Chapter 2 Verse 19
Sānkhya Yog
य एनं वेत्ति हन्तारं यश्चैनं मन्यते हतम्। उभौ तौ न विजानीतो नायं हन्ति न हन्यते।।2.19।।
ya enaṁ vetti hantāraṁ yaśh chainaṁ manyate hatam ubhau tau na vijānīto nāyaṁ hanti na hanyate
Word Meanings
| yaḥ | one who |
| enam | this |
| vetti | knows |
| hantāram | the slayer |
| yaḥ | one who |
| cha | and |
| enam | this |
| manyate | thinks |
| hatam | slain |
| ubhau | both |
| tau | they |
| na | not |
| vijānītaḥ | in knowledge |
| na | neither |
| ayam | this |
| hanti | slays |
| na | nor |
| hanyate | is killed |
Translation
He who takes the Self to be the slayer and he who thinks it is slain, neither of them knows. It does not slay, nor is it slain.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points out a basic mistake: if you think the true Self is the killer or the one being killed, you are ignorant. The Self is not the body or the mind; it is beyond birth and death and cannot be harmed.
Knowing this shifts how you see life. Bodies change, roles end, and events happen, but the inner Self remains steady. Real wisdom is to recognize the difference between the changing body/mind and the unchanging Self.
Life Application
- When faced with loss or death, remember the deeper Self remains unchanged; this can bring calm and reduce panic or grief.
- Do your duty without clinging to results or identifying completely with success or failure; actions affect the body, not the true Self.
- Treat others with respect, knowing their essential nature is not limited to roles, labels, or temporary hurts.
Reflection Question
When do I identify most strongly with my body, role, or emotions instead of my deeper Self?