Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 5 (BG 10.5) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 10.5 Continuing the thought of this present discussion—that the Supreme Self is both the material and efficient cause of the entire universe—Lord Sri Krishna enumerates in these two verses the diverse qualities that manifest in the mind and intellect of human beings. Ordinarily, the word "creation" brings to mind only the physical world. Yet all the qualities mentioned above point to a far more comprehensive and all-encompassing meaning. They make clear that within the meaning of the word "world" are included our mental and intellectual life as well. Furthermore, all human beings and creatures are classified according to these very qualities. Each person is governed by their own nature and temperament. As the mind is, so is the person. It is noteworthy that here only the auspicious divine qualities are enumerated. Following the traditional style of Sanskrit commentators, the word "and" (cha) in the verse may be understood to suggest that opposing inauspicious qualities are also indicated here. Yet the Lord explicitly describes only the auspicious qualities, because in the person who possesses these qualities in abundance, there shines forth the purity and divinity of the Self. Inspired by these various sentiments and thoughts, each person engages in action according to their own conditioning and impressions. Thus here are seen diverse ways of living. All these qualities emanate from Me. Just as a phantom appearing in a pillar may smile gently out of affection, or grimace in anger, or threaten out of a desire for revenge—its gentle smile or threatening manner are merely qualities whose sole substratum is the pillar itself. Without the consciousness of the Self, intellect, knowledge, and such qualities have neither existence nor awareness. Through these qualities, an almost complete classification of all beings and their experiences is made. Therefore, as Shankara says, these two verses establish that the Self is the supreme Lord of all worlds.