Chapter 10 Verse 30

And I am Prahlada among the demons, I am Time among reckoners, I am the lion among beasts, and Vainateya (Garuda) among birds.

Core Meaning

In this verse Krishna points to how the divine shows up in many forms. Saying "I am Prahlada among the demons" means that even in a hostile place there can be true devotion and goodness. The divine can be found as faith and steadfastness where you least expect it.

Calling Himself "Time among reckoners" reminds us that time and change are the final measure. Human plans and counts cannot escape time’s power. "Lion among beasts" and "Vainateya among birds" show the divine as the highest quality in every class — courage, nobility, swiftness, freedom.

Taken together, the verse teaches that God is present as the best or deepest quality in everything — in adversity, in change, and in the strengths we admire. Spiritually, we are asked to recognize and bring out those highest qualities within ourselves, whatever the situation.

Life Application

• Keep steady faith and goodness even when your surroundings are negative — small devotion can survive and transform hard situations.
• Respect time: plan and act, but accept change and use each moment wisely.
• Aim to bring the best qualities (courage, freedom, steadiness) into your daily role, rather than hiding behind fear or smallness.

Reflection Question

In a difficult situation right now, which highest quality (faith, courage, steadiness, or freedom) can I show?