Chapter 10 Verse 20
Vibhūti Yog
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः। अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च।।10.20।।
aham ātmā guḍākeśha sarva-bhūtāśhaya-sthitaḥ aham ādiśh cha madhyaṁ cha bhūtānām anta eva cha
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 |
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.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says the Divine Self (ātman) lives in the heart of every being. It is the inner witness and presence that connects all life.
It also says this Self is the beginning, the middle, and the end of everything. That means the same source brings life, sustains it, and finally receives it back.
Recognizing this helps us see life as a single unfolding whole. When we know the same inner presence supports everyone, fear, pride, and anger lose their hold and we grow steadier and kinder.
Life Application
- Before reacting, pause, take a breath, and feel the calm presence inside you; act from that steadiness rather than from quick emotion.
- Treat others with respect and care, remembering they too carry the same inner Self; small acts of kindness matter.
- Start tasks with clear intention, keep steady effort through challenges, and accept results without clinging—trust the larger flow.
Reflection Question
How would my behavior change if I truly felt the same inner Self in myself and others?