Chapter 2 Verse 17
Sānkhya Yog
अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम्। विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित् कर्तुमर्हति।।2.17।।
avināśhi tu tadviddhi yena sarvam idaṁ tatam vināśham avyayasyāsya na kaśhchit kartum arhati
Word Meanings
| avināśhi | indestructible |
| tu | indeed |
| tat | that |
| viddhi | know |
| yena | by whom |
| sarvam | entire |
| idam | this |
| tatam | pervaded |
| vināśham | destruction |
| avyayasya | of the imperishable |
| asya | of it |
| na kaśhchit | no one |
| kartum | to cause |
| arhati | is able |
Translation
Know that to be indestructible, by which all this is pervaded. No one can cause the destruction of that, the Imperishable.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points to an inner reality that does not die. Beneath changing bodies, thoughts, and feelings there is a steady, unchanging presence that pervades everything.
Because this inner reality is indestructible, fear of final loss or utter destruction is misplaced. Knowing this helps us see death and change as surface events, not the end of who we truly are.
Realizing the imperishable within brings calm and clarity. It shifts attention from clinging to temporary things toward living from a deeper, more stable place.
Life Application
- When facing loss or change, pause and remember the deeper self; this reduces panic and helps you respond more clearly.
- Do your duties without clinging to results—acting from the inner steadiness makes choices less driven by fear.
- Practice short daily moments of quiet awareness (1–5 minutes) to feel the steady presence under stress.
Reflection Question
If you truly believed something in you cannot be destroyed, what fear would you face differently today?