Lightning and the wish-fulfilling cow

āyudhānāmahaṃ vajraṃ dhenūnāmasmi kāmadhukprajanaścāsmi kandarpaḥ sarpāṇāmasmi vāsukiḥ

Among weapons I am the thunderbolt. Among cows, the wish-granting Kamadhenu. I am love, which brings new life. Among serpents, Vasuki.

What it means

Krishna names surprising things. The vajra, the thunderbolt, the most powerful force. Kamadhenu, the cow who gives whatever is needed, an image of abundance. Kandarpa, the power of love that brings children into the world. And Vasuki, the serpent king. Power, plenty and loving creation are all part of the divine.

The story

Krishna includes love and desire for new life in his list. The Gita warns against craving, but here it honours the love that creates families. It's a balanced view of desire.

In your life

Think of the joy of a new baby in a family, the love that brought them here. That's sacred. Celebrate one act of love or creation in your life this week.