Chapter 2 Verse 18
Sānkhya Yog
अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ताः शरीरिणः। अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत।।2.18।।
antavanta ime dehā nityasyoktāḥ śharīriṇaḥ anāśhino ’prameyasya tasmād yudhyasva bhārata
Word Meanings
| anta-vantaḥ | having an end |
| ime | these |
| dehāḥ | material bodies |
| nityasya | eternally |
| uktāḥ | are said |
| śharīriṇaḥ | of the embodied soul |
| anāśhinaḥ | indestructible |
| aprameyasya | immeasurable |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| yudhyasva | fight |
| bhārata | descendant of Bharat, Arjun |
Translation
These bodies of the embodied Self, which are eternal, indestructible, and immeasurable, are said to have an end. Therefore, fight, O Arjuna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that the body is temporary and will end, while the true Self (the soul) is eternal, cannot be destroyed, and cannot be measured. The body changes, but the inner Self remains unchanged.
Knowing this helps remove the fear of loss and death. When you realize who you really are, you can act without clinging or panic. “Fight” here means do your duty and face life’s challenges with courage, because your essential nature is steady.
Life Application
- When you fear change or loss, pause and remember you are not only your body; act from calm awareness rather than panic.
- Focus on doing the right thing now without obsessing over results; commit to effort, not to guaranteed outcomes.
- Face difficult tasks and relationships with steady purpose, accepting change as part of life.
Reflection Question
What one action would you take today if you truly believed you were more than your body?