Verse 17
avināśi tu tad viddhi
yena sarvam idaṁ tatam
vināśam avyayasya asya
na kaścit kartum arhati
Word-by-Word Meaning:
- avināśi — indestructible / imperishable
- tu — but / indeed
- tat — that (the Self / Atman)
- viddhi — know / understand
- yena — by which
- sarvam — all / everything
- idam — this (world / universe)
- tatam — is pervaded / spread throughout
- vināśam — destruction / annihilation
- avyayasya — of the immutable / unchanging
- asya — of this (Self)
- na kaścit — no one / nobody
- kartum arhati — is able to do / capable of causing
But know that to be indestructible by which all this is pervaded. No one is able to bring about the destruction of that imperishable Being.
Expanded Meaning:
In this verse, Lord Krishna affirms the eternal, indestructible nature of the true Self (Atman) and distinguishes it from the perishable physical world. He teaches Arjuna that the entire creation is pervaded by this unchanging, deathless Self.
Contextual Analysis:
- “Avināśi tu tad viddhi” — Know That as Indestructible
- Krishna refers to the Ātman, the eternal Self, not subject to decay or destruction.
- This is the core teaching of Vedanta — that beyond body and mind, a pure consciousness exists eternally.
- “Yena sarvam idaṁ tatam” — By Which All This Is Pervaded
- The Self is omnipresent, like space or ether, pervading every atom of existence.
- It exists within and beyond all beings and objects.
- “Vināśam avyayasya asya” — The Destruction of the Imperishable
- Avyaya means immutable, unchanging — beyond transformation or decline.
- The Self does not grow, age, or perish. It remains constant through all states.
- “Na kaścit kartum arhati” — None Can Cause Its Destruction
- Even the most powerful forces in the universe cannot harm the Self.
- It lies outside the reach of time, weapons, fire, water, wind — which Krishna elaborates on in later verses.
Philosophical Interpretation:
- The verse touches the essence of non-dualistic philosophy — that the Self is eternal and indivisible.
- It challenges Arjuna’s despair by affirming that no real harm can come to the soul — neither his own nor his enemies’.
- Death, loss, and destruction are only apparent changes at the physical level.
- The true substratum of reality is untouched and unchanging.
Spiritual Symbolism:
| Symbol | Inner Meaning |
|---|---|
| Avināśi (Indestructible) | The eternal soul, which neither dies nor changes |
| Tat (That) | Refers to the Self / Brahman, the ultimate Reality |
| Tatam (Pervaded) | The Self’s omnipresence — within all beings and all matter |
| Avyaya (Immutable) | The changeless aspect of our identity, beyond ego and body |
| Na kaścit kartum arhati | No external force can alter the essence of true Being |
Modern-Day Relevance:
- In a world driven by change, loss, and fear, this verse provides spiritual stability.
- Recognizing oneself as the eternal Self helps face:
- The death of loved ones
- Uncertainty in life
- Identity crises
- It’s also a reminder of inner strength — that our deepest essence cannot be damaged by circumstances.
Reflection Questions:
Do you identify more with your body and mind, or with the eternal Self?
When faced with fear or loss, can you remember that the real Self is unchanging?
How does this teaching influence your understanding of death and impermanence?
What does it mean to live as one who is rooted in the eternal?
Conclusion:
This verse offers a profound reassurance to the soul — that no matter what happens in the external world, our true nature is untouched and eternal. By contemplating this indestructible Self, one can rise above grief, fear, and doubt.
Lord Krishna’s teaching is not merely philosophical but deeply practical — offering a shield of wisdom against the pains of worldly life. This recognition is the foundation of fearlessness and freedom on the spiritual path.