वासुदेव: सर्वमिति - Introduction to Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7

Many scholars divide the Bhagavad Gita into three sections - chapters 1-6 covering who we are and why we exist, chapters 7-12 covering description of Sagun Brahman or God, and chapters 13-18 focusing oneness between us and the Sagun Brahman or God.

In this context, the second section about Sagun Brahman starts in the seventh chapter, and Shri Krishna spends a great deal of time explaining the attributes, characteristics, and capabilities of the Sagun Brahman.

The chapter starts with Shri Krishna describing two of his energies, the lower building block energy, and higher life energy, that makes up this entire physical universe. He then uses an example of a necklace to explain that the way the beads rest in a thread, this whole universe rests in him, and there is nothing greater than him.

In the Shlokas 8 to 12, Shri Krishna explains how he is the sacred sound of ॐ (Om/Aum) in the Vedic literature and the seed of everything in the universe, including the radiance of the sun and moon, the fragrance of the earth, the brilliance of fire, and life force of all living beings.

The only reason we, even being Brahman ourselves, can not realize or notice our true nature is that we get caught up in the temptations of the world of Maya made of Saatva, Rajas, and Tamas Gunas. But, those rare ones who give up these worldly temptations reach a state where they can see Shri Krishna in everything.

However, Shri Krishna further adds that those who get stuck in worldly temptations and worship various Gods for worldly gain also indirectly worship him. That is because, being the essence of the universe, he alone fulfills those worldly gains. He does that because, by doing so, he helps people get established in Sharaadha in God, which eventually, over many life cycles, can bring them to the path of spiritual growth.

Adding more light on the Sagun Brahman, Shri Krishna states that people mistakenly assume he is just a person, but he knows everyone's past, present, and future. This true nature of his is only understood by someone who gives up worldly desires and aspirations and makes knowing Shri Krishna the only goal of life.

This way, the seventh chapter gives a good understanding of the concept of Saguan Brahman and starts the section that digs deeper into this.