Bhagavad Gita · Verse 10.20
Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (विभूतियोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः । अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च ॥२०॥
ahamātmā guḍākeśa sarvabhūtāśayasthitaḥ | ahamādiśca madhyaṃ ca bhūtānāmanta eva ca ||20||
Complete Shloka Translation
O Gudakesha, I am the Self dwelling in the hearts of all beings. I am their beginning, middle and end.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अहम् | aham | I |
| आत्मा | ātmā | the Supreme Soul (Atman) |
| गुडाकेश | guḍākeśa | O conqueror of sleep (Arjuna) |
| सर्व-भूत-आशय-स्थितः | sarva-bhūta-āśaya-sthitaḥ | seated in the innermost heart of all living beings |
| अहम् | aham | I am |
| आदिः च | ādiḥ ca | the beginning and origin |
| मध्यम् च | madhyam ca | and the middle sustenance |
| भूतानाम् | bhūtānām | of all created entities |
| अन्तः एव च | antaḥ eva ca | and their ultimate end and culmination |
I
the Supreme Soul (Atman)
O conqueror of sleep (Arjuna)
seated in the innermost heart of all living beings
I am
the beginning and origin
and the middle sustenance
of all created entities
and their ultimate end and culmination
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The list begins with an inward, universal affirmation before particular examples. Atman and divine indwelling receive distinct philosophical accounts.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Let awareness of a deeper presence support regard for all life."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can regard for life shape a choice today?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to recognize magnificence in daily life: whenever you encounter brilliance, kindness, creativity, or courage in anyone, recognize it as a reflection of the Divine Source, fostering humility and reverence.