Clearly delineates the eternality of the soul
This verse is like quoting sastra to support the opinion of Krishna, because the Katha Upanisad also mentions a similar passage
For the soul there is neither birth nor death
He has not come into being, does not come into being and will not come into being
He is unborn, eternal, ever existing and primeval
aSoul as steady vs Body as temporary
Body – undergoes 6 changes like birth, growth, sustenance, by-products, dwindling & death
“Kuta-stha” (Steady) which implies that the soul does not undergo these six changes
bPractical proof that soul never becomes old — Old man in same spirits as young man
cPerception of soul by “consciousness” as the symptom:
Analogy: Sun covered by clouds and light is the symptom
dTwo kinds of soul (Ref. Katha Upanishad) — Anu (infinitesimal) and Vibhu (infinite)
eDifference between consciousness of the soul and the Supreme
Supreme Soul knows past, present and future; individual soul is prone to forgetfulness
fThe relationship between Krishna and Arjuna
Krishna is the fountainhead of the Supersoul and Arjuna is the atomic soul forgetful of his real nature
Therefore Arjuna needs enlightenment by Krishna
gWho can understand the glories of the soul (Ref. Katha Upanishad)
Only one free from all material desires and lamentations and by the grace of Supreme
hSimilar passage like this verse is found in Katha Upanisad
One word differs i.e. “Vipascit” – learned or ‘with knowledge’