Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 11: The Vision of the Cosmic Form

Bhagavad Gita 11.25

daṃṣṭrākarālāni ca te mukhāni dṛṣṭvaiva kālānalasannibhāni | diśo na jāne na labhe ca śarma prasīda deveśa jagannivāsa ||

Seeing your mouths, terrible with tusks and like the fires at the end of time, I lose all sense of direction and find no shelter. Have mercy, Lord of gods, refuge of the universe!

Modern context

Arjuna has lost all sense of direction. Faced with mouths like the fire at the end of time, he does the only thing left: he asks for mercy. 'Prasida', be gracious. When understanding and courage both fail, the last resource is to turn to the very power that is overwhelming us and ask it to be kind. Many people have found that this simple prayer is the one that holds.