Chapter 2 Verse 12
Sānkhya Yog
न त्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः। न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम्।।2.12।।
na tvevāhaṁ jātu nāsaṁ na tvaṁ neme janādhipāḥ na chaiva na bhaviṣhyāmaḥ sarve vayamataḥ param
Word Meanings
| na | never |
| tu | however |
| eva | certainly |
| aham | I |
| jātu | at any time |
| na | nor |
| āsam | exist |
| na | nor |
| tvam | you |
| na | nor |
| ime | these |
| jana-adhipāḥ | kings |
| na | never |
| cha | also |
| eva | indeed |
| na bhaviṣhyāmaḥ | shall not exist |
| sarve vayam | all of us |
| ataḥ | from now |
| param | after |
Translation
Nor, at any time, was I not, nor thou, nor these rulers of men; nor, verily, shall we ever cease to be hereafter.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that the true self is never born and never dies. The body may change, but the inner being continues beyond birth and death.
Seeing people as inner selves rather than only bodies removes the finality of loss. It helps us understand death as a change of form, not the end of existence.
With this view, fear of death and panic in hard times lessen. We can act steadily, face loss with calm, and focus on doing what is right now.
Life Application
- When you feel fear about endings or loss, remind yourself that the deeper self remains; breathe, steady your mind, and respond rather than react.
- Do your everyday duties with care, not from fear of consequences; focus on right action rather than results.
- Treat others with lasting respect and kindness, seeing beyond temporary appearances.
Reflection Question
How would your choices change if you truly believed your inner self never ends?