152. Facets of Paramatma
K rishna says, “I am the Vedic ritual; sacrifice; oblation offered to the ancestors. I am the medicinal herb; the mantra (chant); ajya (clarified butter); agni (fire) and the act of offering (9.16). Of this universe, I am the father; I am also the mother, the sustainer, and the grandfather. I am the purifier, the goal of knowledge, the sacred syllable Om . I am the Rig Veda , Sama Veda , and the Yajur Veda ” (9.17). “I am the ultimate goal, the upholder, Lord, Witness, Abode, Shelter, and Friend. I am Origin, Pralay (cosmic end), and the Foundation, Treasure house, and Eternal Seed (9.18). I radiate heat and give or withhold the rain. I am Amrit (immortality) as well as Mrityu (death). I am the ‘Sat’ (real or being) as well as ‘Asat’ (unreal or illusion)” (9.19). If the all-inclusive existence had to describe itself for our understanding, it would sound like this. The context and words used are of the times when the Gita was delivered to Arjuna. Krishna earlie...