Chapter 2 Verse 24
Sānkhya Yog
अच्छेद्योऽयमदाह्योऽयमक्लेद्योऽशोष्य एव च। नित्यः सर्वगतः स्थाणुरचलोऽयं सनातनः।।2.24।।
achchhedyo ’yam adāhyo ’yam akledyo ’śhoṣhya eva cha nityaḥ sarva-gataḥ sthāṇur achalo ’yaṁ sanātanaḥ
Word Meanings
| achchhedyaḥ | unbreakable |
| ayam | this soul |
| adāhyaḥ | incombustible |
| ayam | this soul |
| akledyaḥ | cannot be dampened |
| aśhoṣhyaḥ | cannot be dried |
| eva | indeed |
| cha | and |
| nityaḥ | everlasting |
| sarva-gataḥ | all-pervading |
| sthāṇuḥ | unalterable |
| achalaḥ | immutable |
| ayam | this soul |
| sanātanaḥ | primordial |
Translation
This Self cannot be cut, burned, wetted, nor dried up; it is eternal, all-pervasive, stable, immovable, and ancient.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says the true Self (the soul) cannot be harmed by cutting, burning, wetting, or drying. It is beyond the changing conditions of the body and the world.
The Self is eternal, present everywhere, steady and unchanging. It remains the silent witness even when the body, mind, and situations rise and fall.
Knowing this points us away from fear of loss and death. It invites us to live from a steadier place inside, not from the shifting reactions of the body and mind.
Life Application
- When strong emotions arise, pause, breathe, and remind yourself that your deeper Self is steady—this reduces impulsive reactions.
- Do your duties with care but let go of clutching outcomes; actions from presence are calmer and clearer.
- Treat others with respect and patience, remembering their true Self is also steady beyond appearance and mood.
Reflection Question
If you felt inner steadiness now, what would you do differently in this situation?