Bhagavad Gita 13.18 · Krishna
Light of all lights, in every heart
ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमसः परमुच्यते।
ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं हृदि सर्वस्य विष्ठितम्॥
jyotiṣāmapi tajjyotistamasaḥ paramucyatejñānaṃ jñeyaṃ jñānagamyaṃ hṛdi sarvasya viṣṭhitam
It is the light of all lights, beyond all darkness. Knowledge, what is known, and the goal of knowing, it dwells in every heart.
Words
- jñāna
What it means
Krishna calls Brahman jyotisham api taj jyotih, the light of all lights. Beyond all darkness. It is jnana, knowledge itself, what is known, and the goal of all knowing. And where is it? Hridi sarvasya vishthitam. Seated in the heart of everyone.
The story
After the cosmic descriptions, Krishna brings it home. The light that lights the sun is sitting in Arjuna's own heart, and in the heart of every warrior on this field.
In your life
Sit quietly, close your eyes and imagine a small, steady light in your chest. Krishna says it's really there, in everyone. Remember it when you meet someone difficult today.
The light of all lights lives in every heart.