Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.23
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः । न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः ॥२३॥
nainaṃ chindanti śastrāṇi nainaṃ dahati pāvakaḥ | na cainaṃ kledayantyāpo na śoṣayati mārutaḥ ||23||
Complete Shloka Translation
Weapons do not cut this self, fire does not burn it, water does not wet it, and wind does not dry it.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| न एनम् | na enam | never this Self |
| छिन्दन्ति | chindanti | can pierce or cut |
| शस्त्राणि | śastrāṇi | weapons |
| न एनम् | na enam | nor this Self |
| दहति | dahati | burns |
| पावकः | pāvakaḥ | fire |
| न च एनम् | na ca enam | nor this Self |
| क्लेदयन्ति | kledayanti | drench / make wet |
| आपः | āpaḥ | waters |
| न शोषयति | na śoṣayati | nor dries |
| मारुतः | mārutaḥ | wind |
never this Self
can pierce or cut
weapons
nor this Self
burns
fire
nor this Self
drench / make wet
waters
nor dries
wind
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The four images distinguish the self from material vulnerability. They do not assert that the body is immune to weapons or the elements.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Forces that change material things do not define the self in this teaching."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can you read the self's imperishability without confusing it with bodily safety?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.