Chapter 13 Verse 32
Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog
अनादित्वान्निर्गुणत्वात्परमात्मायमव्ययः।शरीरस्थोऽपि कौन्तेय न करोति न लिप्यते।।13.32।।
anāditvān nirguṇatvāt paramātmāyam avyayaḥ śharīra-stho ’pi kaunteya na karoti na lipyate
Word Meanings
| anāditvāt | being without beginning |
| nirguṇatvāt | being devoid of any material qualities |
| parama | the Supreme |
| ātmā | soul |
| ayam | this |
| avyayaḥ | imperishable |
| śharīra-sthaḥ | dwelling in the body |
| api | although |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the the son of Kunti |
| na | neither |
| karoti | acts |
| na | nor |
| lipyate | is tainted |
Translation
Being without beginning, devoid of any qualities, the Supreme Self, imperishable, though dwelling in the body, O Arjuna, neither acts nor is tainted.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says the true Self is timeless, beyond the three qualities of nature, and cannot be destroyed. Even though it stays in the body, it does not perform actions and is not affected by them. In other words, the Self is the pure witness, different from the body, mind, and senses.
Philosophically, this separates who you truly are from what you do. Actions happen through the body-mind, but the essential being remains untouched by praise, blame, success, or failure. Realizing this brings inner freedom and steadiness.
Recognizing the self as witness does not mean doing nothing. It means acting from a calm center without clinging to outcomes, which reduces fear, regret, and pride.
Life Application
- Before reacting, pause and observe your breath for a few seconds to remind yourself there is a calm witness behind emotions.
- Do your duty fully, but let go of obsessive attachment to results — focus on effort, not only outcome.
- When you feel shame or pride, ask: "Is this the real me, or a passing thought?" This reduces emotional overload.
Reflection Question
Can you notice the silent watcher behind your thoughts and actions right now?