Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7, Verse 9

English Translation

I am also the sweet fragrance in the earth; I am the brillinace in the fire, and the life in all beings; and I am the austerity of the ascetics.

Detailed Commentary

7.9. Explanation -- 'Punyo Gandhaḥ Prithivyām' -- Earth originates from the *gandha-tanmatra* (subtle element of smell), exists in the form of *gandha-tanmatra*, and merges back into the *gandha-tanmatra*. The import is that without smell, Earth is nothing. Bhagavan says that 'I am that sacred fragrance in Earth.' Here, the specific use of the adjective '*punyaḥ*' with *gandha* implies that while mere smell resides in Earth, *punya* – meaning sacred or pure fragrance – is naturally inherent in Earth, whereas foul odor arises from some distortion or impurity. 'Tejaścāsmi Vibhāvasau' -- *Tejas* (radiance) manifests from the *rupa-tanmatra* (subtle element of form), resides within it, and ultimately dissolves into it. In fire, *tejas* is the essential element. Without *tejas*, fire is insubstantial, nothing. That *tejas* am I. 'Jīvanaṁ Sarvabhūteṣu' -- In all beings, there is a vital force, a *prana-shakti*, by which all are alive. It is by this *prana-shakti* that they are called living beings. Without *prana-shakti*, there is no life in them. Due to *prana-shakti*, even a person in deep sleep does not appear to be dead. That *prana-shakti* am I! 'Tapaścāsmi Tapasviṣu' -- Endurance of dualities (*dvandvas*) is called *tapas*. However, in reality, unwavering steadfastness amidst any hardships that may arise on the path to realizing the Supreme Self (*Paramatma*) is true *tapas*. This is the *tapas* in the *tapasvins*; it is by this that they are called *tapasvins*, and Bhagavan declares this *tapas* to be His own nature. If such *tapas* were to be removed from the *tapasvins*, they would no longer be *tapasvins*.