10.6 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 10, Verse 6

In Bhagavad Gita 10.6, Krishna reveals a profound truth about the origin of all beings and the great patriarchs of creation. He explains that the seven great sages, the four Kumāras, and the fourteen Manus—who are traditionally recognized as the primary progenitors and spiritual guides of humanity—have all originated from His own transcendental nature. These illustrious figures, often revered as the architects of human civilization and wisdom, are not independent entities but are born from Krishna’s mind, highlighting His supreme position as the fountainhead of creation.

To grasp the depth of Krishna’s message, imagine the cosmic family tree: at its root is Krishna Himself, from whom emerge the most ancient sages such as Bhrigu, Marici, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, and Vasistha—the Sapta Rishis. Preceding even them are the four Kumāras—Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana, and Sanat-kumāra—born asexually from Brahma’s mind, yet ultimately springing from Krishna’s will. Beyond the sages are the Manus, beginning with Svāyambhuva Manu, tasked with guiding humanity through vast cosmic ages. Each of these patriarchs serves as an essential link in the divine chain, ensuring the transmission of knowledge, values, and order across generations.

This verse is not just a genealogical account; it is a direct assertion of Krishna’s creative potency. By stating that these foundational beings emanated from His mind, Krishna signals that the entire structure of spiritual and material evolution rests upon Him. All creatures in the world—moving and non-moving, from learned sages to ordinary beings—trace their existence back to these great patriarchs, and through them, directly to Krishna. In this way, He emphasizes the interconnectedness and shared divine origin of all life forms.

The wisdom imparted here invites us to reimagine our place in the universe. While social, familial, and spiritual hierarchies exist, Krishna gently reminds us that these distinctions find unity in their common source. Even those we may consider distant or different are, in the deepest sense, branches of the same cosmic tree. In this light, respect for others is not merely a social virtue but a recognition of our shared divine ancestry.

What’s striking about Krishna’s words is the subtle shift in perspective: often, we admire and even venerate the great sages and demigods as the ultimate exemplars. Yet Krishna makes it clear that their abilities, wisdom, and roles are not self-originated—they are gifts, reflections of the Supreme’s will and grace. The Sapta Rishis’ wisdom, the Kumāras’ purity, and the Manus’ capacity to govern all spring from Krishna’s creative intent and consciousness. The verse, therefore, places all glory and reverence back at its original source.

By emphasizing His role as the source not only of physical forms but also of qualities, roles, and knowledge, Krishna helps dissolve spiritual pride and lineage-based ego. If even the greatest figures in Vedic tradition derive their significance from Krishna, what is left for anyone to claim as truly independent achievement? The cosmic ancestry described here is not merely a matter of genealogical record; it is a gentle reminder to look past superficial differences and perceive the underlying unity in all that exists.

Through this verse, Krishna offers a vision where spiritual understanding is rooted in humility. When one recognizes the divine origin of all beings, including oneself, it becomes easier to adopt an attitude of reverence toward oneself and others. Ultimately, Krishna points us to a higher purpose—to anchor our sense of identity and achievement not in lineage or status, but in our relationship with the Supreme, who is the wellspring of all that is wise, noble, and true.

In summary, Bhagavad Gita 10.6 is a sweeping declaration of Krishna’s fundamental position as the origin of the cosmos, the sages, the Manus, and all living beings. It affirms that the qualities, knowledge, and authority of even the greatest beings are manifestations of His will. This understanding encourages a perspective of humility, unity, and profound reverence for the interconnected fabric of life that all ultimately emanates from the same divine source.