Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 2 · Sankhya Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 2.23 नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः
श्लोक 2.23
नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः ।
न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः ॥
nainaṃ chindanti śastrāṇi nainaṃ dahati pāvakaḥ |
na cainaṃ kledayantyāpo na śoṣayati mārutaḥ ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
इस आत्मा को न शस्त्र काट सकते हैं, न आग जला सकती है, न पानी भिगो सकता है और न हवा सुखा सकती है।
Meaning in English
Weapons cannot cut the Self, fire cannot burn it, water cannot make it wet, and the wind cannot dry it up.
Bhagavad Gita 2.23 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| न एनम् | na enam | not this (Self) |
| छिन्दन्ति | chindanti | cut |
| शस्त्राणि | śastrāṇi | weapons |
| दहति | dahati | burns |
| पावकः | pāvakaḥ | fire |
| च | ca | and |
| क्लेदयन्ति | kledayanti | make wet |
| आपः | āpaḥ | waters |
| न शोषयति | na śoṣayati | nor dries |
| मारुतः | mārutaḥ | the wind |
Explanation
Weapons cannot cut the Self, fire cannot burn it, water cannot wet it and wind cannot dry it. The elements that act on every physical thing have no power over the ātman.
The verse goes through the elements one by one to show that the Self lies beyond the whole material world. The next verse continues the thought: it cannot be cut or burnt; it is eternal, all-pervading, stable and unmoving.
भावार्थ
इस आत्मा को शस्त्र काट नहीं सकते, आग जला नहीं सकती, जल भिगो नहीं सकता और वायु सुखा नहीं सकती।
Living it today
In frightening moments, recall that your deepest Self is beyond harm, and draw courage from it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 2.23?
Weapons cannot cut the Self, fire cannot burn it, water cannot wet it and wind cannot dry it. The elements that act on every physical thing have no power over the ātman.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 2.23?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 2 (Sankhya Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 2.23 in daily life?
In frightening moments, recall that your deepest Self is beyond harm, and draw courage from it.
Reflected on verse 2.23?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.