sarva-bhūta-stham ātmānaṁ sarva-bhūtāni chātmani
īkṣhate yoga-yuktātmā sarvatra sama-darśhanaḥ
sarva-bhūta-stham — situated in all living beings;
ātmānam — Supreme Soul;
sarva — all;
bhūtāni — living beings;
cha — and;
ātmani — in God;
īkṣhate — sees;
yoga-yukta-ātmā — one united in consciousness with God;
sarvatra — everywhere;
sama-darśhanaḥ — equal vision
This verse highlights how an ideal yogi sees the world around them. A yogi who has attained true spiritual understanding sees the divine spirit, often referred to as Krishna or the Supreme Soul, present in every living being. Imagine a wise person who looks at everyone, regardless of their background or status—like a rich person, a poor person, a dog, or a cat—and sees them all as part of one big family. They recognize that everyone has the same spirit or essence inside them that connects each individual to the Supreme.
This idea relies on the belief that the Supreme Soul exists within everyone’s heart. Think of it like a bright light that shines within all beings, making everyone equal, regardless of how different they seem on the outside. For example, just as a light bulb in a room lights up every corner, the divine energy is present in everyone’s heart. A true yogi understands that this divine presence does not change based on someone's actions, social status, or birth; it remains constant and pure. Therefore, whether it’s a well-respected person like a teacher or someone like a street dog, the Supreme is considered to be the same in essence.
Furthermore, this verse teaches us about the proper perspective. A person who has strong spiritual awareness sees beyond superficial differences and social labels. They do not judge others based on wealth, occupation, or even behavior. Instead, they recognize that everyone has the same spiritual essence inside, which is their true identity, beyond the physical body.
In simpler terms, if someone has truly understood this teaching, they will treat everyone the same. They would be compassionate, respectful, and loving towards all, seeing all living beings as connected and valuable. This understanding does not come from just learning concepts but from deep inner realization and practice, which comes through consistent personal discipline—this is what differentiates someone who simply knows about yoga from a true yogi.
So, this verse emphasizes unity, respect for all forms of life, and encourages us to see the same divine spirit in everyone. By doing so, we not only align ourselves with the higher truths of existence but also promote peace and harmony in our everyday interactions.