Chapter 2 Verse 30
Sānkhya Yog
देही नित्यमवध्योऽयं देहे सर्वस्य भारत। तस्मात्सर्वाणि भूतानि न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि।।2.30।।
dehī nityam avadhyo ’yaṁ dehe sarvasya bhārata tasmāt sarvāṇi bhūtāni na tvaṁ śhochitum arhasi
Word Meanings
| dehī | the soul that dwells within the body |
| nityam | always |
| avadhyaḥ | immortal |
| ayam | this soul |
| dehe | in the body |
| sarvasya | of everyone |
| bhārata | descendant of Bharat, Arjun |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| sarvāṇi | for all |
| bhūtāni | living entities |
| na | not |
| tvam | you |
| śhochitum | mourn |
| arhasi | should |
Translation
This indweller in the body of everyone is ever indestructible, O Arjuna; therefore, you should not grieve for any creature.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that the true self—the soul—lives in every body and is never destroyed. Bodies change and die, but the inner being continues beyond those changes.
Because the soul is permanent, grieving only for the loss of a body is misplaced. True compassion can remain, but sorrow born of thinking a person has ceased to exist is not necessary.
This view helps free us from clinging and fear, so we can act with calmness and do what is right in each situation.
Life Application
- When someone dies, offer care and comfort but remind yourself that the person’s true self is not lost; this helps you stay steady and helpful.
- Practice short daily reflections on the difference between body and soul to reduce panic about loss, illness, or change.
- Focus on your duties and kind actions instead of getting stuck in prolonged grief; service and presence are healing.
Reflection Question
If you truly believed the soul never dies, how would you respond differently to loss today?