The peak of every kind

rudrāṇāṃ śaṅkaraścāsmi vitteśo yakṣarakṣasāmvasūnāṃ pāvakaścāsmi meruḥ śikhariṇāmaham

Among the Rudras I am Shankara. Among the Yakshas, Kubera, lord of wealth. Among the Vasus, fire. Among mountains, Meru.

What it means

Krishna points to the finest in each category. Among the storm-powers called Rudras, he is Shankara, the gracious Shiva. Among nature spirits, Kubera, keeper of treasure. Among the elemental Vasus, fire. Among mountains, Meru, the cosmic peak at the centre of the world. Wherever greatness shines, he says, look for me there.

The story

Arjuna asked how to recognise Krishna in the world. Krishna answers with a list of the best of everything, like signposts pointing back to him.

In your life

Think of the most breathtaking mountain view you've seen, the way it silenced you. That silence was reverence. Next time something takes your breath away, pause and give thanks.