Bhagavad Gita · Verse 7.8
Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana Yoga (ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
रसोऽहमप्सु कौन्तेय प्रभास्मि शशिसूर्ययोः । प्रणवः सर्ववेदेषु शब्दः खे पौरुषं नृषु ॥८॥
raso'hamapsu kaunteya prabhāsmi śaśisūryayoḥ | praṇavaḥ sarvavedeṣu śabdaḥ khe pauruṣaṃ nṛṣu ||8||
Complete Shloka Translation
O son of Kunti, I am the taste in water, the radiance of the moon and sun, Om in all the Vedas, sound in space and vigor in human beings.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| रसः अहम् | rasaḥ aham | I am the sapidity / taste |
| अप्सु | apsu | in pristine waters |
| कौन्तेय | kaunteya | O son of Kunti |
| प्रभा अस्मि | prabhā asmi | I am the luminous radiance |
| शशि-सूर्ययोः | śaśi-sūryayoḥ | of the moon and sun |
| प्रणवः | praṇavaḥ | the sacred syllable OM |
| सर्व-वेदेषु | sarva-vedeṣu | in all the Vedas |
| शब्दः खे | śabdaḥ khe | sound in the subtle ether / space |
| पौरुषम् नृषु | pauruṣam nṛṣu | virility and courage in human beings |
I am the sapidity / taste
in pristine waters
O son of Kunti
I am the luminous radiance
of the moon and sun
the sacred syllable OM
in all the Vedas
sound in the subtle ether / space
virility and courage in human beings
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna names familiar qualities through which His presence may be contemplated. Paurusha carries the sense of human vigor or ability; the reflection applies this invitation to ordinary attention.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Everyday experiences can become occasions for attentive gratitude."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which ordinary experience invites gratitude today?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to look beneath external appearances in your daily life: see the underlying divine spark and interconnectedness in everyone, and seek refuge in timeless values rather than chasing fleeting superficial illusions.