Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, Verse 13

English Translation

And entering the earth I sustain the beings through (My) power; and nourish all the plants by becoming Soma [According to S. and most other translators, Soma means the moon.-Tr.] which is of the nature of sap.

Detailed Commentary

।।15.13।। Commentary -- The Lord, having entered the Earth, sustains all beings there with His energy. This means that the sustaining power (dharanashakti) we observe on Earth is not of the Earth itself, but of the Lord. Scientists also believe that the water level is higher than the Earth's surface, and despite this, the Earth is not submerged; this is also an effect of the Lord's sustaining power (dharanashakti). Besides Earth, wherever sustaining power (dharanashakti) is seen, it belongs to the Lord. The power to generate grains (anna) and medicinal herbs (aushadhi) on Earth, and also gravitation (guru-tvakarshan), should be understood as belonging to the Lord. The moon possesses two powers: that of giving light (prakasha) and that of nourishing (poshan). In the previous verse, the Lord described the moon's illuminating power (prakashika-shakti), and in this verse, He describes the effect of its nourishing power (poshanashakti), stating that all vegetation is nourished by the moon's sweet rays. During the waxing phase (shukla-paksha), the moon is nourishing, causing creepers and trees to flourish and bear fruit, and aiding the growth of the fetus in mothers' wombs. Here, the term 'Soma' denotes Chandraloka, which is above the Chandra-mandala (lunar sphere). From Chandraloka, the rain of Amrita (nectar) first falls in the Chandra-mandala, and from there, onto the Earth (bhumi). Under 'Oshadhis' (herbs/medicinal plants) come all grains (anna) like wheat, gram, etc., which are nourished by the moon. By consuming these grains, living beings (jivas) are nourished. This nourishing power (poshanashakti) also belongs to the Lord. The Lord nourishes everyone through the moon. Relation: After describing His influence in the cosmic power (samashti-shakti), the Lord now demonstrates His influence in the power through which actions occur in the individual (vyashti) world.