9.5 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 9, Verse 5

न च मत्स्थानि भूतानि पश्य मे योगमैश्वरम् ।
भूतभृन्न च भूतस्थो ममात्मा भूतभावनः ॥5॥

Audio Narration

English Transliteration

na cha mat-sthāni bhūtāni paśhya me yogam aiśhwaram
bhūta-bhṛin na cha bhūta-stho mamātmā bhūta-bhāvanaḥ

Hindi Translation of Bhagavad Gita 9.5

श्लोक ५: मेरी रहस्यमयी दिव्य शक्ति को देखो। ये जीव मेरे भीतर नहीं रहते। बल्कि मैं सभी जीवों का पालन-पोषण करता हूँ। मैं ही उनके अस्तित्व में आने का कारण हूँ, पर मैं इस भौतिक सृष्टि का भाग नहीं हूँ।

English Translation of Bhagavad Gita 9.5

Shloka 5: Behold the mystery of My divine energy, these beings do not dwell within Me. While I sustain all beings and am the cause of their existence, still I am not a part of this material creation.

Meaning of Verse 9.5 of Bhagavad Gita, Explained

In Verse 9.5 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna reveals one of the most profound paradoxes of His divine nature. He states: "And yet all beings do not dwell in Me. Behold My divine yoga power! I sustain all beings, yet I do not dwell in them, and My Self is not in these beings though it causes their existence." This verse presents a seemingly contradictory truth that showcases Krishna's inconceivable divine power.

Krishna introduces us to the concept of His "yogam aiśvaram" or divine, supernatural opulence – a mystical power that defies ordinary logic and understanding. This power allows Him to maintain a relationship with creation that is simultaneously intimate and detached. Like a king who governs his kingdom without being physically present everywhere, Krishna sustains the universe through His divine will alone, not through physical contact or proximity.

The paradox Krishna presents is fascinating: everything exists within Him, yet He remains aloof from everything. As He explains, "I am the upholder of all beings and yet I am not in them — My will sustains all beings." This relationship can be understood through analogies. Unlike a vessel that physically contains water, Krishna doesn't "contain" beings in a material sense. Rather, His will alone projects, sustains, and controls all existence. Everything depends on Him, while He remains completely independent.

Krishna's transcendental position means He doesn't get entangled in the material creation despite being its source and sustainer. He maintains all living entities without deriving any benefit or support from them. This is a crucial distinction between the Supreme Lord and ordinary living beings, who become attached to their bodies and possessions. Unlike us, Krishna sustains everything effortlessly through His energies while remaining completely free from attachment or dependence.

This verse reveals that what we perceive through our physical senses – the names and forms of this world – are just manifestations of divine energy. Krishna is performing "inconceivably wonderful pastimes, displaying His energy" through the creation, maintenance, and dissolution of the universe. His person contains different potencies that allow Him to manifest and sustain the cosmos while remaining separate from it.

Understanding this verse requires us to transcend ordinary logic. We must recognize that Krishna's relationship with creation is not bound by the physical laws that govern our experience. He is simultaneously the foundation upon which everything rests and completely independent of it all. This apparent contradiction isn't a logical flaw but rather evidence of His transcendental nature that operates beyond the limitations of material understanding.

Krishna reveals this cosmic truth to Arjuna not to confuse him but to expand his consciousness. By contemplating this divine mystery, we begin to appreciate the unfathomable nature of God. It invites us to approach spiritual understanding with humility, recognizing that some truths about the divine can be experienced and realized even when they seem paradoxical to the limited human intellect. This verse ultimately points to Krishna's supreme position and His unique relationship with all of creation – sustaining everything through His divine will while remaining perfectly detached and complete in Himself.

Read verses on the BGFA App

Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!