
7
CHAPTER
VERSE
8
रसोऽहमप्सु कौन्तेय प्रभास्मि शशिसूर्ययो: |
प्रणव: सर्ववेदेषु शब्द: खे पौरुषं नृषु || 7.8 ||
Raso'hamapsu kaunteya prabhāsmi śaśisūryayoḥ
praṇavaḥ sarvavedeṣu śabdaḥ khe pauruṣaṁ nṛṣu ||
O son of Kunti, I am the taste in water, the light of the moon and the sun, the sacred syllable Om in the Vedic mantras, the sound in ether, and the ability in man.
Lesson:
This verse reveals some of His divine manifestations and attributes, illustrating His omnipresence and omnipotence. He declares Himself as the essence or taste (rasa) in water, the illuminating force of the moon and the sun, the primordial sound Om present in all Vedic scriptures, the vibration in the ether, and the strength or vitality in humans.
Firstly, Krishna identifies Himself as the taste in water (raso'hamapsu). Water, essential for sustenance and life, carries various tastes, and Krishna asserts His presence in this essential element, signifying His pervasiveness and vital role in sustaining creation.
Next, Krishna declares Himself as the light of the moon and the sun (prabhāsmi śaśisūryayoḥ), representing His illuminating and life-giving aspects. The moon provides soothing light in darkness, while the sun offers warmth and energy, symbolizing Krishna's benevolent and nurturing qualities.
Krishna further identifies Himself as the sacred syllable Om (praṇavaḥ) present in all Vedic mantras, indicating His presence as the primordial sound vibrating throughout creation. Om represents the cosmic vibration, symbolizing the essence of all existence and the divine sound that resonates within the universe.
Additionally, Krishna mentions Himself as the sound (shabdaḥ) present in ether (khe), signifying His omnipresence as the subtle vibration underlying all creation. Ether represents the subtlest element, and Krishna asserts His presence as the fundamental sound principle permeating the cosmos.
Finally, Krishna declares Himself as the ability or strength (pauruṣaṁ) in humans (nṛṣu), highlighting His presence as the source of vitality, intelligence, and capability in sentient beings. He is the innate power that drives human endeavours and accomplishments, guiding and empowering individuals in their pursuits.
Overall, this verse elucidates Krishna's divine manifestations in various aspects of creation, emphasizing His omnipresence, omnipotence, and nurturing presence in every aspect of existence. It teaches that the divine is not distant or abstract but immanent and accessible, manifesting in the myriad forms and phenomena of the universe, including the elements, sounds, and abilities of sentient beings.