Chapter 2 Verse 16
Sānkhya Yog
नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः। उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः।।2.16।।
nāsato vidyate bhāvo nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ ubhayorapi dṛiṣhṭo ’nta stvanayos tattva-darśhibhiḥ
Word Meanings
| na | no |
| asataḥ | of the temporary |
| vidyate | there is |
| bhāvaḥ | is |
| na | no |
| abhāvaḥ | cessation |
| vidyate | is |
| sataḥ | of the eternal |
| ubhayoḥ | of the two |
| api | also |
| dṛiṣhṭaḥ | observed |
| antaḥ | conclusion |
| tu | verily |
| anayoḥ | of these |
| tattva | of the truth |
| darśhibhiḥ | by the seers |
Translation
The unreal has no being; there is no non-being of the real; the truth about both has been seen by the knowers of the truth (or the seers of the essence).
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse draws a clear line between what is temporary and what is permanent. Things that are temporary — bodies, roles, pleasures, pains — do not have lasting being. The true self, the inner reality or pure awareness, does not cease.
The wise see both sides clearly. They know that change and loss are part of the world, but that the core of who we are remains steady. Realizing this reduces fear and confusion about birth, death, gain, and loss.
Knowing what lasts and what does not helps us act from calmness rather than from panic or clinging. That steady seeing is what the verse calls the vision of the truth.
Life Application
- When strong emotions or losses arise, pause and notice them as passing events instead of final definitions of you.
- Practice a short daily habit of watching the breath or quieting the mind to touch the steady sense of awareness beneath thoughts.
- Do your duties fully, but avoid grasping outcomes as if they define your true self.
Reflection Question
What in my life am I clinging to as permanent when it is actually changing?