Chapter 10, Verse 20
Vibhooti Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
aham—I; ātmā—soul; guḍākeśha—Arjun, the conqueror of sleep; sarva-bhūta—of all living entities; āśhaya-sthitaḥ—seated in the heart; aham—I; ādiḥ—the beginning; cha—and; madhyam—middle; cha—and; bhūtānām—of all beings; antaḥ—end; eva—even; cha—also
English translation
I am the Self, O Gudakesa, seated in the hearts of all beings; I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 10.20
Commentary
O Gudakesa I am the soul (Pratyagatma) which exists in the hearts of all beings and I am also the source or origin; the middle or stay; and the end of all created beings. I am the birth; the life and the death of all beings. Meditate on Me as the innermost Self. Gudakesa means either coneror of sleep or thickhaired. He who is able to meditate on the Self with Abheda Bhavana (attitude of nonduality); is a alified aspirant (Adhikari) of the first class. He who is not able to meditate on the Self should think of the Lord in those things which are mentioned below. This type of meditation is for the aspirants of the middle class.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
I am the Self, O Gudakesha (Arjuna), seated in the hearts of all creatures; I am the beginning, the middle, and also the end of all beings.
Context & Background
In Vibhooti Yoga, Krishna describes His divine opulences and cosmic presence.
Key Philosophical Teaching
God dwells within the heart of every living entity as the eternal source, sustainer, and final destination.
Practical Application
Treat every person with dignity and respect, recognizing the divine presence dwelling in their heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does God reside according to BG 10.20?
God resides within the heart (Hridaya) of every living entity.
Related Verses
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