7.8 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 7, Verse 8

Bhagavad Gita 7.8 is a verse of profound subtlety, where Lord Krishna provides Arjuna with a new way of perceiving reality. Krishna explains that He is not only the ultimate cause and sustainer of all things but also the very essence found in the most ordinary elements of our daily lives. He begins by declaring, “I am the taste in water,” revealing that the life-giving refreshment we experience when thirsty is not just a chemical reaction but a manifestation of divine presence. This taste that makes water essential and delightful is Krishna’s energy at work, infusing meaning and satisfaction into what might otherwise seem mundane.

Krishna continues, “I am the light of the sun and moon.” Here, He draws attention to the fundamental light that sustains all life on Earth. The sun’s warmth and energy nourish crops, drive weather patterns, and make life possible, while the moon’s gentle glow influences tides and creates a sense of tranquility. Krishna identifies Himself as the source and essence of both, suggesting that these celestial bodies do not merely exist in isolation—their light is a direct expression of His all-pervading nature. Even in the natural cycles of day and night, Krishna’s presence is unmistakable, illuminating both the external world and the inner landscape of human experience.

The verse next reveals, “I am the syllable Om in the Vedic mantras.” Om is not just any sound; it is considered the primordial vibration, the origin of language and thought. When Krishna says He is Om in all Vedic mantras, He is pointing to the idea that all sacred rituals and spiritual practices derive their power from His energy. The chanting of Om, for millions of seekers across millennia, has been a doorway to the divine—a reminder that the sacred and the mundane are interwoven, and that the divine is accessible through sound.

Krishna further states, “I am the sound in ether.” Ether, or space, is the medium through which sound travels. Without this subtle element, there would be no communication, no music, no language. By identifying Himself as the sound in the ether, Krishna shows that He is the source of all communication and connection. Every word spoken, every melody heard, is made possible because He is present as the enabling force behind sound itself.

Finally, Krishna says, “I am the ability in man.” This is perhaps the most personal declaration in the verse. Every action, every achievement, every creative impulse a human being experiences is powered by Krishna’s energy. Whether it is the strength to overcome adversity, the intelligence to solve problems, or the perseverance to pursue goals, these abilities are not merely human traits but reflections of divine potency. Krishna is not just the external environment; He is also the inner drive that animates every human endeavor.

By stringing together these examples—taste, light, sacred sound, sound in space, and human ability—Krishna offers a vision of the universe that is both unified and profound. He is the thread that runs through all things, much like the invisible string holding the pearls of a necklace together. Without this thread, the necklace loses its shape and coherence; similarly, without Krishna’s energy, all things would collapse into chaos. The examples in BG 7.8 are not exhaustive, but they are illustrative: they show how the divine is present in both the subtle and the obvious, in the grand and the commonplace.

What is remarkable about this verse is its invitation to see the divine in every aspect of life, not just in temples or holy books, but in every sip of water, every ray of sunlight, every word spoken, and every act of creativity. Krishna’s presence is not limited to a particular place or form; it permeates everything, from the smallest atom to the vast cosmos. When we begin to perceive the world in this way, our relationship with the world changes; ordinary experiences take on a sacred quality, and we begin to recognize the divine thread running through our lives.

Through this understanding, Krishna encourages us to cultivate a sense of reverence and gratitude for the world and for our own abilities. He is not asking us to abandon the world or to escape our responsibilities, but to see them as part of a larger, divine drama in which every element, every action, and every being is connected by His energy. In this way, BG 7.8 is not just a description of Krishna’s nature but a guide to a more conscious, meaningful way of living—one that recognizes the divine in all things and responds with humility, wonder, and purpose.