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Chapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized · 72 verses

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Soul & knowledgeChapter 2 · Contents of the Gītā Summarized

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 2.18

The eternal soul beyond bodily death

अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ताः शरीरिणः ।

अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत ॥ १८ ॥

antavanta ime dehā

nityasyoktāḥ śarīriṇaḥ

anāśino ’prameyasya

tasmād yudhyasva bhārata

Translation

The material body of the indestructible, immeasurable and eternal living entity is sure to come to an end; therefore, fight, O descendant of Bharata.

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

1The body must end, but the living soul is eternal, indestructible and immeasurable. Therefore, Arjuna is told to fight.
2The soul maintains the body, just as sunlight maintains the universe. When the soul leaves, the body begins to decay.
3Arjuna should not give up the cause of religion out of concern for the temporary body.

In the story

Chapter 2, Contents of the Gītā Summarized: the eternal soul beyond bodily death.

Theme summary

Discern the eternal self from the temporary.

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: ātmā, jñāna.

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

What does BG 2.18 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to soul & knowledge?

Spend five minutes reflecting on what in you does not change.

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Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

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