Chapter 2 Verse 21
Sānkhya Yog
वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं य एनमजमव्ययम्। कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ कं घातयति हन्ति कम्।।2.21।।
vedāvināśhinaṁ nityaṁ ya enam ajam avyayam kathaṁ sa puruṣhaḥ pārtha kaṁ ghātayati hanti kam
Word Meanings
| veda | knows |
| avināśhinam | imperishable |
| nityam | eternal |
| yaḥ | who |
| enam | this |
| ajam | unborn |
| avyayam | immutable |
| katham | how |
| saḥ | that |
| puruṣhaḥ | person |
| pārtha | Parth |
| kam | whom |
| ghātayati | causes to be killed |
| hanti | kills |
| kam | whom |
Translation
Whoever knows it to be indestructible, eternal, unborn, and inexhaustible, how can that person slay, O Arjuna, or cause to be slain?
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says the true Self (the inner, unchanging part of us) is never born and never dies. The body can be destroyed, but the deeper Self is eternal and cannot be killed.
If someone really understands this truth, they will not see killing or being killed the same way. Harm to the body does not touch the immortal Self. Knowing this changes how we feel about death, loss, and fear.
That knowledge also shifts how we act: it reduces panic and anger, and it supports calm, wise choices. When you see others as more than their bodies, you are less likely to harm and more likely to act with care.
Life Application
- When you feel fear of loss or death, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself, "This body changes, my deeper Self is steady." It helps calm the mind.
- In conflicts, pause and remember others have an inner life beyond the body; choose words and actions that avoid harm.
- Do your duty without clinging to results. Focus on right action rather than fear of final outcomes.
Reflection Question
How would one small choice you make today change if you truly believed you were never destroyed?