḥ pravyathitāstathāham

Seeing Your vast form, many mouths and eyes, many arms and feet, fearsome jaws, mighty-armed one, the worlds are shaken, and so am I.

What it means

Arjuna's wonder turns to trembling. He sees countless mouths, eyes, arms and feet, and jaws with fierce teeth. The worlds are shaken, he says. And so am I. It's an honest moment. The infinite isn't only beautiful. It's also overwhelming, beyond what a human heart can comfortably hold.

The story

Arjuna asked to see this. Now he's admitting it's too much. That honesty is part of the Gita's wisdom. Even sacred experiences can frighten us, and that's alright.

In your life

Imagine a new parent, overwhelmed by love and responsibility at the same time. Big things can be wonderful and frightening together. If something good feels overwhelming, say so, to someone you trust.