Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.13
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा । तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति ॥१३॥
dehino'sminyathā dehe kaumāraṃ yauvanaṃ jarā | tathā dehāntaraprāptirdhīrastatra na muhyati ||13||
Complete Shloka Translation
As the embodied self passes through childhood, youth, and old age in this body, so it attains another body. The discerning are not confused by this.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| देहिनः | dehinaḥ | of the embodied soul |
| अस्मिन् | asmin | in this |
| यथा | yathā | just as |
| देहे | dehe | in the physical body |
| कौमारम् | kaumāram | childhood |
| यौवनम् | yauvanam | youth |
| जरा | jarā | old age |
| तथा | tathā | similarly |
| देह-अन्तर-प्राप्तिः | deha-antara-prāptiḥ | the attainment of another body |
| धीरः | dhīraḥ | the steadfast person |
| तत्र | tatra | therein / at that |
| न | na | not |
| मुह्यति | muhyati | is deluded / bewildered |
of the embodied soul
in this
just as
in the physical body
childhood
youth
old age
similarly
the attainment of another body
the steadfast person
therein / at that
not
is deluded / bewildered
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The analogy moves from observable aging to the teaching of another embodiment. Dhira names steadiness grounded in discernment, not mere emotional suppression.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Familiar changes within one life illustrate continuity through bodily change."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What changes in your life have left a sense of continuity intact?
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.