"Vedāvināśhinaṁ nityaṁ ya enam ajam avyayam
Kathaṁ sa puruṣhaḥ pārtha kaṁ ghātayati hanti kam"
Translation in English:
"O Partha, how can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, eternal, unborn, and immutable, kill anyone or cause anyone to be killed?"
Meaning in Hindi:
"हे पार्थ, जो जानता है कि आत्मा अविनाशी, नित्य, अजन्मा और अविनाशी है, वह किसी को मारता है या किसी को मारवाता है, ऐसा कैसे हो सकता है?"
In this verse, Lord Krishna questions the logic of a person who understands the eternal nature of the soul but continues to engage in violence or killing. He calls Arjuna "Partha", signifying his descent as the son of King Pritha (Kunti).
Lord Krishna emphasizes that a person who truly understands the immortal, eternal, birthless and changeless nature of the soul would not be inclined to cause harm or violence. Knowing the eternal nature of the soul creates a deep respect for life and an understanding that all beings are interconnected.
By asking this rhetorical question, Lord Krishna emphasizes the contradiction between knowing the indestructibility of the soul and causing harm or destruction. He encourages Arjuna and all of us to reflect on our actions and align them with our higher understanding.
This verse makes us reflect on ourselves and question our actions. It calls us to develop an awareness of non-violence, compassion and respect for all living beings. Recognizing the immortal nature of the soul in ourselves and others helps us foster a sense of unity and harmony in our interactions with the world.
Lord Krishna's teachings in this verse remind us of the importance of aligning our actions with our higher knowledge and understanding. It is a call to practice non-violence, empathy and love for all beings, leading to personal growth and a more harmonious society.