He further talks about his divine attributes to Arjuna, describing himself as the essence of strength, desire, and righteousness.

Firstly, Krishna declares himself as the strength of the strong (balaṁ balavatāṁ), indicating that all forms of strength, power, and vitality emanate from him. He is the source of inner and outer strength, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and obstacles in life. This highlights Krishna's omnipotence and role as the ultimate source of power and support for his devotees.

Next, Krishna describes himself as devoid of desire and passion (kāmarāgavivarjitam), implying that he is beyond worldly attachments and cravings. Unlike ordinary beings who are often driven by desires and passions, Krishna remains detached and unaffected by worldly temptations. This aspect of Krishna's nature symbolizes his transcendence over the material world and his embodiment of spiritual purity and detachment.

However, Krishna also acknowledges his presence in desire itself, albeit under specific conditions. He states, "I am desire itself, when it is in accordance with righteousness (Dharma)" (dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo'smi). Here, Krishna elucidates that desire aligned with righteousness or moral duty (Dharma) is a manifestation of his divine presence. When desires are guided by ethical principles and contribute to the greater good, they reflect Krishna's divine will and purpose.

This verse underscores the importance of understanding desire in the context of Dharma. While desires rooted in selfishness and ignorance lead to bondage and suffering, desires aligned with Dharma serve as a catalyst for spiritual evolution and self-realization. By aligning one's desires with righteous conduct and moral principles, individuals can harness their inherent desires to progress on the path of spiritual growth and attain liberation.

Overall, this verse emphasizes Krishna's role as the source of strength, the embodiment of detachment, and the essence of righteous desire. It highlights the profound spiritual teachings of the Gita, encouraging individuals to cultivate inner strength, detach from worldly desires, and align their actions with the principles of Dharma to attain spiritual fulfilment and divine grace.