Chapter 2 – Sāṅkhya Yoga
Verse 18
antavanta ime dehā nityasyoktāḥ śharīriṇaḥ
anāśhino ’prameyasya tasmād yudhyasva bhārata
Simple English Meaning
O Arjuna, descendant of Bharata!
These visible bodies are perishable and temporary.
The soul that resides within these bodies is eternal, imperishable, and beyond full comprehension.
The soul can never be destroyed, nor can it be completely measured or understood.
Therefore, O Arjuna, perform your duty and engage in battle.
Detailed Explanation
In this verse, Lord Krishna clearly explains the difference between the body and the soul to Arjuna.
He tells him that the physical body exists only for a limited time and is certain to perish.
However, the soul dwelling inside the body is eternal, indestructible, and immeasurable.
The soul is never born and never dies.
It is beyond the reach of the senses and intellect, and therefore cannot be fully grasped or destroyed.
The destruction of the body has no effect on the soul.
Lord Krishna makes Arjuna understand that since the soul is immortal, it is not proper to abandon one’s dharma (duty) out of fear of bodily death.
He urges Arjuna to fight, emphasizing that this war is not for personal gain, but for the protection of righteousness and justice.
Word-by-Word Meaning
- Antavantaḥ– Perishable, subject to destruction
- Ime– These
- Dehāḥ– Bodies
- Nityasya– Eternal
- Śharīriṇaḥ– The soul (the one who dwells in the body)
- Anāśhinaḥ– Imperishable
- Aprameyasya– Immeasurable, beyond full understanding
- Tasmāt– Therefore
- Yudhyasva– Fight, perform your duty
- Bhārata– O descendant of Bharata (Arjuna)
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse reveals a deep truth of life.
What humans usually identify as their existence—the physical body—is temporary and fleeting.
The true “Self” is the soul, which is unborn, undying, and indestructible.
When a seeker truly realizes this truth, fear of death, loss, and suffering disappears.
This wisdom makes a person fearless, steady, and firmly rooted in duty.
Such self-realization leads one toward Karma Yoga and ultimately to liberation (moksha).
Message of the Verse
Do not identify yourself with the perishable body.
Recognize the eternal soul within.
True wisdom lies not in escaping one’s duty,
but in standing firm on the path of dharma with courage and clarity.
