13. Distinguishing the Body and Spirit

Kṣhetra Kṣhetrajña Vibhāg Yog

BG 13.32

This supreme self is without beginning and is imperishable. Though it dwells in the body, it does not act, nor does it get tainted by action.

अनादित्वान्निर्गुणत्वात्परमात्मायमव्ययः
शरीरस्थोऽपि कौन्तेय न करोति न लिप्यते

  • anāditvān — being without beginning

  • nirguṇatvāt — being devoid of any material qualities

  • paramātmāyam — this supreme self

    • parama — the supreme

    • ātmā — self

    • ayam — this

  • avyayaḥ — imperishable

  • śharīra-stho — dwelling in the body

    • śharīra — body

    • stho — dwelling, situated

  • ’pi — although

  • kaunteya — Arjuna

  • na — nor

  • karoti — acts

  • na — nor

  • lipyate — is tainted

...13.31

This supreme self is without beginning and is imperishable. Though it dwells in the body, it does not act, nor does it get tainted by action.

[32]

Just as space is present everywhere and is too subtle to be tainted, the self is present within bodies everywhere, and cannot be defiled.

[33]

Just as a single sun illuminates this entire world, so too does a knower of the field illuminate the field itself.

[34]

Those who understand, by the eye of wisdom, the difference between the field and the knower of the field, and the means by which they may be liberated from nature, attain the supreme state.

[35]

Chapter 13, Verse 32