Verse 10-38

दण्डो दमयतामस्मि नीतिरस्मि जिगीषताम् |

मौनं चैवास्मि गुह्यानां ज्ञानं ज्ञानवतामहम् || 38 ||

“I am the rod of those who punish; I am the righteousness of those desiring victory; among secrets, I am silence, and among the wise, I am knowledge.”
 
Commentary:

Lord Krishna identifies himself with various significant aspects and qualities, highlighting his divine presence and supremacy.

 

दण्डो दमयतामस्मि (Dando damayatāmasmi): “I am the rod of those who punish.” Here, Lord Krishna asserts that he represents the power and authority behind the concept of punishment. He symbolizes the just and fair enforcement of law and order, ensuring that wrongdoing is met with appropriate consequences. It signifies his role as the divine dispenser of justice.

 

नीतिरस्मि जिगीषताम् (Nītir asmi jigīṣhatām): “I am the righteousness of those desiring victory.” Lord Krishna reveals that he is the embodiment of ethical conduct and moral righteousness. In the pursuit of victory and success, he emphasizes the importance of upholding dharma (righteousness) and following virtuous principles. He assures that true victory lies in aligning one’s actions with moral values.

 

मौनं चैवास्मि गुह्यानां (Maunaṁ chaivāsmi guhyānām): “Among secrets, I am silence.” Lord Krishna signifies that he manifests as the profound silence that exists within the realm of secrets, mysteries, and contemplation. Silence represents the state of inner stillness, where one can connect with the divine and attain spiritual insights. It highlights the significance of silence in spiritual practices and the attainment of self-realization.

 

ज्ञानं ज्ञानवतामहम् (Jñānaṁ jñānavatām aham): “Among the wise, I am knowledge.” Lord Krishna asserts that he is the essence of true knowledge possessed by the wise. He represents the ultimate source of wisdom and enlightenment. It emphasizes that all forms of knowledge and understanding ultimately originate from him, and those who possess wisdom derive it from his divine presence.