Chapter 2 Verse 13
Sānkhya Yog
देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा। तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति।।2.13।।
dehino ’smin yathā dehe kaumāraṁ yauvanaṁ jarā tathā dehāntara-prāptir dhīras tatra na muhyati
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 |
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.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that the self (the soul) is not the physical body. Just as the body goes from childhood to youth to old age, the soul moves from one body to another. These body changes are natural and temporary.
A wise person understands this continuity and is not confused or overwhelmed when the body changes or dies. Knowing the soul is steady brings calmness and reduces fear and grief about loss.
This does not mean ignoring feelings or responsibilities. It means meeting life’s changes with steady awareness: care for the body, but do not cling to it as the whole of who you are.
Life Application
- When you feel upset by aging, illness, or loss, pause and remind yourself that change is natural; breathe and act calmly rather than reacting in panic.
- Care for your body (health, rest, relationships) but practice seeing yourself as more than your appearance or life stage.
- Stay focused on your duties and relationships even in hard times; let acceptance guide your actions so you remain helpful and present.
Reflection Question
How would I respond to a loss today if I remembered I am more than my changing body?