Shloka 21. Chapter 2

वेदाविनाशिनं नित्यं य एनमजमव्ययम्।

कथं स पुरुषः पार्थ कं घातयति हन्ति कम्।।2.21।।

vedāvināśinaṃ nityaṃ ya enam ajam avyayam

kathaṃ sa puruṣaḥ pārtha kaṃ ghātayati hanti kam

Meaning

The one who knows the soul as indestructible, eternal, unborn, and immutable—how can that person kill anyone or cause anyone to be killed, O Partha?

Context

In this verse, Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna, who is struggling with moral dilemmas and the emotional burden of fighting in the Kurukshetra war against his own kin. Arjuna is hesitant and sorrowful about the potential destruction and loss of life in the battle. Krishna aims to elevate Arjuna's understanding by teaching him about the nature of the soul (Atman) and the importance of performing one's duty (Dharma) without attachment.

Explanation

This verse is a profound teaching on the eternal nature of the soul and the distinction between the physical body and the true self. Let's break down the verse and its implications:

• Eternal Soul (Atman): Krishna begins by affirming the indestructible nature of the soul. The soul is described as 'avināśinaṃ' (indestructible), 'nityaṃ' (eternal), 'ajam' (unborn), and 'avyayam' (unchanging). These attributes highlight that the soul is beyond the realm of physical existence and is not affected by birth, death, or any physical changes.
• Understanding True Self: The knowledge of the soul's eternal nature helps individuals understand their true self beyond the physical body. This understanding is crucial for overcoming the fear of death and the sorrow associated with losing loved ones. It provides a broader perspective on life and existence.
• Detachment from Physical Actions: By realizing that the soul is unaffected by physical actions, one can detach from the fear and guilt associated with actions like killing or causing harm as part of one's duty. This understanding liberates individuals from the bondage of ignorance and attachment, allowing them to act with clarity and purpose.
• Alignment with Dharma: Krishna's teachings encourage Arjuna to perform his duty as a Kshatriya (warrior) without being burdened by fear or attachment to the outcomes. This aligns with the principles of Dharma, where one acts righteously, fulfilling their responsibilities with a sense of purpose and duty.

Today's Context

The teachings of this verse hold significant relevance in today's world, providing insights into navigating challenges with wisdom, detachment, and a sense of purpose. Let's illustrate its relevance with an anecdote:

Imagine a modern-day entrepreneur named Arun, who faces a critical decision at his company. He needs to restructure the organization to ensure its survival, which may result in layoffs. Arun is deeply concerned about the impact his decision will have on his employees and their families. The weight of this responsibility causes him immense stress and moral conflict.

Relevance of the Verse:

1. Understanding the Bigger Picture: By reflecting on the eternal nature of the soul, Arun can recognize that his role in the decision is part of a larger strategy for the company's survival. He understands that the impact of his decision on others' lives is part of a broader context, and he is not solely responsible for their destinies.
2. Acting with Clarity and Purpose: The knowledge of the soul's indestructibility helps Arun approach his decision with clarity, focusing on what is best for the organization while minimizing harm. This understanding enables him to act without the burden of guilt and attachment.
3. Aligning with Duty: Just as Arjuna is encouraged to perform his duty, Arun can align with his responsibilities as a leader, knowing he is acting according to his role and duty within the organization. He realizes that his actions are guided by a higher purpose, aligning with the company's vision and values.
4. Embracing Change with Detachment: The teachings encourage embracing change with detachment, understanding that life's challenges are transient and that true essence lies beyond material concerns. This realization helps Arun navigate the situation with resilience and composure, focusing on the long-term benefits for his team and the company.
5. Ethical Decision-Making: Arun's understanding of the soul's nature guides him to make ethical decisions, balancing the organization's needs with compassion for his employees. By aligning with a higher purpose, he can act with integrity and empathy, ensuring his actions are rooted in righteousness.

Highlights from traditional commentaries

Sri Abhinavagupta

1. Eternal Existence: The soul is eternal, unchanging, and never born or dead. It exists continuously beyond the physical states of birth and death.
2. Intrinsic Nature: The soul's existence is not dependent on physical birth or decay; it remains constant in its true form.

