What is the Soul (Atman) in the Bhagavad Gita?

The Answer from Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita describes the soul (Atman) as eternal, indestructible, and distinct from the physical body. Understand the nature of your true self according to Krishna's teachings.

Let us explore what Lord Krishna teaches us about this important topic through the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Gita.

Key Verses

"The soul is never born and never dies. It is eternal, ever-existing, and primeval."
— Bhagavad Gita 2.20

The soul exists beyond time, with no beginning or end.

"The soul can never be cut, burned, moistened, or dried. It is eternal and all-pervading."
— Bhagavad Gita 2.23

No physical force can affect the immortal soul.

"As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul accepts new bodies, giving up the old."
— Bhagavad Gita 2.22

The body is like clothing that the soul changes.

📋 How to Apply This Teaching

📖

What is Atman (Soul) in the Bhagavad Gita?

Atman in the Bhagavad Gita is the eternal, indestructible soul within every being. Krishna teaches that the atman is never born, never dies, and cannot be harmed by weapons, fire, water, or wind. Realizing the atman's immortality brings freedom from fear of death.

— Bhagavad Gita
  1. 1 Study Chapter 2 for Krishna's complete teaching on the soul
  2. 2 Meditate on your identity beyond the body
  3. 3 Observe what remains constant through all life changes
  4. 4 Recognize that you are the witness of experiences, not the experiences
  5. 5 Contemplate the soul's eternal nature to reduce fear of death

Explore Related Questions

More on the Soul Immortality Verses Chapter 2 Overview

Continue Your Spiritual Journey

Download the Srimad Gita App for daily wisdom and guided study

App Store Google Play