Verse 16
nāsato vidyate bhāvo
nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ
ubhayor api dṛṣṭo ’ntaḥ
tvanayos tattva-darśibhiḥ
Word-by-Word Meaning:
- na asataḥ — of the unreal (not existent)
- vidyate bhāvaḥ — there is no existence / no being
- na abhāvaḥ — no non-existence
- vidyate sataḥ — for the real (existent)
- ubhayor api — of both (the real and unreal)
- dṛṣṭaḥ antaḥ — the end / limit is seen
- tvanayaḥ — distinctions, differences
- tattva-darśibhiḥ — by the seers of truth / wise philosophers
For the unreal, there is no existence; and for the real, there is no non-existence. The seers of truth have perceived the end of both — that is, they understand that the distinctions between the two ultimately vanish.
Expanded Meaning:
This verse clarifies the nature of reality and illusion — a foundational concept in Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings. It explains that:
- The unreal (asat) never truly exists, so it has no real “being.”
- The real (sat) never ceases to exist; it is eternal and indestructible.
- Though we see the world as a mix of real and unreal, wise seers perceive that the distinctions between them are only apparent and have a deeper, unified truth.
Contextual Analysis:
- Na Asato Vidyate Bhāvaḥ — The Unreal Has No Real Existence
- Things that are illusory or temporary (like the physical body, material objects, emotions) have no true, lasting reality.
- They appear and disappear; their existence is conditional and transient.
- Na Abhāvo Vidyate Sataḥ — The Real Is Everlasting
- The true Self (Ātman), the soul, Brahman — these are eternal realities.
- They cannot be destroyed or negated.
- Ubhayor Api Dṛṣṭo Antaḥ — The End or Limit of Both Is Seen
- Philosophers and sages who have insight (tattva-darśibhiḥ) see beyond the surface duality of real and unreal.
- They understand the unity of existence, beyond appearance and disappearance.
Philosophical Interpretation:
- The verse addresses the problem of change and permanence — a classical philosophical dilemma.
- What we perceive as birth and death, coming and going relates to the unreal aspects of reality (body, mind, senses).
- The self, or soul, remains constant through all changes, beyond physical transformations.
- The wise distinguish the temporary from the eternal and do not confuse the two.
- This knowledge brings liberation — recognizing the Self as eternal, untouched by physical changes.
Spiritual Symbolism:
| Symbol | Inner Meaning |
|---|---|
| Asat (Unreal) | The transient world, illusions, ego, impermanent phenomena |
| Sat (Real) | The eternal Self, unchanging consciousness, Brahman |
| Tattva-darśibhiḥ | Enlightened beings who see ultimate truth |
| Ubhaya (Both) | The duality we experience, but transcend in wisdom |
| Antaḥ (End) | The final truth or realization that goes beyond dualities |
Modern-Day Relevance:
- In daily life, this verse teaches the importance of distinguishing temporary troubles from our eternal essence.
- Understanding what is truly permanent can help reduce fear of loss, death, and change.
- It encourages detachment from fleeting worldly attachments and realization of deeper truths.
- Psychologically, it points to recognizing the core Self beyond fluctuating emotions and external circumstances.
Reflection Questions:
What aspects of your experience do you consider real? What seems temporary or unreal?
How often do you confuse your body and mind with your true Self?
Can you perceive the “end” or transcendence of these dualities through introspection or meditation?
How might realizing your eternal nature change your approach to life’s challenges?
Conclusion:
This profound verse encapsulates the essence of spiritual wisdom — the understanding that the real Self is eternal and unaffected by the fleeting nature of the world, while the unreal is merely a temporary appearance without lasting reality.
The seers who perceive this truth gain freedom from confusion, fear, and sorrow. By internalizing this teaching, the seeker moves toward liberation — transcending the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.