2. Transcendental Knowledge

Sānkhya Yog

BG 2.19

One who considers themself the slayer, and another who considers themself slain, are both wrong. The soul can neither kill nor be killed.

य एनं वेत्ति हन्तारं यश्चैनं मन्यते हतम्
उभौ तौ न विजानीतो नायं हन्ति न हन्यते

This verse is similar to Katha Upanishad verse 1.2.19.

  • ya — one who

  • enaṁ — this

  • vetti — knows

  • hantāraṁ — the slayer

  • yaśh — one who

  • chainaṁ — and this

    • cha — and

    • enam — this

  • manyate — thinks

  • hatam — slain

  • ubhau — both

  • tau — they

  • na — nor

  • vijānīto — in knowledge
    vijānītaḥ

  • nāyaṁ — neither this

    • na — neither

    • ayam — this

  • hanti — slays

  • na — nor

  • hanyate — is killed

...2.18

One who considers themself the slayer, and another who considers themself slain, are both wrong. The soul can neither kill nor be killed.

[19]

It is never born, and it never dies. Having come into existence, it never ceases to exist. It is immortal, and does not die when the body dies.

[20]

One who knows the soul to be indestructible and eternal - how does such a person cause anyone to be killed, and who do they kill?

[21]

2.22...

Similar verses

Chapter 2, Verse 19