BG 2.16 The unreal fades; the real remains eternal.

 A

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 16 (BG 2.16):

This verse is a key philosophical statement from the Gita. In transliteration, it goes:

nā́sato vidyate bhāvo

nā́bhāvo vidyate sataḥ

ubhayor api dṛṣṭo ’ntas

tv anayos tattva-darśibhiḥ

Meaning:

• “Of the unreal, there is no existence; of the real, there is no non-existence. The seers of truth have concluded this about both.”

Explanation:

• Asat (unreal / temporary things) → things that change, perish, or don’t have lasting reality (like the body, material possessions, etc.).
• Sat (real / eternal things) → the imperishable, unchanging reality (the soul/Ātman, and ultimately Brahman/Kṛṣṇa).
• Wise people understand the difference: the material world is temporary, but the soul and the Supreme are eternal.

👉 This verse sets the foundation for detachment from perishable things and focusing on the eternal truth.

Would you like me to also show you a practical life application of this verse, like how it helps in dealing with stress, loss, or change?