Chapter 10 · Shloka 35— The Yoga of Divine Glories

bṛihat-sāma tathā sāmnāṁ gāyatrī chhandasām aham māsānāṁ mārga-śhīrṣho ’ham ṛitūnāṁ kusumākaraḥ

bṛihat-sāma

— the Brihatsama

tathā

— also

sāmnām

— amongst the hymns in the Sama Veda

gāyatrī

— the Gayatri mantra

chhandasām

— amongst poetic meters

aham

— I

māsānām

— of the twelve months

mārga-śhīrṣhaḥ

— the month of November-December

aham

— I

ṛitūnām

— of all seasons

kusuma-ākaraḥ

— spring

"Brhat-sama tatha samnam gayatri chandasam aham, masanam marga-sirso 'ham rtunam kusumakarah." — Among the hymns of the Sama Veda I am the Brihat-Sama; among meters I am the Gayatri; among months I am Margashirsha; among seasons I am the flower-bearing spring. Krishna continues. 'Brhat-sama tatha samnam' — among the chants of the Sama Veda (samnam), I am the Brihat-Sama (a particularly exalted and beautiful hymn addressed to the Divine). 'Gayatri chandasam aham' — among the poetic meters (chandas), I am the Gayatri (the most sacred and revered Vedic meter, the meter of the famous Gayatri mantra). 'Masanam marga-sirsah aham' — among months, I am Margashirsha (the month roughly corresponding to November-December, considered especially auspicious, when the harvest is gathered and the weather is pleasant). 'Rtunam kusumakarah' — among seasons (rtus), I am 'kusumakara,' the flower-bearing spring (the season of blossoming, renewal, and abundant beauty). Shankaracharya notes the continuing principle of the most excellent and auspicious in each category. The Gayatri among meters and the Brihat-Sama among hymns are the most sacred; Margashirsha among months and spring among seasons are the most beautiful and auspicious. The inclusion of spring 'among seasons' is especially evocative. Spring is the season of renewal, blossoming, and abundant life — the time when nature awakens into fresh beauty and growth. To identify the Divine with spring is to point to the divine glory shining in renewal, fresh blossoming, and the joyful abundance of life. The insight, drawing on spring especially: the divine glory shines in renewal and fresh blossoming. There is something sacred in the seasons of renewal — in fresh starts, new growth, the blossoming of beauty after dormancy. Just as spring is the peak of nature's beauty and renewal, the times of fresh blossoming in your own life — new beginnings, creative flowering, the renewal of hope and energy after a difficult period — carry a special divine glory. Honor and celebrate the springtimes of your life, the seasons of fresh growth and blossoming. And when life is in a 'winter,' remember that spring — the divine renewal — always returns. Renewal itself is a divine glory; let it lift you when it comes, and trust its return when you're waiting for it.

Among these glories, the most evocative is 'among seasons, I am spring' — the season of renewal, blossoming, fresh growth, and abundant life. To identify the Divine with spring is to point to the divine glory shining in renewal and fresh blossoming. The insight is warm and hopeful: there's something genuinely sacred in the seasons of renewal — fresh starts, new growth, the blossoming of beauty and energy after a period of dormancy or difficulty. Just as spring is the peak of nature's renewal, the springtimes of your own life — new beginnings, creative flowering, the return of hope and energy after a hard stretch — carry a special divine glory. Two practical takeaways. First, honor and fully celebrate the springtimes when they come: when life blossoms with fresh growth, new beginnings, renewed energy, don't take it for granted — these are sacred seasons; let yourself fully enjoy and appreciate them. Second, and critically: when you're in a 'winter' — a dormant, difficult, barren stretch — remember that spring always returns. Renewal is woven into the very nature of things; the divine glory of fresh blossoming is never gone for good, only waiting. So celebrate your springtimes, and in your winters, trust that renewal is coming. Spring always returns.

Among these glories, the most evocative is 'among seasons, I am spring' — the season of renewal, blossoming, fresh growth, and abundant life. To identify the Divine with spring is to point to the divine glory shining in renewal and fresh blossoming. The insight is warm and hopeful: there's something genuinely sacred in the seasons of renewal — fresh starts, new growth, the blossoming of beauty and energy after a stretch of dormancy or difficulty. Just as spring is the peak of nature's renewal, the springtimes of your own life — new beginnings, creative flowering, the return of hope and energy after a hard period — carry a special divine glory. Two practical takeaways. First, fully honor and celebrate the springtimes when they come: when life blossoms with fresh growth, new beginnings, renewed energy, don't take it for granted — these are sacred seasons, let yourself actually enjoy them. Second, and above all: when you're in a 'winter' — a dormant, hard, barren stretch — remember spring ALWAYS returns. Renewal is woven into the very nature of things; the divine glory of fresh blossoming is never gone for good, just waiting. So celebrate your springtimes, and in your winters, trust that renewal is coming. Spring always comes back.

Krishna shares more glories, and the prettiest one is: 'Among the seasons, I am SPRING!' Spring is the season when flowers bloom, plants grow fresh and green, and everything comes alive again after winter! By saying He's spring, Krishna shows us that God's glory shines in fresh beginnings, new growth, and beautiful blossoming! This teaches us two happy things: First, celebrate the 'springtimes' in your life — those wonderful times of new beginnings, fresh energy, and growth! Enjoy them fully! Second, and very comforting: whenever you're going through a hard 'winter' time — when things feel cold, dull, or stuck — remember that spring ALWAYS comes back! New, beautiful beginnings always return, just like flowers always bloom again after winter. So celebrate your bright spring times, and during hard times, hold onto hope: a wonderful, blossoming new season is always on its way!