To the Thread opener:

I will attempt to answer in my limited knowledge by focusing on 2 words in the query. Original and manifest.

(1) Originally: Let us see the context of the sloka. The universe is in a continuous state of flux. There is an original state that is the “braahmi sthithi“ and there is another one from when onwards memory skills are created. In this context Arjuna (and us) are limited by a lower memory level that cannot go beyond the beginning of this birth. Sri Krishna is able to recollect all his past births - right upto his original Aja & Avyaya & Bhoothanaam eshwara state.

From one point of view͵ perception of duality arises from the moment Smriti is formed.

This maximum Smriti level - is it something unique to Sri Krishna? No because in places He advises sadhana practices for the common man which will steadily elevate him up to “Esha braahmi sthithi“ that leads to “Anthakaale api Brahma nirvaanam“.

(2) manifestation: Form or formless depends on the capacity for perception of the beholder. In the Braahmi sthithi there is no seer apart from the seen. So Brahman is manifest - but to itself as universal consciousness.