Verse 21
vedāvināśinaṁ nityaṁ ya enam ajam avyayam
kathaṁ sa puruṣhaḥ pārtha kaṁ ghātayati hanti kam
Word-by-Word Meaning:
- veda — know, understand
- avināśinam — indestructible, imperishable
- nityam — eternal, always
- yaḥ — who
- enam — this
- ajam — unborn
- avyayam — imperishable, immutable
- katham — how
- saḥ — that person
- puruṣhaḥ — soul, person
- pārtha — O son of Pritha (Arjuna)
- kam — whom
- ghātayati — kills, destroys
- hanti — kills
- kam — whom
He who knows this soul as imperishable, eternal, unborn, and immutable—how can that person, O Arjuna, kill anyone or cause anyone to be killed?
Expanded Meaning:
Here Krishna questions the logic of killing when the true Self (soul) is understood to be eternal and indestructible. If the soul cannot be born or destroyed, how can it be truly killed in battle?
- The soul (puruṣha) is described as avināśina (imperishable) and nitya (eternal).
- It is aja (unborn) and avyaya (undecaying).
- Krishna challenges Arjuna’s grief and confusion by pointing out that one who truly realizes this nature of the soul cannot think of killing or being killed.
- This verse aims to dissolve the fear and sorrow about physical death because the deeper reality is untouched by such changes.
Contextual Analysis:
- Reinforcing the Soul’s Immortality
This verse continues from the previous one, reiterating the soul’s timelessness, emphasizing that it cannot be destroyed by any physical action. - Philosophical Logic Against Killing
If the soul is unkillable, then actions harming the body do not harm the soul.
Therefore, sorrow over killing or death is based on ignorance of this truth. - Ethical Implication
Understanding this leads to detachment from the results of actions and reduces emotional turmoil, enabling Arjuna to act according to dharma.
Philosophical Insight:
- Knowledge of the eternal Self transforms perception of life and death.
- It bridges the gap between external violence and internal spiritual reality.
- Realizing the soul’s nature leads to fearlessness and equanimity.
Spiritual Symbolism:
| Term | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Veda-avināśinam | Eternal truth beyond material destruction |
| Ajām avyayam | Unborn, unchanging divine Self |
| Puruṣhaḥ | The transcendental soul within |
| Katham hanti kam | Questioning the illusion of killing or being killed |
Modern-Day Relevance:
- Helps in facing life’s challenges and conflicts with wisdom.
- Encourages seeing beyond temporary situations.
- Cultivates compassion and detachment in difficult circumstances.
Reflection Questions:
How does understanding the soul’s immortality affect my view of life and death?
Can I act in the world without being overwhelmed by fear or sorrow?
How can this knowledge help me maintain peace amidst conflict?
Do I recognize the eternal essence in myself and others?
Conclusion:
In this verse, Krishna deepens Arjuna’s understanding of the soul as eternal and invulnerable. He calls Arjuna to transcend superficial fears related to physical death and to realize the spiritual truth that no one can truly kill the soul. This insight forms the philosophical foundation for Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment or despair.