Vibhūti-Yoga

Verse 10.1

Sanskrit
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
भूय एव महाबाहो शृणु मे परमं वचः |
यत्तेऽहं प्रीयमाणाय वक्ष्यामि हितकाम्यया || १ ||

Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca |
bhūya eva mahā-bāho śṛṇu me paramaṁ vacaḥ |
yat te’haṁ prīyamāṇāya vakṣyāmi hita-kāmyayā ||

English Translation
The Blessed Lord said: Again, O mighty-armed one, hear My supreme word, which I shall speak to you, who are delighted, desiring your welfare.

Explanation
Krishna ("śrī-bhagavān"), addressing Arjuna as "mahā-bāho" (mighty-armed), begins Chapter 10: "bhūyaḥ eva śṛṇu" (again hear) "me paramam vacaḥ" (My supreme word), "yat aham vakṣyāmi" (which I shall speak) "te prīyamāṇāya" (to you, delighted), "hita-kāmyayā" (desiring your welfare). He offers further revelation with affection and intent to benefit.

Key Concepts
Krishna shares supreme wisdom again.
His intent is Arjuna’s good.

Verse 10.2

Sanskrit
न मे विदुः सुरगणाः प्रभवं न महर्षयः |
अहमादिर्हि देवानां महर्षीणां च सर्वशः || २ ||

Transliteration
na me viduḥ sura-gaṇāḥ prabhavaṁ na maharṣayaḥ |
aham ādir hi devānāṁ maharṣīṇāṁ ca sarvaśaḥ ||

English Translation
Neither the host of gods nor the great sages know My origin; for I am indeed the source of the gods and great sages in every way.

Explanation
Krishna asserts his primacy: "sura-gaṇāḥ na viduḥ" (gods don’t know) "me prabhavam" (My origin), "na maharṣayaḥ" (nor great sages), "hi aham ādiḥ" (for I am the source) "devānām maharṣīṇām ca" (of gods and great sages) "sarvaśaḥ" (in every way). His transcendence surpasses all divine and wise beings.

Key Concepts
Krishna’s origin eludes all.
He precedes gods and sages.

Verse 10.3

Sanskrit
यो मामजमादिं च वेत्ति लोकमहेश्वरम् |
असम्मूढः स मर्त्येषु सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते || ३ ||

Transliteration
yo mām ajam ādiṁ ca vetti loka-maheśvaram |
asammūḍhaḥ sa martyeṣu sarva-pāpaiḥ pramucyate ||

English Translation
He who knows Me as unborn, beginningless, and the great Lord of the worlds, undeluded among mortals, is freed from all sins.

Explanation
Krishna states: "yaḥ vetti mām" (he who knows Me) "ajam" (unborn), "ādim" (beginningless), "loka-maheśvaram" (great Lord of worlds), "saḥ asammūḍhaḥ martyeṣu" (undeluded among mortals), "pramucyate sarva-pāpaiḥ" (is freed from all sins). True understanding of his nature liberates from sin’s bondage.

Key Concepts
Knowing Krishna’s essence ends delusion.
It liberates from all sins.

Verse 10.4

Sanskrit
बुद्धिर्ज्ञानमसम्मोहः क्षमा सत्यं दमः शमः |
सुखं दुःखं भवोऽभावो भयं चाभयमेव च || ४ ||

Transliteration
buddhir jñānam asammohaḥ kṣamā satyaṁ damaḥ śamaḥ |
sukhaṁ duḥkhaṁ bhavo’bhāvo bhayaṁ cābhayam eva ca ||

English Translation
Intelligence, knowledge, freedom from delusion, forgiveness, truth, self-control, tranquility, pleasure, pain, existence, non-existence, fear, and fearlessness,

Explanation
Krishna lists qualities and states: "buddhiḥ" (intelligence), "jñānam" (knowledge), "asammohaḥ" (freedom from delusion), "kṣamā" (forgiveness), "satyam" (truth), "damaḥ" (self-control), "śamaḥ" (tranquility), "sukham duḥkham" (pleasure, pain), "bhavaḥ abhāvaḥ" (existence, non-existence), "bhayam abhayam" (fear, fearlessness). He begins detailing his manifestations in creation.

Key Concepts
Krishna underlies mental and emotional traits.
Opposites stem from him.

Verse 10.5

Sanskrit
अहिंसा समता तुष्टिस्तपो दानं यशोऽयशः |
भवन्ति भावा भूतानां मत्त एव पृथग्विधाः || ५ ||

Transliteration
ahiṁsā samatā tuṣṭis tapo dānaṁ yaśo’yaśaḥ |
bhavanti bhāvā bhūtānāṁ matta eva pṛthag-vidhāḥ ||

English Translation
Non-violence, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame, and infamy—these various states of beings arise from Me alone.

Explanation
Krishna continues: "ahiṁsā" (non-violence), "samatā" (equanimity), "tuṣṭiḥ" (contentment), "tapaḥ" (austerity), "dānam" (charity), "yaśaḥ ayaśaḥ" (fame, infamy), "bhāvāḥ bhūtānām" (states of beings), "pṛthag-vidhāḥ" (various), "bhavanti mattaḥ eva" (arise from Me alone). All attributes and conditions originate in him.

Key Concepts
Diverse qualities reflect Krishna.
He’s their sole source.

