द्यूतं छलयतामस्मि तेजस्तेजस्विनामहम्। जयोऽस्मि व्यवसायोऽस्मि सत्त्वं सत्त्ववतामहम्।।10.36।।
I am the gambling of the cheats, and the splendor of the splendid. I am the victory of the victorious, the enterprise of the enterprise, the strength of the strong, and the virtue of the virtuous.
Translation
I am the gambling of the cheats and the splendor of the splendid. I am the victory of the victorious, the resolve of the resolute, and the virtue of the virtuous.
Word Meanings
द्यूतं — gambling; छलयताम् — of cheats; अस्मि — I am; तेजः — splendor; तेजस्विनाम् — of the splendid; अहम् — I; जयो — victory; अस्मि — I am; व्यवसायः — enterprise; अस्मि — I am; सत्त्वं — strength; सत्त्ववताम् — of the strong; अहम् — I am
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Lord Krishna continues his exposition of divine opulences, illustrating how the Supreme permeates the most diverse aspects of existence. By proclaiming "I am the gambling of the cheats," He reveals that even the deceptive and reckless pursuits of the world are ultimately expressions of His divine will. Cheating and gambling are often seen as hallmarks of moral decay, yet Krishna’s statement reminds the seeker that the entire spectrum of human activity, including its darkest shades, is subsumed under the cosmic order. This acknowledgment does not glorify unethical behavior; rather, it underscores the all‑encompassing nature of the Divine, who is the source of both virtue and vice, and who can transform any activity into a means for spiritual realization when performed with awareness.
The next pair, "I am the splendor of the splendid," emphasizes the radiant brilliance that shines through the finest qualities in the cosmos. Splendor (teja) denotes the inner luminance of knowledge, power, and righteousness. By identifying Himself with this brilliance, Krishna affirms that true magnificence originates from the Supreme, and all external displays of glory are reflections of His inner light. Practitioners are encouraged to seek inner brilliance rather than merely external accolades, recognizing that the ultimate source of radiance is divine consciousness.
"I am the victory of the victorious" conveys that triumphs in battles—both literal and metaphorical—are manifestations of divine providence. The victorious do not achieve success solely through personal effort; instead, they are vehicles through which Krishna’s will prevails. This perspective offers solace to those facing defeat, reminding them that the Divine’s timing surpasses human expectations, and that ultimate victory lies in aligning with divine purpose.
When Krishna declares "I am the enterprise of the enterprise," He addresses the relentless drive that propels individuals toward action. Enterprises, whether noble or mundane, stem from the divine impulse to act, create, and evolve. By recognizing the Divine in one’s endeavors, a seeker can infuse ordinary work with spiritual significance, transforming each task into an act of worship.
The final pair—"I am the strength of the strong, and the virtue of the virtuous"—highlights that the qualities we admire in heroes and saints are not independent of the Supreme. Strength (sattva) and virtue (sattva) are rooted in divine consciousness; they are gifts that arise when one surrenders to Krishna. This realization dissolves egoic boundaries, fostering humility and gratitude.
Overall, this verse teaches that every facet of existence—whether perceived as high or low—is a manifestation of the Divine. By seeing Krishna in every experience, the seeker transcends dualistic judgments and moves toward a holistic vision of reality, where all is sacred, and every action becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth.
