नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः ।
उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः ॥ १६ ॥
nāsato vidyate bhāvo nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ
ubhayorapi dṛiṣhṭo ’nta stvanayos tattva-darśhibhiḥ
असत्य का कोई अस्तित्व नहीं है, और सत्य शाश्वत है और कभी अस्तित्वहीन नहीं हो सकता। इन दोनों की प्रकृति के इस ज्ञान को ज्ञानी तत्व दर्शियों ने समझा और अनुभव किया है।
The unreal has no true existence and the real is eternal and cannot be non-existent. This understanding of the nature of these two has been realized by the wise seers of truth.
In Bhagavad Gita 2.16, Lord Krishna presents a profound philosophical principle about existence itself: "The unreal has no existence, and there is no non-existence of the real." This verse establishes a fundamental distinction between the temporary material world and the eternal spiritual reality. Krishna is sharing this wisdom with Arjuna to help him understand the true nature of reality as perceived by those who have realized spiritual truth.
Krishna explains that what is temporary (asat) does not truly exist in the ultimate sense because it is fleeting and changeable. Conversely, what is real and eternal (sat) can never cease to exist. This verse doesn't deny the world's existence but rather clarifies its temporary nature. Krishna emphasizes that this understanding isn't mere theory but has been directly experienced by "seers of the essence" or "those who have seen the truth."
The verse reveals a profound metaphysical principle: anything that changes—like material objects, situations, or bodily conditions—lacks ultimate reality despite its apparent existence. As explained in the commentaries, changeful things are considered unreal because they don't have independent existence apart from their causes. They appear, transform, and disappear, while true reality remains constant and unchanging.
This teaching forms the foundation for understanding the difference between the eternal soul (atman) and the temporary body. Just as a gold ornament may change its form but gold remains gold, the atman continues to exist while bodies and material circumstances transform. Krishna is guiding Arjuna to recognize that his grief stems from mistaking the temporary for the permanent.
An analogy shared by commentators illustrates this concept beautifully: consider animal-shaped cookies that children might prefer based on their shapes—some wanting only tiger-shaped cookies, others only elephant-shaped ones. But adults recognize that regardless of shape, the essence—the cookie itself—remains unchanged. Similarly, the wise see beyond the changing forms to perceive the unchanging reality beneath.
This verse serves as both philosophical insight and practical wisdom. By understanding the temporary nature of material existence, we gain perspective on our challenges and sufferings. Rather than being overwhelmed by circumstances that seem permanent in the moment, we can recognize their transient nature. This doesn't diminish our responsibilities but transforms how we approach them—with awareness of what truly endures.
Krishna's teaching in this verse establishes a critical foundation for spiritual understanding. Before one can advance on the spiritual path, one must first grasp this essential distinction between the eternal and the temporary. This knowledge isn't merely theoretical but has been verified by those who have realized the truth through direct experience. By comprehending this principle, we begin to shift our consciousness from attachment to fleeting phenomena toward appreciation of what is eternally real.
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