
10
CHAPTER
VERSE
22
वेदानां सामवेदोऽस्मि देवानामस्मि वासव: |
इन्द्रियाणां मनश्चास्मि भूतानामस्मि चेतना || 10.22 ||
Vedānāṁ sāmavedo'smi devānāmasmi vāsavaḥ |
Indriyāṇāṁ manaścāsmi bhūtānāmasmi cetanā ||
Of the Vedas, I am the Sama Veda; of the celestial gods, I am Indra, the king; of the senses, I am the mind, and in living beings, I am the consciousness.
Lesson:
Krishna explains how he manifests himself in various aspects of creation, underscoring his omnipresence and omnipotence. When he says, "Vedānāṁ sāmavedo'smi," he is signifying that among the Vedas, he is the Sama Veda. The Vedas are ancient scriptures revered in Hinduism, and they encompass a vast body of knowledge covering various aspects of life, from rituals to philosophy. Among these, the Sama Veda holds a special place as it primarily consists of melodies and chants used in rituals. By identifying himself with the Sama Veda, Krishna emphasizes the importance of sound and melody in invoking divine energies.
Next, Krishna declares, "Devānāmasmi vāsavaḥ," which means he is Indra among the celestial gods. Indra is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology, often depicted as the king of the gods and the ruler of the heavens. He controls the rains and thunderstorms, symbolizing power and authority. By associating himself with Indra, Krishna asserts his sovereignty over the celestial realms and his supreme position among the gods.
Krishna further reveals, "Indriyāṇāṁ manaścāsmi," indicating that among the senses, he is the mind. The mind is considered the chief among the senses as it governs perception, cognition, and emotions. It is through the mind that individuals experience the world and make decisions. By identifying himself with the mind, Krishna highlights its significance in the spiritual journey and underscores the need for controlling and disciplining it.
Lastly, Krishna proclaims, "Bhūtānāmasmi cetanā," stating that he is consciousness among living beings. Consciousness is the essence of life, the underlying force that animates all living beings. It is the awareness that pervades existence, allowing individuals to perceive and interact with the world. By asserting his identity with consciousness, Krishna emphasizes the divine presence within every living being and the interconnectedness of all life forms.
Overall, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into the nature of divinity and the interconnectedness of all creation. It reminds us of the divine essence permeating everything in the universe and encourages us to recognize and honour the divine in all its manifestations.