Verse 10.6

Sanskrit
महर्षयः सप्त पूर्वे चत्वारो मनवस्तथा |
मद्भावा मानसा जाता येषां लोक इमाः प्रजाः || ६ ||

Transliteration
maharṣayaḥ sapta pūrve catvāro manavas tathā |
mad-bhāvā mānasā jātā yeṣāṁ loka imāḥ prajāḥ ||

English Translation
The seven great sages of old and the four Manus too, born of My mind with My nature, from whom are these creatures in the world.

Explanation
Krishna specifies origins: "sapta maharṣayaḥ pūrve" (seven great sages of old), "catvāraḥ manavaḥ tathā" (four Manus too), "mad-bhāvāḥ mānasā jātāḥ" (born of My mind with My nature), "yeṣām lokaḥ imāḥ prajāḥ" (from whom are these world’s creatures). Cosmic progenitors stem from his will.

Key Concepts
Sages and Manus are Krishna’s offspring.
They seed worldly beings.

Verse 10.7

Sanskrit
एतां विभूतिं योगं च मम यो वेत्ति तत्त्वतः |
सोऽविकम्पेन योगेन युज्यते नात्र संशयः || ७ ||

Transliteration
etāṁ vibhūtiṁ yogaṁ ca mama yo vetti tattvataḥ |
so’vikampena yogena yujyate nātra saṁśayaḥ ||

English Translation
He who truly knows this glory and Yoga of Mine is united by unwavering Yoga—there is no doubt about this.

Explanation
Krishna promises: "yaḥ vetti tattvataḥ" (he who truly knows) "etām vibhūtim yogaṁ ca mama" (this glory and Yoga of Mine), "saḥ yujyate" (he is united) "avikampena yogena" (by unwavering Yoga), "na atra saṁśayaḥ" (no doubt here). Understanding his power and union ensures steadfast liberation.

Key Concepts
True knowledge of Krishna’s glory unites.
Yoga becomes unshakable.

Verse 10.8

Sanskrit
अहं सर्वस्य प्रभवो मत्तः सर्वं प्रवर्तते |
इति मत्वा भजन्ते मां बुधा भावसमन्विताः || ८ ||

Transliteration
ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo mattaḥ sarvaṁ pravartate |
iti matvā bhajante māṁ budhā bhāva-samanvitāḥ ||

English Translation
I am the origin of all; from Me everything proceeds—knowing this, the wise worship Me, endowed with devotion.

Explanation
Krishna declares: "aham sarvasya prabhavaḥ" (I am the origin of all), "mattaḥ sarvam pravartate" (from Me everything proceeds), "iti matvā" (knowing this), "budhāḥ bhāva-samanvitāḥ" (wise, endowed with devotion), "bhajante mām" (worship Me). Recognition of his primacy inspires heartfelt worship.

Key Concepts
Krishna is creation’s source.
Wisdom fuels loving devotion.

Verse 10.9

Sanskrit
मच्चित्ता मद्गतप्राणा बोधयन्तः परस्परम् |
कीर्तयन्तश्च मां नित्यं तुष्यन्ति च रमन्ति च || ९ ||

Transliteration
mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā bodhayantaḥ parasparam |
kīrtayantaś ca māṁ nityaṁ tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca ||

English Translation
With minds fixed on Me, lives surrendered to Me, enlightening each other, always glorifying Me, they are content and rejoice.

Explanation
Krishna describes devotees: "mac-cittāḥ" (minds fixed on Me), "mad-gata-prāṇāḥ" (lives surrendered to Me), "bodhayantaḥ parasparam" (enlightening each other), "kīrtayantaḥ mām nityam" (always glorifying Me), "tuṣyanti ca ramanti ca" (they are content and rejoice). Their devotion is active, communal, and joyful.

Key Concepts
Devotion absorbs mind and life.
It fosters joy and sharing.

Verse 10.10

Sanskrit
तेषां सततयुक्तानां भजतां प्रीतिपूर्वकम् |
ददामि बुद्धियोगं तं येन मामुपयान्ति ते || १० ||

Transliteration
teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam |
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ yena mām upayānti te ||

English Translation
To those constantly united, worshipping Me with love, I give the Yoga of discernment by which they come to Me.

Explanation
Krishna promises: "teṣām satata-yuktānām" (to those constantly united), "bhajatām prīti-pūrvakam" (worshipping with love), "dadāmi tam buddhi-yogam" (I give that Yoga of discernment), "yena te upayānti mām" (by which they come to Me). He grants the wisdom to reach him to loving devotees.

Key Concepts
Love and union earn divine insight.
Krishna guides them to himself.

Verse 10.11

Sanskrit
तेषामेवानुकम्पार्थमहमज्ञानजं तमः |
नाशयाम्यात्मभावस्थो ज्ञानदीपेन भास्वता || ११ ||

Transliteration
teṣām evānukampārtham aham ajñāna-jaṁ tamaḥ |
nāśayāmy ātma-bhāva-stho jñāna-dīpena bhāsvatā ||

English Translation
Out of compassion for them alone, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy the darkness born of ignorance with the radiant lamp of knowledge.

Explanation
Krishna continues from 10.10: "teṣām eva anukampārtham" (out of compassion for them alone), "aham ātma-bhāva-sthaḥ" (I, dwelling in their hearts), "nāśayāmi ajñāna-jam tamaḥ" (destroy ignorance-born darkness) "jñāna-dīpena bhāsvatā" (with the radiant lamp of knowledge). He personally illuminates his devotees’ understanding.

