Chapter 2, Verse 30 (Bhagavad Gita 2.30)
Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yog – Transcendental Knowledge
Sanskrit Shloka
देही नित्यमवध्योऽयं देहे सर्वस्य भारत। तस्मात्सर्वाणि भूतानि न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि
Transliteration
dehī nityam avadhyo ’yaṁ dehe sarvasya bhārata tasmāt sarvāṇi bhūtāni na tvaṁ śhochitum arhasi
Word Meanings
dehī—the soul that dwells within the body; nityam—always; avadhyaḥ—immortal; ayam—this soul; dehe—in the body; sarvasya—of everyone; bhārata—descendant of Bharat, Arjun; tasmāt—therefore; sarvāṇi—for all; bhūtāni—living entities; na—not; tvam—you; śhochitum—mourn; arhasi—should
Translation
The soul dwelling within all bodies is eternal and indestructible, O Arjuna; therefore, you should not grieve for any living being.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse shifts our perspective from the ephemeral physical form to the immutable essence of life, which remains untouched by the cycle of birth and death. By recognizing that the core identity of every being is divine and imperishable, we transcend the superficial fear of mortality that drives human suffering. This wisdom invites us to cultivate equanimity, teaching us that while bodies change, the consciousness remains eternally whole. Ultimately, it encourages us to perform our duties with a sense of detachment, understanding that the true self can never be harmed by worldly events.