
Chapter 10 Verse 34
Vibhūti Yog
मृत्युः सर्वहरश्चाहमुद्भवश्च भविष्यताम्। कीर्तिः श्रीर्वाक्च नारीणां स्मृतिर्मेधा धृतिः क्षमा।।10.34।।
mṛityuḥ sarva-haraśh chāham udbhavaśh cha bhaviṣhyatām kīrtiḥ śhrīr vāk cha nārīṇāṁ smṛitir medhā dhṛitiḥ kṣhamā
Word Meanings
| mṛityuḥ | death |
| sarva-haraḥ | all-devouring |
| cha | and |
| aham | I |
| udbhavaḥ | the origin |
| cha | and |
| bhaviṣhyatām | those things that are yet to be |
| kīrtiḥ | fame |
| śhrīḥ | prospective |
| vāk | fine speech |
| cha | and |
| nārīṇām | amongst feminine qualities |
| smṛitiḥ | memory |
| medhā | intelligence |
| dhṛitiḥ | courage |
| kṣhamā | forgiveness |
Translation
And I am the all-devouring Death, and the source of prosperity for those who are to be prosperous; among the feminine qualities, I am fame, prosperity, speech, memory, intelligence, firmness, and forgiveness.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows that the divine is both the force that ends life (Death) and the source of future prosperity. It teaches that endings and beginnings come from the same reality, so neither should be feared or clung to alone.
Krishna names several inner qualities—fame, wealth, speech, memory, intelligence, firmness, and forgiveness—as his expressions. These are not just outward results but qualities to develop inside ourselves. The mention of "feminine qualities" points to traits of nurture, grace, and steadiness that support life and relationships.
Spiritually, the teaching asks us to see the sacred in every aspect of experience: accept limits and loss, and cultivate steady virtues rather than chasing temporary rewards. True prosperity comes when inner qualities like clear speech, sharp memory, steady courage, and the ability to forgive guide action.
Life Application
- Practice acceptance of change: remind yourself that loss and gain are natural; use this to reduce fear and attachment.
- Use speech and mind well: speak truth kindly, read or review daily to strengthen memory and intelligence.
- Build firmness and forgiveness: set small, consistent commitments and forgive others to free your energy for steady progress.
Reflection Question
Which one of these qualities do I most need to strengthen in my daily life right now?

