Chapter 8 Verse 20
Akṣhar Brahma Yog
परस्तस्मात्तु भावोऽन्योऽव्यक्तोऽव्यक्तात्सनातनः। यः स सर्वेषु भूतेषु नश्यत्सु न विनश्यति।।8.20।।
paras tasmāt tu bhāvo ’nyo ’vyakto ’vyaktāt sanātanaḥ yaḥ sa sarveṣhu bhūteṣhu naśhyatsu na vinaśhyati
Word Meanings
| paraḥ | transcendental |
| tasmāt | than that |
| tu | but |
| bhāvaḥ | creation |
| anyaḥ | another |
| avyaktaḥ | unmanifest |
| avyaktāt | to the unmanifest |
| sanātanaḥ | eternal |
| yaḥ | who |
| saḥ | that |
| sarveṣhu | all |
| bhūteṣhu | in beings |
| naśhyatsu | cease to exist |
| na | never |
| vinaśhyati | is annihilated |
Translation
But verily, there exists higher than this Unmanifested, another Unmanifested Eternal, which is not destroyed even when all beings are destroyed.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that even beyond the unmanifest world there is a higher, unchanging reality. While the unmanifest (the subtle, hidden side of nature) is subject to cycles, this higher reality is eternal and does not perish when everything else is destroyed.
Philosophically, it points to a lasting source behind all change. Knowing that something permanent underlies birth, death, and change gives a stable ground for life. It invites us to look beyond temporary forms and rest in that steady presence.
Life Application
- When you face loss or fear, remember a deeper, unchanging reality exists; it can calm anxiety and reduce panic about endings.
- Use short daily practices (quiet breathing, a few minutes of meditation, or a simple prayer) to touch that inner steadiness.
- Let this perspective guide choices: favor lasting values (kindness, truth, service) over only short-lived gains.
Reflection Question
What one small practice can help you feel connected to something steady when life feels uncertain?