Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10, Verse 34 (BG 10.34) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

I am death, the all-devouring force that levels all distinctions. I am the death that brings equality—the death that reduces the ruler's scepter and crown to the same measure as the mendicant's begging bowl and staff. Every living being maintains a separate identity during its lifetime through countless relationships with objects and persons. Yet after death, the learned and the ignorant, the virtuous and the sinful, the strong and the weak, the ruler and the ruled—all merge into dust and become one, indistinguishable from one another. I am also the source of creation for all that shall come into being. The Supreme is not merely the all-devouring force; He is also the Creator. We have seen that one state cannot be born without the destruction of another. To perceive only one aspect is to hold a one-sided view of life. From the destruction of one thing, emptiness does not remain; rather, another thing comes into being. If we observe the waves rising in the ocean separately, we see only constant dissolution. Yet with each wave that subsides, countless new waves are born in the ocean—a process we scarcely notice. The force of this entire discourse rests upon this truth: the infinite Supreme Being eternally engages in the play of creation and dissolution within Himself—a play we call the universe. Among women, I am fame, beauty, eloquence, memory, wisdom, steadfastness, and forgiveness. These seven are known as the consorts of the celestial beings and also as qualities bearing feminine names. Therefore, in both ways, they are manifestations of the Divine. From a philosophical perspective, the meaning of this statement transcends all criticism. It is not said here that a person possessed of these qualities is divine. Rather, the intent is this: whenever we perceive any of these qualities in any person—regardless of what their past life may have been—through that person we can clearly perceive the manifestation of the Divine. Speaking in the language of attributing qualities, the Lord says: Among women, I am fame, beauty, and such virtues. To clarify His nature further, in the next verse, Lord Krishna offers four more examples.