āścarya-vat paśyati kaścid enam āścarya-vad vadati tathaiva cānyaḥ āścarya-vac cainam anyaḥ śṛṇoti śrutvāpy enaṁ veda na caiva kaścit
"Some see the soul as amazing, some speak of it as amazing, some hear of it as amazing, and yet others, even after hearing about it, cannot understand it at all."
What This Means:
The soul is truly wondrous—those who catch even a glimpse of it are amazed. Some can describe this wonder, others can hear about it and be moved. But many people, even after hearing the teaching repeatedly, just don't get it. The soul remains mysterious.
Going Deeper:
This verse acknowledges the rarity of genuine spiritual understanding. The soul isn't like a math problem that can be solved through effort. It requires a certain readiness, a certain grace. Krishna isn't criticizing those who don't understand—he's noting that direct realization is rare and precious.
How To Apply This:
If this teaching about the eternal soul resonates with you, don't take it for granted—that recognition itself is significant. If it feels abstract or unreal, don't force it. Keep listening, keep contemplating. Sometimes understanding comes suddenly after years of hearing. Stay open.
Key Sanskrit Terms: