Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 20

English Translation

But distinct from that Unmanifested is the other eternal unmainfest Reality, who does not get destroyed when all beings get destroyed.

Detailed Commentary

8.20. Explanation: The verse 'Parastasmattu bhavo'nyo'vyakto'vyaktatsanatanah' refers to a distinct eternal unmanifest existence beyond the unmanifest. From the sixteenth to the nineteenth verse, Brahma-loka and the realms below it have been described as subject to return. However, the word 'tu' (but) is used here to indicate that the Paramatma Tattva is entirely different. Here, the word 'avyaktat' points to Brahmaji's subtle body. This is because, in the preceding eighteenth and nineteenth verses, it was stated that at the beginning of creation, beings manifest from Brahmaji's subtle body, and at the time of dissolution, they merge back into that very body. In this verse, the word 'tasmaat' (from that) also indicates the same subtle body. However, the unmanifest, existent *bhava-rupa* (essential nature) beyond Brahmaji's subtle body, is distinct from both Brahmaji's subtle and causal bodies. Beyond Brahmaji's subtle body exist two principles: *mul Prakriti* (primordial nature) and *Paramatma*. Here, we are not speaking of *mul Prakriti*, but of *Paramatma*. Therefore, in this verse, *Paramatma* is described as supreme, He who does not perish even when all beings are destroyed. In the subsequent verse too, words like 'avyakto'kshara' (the unmanifest, imperishable) describe *Paramatma*. In the Gita, the unmanifest state of beings is called 'Avyakta' — 'Avyaktadini bhutani' (2.28); Brahmaji's subtle body is also called 'Avyakta' (8.18), and Prakriti too — 'Avyaktameva ca' (13.5). The nature of Paramatma is distinct and superior to all these, whether manifest or unmanifest. He is *bhava-rupa* (ever-existent), therefore He never ceases to be. He is *Sanatana*, meaning He has always been and always will be. Thus, He is supreme. There is none superior to Him, nor is there any possibility of such. The phrase 'Yah sa sarveshu bhuteshu nashyatsu na vinashyati' (He who does not perish when all beings perish) describes His unique nature, stating that even when beings are destroyed, and their bodies cease to exist, that Paramatma Tattva never perishes — such is the unmanifest nature of Paramatma. 'Na vinashyati' (does not perish) implies that even amidst the many changes in the world, that Paramatma Tattva remains unchangeable. No alteration ever occurs in Him. Connection: Thus far, the description has been concerning Paramatma. Further, uniting with this understanding, the special importance of *ananya bhakti* (exclusive devotion) is described in the next two verses.