Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 2.17

Shloka 2.17

“Know that which pervades all is indestructible; none can destroy the imperishable.”
Key Teaching: The soul, pervading all, is indestructible.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Spirituality.
Description:
Krishna teaches that the soul, which pervades all existence, is indestructible and cannot be destroyed. This verse reinforces the soul’s eternity (2.12–16), addressing Arjuna’s fear of killing kin (1.28–46). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies spiritual duty, and spirituality, as he emphasizes the soul’s permanence, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s grief stems from believing he will destroy kin like Bhishma and Drona (1.26–27). Krishna’s teaching that the soul is indestructible contrasts with Duryodhana’s material focus (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to see beyond physical death. This perspective supports his Kshatriya duty by removing the fear of causing permanent harm.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human fear of destruction, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on the eternal self (2.47). Arjuna’s attachment to kin’s bodies complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance on the soul’s indestructibility. The theme of spirituality underscores the soul’s universal presence.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its spiritual weight. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges, where understanding the soul’s permanence resolves fears. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with detachment, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary.