After establishing the fundamental difference between the real (`Sat`) and the unreal (`Asat`), Lord Krishna now elaborates on the nature of the real. What is this eternal principle, and how does it relate to the body? The Avinasi Tu Tad Viddhi verse provides a definition and a quality: the soul is the indestructible consciousness that pervades the entire body. This is a direct and powerful counterargument to Arjuna’s fear of causing destruction.
Sanskrit Verse
अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम् ।
विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित्कर्तुमर्हति ॥ १७ ॥Transliteration
avināśi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idaṁ tatam
vināśam avyayasyāsya na kaścit kartum arhatiWord for Word Translation
avināśi — indestructible; tu — but; tat — that; viddhi — you must know; yena — by which; sarvam — all; idam — this (body); tatam — is pervaded; vināśam — destruction; avyayasya — of the imperishable; asya — of it; na kaścit — no one; kartum arhati — is able to do.
English Translation
Know that which pervades the entire body is indestructible. No one can destroy that imperishable soul.
Explanation
Each Bhagavad Gita verse whispers ancient truths, let’s listen closely with Vedic Stories…
This verse gives two defining characteristics of the soul (`Atman`) and delivers a guarantee of its safety.
- Yena sarvam idaṁ tatam: “By which all this is pervaded.” Krishna defines the soul as the principle that pervades the entire body (`idam`, this). This all-pervading principle is consciousness. We are conscious of our entire body, from the tips of our toes to the top of our head. This consciousness is the symptom of the soul’s presence. Like the sun pervades a room with light, the soul pervades the body with consciousness.
- Avināśi and Avyayasya: “Indestructible” and “Imperishable.” Krishna uses two powerful words to emphasize the soul’s eternal nature. `Avināśi` means it cannot be destroyed or brought to an end. `Avyayasya` means it cannot be changed, diminished, or exhausted. It is eternally the same. These qualities are in stark contrast to the body, which is constantly changing and is destined for destruction.
- Na kaścit kartum arhati: “No one can do it.” This is an absolute and unconditional guarantee. Krishna is telling Arjuna that no one (`na kaścit`)—not Bhishma, not Drona, and not even Arjuna himself with his most powerful weapons—is capable of destroying the soul. The very act is an impossibility.
Conclusion
This powerful statement directly addresses Arjuna’s primary concern. He is afraid of sinning killing (`vināśam`) his relatives. Krishna assures him that what he fears is impossible. He can destroy their bodies—the unreal, temporary vehicles—but he cannot possibly destroy the imperishable soul, the actual person who resides within. This knowledge is meant to liberate Arjuna from the fear of action, allowing him to perform his Dharma with the understanding that the true self of every living being is forever beyond harm’s reach.
Read Next: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 – Verse 18 – Antavanta Ime Deha
