Chapter 10 • Verse 5

The Yoga of Divine Glories

Krishna continues enumerating qualities that arise from Him, showing His presence in all aspects of life. 'Ahiṁsā'—non-violence, 'samatā'—equanimity, 'tuṣṭiḥ'—satisfaction, 'tapaḥ'—austerity, 'dānam'—charity. These are positive qualities. But He also includes dualities: 'yaśaḥ'—fame, 'ayaśaḥ'—ill-fame. 'Bhavanti bhāvā bhūtānām'—these qualities of beings arise. 'Matta eva'—from Me alone. 'Pṛthag-vidhāḥ'—various kinds. This verse continues the theme from verse 10.4: all qualities, whether positive or negative, arise from Krishna. When you recognize the source, you see differently: not trying to cultivate only positive qualities or avoid negative ones, but recognizing the source behind all qualities.

LIFE

Personal: Positive and Negative Qualities

You've been trying to cultivate only positive qualities and avoid negative ones. You think: 'Maybe if I can just be more non-violent, more equanimous, more satisfied, I'll be better.' You see positive and negative qualities as separate, positive qualities as something to cultivate, negative ones as something to avoid. You don't recognize the source behind all qualities.

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AT WORK

Professional: Fame and Ill-Fame

You've been trying to seek only fame and avoid ill-fame. You think: 'Maybe if I can just get more recognition, avoid criticism, I'll be successful.' You see fame and ill-fame as separate, fame as something to seek, ill-fame as something to avoid. You don't recognize the source behind both.

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PARENTING

Relationships: Approval and Disapproval

You've been trying to seek only approval and avoid disapproval. You think: 'Maybe if I can just get more approval, avoid criticism, I'll be loved.' You see approval and disapproval as separate, approval as something to seek, disapproval as something to avoid. You don't recognize the source behind both.

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LIFE

Spiritual: Virtue and Vice

You've been trying to cultivate only virtue and avoid vice. You think: 'Maybe if I can just be more virtuous, avoid sinful actions, I'll be spiritual.' You see virtue and vice as separate, virtue as something to cultivate, vice as something to avoid. You don't recognize the source behind both.

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Key Takeaway

This verse reveals that all qualities—both positive and negative, both fame and ill-fame—arise from the Supreme. When you recognize the source behind all qualities, you see differently. You're not trying to cultivate only positive qualities or avoid negative ones—you're recognizing the source behind all qualities. This transforms how you see yourself and others: not as separate from the source, but as manifestations of the source. The question isn't whether you have positive or negative qualities—it's whether you recognize the source behind all qualities.

Personal Reflection

Where are you trying to cultivate only positive qualities or avoid negative ones? Do you recognize the source behind all qualities? How does recognizing the source change how you see yourself and others?

Chapter 10 • Verse 5

The Yoga of Divine Glories

LIFE