Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 21 (BG 10.21) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 10.21 Among the Adityas, I am Vishnu. In the Vedic tradition, the number of Adityas is described variously—sometimes as five, sometimes as six. They were the sons of Aditi. Later, according to traditional belief, their number came to be established as twelve, representing the twelve months. According to the Vishnu Purana, there is an Aditya named Vishnu who is supreme and most significant among all the Adityas. Among the luminous bodies, I am the Sun. Modern physical science itself recognizes the Sun as the source of all energy. Thus, the Lord's statement becomes self-evident. Wherever any energy manifests, its source is the atman itself. Among the wind deities, I am Marichi. The presiding deities of the wind are called the Maruts, of whom forty-nine are said to exist. Among them, the Marut named Marichi am I. The Maruts are considered the sons of Rudra. According to the Rigveda, Marichi is foremost among them. Among the stars, I am the Moon. In Indian astronomy, the term "star" refers to the lunar mansions—the twenty-seven asterisms along the Moon's path. From this perspective, the Moon's path in the universe is an expression of the Lord's glory, and the Moon is supreme among them, for it is the controller and regulator, and incomparable in its radiance. Yet we may also accept the common understanding of the word "star"—the countless small, twinkling stars fixed in the night sky. Some commentators go further, saying that "stars" denotes all the lights of the night. This meaning too is acceptable for contemplation. The Moon's light that illuminates everything from a humble cottage to the parliament building is cool, peaceful, and majestic. In the same way, the light of the atman is incomparable. In this sequence of twenty-two verses, Lord Sri Krishna presents seventy-five examples. His purpose is to aid the seeker walking the path of jnana yoga. Through these meditations, practitioners can organize their mind and intellect, thereby attaining concentration of consciousness. These seventy-five practices are useful for meditation.