Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.11
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे । गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः ॥११॥
aśocyānanvaśocastvaṃ prajñāvādāṃśca bhāṣase | gatāsūnagatāsūṃśca nānuśocanti paṇḍitāḥ ||11||
Complete Shloka Translation
The Lord said: You grieve for those who should not be grieved for, yet speak words of wisdom. The wise do not mourn either the living or the dead.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अशोच्यान् | aśocyān | those not worthy of grief |
| अन्वशोचः | anvaśocaḥ | you are lamenting |
| त्वम् | tvam | you |
| प्रज्ञा-वादान् | prajñā-vādān | words of philosophical wisdom |
| च | ca | and yet |
| भाषसे | bhāṣase | you speak |
| गत-असून् | gata-asūn | the dead (whose life-breaths have left) |
| अगत-असून् | agata-asūn | the living (whose life-breaths remain) |
| च | ca | and |
| न | na | never |
| अनुशोचन्ति | anuśocanti | lament / grieve |
| पण्डिताः | paṇḍitāḥ | the wise / truly learned sages |
those not worthy of grief
you are lamenting
you
words of philosophical wisdom
and yet
you speak
the dead (whose life-breaths have left)
the living (whose life-breaths remain)
and
never
lament / grieve
the wise / truly learned sages
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This introduces the distinction between the enduring self and the changing body. It is a philosophical challenge within the dialogue, not a denial that grief is felt.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Krishna asks whether Arjuna's reasoning rests on a clear understanding of life."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where might your words and your understanding not yet agree?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.