Meaning (in English):
The soul is not perishable and has no beginning. It is eternal, birthless and imperishable. Sages are said to have made this truth about the soul.
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the eternal nature of the soul. He emphasizes that the soul is not subject to destruction or annihilation. It is beyond birth and death. The soul is eternal, it exists before birth and it also exists after death.
Krishna contrasts the soul with material objects, which are temporary and changeable. Material objects have a beginning and an end and undergo transformations. But the soul, which is spiritual in nature, is unchangeable and eternal. The verse emphasizes the difference between the perishable material body and the imperishable soul. While the body passes through various stages of existence, the soul remains unchanged, eternal and constant. It is the eternal essence that animates the body and allows it to survive.
Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that those enlightened with true knowledge and spiritual wisdom have recognized and experienced the eternal nature of the soul. They have reached a higher level of understanding beyond the temporary nature of the physical world. This verse is a reminder to Arjuna who is haunted by the thought of fighting a war with his relatives. Krishna emphasizes that the soul, the essence of each individual, is eternal and indestructible. Understanding this truth helps Arjuna transcend the temporary attachments of the physical realm and embrace his higher responsibilities as a warrior.
Overall, Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verse 16 illuminates the immortal nature of the soul and the need to recognize and connect with its eternal nature. It encourages people to seek spiritual wisdom and develop a deeper understanding of their true identity beyond the temporary aspects of the physical world.