Bhagavad Gita 2.17 — Know That By Which All This Is Pervaded to Be Indestructible
अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम्।
विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित्कर्तुमर्हति॥ २.१७॥
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Know that by which all this is pervaded to be indestructible. No one is able to bring about the destruction of this imperishable.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| avināśhi | indestructible, imperishable |
| tu | indeed, but |
| tat | that |
| viddhi | know |
| yena | by which |
| sarvam | all |
| idam | this (universe) |
| tatam | is pervaded, is spread out |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vināśham | destruction |
| avyayasya | of the immutable, of the undiminishing |
| asya | of this |
| na | not |
| kaśhchit | anyone |
| kartum | to bring about, to do |
| arhati | is able, can |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| avināśhi | indestructible, imperishable | vināśham | destruction |
| tu | indeed, but | avyayasya | of the immutable, of the undiminishing |
| tat | that | asya | of this |
| viddhi | know | na | not |
| yena | by which | kaśhchit | anyone |
| sarvam | all | kartum | to bring about, to do |
| idam | this (universe) | arhati | is able, can |
| tatam | is pervaded, is spread out | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Having distinguished between the perishable and the eternal, Lord Krishna now begins to describe the eternal. He tells Arjuna that the reality by which this entire world is pervaded cannot be destroyed by anyone. The verse introduces the all-pervading, indestructible nature of the Self.
Essence
That by which everything is pervaded
Lord Krishna says, avināśi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idam tatam, 'Know that to be indestructible by which all this is pervaded.' The word tatam means spread out or pervaded, like thread running through cloth. Just as consciousness is present throughout the whole body, the imperishable reality is present throughout everything that exists.
Avināśi (indestructible): This word is the heart of the verse. It describes something that is not subject to destruction by time, weapons, or any cause. All that is created can be destroyed, but this reality is not created.
Viddhi (know this): Krishna uses the imperative. He is inviting Arjuna not just to believe but to understand. The Gita consistently treats spiritual truth as something to be known, reflected upon, and realised.
No one can destroy the imperishable
Vināśam avyayasyāsya na kaścit kartum arhati: No one is able to cause the destruction of this imperishable. The word avyaya means that which does not diminish or decay. Not even the greatest warrior, with all his weapons, can reduce it. This is the answer to the fear that lies behind Arjuna's grief. He imagines that by fighting he will be annihilating the people he loves. Krishna replies that what is truly them is beyond the reach of anyone's arrows.
This verse also quietly shifts the way we think about ourselves. We are accustomed to identifying with what is small, limited, and vulnerable. The Gita points to an inner reality that is neither small nor vulnerable, but pervades and underlies all experience.
Message for Everyday Life (You Are Not Only What Can Be Hurt)
Criticism, failure, and loss can make us feel diminished, as though our very selves are under attack.
Separate worth from circumstance: What is essential in you cannot be taken away by another person's opinion or by a setback.
Act with courage: When we recognise that our deepest identity is not at stake, we can take on responsibilities with less fear.
That by which everything is pervaded
Lord Krishna says, avināśi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idam tatam, 'Know that to be indestructible by which all this is pervaded.' The word tatam means spread out or pervaded, like thread running through cloth. Just as consciousness is present throughout the whole body, the imperishable reality is present throughout everything that exists.
Avināśi (indestructible): This word is the heart of the verse. It describes something that is not subject to destruction by time, weapons, or any cause. All that is created can be destroyed, but this reality is not created.
Viddhi (know this): Krishna uses the imperative. He is inviting Arjuna not just to believe but to understand. The Gita consistently treats spiritual truth as something to be known, reflected upon, and realised.
No one can destroy the imperishable
Vināśam avyayasyāsya na kaścit kartum arhati: No one is able to cause the destruction of this imperishable. The word avyaya means that which does not diminish or decay. Not even the greatest warrior, with all his weapons, can reduce it. This is the answer to the fear that lies behind Arjuna's grief. He imagines that by fighting he will be annihilating the people he loves. Krishna replies that what is truly them is beyond the reach of anyone's arrows.
This verse also quietly shifts the way we think about ourselves. We are accustomed to identifying with what is small, limited, and vulnerable. The Gita points to an inner reality that is neither small nor vulnerable, but pervades and underlies all experience.
Message for Everyday Life (You Are Not Only What Can Be Hurt)
Criticism, failure, and loss can make us feel diminished, as though our very selves are under attack.
Separate worth from circumstance: What is essential in you cannot be taken away by another person's opinion or by a setback.
Act with courage: When we recognise that our deepest identity is not at stake, we can take on responsibilities with less fear.
Next Topic
The Lord has declared that the all-pervading Self cannot be destroyed. He now draws a contrast between the body, which is bound to end, and the one who dwells in it, who has no end. The next verse explains why, because of this truth, Arjuna should stand up and fight.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
One reality runs through everything.
What is truly you can't be harmed.
Fear lives only at the surface of things.
Beneath all forms, one presence.
Know what cannot be destroyed, and you'll stop fearing loss.
Look beyond forms to what pervades them.
Rest in the unchanging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'avināśhi' (indestructible) that Krishna refers to?
What does 'yena sarvam idaṁ tatam' (by which all this is pervaded) mean?
What does 'avyaya' (immutable) mean here?
Why can no one destroy it?
How does this relate to Arjuna's grief?
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