“I am the taste in water, O Arjuna, the light in moon and sun, the syllable Om in Vedas, sound in ether, and ability in man.”
Key Teaching: Krishna is the essence of natural and spiritual phenomena.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Vijnana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that he is the taste in water, light in moon and sun, syllable Om in Vedas, sound in ether, and ability in man. This verse, continuing 7.7, addresses Arjuna’s need for divine presence (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies divine essence, and Jnana Vijnana Yoga, as he emphasizes omnipresence, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s ignorance (1.28–46) obscures Krishna’s presence. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s material focus (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to see Krishna’s essence for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 7.6).
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human oversight of divine presence, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on omnipresence (7.7). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to recognize divine essence. The theme of Jnana Vijnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine realization.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its vivid clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s phenomena, where Krishna is the essence. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine awareness, aligning with liberation.
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