Bhagavad Gita 7.10 — The Eternal Seed of All Beings, the Intelligence of the Intelligent
बीजं मां सर्वभूतानां विद्धि पार्थ सनातनम् ।
बुद्धिर्बुद्धिमतामस्मि तेजस्तेजस्विनामहम् ॥ ७.१० ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
O Arjuna, know Me to be the eternal seed of all beings. I am the intelligence of the intelligent, and the splendor of the splendid.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bījam | seed, original cause |
| mām | Me |
| sarva-bhūtānām | of all beings |
| viddhi | know, understand |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha |
| sanātanam | eternal, everlasting |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| buddhiḥ | intelligence, discernment |
| buddhimatām | of the intelligent |
| asmi | I am |
| tejaḥ | splendor, brilliance, power |
| tejasvinām | of the splendid, of the radiant and powerful |
| aham | I |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| bījam | seed, original cause | buddhiḥ | intelligence, discernment |
| mām | Me | buddhimatām | of the intelligent |
| sarva-bhūtānām | of all beings | asmi | I am |
| viddhi | know, understand | tejaḥ | splendor, brilliance, power |
| pārtha | O Arjuna, son of Pritha | tejasvinām | of the splendid, of the radiant and powerful |
| sanātanam | eternal, everlasting | aham | I |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now reveals that He is the eternal seed of all beings. He also says that He is the intellect of the wise and the splendour of the glorious, which shows that every excellence in the world derives from Him.
Essence
The Seed and the Source of Excellence
Where the earlier verses spoke of the Divine in elements and qualities, this verse speaks of the Divine as the cause of all becoming, and as the source of the highest human abilities.
Bījaṁ māṁ sarva-bhūtānām (I am the seed of all beings): A seed contains in a hidden form the whole tree. Everything that grows in the world, whether plant, animal, or human, comes from a source that carries the potential for its existence.
Sanātanam (eternal): Ordinary seeds are produced from earlier trees and eventually perish, but Lord Krishna is the sanātana bīja, the everlasting seed. He is without beginning and is never exhausted by producing the world.
Buddhir buddhimatām asmi (I am the intelligence of the intelligent): Intelligence is not merely personal achievement. Lord Krishna says that the capacity to understand, discriminate, and create comes from Him. A brilliant scientist, a wise elder, and a thoughtful student are all drawing upon a power that is not their own invention.
Tejas tejasvinām aham (I am the splendour of the splendid): Tejas means radiance or the power to inspire and command respect. Some people have a presence that moves others. Lord Krishna says that this charisma and brilliance is His glory.
A lesson in humility: If our intelligence and splendour come from the Divine, then pride in them is misplaced. A person who understands this does not become less capable, but becomes less arrogant. Their gifts are used with gratitude and in service, and they feel no need to look down on others.
Message for Everyday Life (Talent Without Arrogance)
Hold your abilities lightly: Success can make us believe that we are entirely self-made, which often leads to arrogance or fear of losing our status.
Practical approach: When you succeed, acknowledge the many factors behind it, including your teachers, circumstances, health, and the Divine source of your abilities. Use your talents to benefit others, and when you see another person's excellence, appreciate it instead of feeling threatened. By doing so, you will find that both pride and jealousy gradually lose their grip.
The Seed and the Source of Excellence
Where the earlier verses spoke of the Divine in elements and qualities, this verse speaks of the Divine as the cause of all becoming, and as the source of the highest human abilities.
Bījaṁ māṁ sarva-bhūtānām (I am the seed of all beings): A seed contains in a hidden form the whole tree. Everything that grows in the world, whether plant, animal, or human, comes from a source that carries the potential for its existence.
Sanātanam (eternal): Ordinary seeds are produced from earlier trees and eventually perish, but Lord Krishna is the sanātana bīja, the everlasting seed. He is without beginning and is never exhausted by producing the world.
Buddhir buddhimatām asmi (I am the intelligence of the intelligent): Intelligence is not merely personal achievement. Lord Krishna says that the capacity to understand, discriminate, and create comes from Him. A brilliant scientist, a wise elder, and a thoughtful student are all drawing upon a power that is not their own invention.
Tejas tejasvinām aham (I am the splendour of the splendid): Tejas means radiance or the power to inspire and command respect. Some people have a presence that moves others. Lord Krishna says that this charisma and brilliance is His glory.
A lesson in humility: If our intelligence and splendour come from the Divine, then pride in them is misplaced. A person who understands this does not become less capable, but becomes less arrogant. Their gifts are used with gratitude and in service, and they feel no need to look down on others.
Message for Everyday Life (Talent Without Arrogance)
Hold your abilities lightly: Success can make us believe that we are entirely self-made, which often leads to arrogance or fear of losing our status.
Practical approach: When you succeed, acknowledge the many factors behind it, including your teachers, circumstances, health, and the Divine source of your abilities. Use your talents to benefit others, and when you see another person's excellence, appreciate it instead of feeling threatened. By doing so, you will find that both pride and jealousy gradually lose their grip.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has declared that He is the eternal seed and the source of intelligence and splendour. He now adds a vital qualification regarding two powerful forces in life, strength and desire, explaining that He is the strength free from lust and the desire that is in harmony with dharma.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Within every seed lies a forest waiting.
Sharp minds should be grateful minds.
Shine, but remember where the light comes from.
Talent is a trust, not a trophy.
Remember the seed when you admire the tree.
Nurture what is within you and it will grow.
Excellence is a reason for gratitude, not for pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'bījam' (seed) mean in this verse?
Why is the seed called 'sanātanam' (eternal)?
What does 'buddhir buddhimatām' (the intelligence of the intelligent) mean?
What is 'tejaḥ' (splendor) in this verse?
What is the practical message of this verse?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: