Chapter 2, Verse 17 (Bhagavad Gita 2.17)
Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yog – Transcendental Knowledge
Sanskrit Shloka
अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम्। विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित् कर्तुमर्हति
Transliteration
avināśhi tu tadviddhi yena sarvam idaṁ tatam vināśham avyayasyāsya na kaśhchit kartum arhati
Word Meanings
avināśhi—indestructible; tu—indeed; tat—that; viddhi—know; yena—by whom; sarvam—entire; idam—this; tatam—pervaded; vināśham—destruction; avyayasya—of the imperishable; asya—of it; na kaśhchit—no one; kartum—to cause; arhati—is able
Translation
Know that to be indestructible by which all this is pervaded. No one can cause the destruction of that, the Imperishable.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse directs the seeker to shift their identity from the transient body to the eternal consciousness that permeates everything. It teaches us that while our roles, bodies, and material possessions are subject to decay, the core essence of existence remains untouched by time or change. By realizing this, a person overcomes the fear of loss and death, finding a state of unshakable peace. Integrating this wisdom allows one to act in the world with detachment, knowing that the underlying reality of every soul is fundamentally infinite and secure.