Gita 10.28
Vibhuti Yoga
आयुधानामहं वज्रं धेनूनामस्मि कामधुक् । प्रजनश्चास्मि कन्दर्पः सर्पाणामस्मि वासुकिः ॥
āyudhānām ahaṁ vajraṁ dhenūnām asmi kāmadhuk | prajanaś cāsmi kandarpaḥ sarpāṇām asmi vāsukiḥ ||
In essence: In the weapon that strikes with cosmic finality, the mother who gives endlessly, the desire that continues creation, and the serpent that guards treasures - these seemingly opposite powers reveal one Divine wielding destruction, abundance, attraction, and depth.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "This verse disturbs me. Weapons? Desire? Serpents? These seem like things a spiritual path should transcend, not celebrate."
Guru: "Why does the thunderbolt disturb you?"
Sadhak: "It's a weapon. It destroys. Spirituality should be about peace and non-violence."
Guru: "When Indra used the vajra against Vritra, who was withholding the waters from all beings, was that violence or liberation?"
Sadhak: "Well... liberation for the world. But still violence against Vritra."
Guru: "And if no force existed that could stop those who obstruct life itself? What would become of all beings?"
Sadhak: "They would suffer... perish. But surely there's always a peaceful way?"
Guru: "Is there? The vajra represents not cruelty but the power that establishes conditions where peace becomes possible. Now - Kamadhenu disturbs you too?"
Sadhak: "No, that one is beautiful. A cow that gives everything needed. That feels divine."
Guru: "So you accept divine abundance but not divine force? Yet both serve life. The cow nourishes; the thunderbolt protects the conditions for nourishment. Can you have one without the other?"
Sadhak: "I hadn't thought of them as connected."
Guru: "And Kandarpa, desire - why does that disturb you?"
Sadhak: "Desire is what traps us! The Gita itself says desire leads to anger, delusion, destruction."
Guru: "That's unregulated desire contrary to dharma. What about the desire that causes beings to come together and bring forth new life? The desire that perpetuates creation itself?"
Sadhak: "That's different... but still desire."
Guru: "Different indeed. The same force that can enslave can also serve the cosmic purpose. Krishna claims the principle of attraction that continues creation - not lust that exploits, but eros that generates."
Sadhak: "I see. You're saying Krishna is present even where I'd rather not look."
Guru: "Especially there. The complete Divine includes force, abundance, attraction, and mystery."
Did this resonate with you? Share it with someone who needs to hear this.
🌅 Daily Practice
Kamadhenu meditation: Begin your day by connecting with divine abundance. Visualize Kamadhenu - the cosmic mother-cow who provides whatever is needed. Offer your day's needs to her: 'What I truly need for dharma today, please provide.' Trust that genuine needs will be met by inexhaustible divine abundance.
Vajra and Kandarpa awareness: Notice during the day where force might be necessary (setting boundaries, protecting the vulnerable) and where attraction operates (drawing you toward or away from things). For force: ask 'Is this vajra - necessary dharmic power - or ego aggression?' For attraction: ask 'Is this Kandarpa - life-serving desire - or grasping that exploits?'
Vasuki depth work: Before sleep, acknowledge the serpent - the mysterious depths within you. What fears lurk there? What treasures might they guard? Invite the Divine into your depths: 'Even in my shadows, my fears, my hidden places - You are present.' This integration practice prepares for dream work and deeper self-knowledge.