Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 18 (BG 2.18) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

2.18 अन्तवन्तः having an end? इमे these? देहाः bodies? नित्यस्य of the everlasting? उक्ताः are said? शरीरिणः of the embodied? अनाशिनः of the indestructible? अप्रमेयस्य of the immesaurable? तस्मात् therefore? युध्यस्व fight? भारत O Bharata.Commentary -- Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the nature of the allpervading? immortal Self in a variety of ways and thus induces him to fight by removing his delusion? grief and despondency which are born of ignorance.

Commentaries

Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.

This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.

Modern

# BG 2.18 The physical bodies inhabited by the eternal atman are perishable, yet the atman itself is eternal, indestructible, and immeasurable—beyond the grasp of intellect. The atman is eternal and imperishable; this means it neither perishes wholly nor in part. The atman is called unknowable not because it is unknown, but because it cannot be known through the senses as we know external objects. The reason is this: the senses, mind, and intellect are merely instruments of knowledge; they are themselves inert and can illuminate other objects only in the presence of the conscious atman. How then can these very instruments, which derive their power from consciousness, comprehend that consciousness as a direct object of perception? This is utterly impossible. It is in this sense that the atman is called unknowable. The atman is self-evident. Therefore, O Bharata, fight. In truth, this command does not enjoin violence upon all. A dharma founded upon compassion and generous forbearance cannot possibly contain such a call to war in its sacred texts. Any commentator who interprets it thus errs greatly and does not read the Gita within the context of the Mahabharata. "O Bharata, fight"—these words are a call to dharma for every person, that they may abandon the tendency toward defeat and face with steadfast devotion and courage every circumstance that arises in life. Active resistance to adharma—this is the supreme message of Sri Krishna in the Gita. Now the Blessed Lord cites two mantras from the Upanishads to establish that the primary purpose of scripture is to dispel the root delusion of the world—ignorance. The Lord says: You harbor a false belief that Bhishma and Drona will be slain by me and that I shall become their slayer.