Rama and the Ganga

pavanaḥ pavatāmasmi rāmaḥ śastrabhṛtāmahamjhaṣāṇāṃ makaraścāsmi srotasāmasmi jāhnavī

Among purifiers I am the wind. Among bearers of weapons, Rama. Among sea creatures, the makara. Among rivers, the Ganga.

What it means

Krishna names the wind, which cleans the air. Rama, the righteous prince of the Ramayana, who carried weapons only to protect and restore dharma. The makara, a mythical sea creature. And the Ganga, India's most sacred river, which pilgrims believe washes away sorrow and wrongdoing.

The story

Arjuna is a bearer of weapons. Krishna names Rama, the ideal of a protector who fights only for righteousness, never for ego. It's a model held up right in front of him.

In your life

Think of a fresh breeze after a stuffy day, or a long walk by a river. Nature renews us. Spend ten minutes near water or wind this week, letting it clear your mind.