Chapter 2 Verse 27
Sānkhya Yog
जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च। तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि।।2.27।।
jātasya hi dhruvo mṛityur dhruvaṁ janma mṛitasya cha tasmād aparihārye ’rthe na tvaṁ śhochitum arhasi
Word Meanings
| jātasya | for one who has been born |
| hi | for |
| dhruvaḥ | certain |
| mṛityuḥ | death |
| dhruvam | certain |
| janma | birth |
| mṛitasya | for the dead |
| cha | and |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| aparihārye arthe | in this inevitable situation |
| na | not |
| tvam | you |
| śhochitum | lament |
| arhasi | befitting |
Translation
For the born, death is certain, and for the dead, birth is certain; therefore, you should not grieve over the inevitable.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Life and death are natural facts: everyone who is born will die, and what is dead may be born again. This truth is constant and beyond personal control.
Because this cycle is unavoidable, constant grieving or clinging to what changes only increases suffering. Recognizing impermanence helps us meet loss with steadiness and focus on what we can do now.
Life Application
- When you face loss, pause and remind yourself that change is natural; allow feelings without letting them overwhelm your actions.
- Put energy into present duties and relationships instead of endless regret; small practical acts are meaningful.
- Practice simple routines (breathing, short reflection) to steady the mind during times of change.
Reflection Question
What one small action can I take today that honors what I value, even though things will change?