Bhagavad Gita 2.16 — Nasato Vidyate Bhavo — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता २.१६ — नासतो विद्यते भावो
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
न
na
no, not
असतः
asataḥ
of the unreal, of the temporary, of the non-existent
विद्यते
vidyate
there is, exists
भावः
bhāvaḥ
being, existence, permanence
न
na
no, not
अभावः
abhāvaḥ
non-existence, cessation
विद्यते
vidyate
there is, exists
सतः
sataḥ
of the real, of the eternal, of the existent
उभयोः
ubhayoḥ
of the two (the real and the unreal)
अपि
api
also, even
दृष्टः
dṛiṣhṭaḥ
observed, seen
अन्तः
antaḥ
conclusion, the truth, the final essence
तु
tu
verily, indeed
अनयोः
anayoḥ
of these two
तत्त्व-दर्शिभिः
tattva-darśhibhiḥ
by the seers of the truth, by those who perceive the essence
Complete Translation
The unreal has no existence, and the real never ceases to be; the truth about both has been perceived by the seers of the essence.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 16
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the second chapter, Sankhya Yoga, Krishna addresses Arjuna's despondency on the battlefield of Kurukshetra by teaching the imperishable nature of the soul. Having distinguished the body from the indwelling Self, he states the philosophical principle underlying all his counsel: the impermanent has no real being and the eternal never perishes — a truth realized by those who see the essence of things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 2.16?▼
Krishna teaches that the unreal (asat) — the perishable, ever-changing body and world — has no true, lasting existence, while the real (sat) — the eternal Self — never ceases to be. Seers of truth have realized this distinction, and grasping it frees one from sorrow over what is impermanent.
What do 'sat' and 'asat' mean here?▼
'Sat' means that which truly exists, unchanging across past, present and future — the eternal Atman. 'Asat' means that which is changeful and impermanent, having no continuous being of its own — the body, objects and phenomena. The verse says only the real endures.
Why is this verse important in Vedanta?▼
It is one of the clearest scriptural statements that reality is the changeless Self and unreality is the changing appearance. This discrimination (viveka) between the permanent and the impermanent is the very starting point of the spiritual path in Vedanta.
How does this verse help overcome grief?▼
Grief arises from clinging to what is perishable as though it were permanent. By revealing that the body is unreal in the sense of being impermanent, and the soul is real and indestructible, the verse removes the false basis of mourning and brings lasting peace.
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