anāditvān nirguṇatvāt paramātmāyam avyayaḥ śarīra-stho 'pi kaunteya na karoti na lipyate
"Because of being beginningless and without qualities, this imperishable Supreme Self, though dwelling in the body, O son of Kunti, neither acts nor is tainted."
What This Means:
The Supreme Self is beginningless and qualityless, so even while living in the body, it neither acts nor is stained by actions. Like the sky isn't stained by clouds passing through it.
Going Deeper:
Two reasons for the Self's purity: anāditva (beginninglessness—it wasn't created, so can't be modified) and nirguṇatva (qualitylessness—having no gunas, it can't react to gunas). Therefore 'na karoti' (doesn't act) and 'na lipyate' (isn't tainted). 'Śarīra-sthaḥ api'—even while in the body. The body acts; the Self remains pure witness.
How To Apply This:
Your true Self was never born and will never die. It has no qualities to be disturbed. Actions happen in the body; awareness remains untouched. Rest in that untouchable essence—it's your true home.
Key Sanskrit Terms: