Chapter 2, Verse 20
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
na jāyate—is not born; mriyate—dies; vā—or; kadāchit—at any time; na—not; ayam—this; bhūtvā—having once existed; bhavitā—will be; vā—or; na—not; bhūyaḥ—further; ajaḥ—unborn; nityaḥ—eternal; śhāśhvataḥ—immortal; ayam—this; purāṇaḥ—the ancient; na hanyate—is not destroyed; hanyamāne—is destroyed; śharīre—when the body
English translation
It is not born, nor does it ever die; after having been, it again does not cease to be; unborn, eternal, changeless, and ancient, it is not killed when the body is killed.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.20
Commentary
This Self (Atman) is destitute of the six types of transformation or BhavaVikaras such as birth; existence; growth; transformation; decline and death. As It is indivisible (Akhanda). It does not diminish in size. It neither grows nor does It decline. It is ever the same. Birth and death are for the physical body only. Birth and death cannot touch the immortal; allpervading Self.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
The soul is never born, nor does it ever die; nor having once been, does it ever cease to be. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain.
Context & Background
Krishna deepens Arjuna's understanding of the soul's indestructible nature.
Key Philosophical Teaching
Consciousness is primordial and eternal. Fear of death arises from confusing one's identity with the physical body.
Practical Application
Overcome fear of mortality and loss by grounding your self-identity in spiritual awareness rather than temporary physical attributes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BG 2.20 say about death?
BG 2.20 asserts that the soul cannot be killed or destroyed by any weapon, force, or physical decay.
Related Verses
Read Bhagavad Gita Offline
Save bookmarks, listen to Sanskrit shloka recitations, and track your daily spiritual reading progress in our lightweight Android mobile app.