Chapter 10, Verse 23
रुद्राणां शङ्करश्चास्मि वित्तेशो यक्षरक्षसाम् | वसूनां पावकश्चास्मि मेरु: शिखरिणामहम् ॥23॥
rudrāṇāṁ śhaṅkaraśh chāsmi vitteśho yakṣha-rakṣhasām
vasūnāṁ pāvakaśh chāsmi meruḥ śhikhariṇām aham
"Among the Rudras I am Shankara, and among the Yakshas and Rakshasas I am Kubera (the lord of wealth). Among the Vasus I am Agni (fire), and among the mountains I am Meru."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 10.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 10.23 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Lord Krishna continues to describe His 'Vibhuti' or divine opulences. He identifies with the pinnacle or the most potent manifestation in various categories: Shankara among the eleven Rudras (symbolizing the auspicious aspect of transformation), Kubera (Vittesha) among the guardians of wealth, Agni (Pavaka) among the eight Vasus (the elements that sustain life), and Mount Meru among the peaked mountains (the cosmic axis). This teaches the seeker to recognize the presence of the Divine in the highest excellence of any group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 10.23?
Among the Rudras I am Shankara, and among the Yakshas and Rakshasas I am Kubera (the lord of wealth). Among the Vasus I am Agni (fire), and among the mountains I am Meru.