In Bhagavad Gita 10.22, Krishna says that among the Vedas he is the Sama Veda, among the gods Indra, among the senses the mind, and in beings consciousness.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
वेदानां सामवेदोऽस्मि
देवानामस्मि वासवः
इन्द्रियाणां मनश्चास्मि
भूतानामस्मि चेतना ॥ १०-२२ ॥
vedānāṃ sāmavedo’smi
devānāmasmi vāsavaḥ
indriyāṇāṃ manaścāsmi
bhūtānāmasmi cetanā
English transliteration vedaanaam saamavedo’smi
devaanaamasmi vaasavah
indriyaanaam manashchaasmi
bhootaanaamasmi chetanaa ॥ 10.22 ॥
Translation / Meaning
Among the Vedas I am the Sama Veda; among the gods I am Indra; among the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am consciousness.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| वेदानाम् vedānām | among the Vedas |
| सामवेदः sāmavedaḥ | the Sāma Veda |
| अस्मि asmi | I am |
| देवानाम् devānām | among the gods |
| अस्मि asmi | I am |
| वासवः vāsavaḥ | Indra |
| इन्द्रियाणाम् indriyāṇām | among the senses |
| मनः manaḥ | the mind |
| च ca | and |
| अस्मि asmi | I am |
| भूतानाम् bhūtānām | in beings |
| अस्मि asmi | I am |
| चेतना cetanā | consciousness |
Word-wise Chanting
- ve–dā–nāṃ sā–ma–ve–do–‘smi 8 syllables ve-daa-naam saa-ma-ve-do-‘smi
- de–vā–nā–mas–mi vā–sa–vaḥ | 8 syllables de-vaa-naa-mas-mi vaa-sa-vah
- in–dri–yā–ṇāṃ ma–naś–cās–mi 8 syllables in-dri-yaa-naam ma-nash-chaas-mi
- bhū–tā–nā–mas–mi ce–ta–nā || 10-22 8 syllables bhoo-taa-naa-mas-mi che-ta-naa
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 10 Verse 22
Context
Krishna continues naming his glories (10.21–10.38).
Meaning
The Sāma Veda, the Veda of sacred song, is the most melodious; Indra, also called Vāsava, is king of the gods; the mind is the leader of the senses; and cetanā, consciousness, is the essence of every living being. In each, the Divine shines most fully.
The Divine as consciousness within us is especially significant. Our very awareness is a manifestation of the Divine.
In Practice
Notice your own awareness right now, the simple fact that you are conscious, and recognise it as the Divine.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (The Divine Manifestations). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.