ya enaṁ vetti hantāraṁ yaśh chainaṁ manyate hatam
ubhau tau na vijānīto nāyaṁ hanti na hanyate
yaḥ — one who;
enam — this;
vetti — knows;
hantāram — the slayer;
yaḥ — one who;
cha — and;
enam — this;
manyate — thinks;
hatam — slain;
ubhau — both;
tau — they;
na — not;
vijānītaḥ — in knowledge;
na — neither;
ayam — this;
hanti — slays;
na — nor;
hanyate — is killed
This verse talks about the difference between the physical body and the soul inside it. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
When someone is hurt or killed by a weapon, like a sword or a gun, it’s easy to think that the person or animal is gone forever. However, this verse reminds us that the real part of a person, which is their soul or spirit, is not affected by physical harm. Imagine the soul like a tiny light inside the body. Even if the body gets harmed, that light keeps shining. It is important to understand that the body is just a temporary shell, and what truly matters is the soul.
The verse explains that if someone believes that they are killing another person or that they themselves can be killed, they lack true understanding. True knowledge comes from realizing that the soul can never be destroyed. It doesn’t matter how much someone tries to harm the body, the essence of that being is beyond physical destruction.
Additionally, just because the soul cannot be killed does not mean we can disregard how we treat living beings. There is an important principle in ancient teachings that says one should never cause harm to any living creature. This means that taking a life, like that of an animal or even another person, is wrong and should only be done with justifiable reasons and moral authority, such as when one is fighting for what is right.
In Arjuna's situation, he was facing a difficult choice about battling family and teachers in a war. Krishna, his guide, is telling him that although these relatives and warriors may die in physical form, their souls remain intact. Therefore, it’s crucial for Arjuna to focus on what is righteous and just, rather than giving in to emotional turmoil about the physical consequence of fighting.
Overall, this verse pushes the idea that understanding the nature of the soul helps one to act appropriately in the world. Just because physical actions have consequences, it doesn't justify wrongful actions like acting out of anger or impulsiveness. Arjuna is reminded to act with responsibility and righteousness.