avibhaktaṁ ca bhūteṣu vibhaktam iva ca sthitam bhūta-bhartṛ ca taj jñeyaṁ grasiṣṇu prabhaviṣṇu ca
"Undivided, yet existing as if divided in beings; That which is to be known is the sustainer of beings, and also the devourer and the creator."
What This Means:
Brahman is undivided—one whole—yet appears divided among all beings. It sustains all, destroys all, and creates all. The one reality appears as the many.
Going Deeper:
'Avibhaktam vibhaktam iva'—undivided appearing as divided. Like space appears divided by pots yet remains one space. Three roles: bhūta-bhartṛ (sustainer of beings), grasiṣṇu (devourer—at dissolution), prabhaviṣṇu (creator—at manifestation). Brahman is the source, support, and end of all existence—the complete cycle.
How To Apply This:
Recognize that the apparent separation between you and others is appearance, not reality. The same consciousness looks through all eyes. This recognition transforms relationships—competition becomes cooperation.
Key Sanskrit Terms: