Shloka 9
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
साध्यात्म: साधिदैवश्च साधिभूत इति त्रिधा । विराट् प्राणो दशविध एकधा हृदयेन च ॥ ९ ॥
sādhyātmaḥ sādhidaivaś ca sādhibhūta iti tridhā virāṭ prāṇo daśa-vidha ekadhā hṛdayena ca
The universal form is understood in three ways—adhyātmika, adhidaivika, and adhibhautika. His prāṇa acts in ten kinds, and His heart is one, the source from which life-air arises.
In Bhagavad-gītā (7.4-5) it is stated that the eight elements earth, water, fire, air, sky, mind, intelligence and false ego are all products of the Lord’s inferior energy, whereas the living entities, who are seen to utilize the inferior energy, originally belong to the superior energy, the internal potency of the Lord. The eight inferior energies work grossly and subtly, whereas the superior energy works as the central generating force. This is experienced in the human body. The gross elements, namely earth, etc., form the external gross body and are like a coat, whereas the subtle mind and false ego act like the inner clothing of the body.
FAQs
This verse explains that the Virāṭ’s life-force can be viewed in three frames: within the individual (adhyātma), as the presiding divine powers (adhidaiva), and as the manifested elements and beings (adhibhūta).
He teaches that although prāṇa performs ten functions (ten modes of vital activity), it remains a single life principle, ultimately unified and rooted in the heart.
See life as integrated: care for the body and mind, recognize higher governance beyond ego, and cultivate heart-centered remembrance of the Lord, which harmonizes one’s energies.