
10
CHAPTER
VERSE
20
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थित: |
अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च || 10.20 ||
Ahamātmā guḍākeśa sarvabhūtāśayasthitaḥ |
Ahamādiśca madhyaṃ ca bhūtānāmanta eva ca ||
I am the soul, O Arjuna, seated in the heart of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.
Lesson:
Krishna declares, "Aham ātmā," meaning "I am the soul." Here, Krishna asserts his identity as the supreme soul, the essence that resides within every living being. This statement emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms, as every individual soul is a fragment of the divine.
Krishna further elucidates his omnipresence by stating, "Sarva-bhūtāśaya-sthitaḥ," meaning "seated in the heart of all creatures." This illustrates that the divine presence exists within every being, regardless of their form or nature. It emphasizes the immanence of the divine, pervading every aspect of creation.
Continuing, Krishna declares, "Aham ādiśca madhyaṃ ca," signifying "I am the beginning, the middle, and the end." Here, Krishna asserts his transcendental nature, beyond the constraints of time and space. He is the origin, the sustainer, and the ultimate culmination of all existence. This assertion highlights the divine's role as the eternal force guiding the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
Through this verse, Krishna imparts the timeless wisdom of recognizing the divine presence within oneself and all beings. It encourages individuals to perceive the interconnectedness of life and to realize their unity with the supreme soul. By understanding that the divine is the source, sustainer, and ultimate destination of all existence, one can attain spiritual insight and transcend the illusion of separateness.
In essence, this verse serves as a reminder of the divine's omnipresence and omnipotence, urging seekers to recognize the eternal soul dwelling within and to align themselves with the divine will. It inspires individuals to cultivate a deeper understanding of their spiritual nature and to strive for self-realization, leading to inner peace, harmony, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.