A declaration · expansive in mood · a little context helps
“Greatness in many forms is one presence showing itself.”
Among the Vrishnis I am Vasudeva; among the Pandavas I am Dhananjaya. Among sages I am Vyasa, and among poets I am Ushana, the poet.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyamong the Vrishnis · Vasudeva · I am · among the Pandavas · Dhananjaya · among sages · also · I · Vyasa · among poets · Ushana · poet
Krishna says that the finest examples in different groups of people are his expressions. Greatness in warriors, sages, and poets all points back to him.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Vibhuti Yoga" (The Yoga of Divine Glories).
Verse 37 sits in Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita — Vibhuti Yoga, "The Yoga of Divine Glories". The chapter has 42 verses in total.
You meet a mentor, a fighter, and a writer who all seem to carry the same rare force. Instead of worshipping separate idols, you begin to sense one current moving through them all.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts the mind from isolated admiration to seeing one source expressed in many gifts.
What this verse means
Krishna says that the finest examples in different groups of people are his expressions. Greatness in warriors, sages, and poets all points back to him.
Context & commentary
On the Kurukshetra battlefield, while Arjuna stands frozen, Krishna keeps unfolding his divine presence. After naming his manifestations in nature and power, he now points to living human greatness: the might of Dhananjaya, the wisdom of Vyasa, the brilliance of great poets.
Why this verse still matters
You meet a mentor, a fighter, and a writer who all seem to carry the same rare force. Instead of worshipping separate idols, you begin to sense one current moving through them all.
“You do not need to chase fragmented ideals; the same presence can shine through many forms.”
Explore related themes: vibhuti (43 verses)