104 - Manifestations of the Divine | Swami Tattwamayananda

Title: Manifestations of the Divine<br /><br />10th chapter: 20th verse, 41st verse, verses 25-38<br /><br />The summary of the 10th chapter is that everything is an expression of the divine. This divinity is immanent within us. We can manifest this divinity by seeing its presence in anything that is sublime, supreme, beautiful and creative.<br /><br />The central thesis of the 10th chapter is in the 20th verse and 41st verse. It is important to properly understand both these verses to make sense of verse 21 onwards, where Lord Krishna describes his manifestations.<br /><br />In the 20th verse, Lord Krishna says: “O Arjuna, I am present in the heart of all beings as the indweller– residing there I regulate and function everything. I am the beginning; I am the middle; and I am the end of all beings.”<br /><br />In the 41st verse, Lord Krishna says: “Wherever you find some greatness, prosperity, power or excellence – know that to be a part of My splendor.” Wherever we find a unique manifestation that is sublime and beautiful, it is an expression of the divine reality.<br /><br />To make this clearer, from the 25th to 38th verse, Lord Krishna describes his physical manifestations.<br /><br />In the 25th verse, Lord Krishna says: “Among the sounds, I am Omkara.” Omkara is the essence of all human sound and speech systems.<br /><br />In the 26th verse, Lord Krishna says: “Among sacred trees, I am Ashvattha.” Ashvattha is considered the most auspicious among trees.<br /><br />In the 29th verse, Lord Krishna says: “Among the regulators, I am Yama.” Yama is the great equalizer – real equality is possible only in the palace of the Lord of death. In the 34th verse, Lord Krishna says: “I am the all-consuming death.”<br /><br />Death is inescapable. However, it can be transcended when we realize our deathless dimension, as the Atman. Atman is indestructible – it was never born, and it never dies. Immortality cannot be achieved at physical level.<br /><br />Yama explains the mystery of death to Nachiketa in the Kathopanishad.