(From the discourses of Pujya Sri Swamiji)

Compiled by Swami Datta Pada Renu

The whole Universe is the manifestation of the Lord. However, ordinary people, bound to the sense-world, cannot realise this. Therefore, in the following verses, the Lord gives a clue to understand as to how this entire world is woven on Him or rather, how he remains immanent in the different objects of the world.

The Lord says, "I am the sapidity in water, O Arjuna, I am the radiance in the moon and the sun; I am 'Om' in all the Vedas; the sound in space and manhood in men" (8-VII)

In the previous verse, the Lord says that He is present in everything in the world like the thread in a garland of beads. But in what way or form He remains in the world? He says that He remains in water in the form of taste, in the sun and the moon in the form of effulgence, in the Vedas as the Pranava (Om), in space as sound and in men in the form of manhood.

Although water has no taste it has the power to reveal the taste of things because of its sapidity and this power belongs to the Lord. Between water and taste, there is an indissoluble connection. Water is visible to the eyes as it is in gross form. But its power to reveal the taste is subtle and so it cannot be seen. But it can be experienced with the help of the sense organ, tongue.

Similarly, the sun and the moon represent the element called fire, the light of which gives us the knowledge of colour and form. The effulgence which is there in the fire is the Lord.

Ether (space) is the vehicle of sound and the various languages that we find in the world are its modifications. Sound is produced as a vibration in the air which is the cause of subtle variations of ether. This vibration is the manifestation of divine power.

Pranava is the sound 'Om'. This is the eternal sound and it is the name of the Supreme Divinity. The Vedas contain various expressions and explanations of the sound 'Om'. As such 'Om' is said to be the essence of the Vedas.

The Lord is also manhood in men. What are the qualities that make a man a real human being? They are selfishness, kindness, courage, intelligence, determination in doing good things etc. These qualities are all expressions of God. The possessor of these qualities attains fulfillment of life by adoring God, the Almighty.

"I am also the pure smell in earth and the brilliance in fire; the life in all beings and the austerity am I in the ascetics." (9-VII)

Smell, which is neither particularly sweet nor bad, is the characteristic of the element earth. In fact, all smell is the essence of earth. It is pure by nature as purity is associated with earth. This pure essence of earth has come from the divine source, God.

Fire means heat and light and these two represent the brilliance of God.
Generally, people like to be surrounded by luxuries and comforts. But ascetics are they who want nothing. They live a simple life with a little food and clothing. They are wholly devoted to God and by Japa and meditation they ennoble their life and attain the highest state of perfection. This tendency to lead a life of austerities and contemplation can be found only in ascetics and this is certainly a manifestation of divine power.

The life in living beings is the form of the Lord. If this life force is not available, no one can live even for a moment. Therefore, life-energy in all beings is the presence of the Lord Himself.