Mantra.Tips

श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १०.२२ — वेदानां सामवेदोऽस्मि — Word-by-Word Meaning

श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १०.२२ — वेदानां सामवेदोऽस्मि

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

Word-by-Word Breakdown

वेदानाम्
vedānām
amongst the Vedas
सामवेदः
sāma-vedaḥ
the Sama Veda
अस्मि
asmi
I am
देवानाम्
devānām
of all the celestial gods
अस्मि
asmi
I am
वासवः
vāsavaḥ
Indra (lord of the Vasus)
इन्द्रियाणाम्
indriyāṇām
amongst the senses
मनः
manaḥ
the mind
cha
and
अस्मि
asmi
I am
भूतानाम्
bhūtānām
amongst the living beings
अस्मि
asmi
I am
चेतना
chetanā
consciousness, intelligence

Complete Translation

मैं वेदों में सामवेद हूँ, देवों में वासव (इन्द्र) हूँ; मैं इन्द्रियों में मन और भूतप्राणियों में चेतना (ज्ञानशक्ति) हूँ।।

Origin & History

Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 22

Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)

Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)

In the tenth chapter, the Yoga of Divine Glories (Vibhuti Yoga), Krishna unfolds for Arjuna the foremost manifestations of his power throughout creation. Here he moves from scriptures and gods to the inner instruments of experience — the mind and consciousness — showing that the same Supreme shines outwardly in glory and inwardly as the awareness of all beings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 10.22?
Krishna continues describing his divine glories: he is the Sama-Veda among the Vedas, Indra among the gods, the mind among the senses, and consciousness among living beings. The verse reveals God both in the most glorious outer things and as the awareness within every creature.
Why does Krishna say he is the Sama-Veda?
The Sama-Veda is the most musical of the four Vedas, its verses meant to be sung. By naming it, Krishna identifies himself with the sweetness and devotion of sacred song, showing that melodious worship is especially dear to him.
What does it mean that Krishna is 'consciousness' among beings?
It means the very faculty of awareness — the power by which we know and experience anything — is a manifestation of the Lord. This points seekers inward, revealing that God is closer than the senses, as the consciousness that is our own deepest nature.
How can I use this verse in daily life?
Whenever you notice yourself thinking, sensing, or simply being aware, gently remember that this awareness is a spark of the Divine. Listening to or singing sacred music with this verse in mind also deepens devotion, as the Sama-Veda is the Lord's own song.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →