Bhagavad Gita 10.21

ādityānām ahaṁ viṣṇur

jyotiṣāṁ ravir aṁśumān

marīcir marutām asmi

nakṣatrāṇām ahaṁ śaśī

 

Among the Ādityas, as Viṣṇu I stand,

Among all lights, as the sun so grand;

Of winds, I am Marīci’s might,

Of stars, I glow as moonlit light.

 

My dear Lord, help me appreciate that denying my abilities does not lead me to humility; rather, denying you as the source of those abilities leads me away from humility.

O all-attractive Lord, when you describe yourself as the extraordinary manifestations in this world—the best in various categories—you teach me how to see you in the world’s glories. You want me to see you not only in the glory around me, but also in the glory within me. When I notice any valuable or special quality within myself, please help me remember that it is you who manifest as that quality. In the name of cultivating humility, let me not deny that ability, lest I fail to honor your gift—and thus fail to honor you. You have given me those abilities so that I may use them in your service and thus bring both others and myself closer to you.

O supreme guru, please help me remember that all my abilities come from you, so that those abilities do not go to my head, but instead help me enthrone you above my head as my Lord. And by serving you with those abilities and thus savoring your sweetness, may I enthrone you in my heart as my Lord.

***

10.21 Of the Ādityas I am Viṣṇu, of lights I am the radiant sun, of the Maruts I am Marīci, and among the stars I am the moon.