Katha Upanishad Verse 1.2.19

Continuing the description of the immortal Self, this verse clarifies that the Atman is neither the agent of slaying nor the object of being slain. Any perception of death or killing is rooted in ignorance of the Self’s true, immutable nature.

Sanskrit Verse

हन्ता चेन्मन्यते हन्तुँ हतश्चेन्मन्यते हतं । उभौ तौ न विजानीतो नायँ हन्ति न हन्यते ॥ १९ ॥

Transliteration

hantā cenmanyate hantum̐ hataścenmanyate hataṃ । ubhau tau na vijānīto nāyam̐ hanti na hanyate ॥ 19 ॥

Translation

The slayer who thinks of slaying this and the slain who thinks this slain, both these do not know. This slays not, nor is slain.