Bhagavad Gita · Verse 10.36
Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (विभूतियोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
द्यूतं छलयतामस्मि तेजस्तेजस्विनामहम् । जयोऽस्मि व्यवसायोऽस्मि सत्त्वं सत्त्ववतामहम् ॥३६॥
dyūtaṃ chalayatāmasmi tejastejasvināmaham | jayo'smi vyavasāyo'smi sattvaṃ sattvavatāmaham ||36||
Complete Shloka Translation
Among deceitful practices I am gambling; I am the brilliance of the brilliant, victory, determination and the goodness of those endowed with sattva.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| द्यूतम् | dyūtam | gambling or dice-play |
| व्यवसायः | vyavasāyaḥ | determination or effort |
| द्यूतं | dyūtaṃ | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
| छलयतामस्मि | chalayatāmasmi | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
| तेजस्तेजस्विनामहम् | tejastejasvināmaham | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
| जयोऽस्मि | jayo'smi | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
| व्यवसायोऽस्मि | vyavasāyo'smi | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
| सत्त्वं | sattvaṃ | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
| सत्त्ववतामहम् | sattvavatāmaham | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
| ३६ | sattvavatāmaham | [term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am... |
gambling or dice-play
determination or effort
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
[term] in context of Among deceitful practices I am...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The gambling example extends the list beyond morally admirable activities. Identifying a manifestation does not instruct the reader to gamble or deceive; sattva also has meanings of goodness, strength and nobility across explanations.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Recognize a power without confusing its presence with moral approval."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How do you distinguish power from ethical approval?
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.