श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ७.८ — रसोऽहमप्सु कौन्तेय — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ७.८ — रसोऽहमप्सु कौन्तेय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
रसः
rasaḥ
taste, flavour, essence
अहम्
aham
I am
अप्सु
apsu
in water
कौन्तेय
kaunteya
O son of Kunti (Arjuna)
प्रभा
prabhā
the radiance, the light
अस्मि
asmi
I am
शशिसूर्ययोः
śhaśhi-sūryayoḥ
of the moon and the sun
प्रणवः
praṇavaḥ
the sacred syllable Om
सर्ववेदेषु
sarva-vedeṣhu
in all the Vedas
शब्दः
śhabdaḥ
sound
खे
khe
in ether, in space
पौरुषम्
pauruṣham
ability, manliness, virility
नृषु
nṛiṣhu
in humans, in men
Complete Translation
हे कौन्तेय! जल में मैं रस हूँ, चन्द्रमा और सूर्य में प्रकाश हूँ, समस्त वेदों में प्रणव (ॐकार) हूँ, आकाश में शब्द हूँ और मनुष्यों में पुरुषत्व (सामर्थ्य) हूँ।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 8
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the seventh chapter, the Yoga of Knowledge and Realization (Jnana-Vijnana Yoga), Krishna begins to describe his divine manifestations (vibhutis), showing how the one Supreme pervades all of creation. This verse opens that revelation, identifying himself as the essence in water, light, the Vedas, ether and humankind, so that Arjuna may learn to recognize him everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 7.8?▼
Krishna reveals that he is the very essence within creation — the taste in water, the light of the sun and moon, the syllable Om in the Vedas, sound in ether, and ability in humans. The verse teaches that God is the inner essence of all things, not separate from them.
Why does Krishna identify himself with the taste in water and light of the sun?▼
These are vivid examples to help us recognize the Divine in our direct experience. The subtle, essential quality of each thing — the taste that makes water refreshing, the light that makes the sun shine — is presented as God's own presence, so that we may see Him everywhere.
What is the significance of 'Pranava' (Om) in this verse?▼
Krishna declares that he is Om, the sacred syllable that is the essence of all the Vedas. This places Om as a direct symbol and sound-form of the Supreme, making its chanting a powerful way to commune with God.
How can I use this verse in daily life?▼
Use it as a practice of seeing God in everything: when you drink water, feel sunlight, hear sound, or use your own strength, remember that these are expressions of the Divine. This turns ordinary moments into continuous awareness of the Lord.
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