Chapter 2, Verse 13
Sankhya Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
dehinaḥ—of the embodied; asmin—in this; yathā—as; dehe—in the body; kaumāram—childhood; yauvanam—youth; jarā—old age; tathā—similarly; deha-antara—another body; prāptiḥ—achieves; dhīraḥ—the wise; tatra—thereupon; na muhyati—are not deluded
English translation
Just as the embodied soul passes through childhood, youth, and old age in this body, so too does it pass into another body; the steadfast one does not grieve over this.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 2.13
Commentary
Just as there is no interruption in the passing of childhood into youth and youth into old age in this body; so also there is no interruption by death in the continuity of the ego. The Self is not dead at the termination of the stage; viz.; childhood. It is certainly not born again at the beginning of the second stage; viz.; youth. Just as the Self passes unchanged from childhood to youth and from yourth to old age; so also the Self passes unchanged from one body into,another. Therefore; the wise man is not at all distressed about it.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
Just as the embodied soul continuously passes in this body from childhood to youth to old age, so also does it pass into another body at death. A wise person is not deluded by this.
Context & Background
Arjuna grieves over the impending death of his relatives. Krishna begins His spiritual instruction by explaining the fundamental distinction between the temporary body and the immortal soul.
Key Philosophical Teaching
The true self (Atman) is eternal and unchanging. Physical aging and death are natural bodily transitions, not the end of consciousness.
Practical Application
Recognize that physical changes, illness, and aging affect only the vessel, not your eternal core. Maintain inner stability through life transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main lesson of Bhagavad Gita 2.13?
The verse teaches that death is merely a transition of the soul into a new physical form, just as childhood transitions into youth and old age within a single lifespan.
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