Key Concepts
Krishna’s compassion aids devotees.
Inner light dispels ignorance.

Verse 10.12

Sanskrit
अर्जुन उवाच |
परं ब्रह्म परं धाम पवित्रं परमं भवान् |
पुरुषं शाश्वतं दिव्यमादिदेवमजं विभुम् || १२ ||

Transliteration
arjuna uvāca |
paraṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma pavitraṁ paramaṁ bhavān |
puruṣaṁ śāśvataṁ divyam ādi-devam ajaṁ vibhum ||

English Translation
Arjuna said: You are the supreme Brahman, the supreme abode, the supreme purifier, the eternal divine Person, the primal God, unborn, all-pervading.

Explanation
Arjuna begins, inspired: "bhavān param brahma" (you are supreme Brahman), "param dhāma" (supreme abode), "pavitram paramam" (supreme purifier), "puruṣam śāśvatam divyam" (eternal divine Person), "ādi-devam" (primal God), "ajam vibhum" (unborn, all-pervading). He glorifies Krishna’s transcendent qualities, echoing prior revelations.

Key Concepts
Arjuna recognizes Krishna’s divinity.
He lists supreme attributes.

Verse 10.13

Sanskrit
आहुस्त्वामृषयः सर्वे देवर्षिर्नारदस्तथा |
असितो देवलो व्यासः स्वयं चैव ब्रवीषि मे || १३ ||

Transliteration
āhus tvām ṛṣayaḥ sarve devarṣir nāradas tathā |
asito devalo vyāsaḥ svayaṁ caiva bravīṣi me ||

English Translation
All the sages say this of You, as do the divine sage Narada, Asita, Devala, and Vyasa; and You Yourself declare it to me.

Explanation
Arjuna continues: "sarve ṛṣayaḥ āhuḥ tvām" (all sages say this of You), "devarṣiḥ nāradaḥ tathā" (divine sage Narada too), "asitaḥ devalaḥ vyāsaḥ" (Asita, Devala, Vyasa), "svayam ca eva bravīṣi me" (and You Yourself declare to me). He cites revered authorities and Krishna’s own words as proof.

Key Concepts
Sages affirm Krishna’s nature.
His teaching confirms tradition.

Verse 10.14

Sanskrit
सर्वमेतदृतं मन्ये यन्मां वदसि केशव |
न हि ते भगवन्व्यक्तिं विदुर्देवा न दानवाः || १४ ||

Transliteration
sarvam etad ṛtaṁ manye yan māṁ vadasi keśava |
na hi te bhagavan vyaktiṁ vidur devā na dānavāḥ ||

English Translation
I consider all this true that You tell me, O Keshava; indeed, neither gods nor demons know Your manifestation, O Blessed One.

Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "keśava," affirms: "sarvam etad ṛtam manye" (I consider all this true) "yat vadasi mām" (that You tell me), "bhagavan" (O Blessed One), "na hi devāḥ viduḥ te vyaktim" (neither gods know Your manifestation), "na dānavāḥ" (nor demons). He trusts Krishna, noting his mystery even to celestials.

Key Concepts
Arjuna accepts Krishna’s truth.
His essence eludes all beings.

Verse 10.15

Sanskrit
स्वयमेवात्मनात्मानं वेत्थ त्वं पुरुषोत्तम |
भूतभावन भूतेश देवदेव जगत्पते || १५ ||

Transliteration
svayam evātmanātmānaṁ vettha tvaṁ puruṣottama |
bhūta-bhāvana bhūteśa deva-deva jagat-pate ||

English Translation
You alone know Yourself by Yourself, O Supreme Person, creator of beings, Lord of beings, God of gods, Lord of the world.

Explanation
Arjuna praises "puruṣottama" (Supreme Person): "tvam svayam eva vettha ātmānam ātmanā" (You alone know Yourself by Yourself), "bhūta-bhāvana" (creator of beings), "bhūteśa" (Lord of beings), "deva-deva" (God of gods), "jagat-pate" (Lord of the world). He extols Krishna’s self-knowledge and universal lordship.

Key Concepts
Krishna’s self-awareness is unique.
He rules all creation.

Verse 10.16

Sanskrit
वक्तुमर्हस्यशेषेण दिव्या ह्यात्मविभूतयः |
याभिर्विभूतिभिर्लोकानिमांस्त्वं व्याप्य तिष्ठसि || १६ ||

Transliteration
vaktum arhasy aśeṣeṇa divyā hy ātma-vibhūtayaḥ |
yābhir vibhūtibhir lokān imāṁs tvaṁ vyāpya tiṣṭhasi ||

English Translation
You should fully declare Your divine glories, by which glories You pervade and abide in these worlds.

Explanation
Arjuna requests: "arhasi vaktum aśeṣeṇa" (You should fully declare) "divyāḥ ātma-vibhūtayaḥ" (divine glories of Yourself), "yābhiḥ vibhūtibhiḥ" (by which glories) "tvam vyāpya tiṣṭhasi imān lokān" (You pervade and abide in these worlds). He seeks a complete revelation of Krishna’s pervasive powers.

Key Concepts
Arjuna craves full knowledge of glories.
Krishna’s presence fills all.

