Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 24
achchhedyo ’yam adāhyo ’yam akledyo ’śhoṣhya eva cha
nityaḥ sarva-gataḥ sthāṇur achalo ’yaṁ sanātanaḥ
Simple English Meaning
O Arjuna!
The soul cannot be cut, cannot be burned, cannot be wetted, and cannot be dried.
The soul is eternal, all-pervading, stable, immovable, and everlasting.
It is never destroyed and remains the same in every situation.
Detailed Explanation
In this verse, Lord Krishna further explains the eternal, unchanging, and all-pervading nature of the soul. The soul is described not only as indestructible, but also as eternal, universal, stable, and everlasting.
The Soul is Achhedya (Cannot be Cut)
No weapon can cut the soul.
The body may be destroyed, but weapons have no effect on the soul.
This clearly shows that the soul is beyond physical matter.
The Soul is Adahya (Cannot be Burned)
Fire can burn the body, but it cannot burn the soul.
The soul is completely untouched by fire.
This proves the imperishable nature of the soul.
The Soul is Akledya (Cannot be Wetted)
Water can wet or damage the body,
but it has no effect on the soul.
The soul is beyond material elements, therefore it cannot be wetted.
The Soul is Ashoshya (Cannot be Dried)
Air can dry the body,
but it cannot dry the soul.
This shows that the soul is not affected by any natural force.
Special Qualities of the Soul
Nitya (Eternal)
The soul always remains the same.
It never changes.
Sarvagata (All-pervading)
The soul is present everywhere.
It is not limited to one place or one body.
Sthanu (Stable)
The soul remains firm in its true nature.
It is never disturbed.
Achala (Immovable)
The soul never shakes or wavers.
No situation can disturb it.
Sanatana (Everlasting)
The soul has no beginning and no end.
It exists forever.
Deep Spiritual Meaning
This verse presents the soul not only as immortal, but also as an eternal, stable, and all-pervading reality.
The body, which a person considers as “I,” is temporary and perishable.
The real “I” is the soul, which is eternal, immovable, and everlasting.
With this knowledge, a person:
Becomes free from the fear of death.
Is not disturbed by loss or harm.
Becomes firm and steady in duty and righteousness.
Moves forward on the path of Karma Yoga and liberation (Moksha).
Word-by-Word Meaning
Achhedya – That which cannot be cut
Adahya – That which cannot be burned
Akledya – That which cannot be wetted
Ashoshya – That which cannot be dried
Nitya – Eternal
Sarvagata – All-pervading
Sthanu – Stable
Achala – Immovable
Sanatana – Everlasting, eternal
Message of the Verse
The soul is never destroyed.
It is eternal, all-pervading, and unshakable.
The body changes, but the soul does not.
Fear, loss, and harm affect only the body, not the soul.
The soul always remains the same and stable.
Therefore, one should perform duty and righteousness fearlessly with true knowledge of the soul.
