Chapter 10 Verse 31
Vibhūti Yog
पवनः पवतामस्मि रामः शस्त्रभृतामहम्। झषाणां मकरश्चास्मि स्रोतसामस्मि जाह्नवी।।10.31।।
pavanaḥ pavatām asmi rāmaḥ śhastra-bhṛitām aham jhaṣhāṇāṁ makaraśh chāsmi srotasām asmi jāhnavī
Word Meanings
| pavanaḥ | the wind |
| pavatām | of all that purifies |
| asmi | I am |
| rāmaḥ | Ram |
| śhastra-bhṛitām | of the carriers of weapons |
| aham | I am |
| jhaṣhāṇām | of all acquatics |
| makaraḥ | crocodile |
| cha | also |
| asmi | I am |
| srotasām | of flowing rivers |
| asmi | I am |
| jāhnavī | the Ganges |
Translation
Among the purifiers, I am the wind; among the warriors, I am Rama; among the fishes, I am the shark; among the streams, I am the Ganga.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows that the divine appears most clearly in the highest expressions of the world. Just as wind cleanses, Rama stands for noble courage, the shark shows fierce power, and the Ganga represents sacred purity, the Divine is present as the best quality in each realm.
It teaches that God is not only a distant being but the living force behind purity, duty, strength, and spiritual flow. Seeing these highest examples helps us recognize the divine in everyday life and in different roles and qualities.
By pointing to many forms—gentle and fierce—the verse invites us to respect all sides of life. The sacred can be found in cleansing breath, in right action, in determined effort, and in humble devotion to what sustains our spirit.
Life Application
- Use mindful breathing (like the wind) to clear your mind and calm reactions when stressed.
- Act with steady courage and responsibility in your duties, modeling right action like Rama.
- Treat natural and spiritual sources (rivers, teachers, practices) with care and reverence; let them guide your inner growth.
Reflection Question
Which highest quality (purity, duty, strength, or devotion) do you most need to bring forward in your life today?