Bhagavad Gita 2.20

 

Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.20: The Eternal Nature of the Soul

Sanskrit Verse

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः ।
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ॥

Transliteration

na jāyate mriyate vā kadāchin
nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ |
ajo nityaḥ śhāśhvato’yaṁ purāṇo
na hanyate hanyamāne śharīre ||

Translation

The soul is neither born nor does it ever die. It has never come into existence, nor will it ever cease to be. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and ancient. It is not destroyed when the body is slain.

" आत्मा न तो कभी जन्म लेती है और न ही कभी मरती है। यह कभी अस्तित्व में नहीं आई है और न ही कभी समाप्त होगी। यह अजन्मा, शाश्वत, सदा विद्यमान और प्राचीन है। शरीर के मारे जाने पर भी इसका नाश नहीं होता। "

Explanation

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, reveals the eternal nature of the soul (Atman). It addresses the fundamental question of life and death, explaining that the soul is beyond birth and death. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. The Soul is Unborn and Eternal

Krishna asserts that the soul does not come into existence at birth, nor does it vanish at death. Unlike the body, which undergoes birth and decay, the soul is everlasting and has always existed.

2. The Soul is Unchanging

The verse uses terms like "nitya" (eternal) and "shashvata" (permanent) to emphasize that the soul remains unchanged throughout time. While the body undergoes transformations, the soul remains unaffected.

3. Death is Only a Transition

The phrase "na hanyate hanyamāne śharīre" means that even when the body is destroyed, the soul is not harmed. This suggests that death is merely a transition rather than an end, supporting the concept of reincarnation.

4. The Soul is Ancient and Beyond Time

The word "purāṇa" means ancient, signifying that the soul predates creation and will continue beyond destruction. It is not bound by time, unlike material objects.

Philosophical Significance

• Overcoming Fear of Death: Understanding that the soul is immortal helps remove the fear of death and instills inner peace.
• Reincarnation and Karma: This verse supports the idea of rebirth, where the soul moves from one body to another based on karma.
• Detachment from the Material World: Since the soul is eternal, attachment to the physical body and material possessions is unnecessary.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 2.20 conveys a profound spiritual truth—our essence is eternal, beyond birth and death. Recognizing this helps us lead a fearless, duty-driven life while understanding the temporary nature of the physical world. By embracing this wisdom, we can cultivate detachment, inner stability, and spiritual growth.