द्यूतं छलयतामस्मि तेजस्तेजस्विनामहम्। जयोऽस्मि व्यवसायोऽस्मि सत्त्वं सत्त्ववतामहम्
It is Lord Krishna who is revealing his divine manifestations to Arjuna. Here, he is explaining how his presence is evident even in the qualities and actions of various beings. By saying he is the glory of the glorious and the resolve of the resolute, Krishna emphasizes that every noble quality and achievement ultimately stems from him.
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
What does Krishna identify himself with among deceitful practices in this verse?
Krishna states that among deceitful practices, he is gambling. This means that even in acts considered cunning or deceptive, his presence is the most potent and defining aspect. He points out that he is the essential, impactful force even in actions that are not always virtuous.
How does Krishna describe his presence in victorious and good individuals in this verse?
Krishna describes himself as the victory of the victorious and the goodness of the good. This means he is the driving force behind all true victories and the essence of goodness in virtuous individuals. Through this, he highlights that he is the underlying power in all noble outcomes and righteous actions.
What is the significance of Krishna saying he is the resolve in the resolute?
By stating he is the resolve in the resolute, Krishna implies that the unwavering determination people experience comes from his divine energy. This teaches that steadfastness and firmness of mind are manifestations of the divine, reminding us that inner strength is a reflection of a higher source.
Why does Krishna claim to be both the goodness in the good and the gambling among the deceitful?
Krishna's claim reflects the idea that the divine pervades all aspects of existence, both virtuous and otherwise. By identifying with both the highest qualities and even the most cunning actions, he shows that nothing exists outside his presence. This teaches us to recognize the omnipresence of the divine and to understand that every force in the world, whether positive or negative, ultimately originates from the same source.
I am the gambling of the cheat, and the splendour of splendid things I; I am victory, I am determination, and the truth of the truthful I.