Verse 10.17

Sanskrit
कथं विद्यामहं योगिंस्त्वां सदा परिचिन्तयन् |
केषु केषु च भावेषु चिन्त्योऽसि भगवन्मया || १७ ||

Transliteration
kathaṁ vidyām ahaṁ yogins tvāṁ sadā paricintayan |
keṣu keṣu ca bhāveṣu cintyo’si bhagavan mayā ||

English Translation
How shall I know You, O Yogi, constantly meditating on You? In what various forms are You to be contemplated by me, O Blessed Lord?

Explanation
Arjuna asks "yogīn" (O Yogi) and "bhagavan" (Blessed Lord): "katham aham vidyām" (how shall I know) "tvām sadā paricintayan" (You, constantly meditating), "keṣu keṣu bhāveṣu" (in what various forms) "cintyaḥ asi mayā" (are You to be contemplated by me)? He seeks guidance on meditating on Krishna’s aspects.

Key Concepts
Arjuna seeks meditation’s method.
He asks for Krishna’s forms.

Verse 10.18

Sanskrit
विस्तरेणात्मनो योगं विभूतिं च जनार्दन |
भूयः कथय तृप्तिर्हि शृण्वतो नास्ति मेऽमृतम् || १८ ||

Transliteration
vistareṇātmano yogaṁ vibhūtiṁ ca janārdana |
bhūyaḥ kathaya tṛptir hi śṛṇvato nāsti me’mṛtam ||

English Translation
Tell me again in detail, O Janardana, of Your Yoga and glories; for there is no satisfaction in hearing this nectar of mine.

Explanation
Arjuna, addressing "janārdana," urges: "kathaya bhūyaḥ vistareṇa" (tell again in detail) "ātmanaḥ yogam vibhūtim ca" (Your Yoga and glories), "hi tṛptiḥ na asti me" (for there’s no satisfaction for me) "śṛṇvataḥ amṛtam" (hearing this nectar). His thirst for Krishna’s divine narrative grows insatiable.

Key Concepts
Arjuna craves more divine detail.
Krishna’s words are nectar-like.

Verse 10.19

Sanskrit
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
हन्त ते कथयिष्यामि दिव्या ह्यात्मविभूतयः |
प्राधान्यतः कुरुश्रेष्ठ नास्त्यन्तो विस्तरस्य मे || १९ ||

Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca |
hanta te kathayiṣyāmi divyā hy ātma-vibhūtayaḥ |
prādhānyataḥ kuru-śreṣṭha nāsty anto vistarasya me ||

English Translation
The Blessed Lord said: Very well, I shall tell you My divine glories, O best of Kurus, in their prominence; for there is no end to My expanse.

Explanation
Krishna ("śrī-bhagavān"), addressing "kuru-śreṣṭha" (best of Kurus), responds: "hanta kathayiṣyāmi te" (very well, I’ll tell you), "divyāḥ ātma-vibhūtayaḥ" (My divine glories), "prādhānyataḥ" (in prominence), "na asti antaḥ me vistarasya" (no end to My expanse). He agrees to list key glories, noting their limitlessness.

Key Concepts
Krishna’s glories are infinite.
He’ll highlight the chief ones.

Verse 10.20

Sanskrit
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः |
अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च || २० ||

Transliteration
aham ātmā guḍākeśa sarva-bhūtāśaya-sthitaḥ |
aham ādiś ca madhyaṁ ca bhūtānām anta eva ca ||

English Translation
I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all beings; I am the beginning, middle, and end of all beings too.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "guḍākeśa" (conqueror of sleep), begins: "aham ātmā" (I am the Self) "sarva-bhūta-āśaya-sthitaḥ" (seated in all beings’ hearts), "aham ādiḥ madhyam antaḥ ca" (I am beginning, middle, end) "bhūtānām" (of all beings). He’s the inner essence and spans their existence fully.

Key Concepts
Krishna is the universal Self.
He encompasses beings’ timelines.

Verse 10.21

Sanskrit
आदित्यानामहं विष्णुर्ज्योतिषां रविरंशुमान् |
मरीचिर्मरुतामस्मि नक्षत्राणामहं शशी || २१ ||

Transliteration
ādityānām ahaṁ viṣṇur jyotiṣāṁ ravir aṁśumān |
marīcir marutām asmi nakṣatrāṇām ahaṁ śaśī ||

English Translation
Among the Adityas, I am Vishnu; among luminaries, the radiant sun; among the Maruts, I am Marichi; among the stars, I am the moon.

Explanation
Krishna begins listing his glories: "ādityānām aham viṣṇuḥ" (among Adityas—solar deities—I am Vishnu), "jyotiṣām raviḥ aṁśumān" (among luminaries, the radiant sun), "marutām marīciḥ asmi" (among Maruts—wind gods—I am Marichi), "nakṣatrāṇām aham śaśī" (among stars, the moon). He identifies with prominent cosmic entities.

Key Concepts
Krishna manifests as celestial powers.
He’s the standout in each group.

Verse 10.22

Sanskrit
वेदानां सामवेदोऽस्मि देवानामस्मि वासवः |
इन्द्रियाणां मनश्चास्मि भूतानामस्मि चेतना || २२ ||

Transliteration
vedānāṁ sāma-vedo’smi devānām asmi vāsavaḥ |
indriyāṇāṁ manaś cāsmi bhūtānām asmi cetanā ||

English Translation
Among the Vedas, I am the Sama Veda; among the gods, I am Vasava; among the senses, I am the mind; among beings, I am consciousness.

