Krishna differentiates between the real and the unreal. The unreal, being temporary, will eventually perish, while the real, being eternal, never ceases to exist. This teaching helps Arjuna shift his focus from the perishable physical body to the indestructible soul, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of life and its true essence.

Krishna reassures Arjuna that the soul, which pervades the entire body, is indestructible. By asserting the soul’s invincibility, Krishna aims to alleviate Arjuna’s fears and encourage him to perform his duty without being burdened by concerns of death or destruction. This teaching serves to bolster Arjuna’s courage and resolve.

Krishna emphasizes that the body is temporary, but the soul is eternal and cannot be destroyed. He advises Arjuna to view the body as a vessel that the soul temporarily inhabits. This understanding is meant to help Arjuna detach from his attachment to the physical forms of his loved ones and recognize the soul’s true, everlasting nature.

The soul is never born, nor does it die. It is eternal, without beginning or end, and cannot be destroyed even when the body is slain. Krishna’s teaching aims to shift Arjuna’s perspective from the temporary nature of the body to the timelessness of the soul, allowing him to overcome his attachment and grief for those on the battlefield.

Understanding the eternal and unchangeable nature of the soul, one should not consider themselves as the killer or the killed. This teaching is meant to encourage Arjuna to look beyond physical actions and comprehend the soul’s imperishable essence, which cannot be harmed or destroyed by any external force, making him rise above fear and doubt.

Krishna likens the soul’s transition between bodies to a person changing worn-out clothes. Just as one discards old garments for new ones, the soul leaves a worn-out body for a new one. This analogy simplifies the concept of reincarnation, making it easier for Arjuna to understand and accept the inevitability of death and rebirth.