Shloka 18

Sankhya Yoga — Sankhya Yoga

Devanagari script

अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ताः शरीरिणः । अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत ॥ २.१८ ॥

Transliteration

antavanta ime dehā nityasyoktāḥ śarīriṇaḥ | anāśino 'prameyasya tasmād yudhyasva bhārata || 2.18 ||

Translation

ఈ దేహాలు అంతమున్నవని చెప్పబడుతున్నాయి; ఇవి నిత్యమైన శరీరధారి ఆత్మకు చెందినవి; ఆ ఆత్మ అనాశి, అప్రమేయుడు. కాబట్టి, ఓ భారతవంశజుడా, యుద్ధం చేయి.

Gita Press Meaning

These bodies are said to have an end, belonging to the eternal embodied (Self), which is indestructible and immeasurable. Therefore, fight, O descendant of Bharata.

Critical Edition Meaning

These bodies are declared finite, belonging to the eternal embodied one—indestructible and immeasurable; therefore, engage in your duty, O Bhārata.

Comparative Note

‘Yudhyasva’ in context refers to Arjuna’s warrior-duty in an epic setting; a non-graphic rendering such as ‘engage in your duty/strive’ preserves the ethical injunction without sensationalizing conflict.

Word by Word

• अन्तवन्तः: having an end; perishable
• Root: अन्तवत्

• इमे: these
• Root: इदम्

• देहाः: bodies
• Root: देह

• नित्यस्य: of the eternal
• Root: नित्य

• उक्ताः: are said; are declared
• Root: वच् (√वच्)

• शरीरिणः: of the embodied one; of the possessor of the body
• Root: शरीरिन्

• अनाशिनः: of the indestructible
• Root: अनाशिन्

• अप्रमेयस्य: of the immeasurable; of that which cannot be known by (ordinary) means of measurement
• Root: अप्रमेय

• तस्मात्: therefore; from that (reason)
• Root: तद्

• युध्यस्व: fight!
• Root: युध् (√युध्)

• भारत: O Bhārata (descendant of Bharata)
• Root: भरत

Speakers

• Krishna
• Arjuna

Primary Concepts

• Deha-Ātma-viveka
• Dharma
• Nityatva
• Anāśitva

Key Themes

• Impermanence of the body
• Eternal self
• Ethical action in context

FAQs

Psychological significance?

Separating self-worth from bodily vulnerability can reduce panic and support steadier action under pressure.

Metaphysical meaning?

The verse contrasts finite embodiment with an enduring, non-measurable self, implying that ultimate identity is not exhausted by physical form.

Contextual relevance?

Krishna uses the self/body distinction to address Arjuna’s paralysis, urging him to perform his socially defined responsibility.

Modern Application?

It can be read as guidance to act responsibly while recognizing that many external conditions (including the body) are transient.