Chapter 18 Verse 20
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
सर्वभूतेषु येनैकं भावमव्ययमीक्षते।अविभक्तं विभक्तेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि सात्त्विकम्।।18.20।।
sarva-bhūteṣhu yenaikaṁ bhāvam avyayam īkṣhate avibhaktaṁ vibhakteṣhu taj jñānaṁ viddhi sāttvikam
Word Meanings
| sarva-bhūteṣhu | within all living beings |
| yena | by which |
| ekam | one |
| bhāvam | nature |
| avyayam | imperishable |
| īkṣhate | one sees |
| avibhaktam | undivided |
| vibhakteṣhu | in diversity |
| tat | that |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| viddhi | understand |
| sāttvikam | in the mode of goodness |
Translation
That by which one sees the indestructible Reality in all beings, not separate in any of them—know that knowledge to be Sattvic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that true knowledge is seeing one undying reality present in all living beings. That inner, unchanging presence is not split by outward differences like body, caste, or status.
Recognizing this unity is called sāttvik knowledge — a pure, calm, and truthful way of seeing. It removes false divisions and softens the mind, leading to natural compassion and fairness in action.
Such vision shifts you from focusing on changing forms to honoring the steady life within everyone. It brings peace and right conduct because you no longer act from narrow self-interest.
Life Application
- Before you speak or act, remind yourself that the other person shares the same inner life; respond with kindness rather than judgment.
- Make small choices that reduce harm (e.g., fair treatment, honest work), guided by the sense of common worth.
- Spend a few minutes daily quietly noticing the one life inside yourself and others to build steady compassion.
Reflection Question
How would one small decision today change if you truly saw the same unchanging life in the other person?