सर्वभूतेषु येनैकं भावमव्ययमीक्षते ।
अविभक्तं विभक्तेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि सात्त्विकम् ॥ २० ॥
sarva-bhūteṣhu yenaikaṁ bhāvam avyayam īkṣhate
avibhaktaṁ vibhakteṣhu taj jñānaṁ viddhi sāttvikam
श्लोक २०: उस ज्ञान को सात्विक-ज्ञान मानो, जिससे मनुष्य सभी असंख्य प्राणियों में समान रूप से उपस्थित एक अविभाजित आध्यात्मिक अस्तित्व को देखता है।
Shloka 20: Know that knowledge as Sattvik-Gyana through which one perceives the one undivided spiritual existence equally present in all innumerable living beings.
Verse 18.20 of the Bhagavad Gita initiates a deeper examination of knowledge, specifically how it may be shaped by the guna, or mode, of sattva—goodness. At its heart, this verse describes a type of knowledge that perceives one undivided, imperishable spiritual essence within the diversity of all living beings. Although forms, colors, and capacities vary across species and individuals, this knowledge recognizes the underlying unity that pervades all life. It is a vision that moves beyond surface differences and sees the permanent reality—the self (atman)—shining through the impermanent physical appearances of the world.
Sri Krishna calls attention to the special quality of this sattvic knowledge. It does not get caught up in the many superficial distinctions people tend to notice, like ethnicity, intellect, age, or wealth. Rather, it focuses on what is common and undivided amidst diversity. The ability to see the same imperishable spiritual core in every being marks the beginning of true wisdom. This perspective is not simply an abstract idea but represents a profound insight with practical implications—one that can shape attitudes towards respect, compassion, and equality in daily life.
The language of the verse highlights this point beautifully. Phrases such as “one undivided imperishable reality” and “indivisible in diversity” point to the principle that while bodies are countless and change constantly, the spiritual truth within is unchanging and eternal. This is likened to space, which, though apparently divided by walls and structures, remains one and undivided in itself. In the same way, the Self (atman) is present in all beings, untouched by the external boundaries that seem to separate them.
From the perspective of sattvic knowledge, the observer’s mind is clear and undisturbed by passions or ignorance. Such a mind naturally sees past the outer shell—be it human, animal, plant, or otherwise—and acknowledges the presence of the same spiritual spark within. This vision arises not from emotion or sentiment but from an inner clarity and purity of intellect, developed through reflection, learning, and experience. It brings a person closer to the ultimate truth described throughout the Gita: the oneness of all existence, beyond names and forms.
In practical terms, the person endowed with sattvic knowledge cannot remain narrow or prejudiced. Since their understanding is rooted in unity, they are naturally inclined to treat all beings with fairness and dignity. The boundaries that usually divide—class, nationality, occupation—begin to lose their hold, replaced by a sense of kinship with all life. This does not mean they ignore the differences that exist, but they see those differences as temporary and external, not affecting the core identity shared by all.
This attitude fosters a broader, more inclusive approach to living. It dissolves the tendency to compare or compete on the basis of external attributes, reducing the grounds for pride, jealousy, or conflict. The recognition of the undivided Self in all beings becomes the foundation for virtues like non-violence, tolerance, and generosity. The mind becomes calm and steady, no longer disturbed by the ups and downs caused by attachment to the particulars of body and circumstance.
Ultimately, this verse sets an ideal for human understanding. It encourages a perspective that, though simple in its message, is transformative in its application. To see the one in many, the whole in the parts, is to move toward true wisdom and liberation. This knowledge, described as sattvic, is the seed from which all higher spiritual realization grows, pointing the way to peace, unity, and fulfillment.
Thus, verse 18.20 stands as a reminder that knowledge is not merely the accumulation of facts or the ability to make distinctions. The highest knowledge is that which unifies. It teaches us to look beneath differences and recognize the single, unchanging reality present in all. In doing so, it offers a roadmap for both inner harmony and harmonious living with others, regardless of the apparent complexities that life presents.
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