Verse 20
na jāyate mriyate vā kadācin
nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ
ajo nityaḥ śāśvato’yaṁ purāṇo
na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre
Word-by-Word Meaning:
- na — not
- jāyate — is born
- mriyate — dies
- vā — or
- kadācin — ever / at any time
- na ayam — this (Self/soul)
- bhūtvā — having become / having come into being
- bhavitā — will become / come into existence
- vā — or
- na bhūyaḥ — will again be not
- ajaḥ — unborn
- nityaḥ — eternal
- śāśvataḥ — everlasting
- ayam — this (Self)
- purāṇaḥ — ancient / primal
- na hanyate — is not destroyed
- hanyamāne — being destroyed / when the body is destroyed
- śarīre — in the body
The soul is never born; it never dies. It does not come into being, nor does it cease to be. It is unborn, eternal, everlasting, and ancient. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed.
Expanded Meaning:
In this foundational verse, Krishna explains the immortal nature of the soul (ātman). Unlike the physical body, which undergoes birth, growth, decay, and death, the soul is beyond all such transformations.
- The soul never originates; it is not a product of birth or creation.
- It never ceases or dies; it remains ever-present, constant, and unchanged.
- It transcends time and is described as ancient and eternal — beyond the temporal cycles of life and death.
- Even when the physical body (śarīra) is destroyed, the soul itself is unaffected and indestructible.
Contextual Analysis:
- Distinction Between Body and Soul
- The body is temporary and perishable.
- The soul is permanent and immortal.
- Cycle of Birth and Death
- Physical existence involves cycles of birth and death.
- The soul is transcendent to these cycles, neither born nor dying.
- Philosophical Underpinning
- This verse is a key principle in Vedantic philosophy — the immutable Self behind the changing phenomena.
- It asserts the eternal reality (sat) of the soul in contrast to the transient (asat) physical form.
Philosophical Insight:
- The Self (ātman) is the unchanging witness consciousness.
- Our fear of death arises from identification with the body, not the soul.
- Realizing this truth leads to freedom from fear, grief, and attachment.
- This verse lays the groundwork for karma yoga and detachment taught later.
Spiritual Symbolism:
| Term | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Na jāyate mriyate | The soul’s eternal nature beyond birth and death |
| Ajaḥ | The unborn, transcending physical existence |
| Nityaḥ, śāśvataḥ | Timelessness and permanence |
| Purāṇaḥ | Primordial, ancient essence of existence |
| Na hanyate | Indestructibility despite physical destruction |
Modern-Day Relevance:
- Helps alleviate the fear of death and loss.
- Encourages seeing the self beyond physical identity.
- Inspires living with awareness of the eternal nature within.
- Promotes inner peace and equanimity amidst life’s changes.
Reflection Questions:
How deeply do I identify with my physical body versus my inner Self?
Can I truly feel the eternal presence within, beyond birth and death?
How does understanding the immortality of the soul change my approach to fear and loss?
Am I living with awareness of this eternal truth in daily life?
Conclusion:
Verse 20 reveals the timeless truth of the soul’s immortality, inviting Arjuna (and us) to transcend physical anxieties about life and death. It reassures that the essence of our being is everlasting and indestructible, encouraging a vision of life that rises above transient pains and fears.
This knowledge is the foundation for spiritual awakening and a fearless, purposeful life.