Sattvic knowledge sees unity in diversity.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
सर्वभूतेषु येनैकं भावमव्ययमीक्षते |अविभक्तं विभक्तेषु तज्ज्ञानं विद्धि सात्त्विकम् ||१८-२०||
sarvabhūteṣu yenaikaṃ bhāvamavyayamīkṣate . avibhaktaṃ vibhakteṣu tajjñānaṃ viddhi sāttvikam ||18-20||
Use this verse to practice unity-in-diversity vision.
Meaning
Know that knowledge to be sattvic by which one sees the one imperishable reality in all beings, undivided within the divided.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Sattvic knowledge sees one undivided reality in all beings.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
Krishna defines the highest kind of knowledge: unity within diversity. It does not deny differences, but sees the one imperishable reality present through all.
Read the traditional commentary
Krishna describes the highest knowledge first. Sattvic jnana is the vision that perceives one imperishable Reality present in all beings — avibhaktam vibhakteshu, undivided within the divided. Beneath the endless variety of forms it beholds a single, deathless presence.
This is the unitive vision of the realized sage. Where ordinary sight registers only separateness and difference, sattvic knowing sees the same Self shining through every creature. Such perception naturally dissolves hatred, comparison, and fear, for one cannot truly harm or envy what one recognizes as oneself. This seeing of unity-in-multiplicity is wisdom in its purest form.
In daily life
Look for the same sacred presence beneath differences.
A person dealing with conflict can remember that different roles and opinions still share one deeper spiritual ground.
Try this today
Before judging someone, identify one shared human or spiritual reality.
I see the one imperishable reality in all beings.Reflect
Can I see unity without erasing differences?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘अविभक्तं विभक्तेषु’ mean in this verse?
The Gita on non duality, in other chapters
- Verse 13.3The same awareness that lights up your inner world shines in every being — knowing this is the highest knowledge.
- Verse 4.35True knowledge ends delusion for good, revealing the same Self in all beings and all beings in the divine.
- Verse 14.6Even peace and wisdom can quietly bind you if you cling to them as possessions rather than passing gifts.
- Verse 11.3 · ArjunaFaith that is genuine is not afraid to ask for direct experience of the truth it already trusts.
Swipe left for 18.21 · Rajasic knowledge is fragmented seeing.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 18.20
Who says Bhagavad Gita 18.20, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 18.20, in Chapter 18, Moksha Sannyas Yoga (Moksha Sannyas Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 18.20 mean?
Know that knowledge to be sattvic by which one sees the one imperishable reality in all beings, undivided within the divided. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 18.20 for daily life?
Look for the same sacred presence beneath differences. A person dealing with conflict can remember that different roles and opinions still share one deeper spiritual ground.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 18.20 mean?
सर्वभूतेषु — in all beings; येन एकं भावम् — by which one Reality; अव्ययम् — indestructible / imperishable; ईक्षते — one sees; अविभक्तं विभक्तेषु — undivided amid the divided.
Where does verse 18.20 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 20 of 78 in Chapter 18, Moksha Sannyas Yoga. The next verse is 18.21.