Only if you think I'm ready

manyase yadi tacchakyaṃ mayā draṣṭumiti prabhoyogeśvara tato me tvaṃ darśayātmānamavyayam

Lord, if you think I am able to see it, then, Master of yoga, show me your unending Self.

What it means

Arjuna's request is humble. He does not demand the vision. He leaves the judgement with Krishna, whom he calls Master of yoga, lord of every discipline and power. Real asking sounds like this. It names the longing, then trusts the one who knows whether the time is right.

The story

Arjuna is a famous archer, proud and gifted. He could have pressed his case. Instead he says, if you think I can. The warrior who once insisted on his own view now waits for his teacher's yes.

In your life

A junior nurse wants to observe a difficult surgery. She tells the senior surgeon, if you think I'm ready, I'd like to watch. This week, ask for one real stretch, and let someone who knows decide.