Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.20
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
परस्तस्मात्तु भावोऽन्योऽव्यक्तोऽव्यक्तात्सनातनः । यः स सर्वेषु भूतेषु नश्यत्सु न विनश्यति ॥२०॥
parastasmāttu bhāvo'nyo'vyakto'vyaktātsanātanaḥ | yaḥ sa sarveṣu bhūteṣu naśyatsu na vinaśyati ||20||
Complete Shloka Translation
But beyond that unmanifest is another eternal, unmanifest reality, which does not perish when all beings perish.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| सनातनः | sanātanaḥ | eternal |
| न विनश्यति | na vinaśyati | does not perish |
| परस्तस्मात्तु | parastasmāttu | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
| भावोऽन्योऽव्यक्तोऽव्यक्तात्सनातनः | bhāvo'nyo'vyakto'vyaktātsanātanaḥ | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
| यः | yaḥ | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
| सर्वेषु | sa | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
| भूतेषु | sarveṣu | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
| नश्यत्सु | bhūteṣu | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
| विनश्यति | naśyatsu | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
| २० | na | [term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ... |
eternal
does not perish
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
[term] in context of But beyond that unmanifest is ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The two uses of unmanifest must not be collapsed: one belongs to cosmic dissolution, the other is eternal. Traditions differ in identifying this imperishable reality and its relation to the self and the supreme.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Distinguish what changes from the enduring reality your spiritual search seeks."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What enduring reality does your spiritual search seek?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.