Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 6

English Translation

The seven great sages as also the four Manus of anceint days, of whom are these creatures in the world, had their thoughts fixed on Me, and they were born from My mind.

Detailed Commentary

।।10.6।। Explanation — [In the previous two verses, Bhagavan described twenty Vibhutis as attributes of beings. Now, in this verse, He is describing twenty-five Vibhutis in the form of specific individuals, who are particularly influential among beings and are causes of the world.] 'Maharṣayaḥ Sapta'—The seven great sages are those who are long-lived, preceptors of the Vedas, and manifested by the will of Ishvara. These seven sages are Marichi, Angira, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, and Vashishtha. All of them have been appointed as teachers and for the work of Prajapati. They are referred to here as 'Maharshis'. 'Pūrve Chatvāraḥ'—Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara—these four were the first to manifest from Brahmaji's tapas. They are considered to be embodiments of Bhagavan and remain in the form of five-year-old boys. They propagate Bhakti, Jnana, and Vairagya, and continuously chant 'Hariḥ Sharaṇam' (Hari is the refuge). They are fond of listening to and narrating Bhagavat-katha (divine stories). 'Manavastathā'—There are fourteen Manus in one day of Brahmaji. In Brahmaji's current Kalpa, there are fourteen Manus, from Svāyambhuva up to Indrasāvarṇi. All of them are creators and promoters of creation by Brahmaji's command. 'Mānasā Jātāḥ'—These Saptarshis, the four Sanakādis, and the fourteen Manus are said to be born from Bhagavan's resolve, as they are responsible for the expansion of creation. All of them originated from Brahmaji's mind. Therefore, they are called the Manasaputras (mind-born sons) of Bhagavan. 'Madbhāvāḥ'—All of them possess Shraddhā (faith) and Prema (love) towards Me. 'Yeṣāṁ Lokamimāḥ Prajāḥ'—There are two types of progeny in the world: 'Binduja' (born from marriage) and 'Nādaja' (born from initiation or instruction). The 'Binduja' progeny originated from the Saptarshis and Manus. However, the 'Nādaja' progeny originated from the Sanakādis, who follow the path of ultimate truth (Pāramārthika Mārga). Saints and great souls devoted to renunciation (Nivṛtti-parāyaṇa) are their Nādaja progeny. Connection—After describing His Vibhutis and Yoga from the fourth to the sixth verse, Bhagavan proceeds to explain the fruit of knowing them in essence (Tattva) in the next verse.