Sri Jayatirtha

1. Indestructibility: The soul's indestructibility is a fundamental aspect. The wise understand this and do not see themselves as doers of harmful actions.
2. Ignorance vs. Knowledge: The perception of actions like killing arises from ignorance. True knowledge reveals the soul's eternal nature, leading to non-attachment.
3. Types of Destruction: Differentiates between natural destruction (intrinsic) and destruction caused by external factors.

Sri Madhusudan Saraswati

1. Immutable Soul: The soul is without any final modification or decay. It does not engage in birth or death, emphasizing its immutable nature.
2. Knowledge and Liberation: Understanding the eternal nature of the soul leads to liberation from false identification with the body and ignorance.

Sri Purushottamji

1. Illusion of Action: Ignorance is the root cause of perceiving action and destruction.
2. True Nature of the Soul: The soul's true nature is free from decay, and a wise person perceives it as such.
3. Perception of Non-Violence: A wise person perceives no action of killing or being killed, as the soul is beyond such actions.

Sri Shankaracharya

1. Indestructibility and Immutability: The soul is described as devoid of final decay.
2. Non-Agency: A wise person does not engage in killing because the soul is beyond actions.
3. Refutation of Action: The verse refutes the possibility of the soul being a doer or an agent of action.
4. Philosophical Distinction: Highlights the distinction between the soul's immutable nature and the misconception of action due to ignorance.

Sri Vallabhacharya

1. Denial of Action: Denies both the act of killing and causing to kill.
2. Denial of Agency: Emphasizes the denial of agency and causation in the actions of a wise person.

Sri Anandgiri

1. Refutation of Action: Emphasizes the denial of doership and the absence of actions for a person with true knowledge.
2. Knowledge vs. Ignorance: Differentiates between actions driven by ignorance and the state of enlightenment that transcends such actions.

Sri Dhanpati

1. Nature of the Soul: The soul is devoid of decay and the possibility of action.
2. Refutation of Ignorance: Highlights the role of ignorance in perceiving the soul as a doer of actions.

Sri Ramanuja

1. Ignorance as a Cause: Ignorance is the root cause of sorrow and the perception of action.
2. Eternal Nature: The soul's eternal nature is emphasized, transcending the decay of physical bodies.

Sri Sridhara Swami

1. Denial of Agency: A wise person, knowing the soul's nature, does not engage in actions like killing.
2. Non-Violence: Emphasizes that a knowledgeable person does not instigate violence.

Sri Vedantadeshikacharya Venkatanatha

1. Eternal and Unchanging: Reinforces the soul's eternal and unchanging nature.
2. Absence of Doership: Elaborates on the absence of doership and causation in the actions of a knowledgeable person.

Sri Madhavacharya

1. Eternal and Immutable: Describes the soul as devoid of intrinsic and extrinsic decay.
2. Absence of Flaws: The soul is free from flaws and intrinsic decay.

Sri Neelkanth

1. Unchanging Nature: The soul is free from intrinsic and extrinsic decay.
2. Non-Performer: The soul is not a performer of actions, and this perception is key to understanding its true nature.

Knowledge Bank

Balancing Inner Voice with External Guidance

While reflecting on your inner voice may be valuable, it's crucial to recognize its limitations. Your consciousness or subconscious is influenced by personal biases, experiences, and emotions, which can distort your perception of truth. Relying solely on this inner voice may lead you astray. Instead, balance it with external wisdom from Gurus, books, and community interactions. These sources offer diverse perspectives that challenge your biases and expand your understanding. They can help you navigate complex truths and moral dilemmas more effectively. Engaging with various viewpoints enriches your journey towards truth and self-awareness. Remember, while your inner voice is a powerful tool, complementing it with external guidance ensures a more comprehensive and accurate grasp of the world. Embrace this balance to enhance your personal growth and make well-informed decisions in life.

Ashwini Nakshatra Mesha Rasi

Ashwini Nakshatra is the first star of Mesha rasi.Its span is from 0 degrees to 13 degrees 20 minutes. In Modern Astronomy Ashwini corresponds to stars β and γ Arietis.