Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 23

English Translation

Weapons do not cut It, fire does not burn It, water does not moisten It, and air does not dry It.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation – 'Nainam Chindanti Shastrani' – Weapons cannot cut this Atman, for these material weapons cannot reach it. All weapons arise from the Prithvi Tattva, and this Prithvi Tattva cannot cause any alteration in the Atman. 'Nainam Dahati Pavakah' – Fire cannot burn this Atman, for fire cannot reach it. When it cannot reach, burning is impossible. The Agni Tattva cannot cause any alteration in this Atman. 'Na Chainam Kledayanty Apah' – Water cannot moisten it, for water cannot reach it. This implies that the Jala Tattva also cannot cause any alteration in the Atman. 'Na Shoshayati Marutah' – Wind cannot dry it, for wind does not reach the Atman at all. The Vayu Tattva also cannot cause any alteration in the Atman. The Lord has spoken of four Maha Bhutas – Prithvi, Jala, Agni, and Vayu – stating that they cannot cause alteration in the Atman, but Akasha has not been discussed. The reason is that Akasha does not possess the power of any action. The power of action resides only in these four; Akasha merely provides space for them. Prithvi, Jala, Agni, and Vayu – these four originate from Akasha but cannot cause any alteration in Akasha. When they cannot harm their very cause, how can they reach the Atman? This signifies that the Atman is Ajar-Amar and receives all power from these. Therefore, the Atman is Sarvavyapak, and Prithvi and the others are its constituents. The pervaded object (Vyapya) cannot harm the pervading (Vyapak). Here, the context is that of war. Arjuna laments, 'All these will die.' The Lord questions, 'How will they die?' Because weapons cannot cut the Atman, the Atman is not burned by Agnyastra, not dissolved by Varunastra, and not dried by Vayavyastra. Even if the body is cut by weapons, the Atman is not cut; it is not burned or dissolved. Even if the body is destroyed by weapons and arrows, the Atman does not die; it remains Nirvikar. Hence, grieving over this is not an act of wisdom.