Chapter 10 Verse 37
Vibhūti Yog
वृष्णीनां वासुदेवोऽस्मि पाण्डवानां धनंजयः। मुनीनामप्यहं व्यासः कवीनामुशना कविः।।10.37।।
vṛiṣhṇīnāṁ vāsudevo ’smi pāṇḍavānāṁ dhanañjayaḥ munīnām apyahaṁ vyāsaḥ kavīnām uśhanā kaviḥ
Word Meanings
| vṛiṣhṇīnām | amongst the descendants of Vrishni |
| vāsudevaḥ | Krishna, the son of Vasudev |
| asmi | I am |
| pāṇḍavānām | amongst the Pandavas |
| dhanañjayaḥ | Arjun, the conqueror of wealth |
| munīnām | amongst the sages |
| api | also |
| aham | I |
| vyāsaḥ | Ved Vyas |
| kavīnām | amongst the great thinkers |
| uśhanā | Shukracharya |
| kaviḥ | the thinker |
Translation
Among the Vrishnis, I am Vaasudeva; among the Pandavas, I am Arjuna; among the sages, I am Vyasa; among the poets, I am Usanas, the poet.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows how the divine appears as the best example in every group. Krishna says he is Vāsudeva among his clan, Arjuna among warriors, Vyāsa among sages, and Usana among poets. Each named person or role carries the highest quality in that field.
Philosophically, it teaches that the same single reality expresses itself in many ways. The divine is not far away but shines through people and qualities we can recognize and admire. Seeing God in great examples helps us understand unity behind diversity.
Spiritually, the verse asks us to look beyond the surface of a person and notice the divine quality they represent—courage, wisdom, devotion, or creativity. This keeps admiration humble and turns respect into a guide for our own growth.
Life Application
- Notice the best qualities in people around you (bravery, wisdom, kindness) and treat those qualities as worth learning from.
- Use role models as guides, not idols: copy the good habits and attitudes, not the ego or fame.
- When you meet someone inspiring, thank them and ask what practices brought them those qualities.
Reflection Question
Which quality in someone you respect feels like a reflection of the divine, and how can you practice that quality today?