अक्षराणामकारोऽस्मि द्वन्द्वः सामासिकस्य च। अहमेवाक्षयः कालो धाताऽहं विश्वतोमुखः
Krishna identifies Himself with the letter 'A', which is the first and most fundamental sound among the letters of the alphabet. He signifies that He is the origin and the basis of all speech and expression.
The descriptions of excellence and nature offer a practice of noticing. Pause to appreciate skill, beauty, or courage without turning admiration into the thought that you are inadequate.
Go deeper into this verse
How does Krishna describe His relationship to Time in this teaching on Among?
Krishna describes Himself as the endless and inexhaustible Time, indicating that He is beyond the limitations of time and also the force that sustains and consumes all things. This means He is both the preserver and the inevitable end, present at every moment.
In Chapter 10, Verse 33, what does it mean when Krishna says 'I am the sustainer of all, having My face on all sides'?
When Krishna says He is the sustainer of all with faces on all sides, it means He pervades the entire universe, supporting and nourishing every being from every direction. This conveys His omnipresence and all-encompassing care, reminding us that divine support is always present, no matter where we look.
Why does Krishna compare Himself to the copulative compound (samāsa) among grammatical compounds?
Krishna compares Himself to the copulative compound because this type of compound joins elements together equally, without subordination. This reflects the divine quality of unity and harmony, demonstrating that Krishna is the principle that binds diverse elements into a coherent whole.
What lesson can be drawn from Krishna's claim of being both the beginning ('A') and endless Time?
Krishna's claim teaches that the Divine is both the origin and the ultimate destiny of all things. Recognizing this helps one see life as a continuous flow, encouraging us to act with awareness of the eternal, not just the temporary. This wisdom inspires trust in the deeper order of existence and motivates us to align our actions with the divine purpose.
Of letters the letter A I am, and the duality of a compound; I also everlasting Time; I the Supporter, whose face turns everywhere.