Explanation
Krishna continues: "vedānām sāma-vedaḥ asmi" (among Vedas, I am Sama Veda), "devānām vāsavaḥ asmi" (among gods, Vasava—Indra), "indriyāṇām manaḥ ca asmi" (among senses, the mind), "bhūtānām cetanā asmi" (among beings, consciousness). He embodies the melodious Veda, divine king, and sentient essence.

Key Concepts
Krishna is key in sacred and sentient realms.
He’s mind and awareness.

Verse 10.23

Sanskrit
रुद्राणां शङ्करश्चास्मि वित्तेशो यक्षरक्षसाम् |
वसूनां पावकश्चास्मि मेरुः शिखरिणामहम् || २३ ||

Transliteration
rudrāṇāṁ śaṅkaraś cāsmi vitteśo yakṣa-rakṣasām |
vasūnāṁ pāvakaś cāsmi meruḥ śikhariṇām aham ||

English Translation
Among the Rudras, I am Shankara; among Yakshas and Rakshasas, the lord of wealth; among the Vasus, I am fire; among peaks, I am Meru.

Explanation
Krishna lists: "rudrāṇām śaṅkaraḥ ca asmi" (among Rudras, Shankara—Shiva), "vitteśaḥ yakṣa-rakṣasām" (lord of wealth—Kubera—among Yakshas, Rakshasas), "vasūnām pāvakaḥ ca asmi" (among Vasus, fire), "meruḥ śikhariṇām aham" (among peaks, Meru). He’s the chief among varied divine and natural forms.

Key Concepts
Krishna shines in diverse groups.
He’s peak excellence.

Verse 10.24

Sanskrit
पुरोधसां च मुख्यं मां विद्धि पार्थ बृहस्पतिम् |
सेनानीनामहं स्कन्दः सरसामस्मि सागरः || २४ ||

Transliteration
purodhasāṁ ca mukhyaṁ māṁ viddhi pārtha bṛhaspatim |
senānīnām ahaṁ skandaḥ sarasām asmi sāgaraḥ ||

English Translation
Among priests, know Me as the chief, Brihaspati, O Partha; among generals, I am Skanda; among waters, I am the ocean.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "pārtha," says: "purodhasām mukhyam viddhi mām bṛhaspatim" (among priests, know Me as chief, Brihaspati), "senānīnām aham skandaḥ" (among generals, Skanda—Kartikeya), "sarasām asmi sāgaraḥ" (among waters, the ocean). He’s the pinnacle in leadership and natural expanses.

Key Concepts
Krishna leads priests and warriors.
He’s the vast ocean.

Verse 10.25

Sanskrit
महर्षीणां भृगुरहं गिरामस्म्येकमक्षरम् |
यज्ञानां जपयज्ञोऽस्मि स्थावराणां हिमालयः || २५ ||

Transliteration
maharṣīṇāṁ bhṛgur ahaṁ girām asmy ekam akṣaram |
yajñānāṁ japa-yajño’smi sthāvarāṇāṁ himālayaḥ ||

English Translation
Among great sages, I am Bhrigu; among words, I am the one syllable; among sacrifices, I am the sacrifice of chanting; among the stationary, I am the Himalayas.

Explanation
Krishna lists: "maharṣīṇām bhṛguḥ aham" (among great sages, Bhrigu), "girām ekam akṣaram asmi" (among words, the one syllable—Om), "yajñānām japa-yajñaḥ asmi" (among sacrifices, chanting), "sthāvarāṇām himālayaḥ" (among stationary, Himalayas). He’s the sage, sacred sound, silent offering, and mighty range.

Key Concepts
Krishna excels in wisdom, sound, ritual.
He’s the immovable peak.

Verse 10.26

Sanskrit
अश्वत्थः सर्ववृक्षाणां देवर्षीणां च नारदः |
गन्धर्वाणां चित्ररथः सिद्धानां कपिलो मुनिः || २६ ||

Transliteration
aśvatthaḥ sarva-vṛkṣāṇāṁ devarṣīṇāṁ ca nāradaḥ |
gandharvāṇāṁ citrarathaḥ siddhānāṁ kapilo muniḥ ||

English Translation
Among all trees, I am the Ashvattha; among divine sages, Narada; among Gandharvas, Chitraratha; among the perfected, the sage Kapila.

Explanation
Krishna continues: "sarva-vṛkṣāṇām aśvatthaḥ" (among all trees, Ashvattha—sacred fig), "devarṣīṇām nāradaḥ" (among divine sages, Narada), "gandharvāṇām citrarathaḥ" (among Gandharvas, Chitraratha), "siddhānām kapilaḥ muniḥ" (among perfected, sage Kapila). He’s the notable in botanical and celestial realms.

Key Concepts
Krishna is prominent in nature, divinity.
He’s the sage of perfection.

Verse 10.27

Sanskrit
उच्चैःश्रवसमश्वानां विद्धि माममृतोद्भवम् |
ऐरावतं गजेन्द्राणां नराणां च नराधिपम् || २७ ||

Transliteration
uccaiḥśravasam aśvānāṁ viddhi mām amṛtodbhavam |
airāvataṁ gajendrāṇāṁ narāṇāṁ ca narādhipam ||

English Translation
Among horses, know Me as Ucchaishravas, born of nectar; among great elephants, Airavata; among men, the king of men.

