Bhagavad Gita 11.41 · Arjuna
I called You just a friend
सखेति मत्वा प्रसभं यदुक्तं
हे कृष्ण हे यादव हे सखेति।
अजानता महिमानं तवेदं
मया प्रमादात्प्रणयेन वापि॥
sakheti matvā prasabhaṃ yaduktaṃ he kṛṣṇa he yādava he sakhetiajānatā mahimānaṃ tavedaṃ mayā pramādātpraṇayena vāpi
Thinking of You as my friend, whatever I said carelessly, hey Krishna, hey Yadava, hey friend, not knowing Your greatness, out of carelessness or love...
What it means
Arjuna suddenly remembers years of casual friendship. He called Krishna by nicknames. Hey Krishna, hey Yadava, hey buddy. He joked, argued, teased. Not knowing who Krishna really was. Some of it was carelessness. Some of it was pure affection. Now he feels the gap.
The story
This is one of the most human moments in the Gita. Arjuna isn't afraid anymore. He's embarrassed, like someone who discovers their old school friend is a world-famous saint.
In your life
Think of a parent you joked with and argued with for years, and only later understood what they gave up for you. Call them, or remember them, and say what you never said.
Notice the greatness in those you take for granted.