देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा। 

तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति॥ 2.13 ॥

dehino 'smin yathā dehe kaumāraṁ yauvanaṁ jarā 

tathā dehāntara-prāptir dhīras tatra na muhyati

Meaning:

Just as the soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A wise person is not bewildered by such a change.

Here, Lord Krishna is imparting wisdom to Arjuna, who is confused and morally troubled about fighting in the Kurukshetra war. Arjuna is concerned about killing his relatives, friends, and revered teachers on the battlefield.

Krishna is explaining the nature of the soul (Atman) and its immortality. He emphasizes that the soul is eternal and imperishable, while the body is temporary and perishable. The changes in the body from childhood to old age and the eventual transfer of the soul to a new body after death are natural processes. Understanding this, a wise person does not grieve over the inevitable changes of the body.

The shloka provides a profound insight into the philosophy of life and death. It highlights the concept of the soul's immortality and the transient nature of the physical body. This understanding is meant to help individuals overcome fear and sorrow related to death and dying.

1. Immortality of the Soul: The soul (Atman) is described as eternal, unchanging, and immortal. It is not affected by the birth, growth, decay, and death of the body. This is a key teaching in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing that the essence of a person is their soul, not their physical form.
2. Change as a Natural Process: Just as the body undergoes various stages like childhood, youth, and old age, the transition from one body to another at death is also a natural process. Understanding and accepting this can help individuals remain calm and composed in the face of life's inevitable changes.
3. Wisdom and Equanimity: Krishna advises Arjuna to develop a wise perspective (dhira) that recognizes the impermanence of the body and the permanence of the soul. Such wisdom leads to equanimity, allowing one to face life's challenges without undue distress.

Today's Context:

1. Coping with Loss: Understanding the concept of the eternal soul can help individuals cope with the loss of loved ones. It provides a perspective that death is not an end, but a transition, helping to alleviate the fear and sorrow associated with it.
2. Facing Life's Changes: Life is full of changes, some pleasant and some challenging. Embracing the idea that change is a natural part of existence can help people deal with life's ups and downs with greater resilience and peace.
3. Personal Growth: Recognizing the soul’s immortality can inspire individuals to focus on spiritual growth and moral values rather than being overly attached to the physical and material aspects of life.
4. Mental Equanimity: The wisdom imparted in this shloka encourages a balanced state of mind. By accepting the transient nature of the body and the permanence of the soul, one can maintain inner peace even amidst external turbulence.

Knowledge Bank

Where is Agastya Mountain?

Agastya mountain also known as Agastyarkoodam or Agastya-malai is in the Western-ghats 60 km away from Trivandrum, Kerala.

Why is wearing bhasma important according to Shiva Purana?

Wearing bhasma connects us to Lord Shiva, offering relief from troubles and enhancing the spiritual connection.