"Āśhcharya-vat paśhyati kaśhchid enam
Āśhcharya-vadvadati tathaiva chānyaḥ
Āśhcharya-vach chainam anyaḥ śhrinoti
Shrutvāpyenaṁ veda na chaiva kaśhchit"
Translation in English:
"Some look upon the soul as amazing, some describe it as amazing, and some hear of it as amazing, while others, even on hearing, cannot understand it at all."
Meaning in Hindi:
"कुछ लोग इस आत्मा को अद्वितीय मानते हैं, कुछ इसे अद्वितीय कहते हैं और कुछ इसे अद्वितीय सुनते हैं, जबकि कुछ लोग, इसे सुनकर भी, इसे समझ नहीं पाते हैं।"
In this verse, Lord Krishna highlights various perspectives and concepts related to the soul. He states that some people see the soul as a wonderful and extraordinary entity, while others describe it in the same way. Some hear about the wonderful nature of the soul, but there are still those who do not understand it even after hearing it.
The verse emphasizes the deep nature of the soul and the changeability of human understanding. The soul is beyond ordinary understanding and is often considered an enigma that transcends the boundaries of the material world. Lord Krishna understands that different people perceive and express their understanding of the soul in different ways. Some may understand its essential nature through personal experience, while others gain knowledge from scriptures or teachings.
However, there are also those who, despite hearing the soul, struggle to understand its true nature. The extraordinary nature of the soul is beyond ordinary intellectual understanding and its depth may be beyond the reach of some people.
This verse invites us to contemplate the fearful nature of the soul and the diversity of perspectives surrounding it. It reminds us that the soul is a deep and mysterious entity that transcends the ordinary perception of the material world.
Recognizing the limits of our understanding, we cultivate humility and open ourselves to the vastness of spiritual knowledge. It encourages us to approach soul-searching with curiosity, respect and an open mind.
This verse teaches us to embrace the wonder and mystery surrounding the soul. It reminds us that the journey of spiritual understanding is a lifelong endeavor and that our understanding of the soul can deepen over time. Finally, the verse encourages us to seek spiritual wisdom, practice introspection, and explore the deep nature of the soul with reverence and awe. Through sincere inquiry and introspection, we can gradually uncover the mystery and experience the deep reality of the soul within.