Bhagavad Gita — Vibhuti Yoga, Shloka 37
Vibhuti Yoga
वृष्णीनां वासुदेवोऽस्मि पाण्डवानां धनंजयः । मुनीनामप्यहं व्यासः कवीनामुशना कविः ॥ १०.३७ ॥
vṛṣṇīnāṃ vāsudevo 'smi pāṇḍavānāṃ dhanañjayaḥ | munīnām apy ahaṃ vyāsaḥ kavīnām uśanā kaviḥ || 10.37 ||
Among the Vṛṣṇis I am Vāsudeva; among the Pāṇḍavas I am Dhanañjaya (Arjuna). Among sages too I am Vyāsa; among poets I am Uśanā (Śukra).
Among the Vṛṣṇis I am Vāsudeva; among the Pāṇḍavas I am Dhanañjaya (Arjuna). Among sages I am Vyāsa; among poets I am Uśanā (Śukra).
Among the Vṛṣṇis I am Vāsudeva; among the Pāṇḍavas I am Dhanañjaya; among seers I am Vyāsa; among inspired poets I am Uśanā, the poet.
Self-reference (‘I am Vāsudeva’) is a theological marker of Krishna’s identity. Uśanā is typically identified with Śukra, associated with poetic and didactic wisdom in later tradition.
FAQs
By pointing to exemplary figures—teacher (Vyāsa), poet (Uśanā), hero (Arjuna)—the verse suggests that ideals guide self-formation through role models and narratives.
The verse strengthens the claim that the ultimate is present not only in nature but also in cultural and intellectual achievements, including revelation, commentary, and poetic vision.
These names are central to the Mahābhārata world: Arjuna is the immediate interlocutor, Vyāsa the traditional compiler, and Vāsudeva Krishna’s own clan identity.
It encourages valuing lineages of learning—teachers, writers, and ethical exemplars—and recognizing how communities preserve insight through literature and disciplined study.