Explanation
Krishna says: "aśvānām viddhi mām uccaiḥśravasam" (among horses, know Me as Ucchaishravas) "amṛta-udbhavam" (born of nectar), "gajendrāṇām airāvatam" (among great elephants, Airavata), "narāṇām narādhipam" (among men, king of men). He’s the mythic horse, divine elephant, and human ruler.

Key Concepts
Krishna is regal in animal, human forms.
He’s tied to nectar’s origin.

Verse 10.28

Sanskrit
आयुधानामहं वज्रं धेनूनामस्मि कामधुक् |
प्रजनश्चास्मि कन्दर्पः सर्पाणामस्मि वासुकिः || २८ ||

Transliteration
āyudhānām ahaṁ vajraṁ dhenūnām asmi kāmadhuk |
prajanaś cāsmi kandarpaḥ sarpāṇām asmi vāsukiḥ ||

English Translation
Among weapons, I am the thunderbolt; among cows, I am Kamadhuk; I am Kandarpa, the procreator; among serpents, I am Vasuki.

Explanation
Krishna lists: "āyudhānām aham vajram" (among weapons, thunderbolt), "dhenūnām asmi kāmadhuk" (among cows, Kamadhuk—wish-fulfilling cow), "prajanaḥ ca asmi kandarpaḥ" (I am Kandarpa—Kamadeva—procreator), "sarpāṇām vāsukiḥ asmi" (among serpents, Vasuki). He’s the potent, bountiful, and primal.

Key Concepts
Krishna excels in power, bounty, life.
He’s the chief serpent.

Verse 10.29

Sanskrit
अनन्तश्चास्मि नागानां वरुणो यादसामहम् |
पितॄणामर्यमा चास्मि यमः संयमतामहम् || २९ ||

Transliteration
anantaś cāsmi nāgānāṁ varuṇo yādasām aham |
pitṝṇām aryamā cāsmi yamaḥ saṁyamatām aham ||

English Translation
Among Nagas, I am Ananta; among water beings, I am Varuna; among ancestors, I am Aryama; among controllers, I am Yama.

Explanation
Krishna continues: "nāgānām anantaḥ ca asmi" (among Nagas—serpents—I am Ananta), "yādasām varuṇaḥ aham" (among water beings, Varuna), "pitṝṇām aryamā ca asmi" (among ancestors, Aryama), "saṁyamatām yamaḥ aham" (among controllers, Yama). He’s the infinite serpent, water god, ancestor lord, and death’s ruler.

Key Concepts
Krishna spans serpentine, aquatic, ancestral realms.
He governs through Yama.

Verse 10.30

Sanskrit
प्रह्लादश्चास्मि दैत्यानां कालः कलयतामहम् |
मृगाणां च मृगेन्द्रोऽहं वैनतेयश्च पक्षिणाम् || ३० ||

Transliteration
prahlādaś cāsmi daityānāṁ kālaḥ kalayatām aham |
mṛgāṇāṁ ca mṛgendro’haṁ vainateyaś ca pakṣiṇām ||

English Translation
Among Daityas, I am Prahlada; among reckoners, I am time; among beasts, I am the lord of beasts; among birds, I am Vainateya.

Explanation
Krishna lists: "daityānām prahlādaḥ ca asmi" (among Daityas—demons—I am Prahlada), "kalayatām kālaḥ aham" (among reckoners, time), "mṛgāṇām mṛgendraḥ aham" (among beasts, lord of beasts—lion), "pakṣiṇām vainateyaḥ" (among birds, Vainateya—Garuda). He’s the virtuous demon, time, lion, and divine eagle.

Key Concepts
Krishna shines across varied beings.
He’s time and kingly forms.

Verse 10.31

Sanskrit
पवनः पवतामस्मि रामः शस्त्रभृतामहम् |
झषाणां मकरश्चास्मि स्रोतसामस्मि जाह्नवी || ३१ ||

Transliteration
pavanaḥ pavatām asmi rāmaḥ śastra-bhṛtām aham |
jhaṣāṇāṁ makaraś cāsmi srotasām asmi jāhnavī ||

English Translation
Among purifiers, I am the wind; among weapon-bearers, I am Rama; among fish, I am the Makara; among rivers, I am the Jahnavi.

Explanation
Krishna continues his glories: "pavatām pavanaḥ asmi" (among purifiers, wind), "śastra-bhṛtām rāmaḥ aham" (among weapon-bearers, Rama), "jhaṣāṇām makaraḥ ca asmi" (among fish, Makara—crocodile-like creature), "srotasām jāhnavī asmi" (among rivers, Jahnavi—Ganga). He’s the swift wind, heroic Rama, aquatic Makara, and sacred Ganga.

Key Concepts
Krishna spans elemental and heroic forms.
He’s the purifying and sacred.

Verse 10.32

Sanskrit
सर्गाणामादिरन्तश्च मध्यं चैवाहमर्जुन |
अध्यात्मविद्या विद्यानां वादः प्रवदतामहम् || ३२ ||

Transliteration
sargāṇām ādir antaś ca madhyaṁ caivāham arjuna |
adhyātma-vidyā vidyānāṁ vādaḥ pravadatām aham ||

English Translation
Among creations, I am the beginning, end, and middle, O Arjuna; among sciences, I am the science of the self; among debaters, I am reasoned argument.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "arjuna," says: "sargāṇām ādiḥ antaḥ madhyam ca eva aham" (among creations, beginning, end, middle), "vidyānām adhyātma-vidyā" (among sciences, science of the self), "pravadatām vādaḥ aham" (among debaters, reasoned argument). He encompasses creation’s span and excels in wisdom and discourse.

