Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 37

English Translation

Of the vrsnis [The clan to which Sri krsna belonged, known otherwise as the Yadavas.] I am Vasudeva; of the Pandavas, Dhananjaya (Arjuna). And of the wise, I am Vyasa; of the omniscient, the omniscient Usanas.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary on 10.37 'Among the Vrishnis, I am Vasudeva.' Here, there is no description of Lord Shri Krishna's Avatar. Rather, due to His distinctiveness among the Vrishnis, the Lord has described Himself as a Vibhuti. The Lord's statement regarding Himself as a Vibhuti here is from the perspective of the world (samsara); from the perspective of His true nature (Svarupa), He is verily the Supreme Lord Himself. All the Vibhutis mentioned in this chapter are from the worldly perspective. In essence (Tattvataḥ), He is the very form of Paramatma. 'Among the Pandavas, I am Dhananjaya.' The excellence of Arjuna among the Pandavas is indeed of the Lord. Therefore, the Lord has declared Arjuna to be His Vibhuti. 'Among the munis, I am Vyasa.' The division of the Vedas into four parts, the Puranas, Upa-Puranas, Mahabharata, and all other Sanskrit literature that exists, are all the fruit of Vyasa-ji's grace. Even today, if someone creates a new work, it is considered to be the Ucchishta (remnants, implying derived knowledge) of Vyasa-ji. It is also said: "The entire world is the Ucchishta of Vyasa." Thus, among all munis (sages), Vyasa-ji is supreme. Therefore, the Lord has declared Vyasa-ji to be His Vibhuti. The implication is that upon seeing the excellence in Vyasa-ji, one should remember the Lord, realizing that all this excellence belongs to the Lord and has emanated from Him. 'Among the poets, I am Ushana, the seer.' All scholars (Pandits) who correctly understand scriptural principles are called 'Kavi' (seer/poet). Among all such Kavis, Shukracharya-ji is supreme. Shukracharya-ji is a knower of Sanjivani Vidya. His Shukra-niti is famous. Thus, due to his numerous qualities, the Lord has declared him to be His Vibhuti. Upon seeing the greatness of these Vibhutis, if the intellect becomes absorbed anywhere, then that greatness should be considered as belonging to the Lord; because that greatness cannot permanently belong to the world (samsara).