Chapter 2 Verse 11
Sānkhya Yog
श्री भगवानुवाच अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे। गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः।।2.11।।
śhrī bhagavān uvācha aśhochyān-anvaśhochas-tvaṁ prajñā-vādānśh cha bhāṣhase gatāsūn-agatāsūnśh-cha nānuśhochanti paṇḍitāḥ
Word Meanings
| śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | the Supreme Lord said |
| aśhochyān | not worthy of grief |
| anvaśhochaḥ | are mourning |
| tvam | you |
| prajñā-vādān | words of wisdom |
| cha | and |
| bhāṣhase | speaking |
| gata āsūn | the dead |
| agata asūn | the living |
| cha | and |
| na | never |
| anuśhochanti | lament |
| paṇḍitāḥ | the wise |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said, "You have grieved for those who should not be grieved for; yet, you speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Krishna points out a clear mismatch: Arjuna talks about right knowledge, yet he is overcome by grief. True wisdom is not just words; it changes how you feel about life and death.
Those who are wise see that the true self is beyond birth and death. Bodies and situations change, but the inner soul remains. So the wise do not lose themselves in sorrow over what is temporary.
Grief comes from identifying completely with body, roles, or outcomes. When you understand the deeper reality, you still feel, but you respond with calmness and carry on with your duty.
Life Application
- When someone dies or a relationship ends, allow natural feelings but remind yourself that the person’s true nature is not limited to the body; act with respect, not panic.
- Before reacting to loss or setback, take a breath and ask, “What is my duty here?” Let steady action guide you rather than raw emotion.
- Practice seeing yourself as more than roles and possessions: this reduces fear and helps you stay useful and compassionate in hard times.
Reflection Question
What attachment am I holding that makes this loss feel unbearable?