Key Concepts
Krishna frames all creation.
He’s supreme in knowledge, logic.

Verse 10.33

Sanskrit
अक्षराणामकारोऽस्मि द्वन्द्वः सामासिकस्य च |
अहमेवाक्षयः कालो धाताहं विश्वतोमुखः || ३३ ||

Transliteration
akṣarāṇām akāro’smi dvandvaḥ sāmāsikasya ca |
aham evākṣayaḥ kālo dhātāhaṁ viśvato-mukhaḥ ||

English Translation
Among letters, I am the letter A; among compounds, the dual compound; I am indeed imperishable time; I am the dispenser, facing everywhere.

Explanation
Krishna lists: "akṣarāṇām akāraḥ asmi" (among letters, A), "sāmāsikasya dvandvaḥ" (among compounds, dual—e.g., "Rama-Krishna"), "aham eva akṣayaḥ kālaḥ" (I am indeed imperishable time), "dhātā aham viśvato-mukhaḥ" (I am the dispenser, facing everywhere). He’s the primal sound, grammatical form, eternal time, and all-seeing creator.

Key Concepts
Krishna is linguistic and temporal essence.
He dispenses universally.

Verse 10.34

Sanskrit
मृत्युः सर्वहरश्चाहमुद्भवश्च भविष्यताम् |
कीर्तिः श्रीर्वाक्च नारीणां स्मृतिर्मेधा धृतिः क्षमा || ३४ ||

Transliteration
mṛtyuḥ sarva-haraś cāham udbhavaś ca bhaviṣyatām |
kīrtiḥ śrīr vāk ca nārīṇāṁ smṛtir medhā dhṛtiḥ kṣamā ||

English Translation
I am death, the all-devouring, and the origin of things to come; among women, I am fame, prosperity, speech, memory, intelligence, steadfastness, and forgiveness.

Explanation
Krishna says: "mṛtyuḥ sarva-haraḥ ca aham" (I am death, all-devouring), "udbhavaḥ bhaviṣyatām" (origin of things to come), "nārīṇām kīrtiḥ śrīḥ vāk" (among women, fame, prosperity, speech), "smṛtiḥ medhā dhṛtiḥ kṣamā" (memory, intelligence, steadfastness, forgiveness). He’s death, birth, and feminine virtues.

Key Concepts
Krishna governs life’s cycle.
He’s noble feminine qualities.

Verse 10.35

Sanskrit
बृहत्साम तथा साम्नां गायत्री छन्दसामहम् |
मासानां मार्गशीर्षोऽहमृतूनां कुसुमाकरः || ३५ ||

Transliteration
bṛhat-sāma tathā sāmnāṁ gāyatrī chandasām aham |
māsānāṁ mārgaśīrṣo’ham ṛtūnāṁ kusumākaraḥ ||

English Translation
Among the Samas, I am Brihat-sama; among meters, I am Gayatri; among months, I am Margashirsha; among seasons, the flower-bearer [spring].

Explanation
Krishna lists: "sāmnām bṛhat-sāma" (among Samas, Brihat-sama), "chandasām gāyatrī aham" (among meters, Gayatri), "māsānām mārgaśīrṣaḥ aham" (among months, Margashirsha—Nov-Dec), "ṛtūnām kusumākaraḥ" (among seasons, flower-bearer—spring). He’s the grand hymn, sacred meter, key month, and blooming season.

Key Concepts
Krishna excels in chant, rhythm, time.
He’s spring’s vibrancy.

Verse 10.36

Sanskrit
द्यूतं छलयतामस्मि तेजस्तेजस्विनामहम् |
जयोऽस्मि व्यवसायोऽस्मि सत्त्वं सत्त्ववतामहम् || ३६ ||

Transliteration
dyūtaṁ chalayatām asmi tejas tejasvinām aham |
jayo’smi vyavasāyo’smi sattvaṁ sattvavatām aham ||

English Translation
Among deceivers, I am gambling; among the splendid, I am splendor; I am victory, I am resolve, I am the goodness of the good.

Explanation
Krishna says: "chalayatām dyūtam asmi" (among deceivers, gambling), "tejasvinām tejaḥ aham" (among splendid, splendor), "jayaḥ asmi" (I am victory), "vyavasāyaḥ asmi" (resolve), "sattvam sattvavatām aham" (goodness of the good). He’s the cunning game, radiant glory, and virtuous strength.

Key Concepts
Krishna spans even cunning, brilliance.
He’s triumph and virtue.

Verse 10.37

Sanskrit
वृष्णीनां वासुदेवोऽस्मि पाण्डवानां धनञ्जयः |
मुनीनामप्यहं व्यासः कवीनामुशना कविः || ३७ ||

Transliteration
vṛṣṇīnāṁ vāsudevo’smi pāṇḍavānāṁ dhanañjayaḥ |
munīnām apy ahaṁ vyāsaḥ kavīnām uśanā kaviḥ ||

English Translation
Among the Vrishnis, I am Vasudeva; among the Pandavas, Dhananjaya; among sages, I am Vyasa; among poets, I am Ushana the poet.

