Bhagavad Gita 2.17 — Avinashi Tu Tad Viddhi — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता २.१७ — अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अविनाशि
avināśhi
indestructible, imperishable
तु
tu
but, indeed
तत्
tat
that (the Self)
विद्धि
viddhi
know
येन
yena
by which, by whom
सर्वम्
sarvam
the entire, all
इदम्
idam
this (universe)
ततम्
tatam
pervaded, spread through
विनाशम्
vināśham
destruction
अव्ययस्य
avyayasya
of the imperishable, of the changeless
अस्य
asya
of this (Self)
न कश्चित्
na kaśhchit
no one
कर्तुम्
kartum
to do, to cause
अर्हति
arhati
is able, is capable
Complete Translation
Know that to be indestructible by which all this is pervaded. No one is able to cause the destruction of that imperishable reality.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 17
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the Sankhya Yoga chapter, Krishna lifts Arjuna out of grief on the field of Kurukshetra by unveiling the imperishable nature of the soul. After distinguishing the eternal from the transient, he declares that the reality pervading all things is indestructible and beyond the reach of any destroyer, freeing Arjuna to act without sorrow for the perishable body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 2.17?▼
Krishna teaches that the Self (Atman) — the consciousness that pervades the entire universe — is indestructible. No power can ever destroy this imperishable reality. Only the body is subject to destruction; the soul that animates it is eternal.
What is 'that by which all this is pervaded'?▼
It refers to the Atman, the spiritual reality that underlies and permeates all of existence. Like space that pervades all objects yet is untouched by them, the Self pervades the body and the cosmos while remaining changeless and indestructible.
How does this verse relate to verse 2.16?▼
Verse 2.16 distinguishes the real from the unreal; verse 2.17 identifies that real, imperishable principle as the all-pervading Self. Together they establish that the eternal soul, not the perishable body, is our true nature.
How can this verse help in daily life?▼
By reminding us that our essential being can never be harmed or destroyed, the verse dissolves anxiety and fear of loss. It anchors the mind in an unshakable foundation, allowing us to act with courage and serenity even amid life's uncertainties.
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