Bhagavad Gita 7.6 — The Supreme as the Origin and Dissolution of the Entire World
एतद्योनीनि भूतानि सर्वाणीत्युपधारय ।
अहं कृत्स्नस्य जगतः प्रभवः प्रलयस्तथा ॥ ७.६ ॥
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Understand that all beings have these two natures as their source. I am the origin of the entire universe, and also its dissolution.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etat-yonīni | having these two natures as their source, born from these |
| bhūtāni | beings, all created things |
| sarvāṇi | all |
| iti | thus |
| upadhāraya | understand firmly, reflect and know for certain |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aham | I |
| kṛitsnasya | of the entire, of the whole |
| jagataḥ | world, universe |
| prabhavaḥ | origin, source of creation |
| pralayaḥ | dissolution, withdrawal |
| tathā | and also, likewise |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| etat-yonīni | having these two natures as their source, born from these | aham | I |
| bhūtāni | beings, all created things | kṛitsnasya | of the entire, of the whole |
| sarvāṇi | all | jagataḥ | world, universe |
| iti | thus | prabhavaḥ | origin, source of creation |
| upadhāraya | understand firmly, reflect and know for certain | pralayaḥ | dissolution, withdrawal |
| tathā | and also, likewise | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Combining the two natures just described, Lord Krishna draws a profound conclusion about creation. He says that all beings arise from these two natures, and that He Himself is both the origin and the final dissolution of the whole world.
Essence
Source and Resting Place of Everything
Having described aparā and parā prakṛti, Lord Krishna shows how they work together. Every living being, he says, is born from the union of these two. The body, mind, and elements come from the lower nature, while consciousness comes from the higher.
Etad-yonīni bhūtāni (all beings have these two as their womb): The word yoni means 'womb' or 'source'. Just as a child is formed from two different contributions, every creature is formed from the combination of matter and consciousness. Neither alone is sufficient. A body without consciousness is lifeless, and consciousness without a body cannot interact with the world.
Ahaṁ kṛtsnasya jagataḥ prabhavaḥ (I am the origin of the entire world): Prabhava means that from which something arises. Lord Krishna is not merely a distant observer of creation. The two natures are His own energies, so He is its source.
Pralayas tathā (and likewise its dissolution): Pralaya is the dissolution, the withdrawal of everything back into its source. A wave arises from the ocean, exists for a time, and merges back into it. In the same way, the universe emerges from the Supreme and returns to Him.
The comprehensive vision: This verse removes a common mistake of dividing the world into 'sacred' and 'secular'. If everything arises from the Divine and returns to the Divine, then no part of life is outside of spiritual significance. Our work, relationships, and ordinary duties all take place within the Lord's own creation.
Message for Everyday Life (Living with a Sense of Belonging)
Overcome the feeling of being a stranger in the world: Many people feel lonely, anxious, or uprooted. The idea that we arise from and belong to a single source gives a deeper sense of security than any worldly arrangement can give.
Practical approach: Whenever you feel insignificant or afraid of loss, remember that beginnings and endings are both held within the Supreme. This helps you accept change, such as the end of a phase of life or the loss of a position, with greater calm. Treat your daily duties as part of a larger order, and you will find that the heaviness of constant striving begins to lift.
Source and Resting Place of Everything
Having described aparā and parā prakṛti, Lord Krishna shows how they work together. Every living being, he says, is born from the union of these two. The body, mind, and elements come from the lower nature, while consciousness comes from the higher.
Etad-yonīni bhūtāni (all beings have these two as their womb): The word yoni means 'womb' or 'source'. Just as a child is formed from two different contributions, every creature is formed from the combination of matter and consciousness. Neither alone is sufficient. A body without consciousness is lifeless, and consciousness without a body cannot interact with the world.
Ahaṁ kṛtsnasya jagataḥ prabhavaḥ (I am the origin of the entire world): Prabhava means that from which something arises. Lord Krishna is not merely a distant observer of creation. The two natures are His own energies, so He is its source.
Pralayas tathā (and likewise its dissolution): Pralaya is the dissolution, the withdrawal of everything back into its source. A wave arises from the ocean, exists for a time, and merges back into it. In the same way, the universe emerges from the Supreme and returns to Him.
The comprehensive vision: This verse removes a common mistake of dividing the world into 'sacred' and 'secular'. If everything arises from the Divine and returns to the Divine, then no part of life is outside of spiritual significance. Our work, relationships, and ordinary duties all take place within the Lord's own creation.
Message for Everyday Life (Living with a Sense of Belonging)
Overcome the feeling of being a stranger in the world: Many people feel lonely, anxious, or uprooted. The idea that we arise from and belong to a single source gives a deeper sense of security than any worldly arrangement can give.
Practical approach: Whenever you feel insignificant or afraid of loss, remember that beginnings and endings are both held within the Supreme. This helps you accept change, such as the end of a phase of life or the loss of a position, with greater calm. Treat your daily duties as part of a larger order, and you will find that the heaviness of constant striving begins to lift.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has declared that He is the origin and the dissolution of the entire world. This raises an important question: if He is the source of everything, is there anything higher or independent of Him? In the next verse, He answers that nothing is superior to Him, and that everything is strung upon Him like pearls on a thread.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Every life begins somewhere deeper than it appears.
What rises falls; what falls returns.
A common origin makes every being a relative.
Seeing the whole cycle softens attachment to any single moment.
Understanding begins with a pause to reflect.
Nothing we build is the origin of itself.
To know the beginning and the end is to be steady in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'etat-yonīni' (having these as their source) refer to?
What do 'prabhavaḥ' (origin) and 'pralayaḥ' (dissolution) mean?
Does Krishna claim to be the cause of both creation and dissolution?
What does 'upadhāraya' (understand firmly) ask of Arjuna?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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