Chapter 7 Verse 9
Jñāna Vijñāna Yog
पुण्यो गन्धः पृथिव्यां च तेजश्चास्मि विभावसौ। जीवनं सर्वभूतेषु तपश्चास्मि तपस्विषु।।7.9।।
puṇyo gandhaḥ pṛithivyāṁ cha tejaśh chāsmi vibhāvasau jīvanaṁ sarva-bhūteṣhu tapaśh chāsmi tapasviṣhu
Word Meanings
| puṇyaḥ | pure |
| gandhaḥ | fragrance |
| pṛithivyām | of the earth |
| cha | and |
| tejaḥ | brilliance |
| cha | and |
| asmi | I am |
| vibhāvasau | in the fire |
| jīvanam | the life-force |
| sarva | in all |
| bhūteṣhu | beings |
| tapaḥ | penance |
| cha | and |
| asmi | I am |
| tapasviṣhu | of the ascetics |
Translation
I am the sweet fragrance in the earth and the brilliance in the fire, the life in all beings, and I am the austerity of ascetics.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says the divine shows up in nature and in life itself. The sweet smell of the earth and the bright power of fire point to a presence behind simple elements.
It also says the same presence is the living force in every creature. That means life is sacred and connects all beings.
Finally, it appears as the inner discipline of those who seek truth. Austerity here means steady inner effort, not harshness.
Life Application
- Notice small natural things (a scent, a sunrise, warmth) as reminders of a deeper presence.
- Treat people and animals with care, seeing the same life in them that you feel in yourself.
- Build gentle habits of inner discipline: regular quiet time, honest work, or simple self-control.
Reflection Question
Where today can you feel the same life or light in yourself and in others?