Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 22 (BG 10.22) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 10.22 Among the Vedas, I am the Sama Veda. The Sama Veda is the essence of the Rig Veda, which holds the most prominent place among all four Vedas. The Sama Veda is beautifully glorified in the Chandogya Upanishad. The Sama Veda carries within it a special joy of music, for the sacred mantras are sung in beautiful melodies, harmonious notes, and rhythmic patterns. This testifies to how magnificently our ancestors developed this beautiful and powerful art of music. Through the beauty of this analogy, we may understand that I am the very soul of music, just as the Sama Veda is the essence of the Rig Veda. Among the celestial beings, I am Indra. Indra, known as Vasava, is the king of the devas who dwell in the heavenly realms. It is noteworthy that according to Vedic principles, although the highest standard of living exists in heaven, even there a hierarchy of excellence and inferiority exists among the celestial beings. The attainment of heaven is the fruit of virtuous deeds performed in this earthly life, and therefore, one who has accumulated greater merit here shall enjoy superior pleasures there. According to this law, it is natural that Indra's life surpasses that of all other devas in splendor, luxury, power, and capability. Among the celestial beings, I am Indra, the ruler and governor of the other devas, through whom their lives become joyful and prosperous. Among the senses, I am the mind. From the perspective of cosmic manifestation, what is called Indra is called the mind from the perspective of individual consciousness, for the word deva means sense. Just as Indra is the king of the celestial beings, so too is the mind the king of the senses. Without the mind, the senses cannot function independently. Therefore, it is said here that I am the mind among the senses. Among all created things in the universe, the most supreme and wondrous is intelligence. It is a mysterious power about which modern science has been unable to gain any clear understanding beyond forming vague and speculative notions.