Explanation
Krishna lists: "vṛṣṇīnām vāsudevaḥ asmi" (among Vrishnis, Vasudeva—himself), "pāṇḍavānām dhanañjayaḥ" (among Pandavas, Dhananjaya—Arjuna), "munīnām vyāsaḥ api aham" (among sages, Vyasa), "kavīnām uśanā kaviḥ" (among poets, Ushana—Shukracharya). He’s himself, Arjuna, and key sages.

Key Concepts
Krishna identifies with Arjuna, lineage.
He’s wisdom’s authors.

Verse 10.38

Sanskrit
दण्डो दमयतामस्मि नीतिरस्मि जिगीषताम् |
मौनं चैवास्मि गुह्यानां ज्ञानं ज्ञानवतामहम् || ३८ ||

Transliteration
daṇḍo damayatām asmi nītir asmi jigīṣatām |
maunaṁ caivāsmi guhyānāṁ jñānaṁ jñānavatām aham ||

English Translation
Among punishers, I am the rod; among those seeking victory, I am strategy; among secrets, I am silence; among the wise, I am knowledge.

Explanation
Krishna continues: "damayatām daṇḍaḥ asmi" (among punishers, rod), "jigīṣatām nītiḥ asmi" (among victory-seekers, strategy), "guhyānām maunam ca eva asmi" (among secrets, silence), "jñānavatām jñānam aham" (among wise, knowledge). He’s justice, tactic, mystery’s quiet, and wisdom itself.

Key Concepts
Krishna is discipline, cunning, silence.
He’s the essence of knowing.

Verse 10.39

Sanskrit
यच्चापि सर्वभूतानां बीजं तदहमर्जुन |
न तदस्ति विना यत्स्यान्मया भूतं चराचरम् || ३९ ||

Transliteration
yac cāpi sarva-bhūtānāṁ bījaṁ tad aham arjuna |
na tad asti vinā yat syān mayā bhūtaṁ carācaram ||

English Translation
And whatever is the seed of all beings, that I am, O Arjuna; there is no being, moving or unmoving, that exists without Me.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "arjuna," says: "yat ca api bījam sarva-bhūtānām" (whatever is the seed of all beings), "tat aham" (that I am), "na tat asti" (there is no) "bhūtam carācaram" (being, moving or unmoving), "yat syāt vinā mayā" (that exists without Me). He’s the origin and essence of all existence.

Key Concepts
Krishna is the universal seed.
Nothing exists apart from him.

Verse 10.40

Sanskrit
नान्तोऽस्ति मम दिव्यानां विभूतीनां परन्तप |
एष तूद्देशतः प्रोक्तो विभूतेर्विस्तरो मया || ४० ||

Transliteration
nānto’sti mama divyānāṁ vibhūtīnāṁ parantapa |
eṣa tūddeśataḥ prokto vibhūter vistaro mayā ||

English Translation
There is no end to My divine glories, O scorcher of foes; this is but a brief statement of the extent of My glory.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "parantapa," concludes the list: "na antaḥ asti" (there is no end) "mama divyānām vibhūtīnām" (to My divine glories), "eṣaḥ tu uddeśataḥ proktaḥ" (this is but briefly stated) "vibhūteḥ vistaraḥ mayā" (extent of My glory). He’s shared only a fraction of his infinite manifestations.

Key Concepts
Krishna’s glories are limitless.
This is a mere outline.

Verse 10.41

Sanskrit
यद्यद्विभूतिमत्सत्त्वं श्रीमदूर्जितमेव वा |
तत्तदेवावगच्छ त्वं मम तेजोंऽशसम्भवम् || ४१ ||

Transliteration
yad yad vibhūtimat sattvaṁ śrīmad ūrjitam eva vā |
tat tad evāvagaccha tvaṁ mama tejo’ṁśa-sambhavam ||

English Translation
Whatever being is glorious, prosperous, or powerful, know that to be indeed a manifestation of a portion of My splendor.

Explanation
Krishna instructs: "yat yat sattvam vibhūtimat" (whatever being is glorious), "śrīmat ūrjitam eva vā" (prosperous, powerful), "tat tat eva avagaccha" (know that indeed), "mama tejaḥ-aṁśa-sambhavam" (manifestation of a portion of My splendor). All excellence reflects a fragment of his radiance.

Key Concepts
Glory reflects Krishna’s splendor.
All power is his fraction.

Verse 10.42

Sanskrit
अथवा बहुनैतेन किं ज्ञानेन तवार्जुन |
विष्टभ्याहमिदं कृत्स्नमेकांशेन स्थितो जगत् || ४२ ||

Transliteration
atha vā bahunaitena kiṁ jñānena tavārjuna |
viṣṭabhyāham idaṁ kṛtsnam ekāṁśena sthito jagat ||

English Translation
Or rather, what need is there for this detailed knowledge, O Arjuna? Supporting this entire world with a single fragment, I abide.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "arjuna," concludes: "atha vā kiṁ bahunā etena jñānena tava" (or what need for this detailed knowledge), "aham viṣṭabhya" (I, supporting) "idam kṛtsnam jagat" (this entire world) "ekāṁśena sthitaḥ" (with a single fragment, I abide). A mere part of him sustains all, simplifying the vastness.

Key Concepts
Details pale before Krishna’s wholeness.
One fragment upholds everything.