Chapter 2 – Sāṅkhya Yoga
Shloka 27
jātasya hi dhruvo mṛityur dhruvaṁ janma mṛitasya cha
tasmād aparihārye ’rthe na tvaṁ śhochitum arhasi || 27||
Simple Meaning in English
O Arjuna!
For one who has taken birth, death is certain; and for one who has died, birth is also certain.
This cycle of birth and death is unavoidable.
Therefore, in a situation that cannot be changed or prevented, it is not appropriate to grieve.
Detailed Explanation
In this verse, Lord Krishna presents a universal and unchangeable truth:
everything that is born must die, and everything that dies will be born again.
This is a natural, eternal law governing all living beings.
1. “For one who is born, death is certain”
Once a being enters this world, its departure is guaranteed.
Just as day inevitably turns into night, life inevitably moves toward death.
No living entity can escape this rule of nature.
2. “For one who has died, birth is certain”
Death is not an end but a transition.
The journey of the soul continues.
Just as seasons rotate endlessly, life moves forward through the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
3. The purpose of this teaching
Krishna is helping Arjuna understand that—
since birth and death are inevitable, grieving serves no purpose.
What cannot be avoided should not disturb the mind.
Nature’s laws are beyond personal control.
Wise individuals accept these truths rather than suffer from them.
Deep Spiritual Insight
Lord Krishna is guiding Arjuna toward emotional strength and clarity.
He points out that sorrow arises from resisting what is naturally destined.
By accepting the unchangeable rhythm of life and death, one becomes free from fear and grief.
This understanding expands the mind, removes attachment, and brings inner peace.
It prepares a person to act wisely, calmly, and responsibly — without being shaken by loss or fear.
Word-by-Word Meaning
- jātasya – of one who is born
- hi – indeed
- dhruvaḥ mṛityuḥ – death is certain
- dhruvaṁ janma – birth is also certain
- mṛitasya – of one who has died
- tasmāt – therefore
- aparihārye arthe – in a matter that cannot be avoided
- na tvaṁ – you should not
- śhochitum arhasi – grieve
Message of the Shloka
- Birth and death are inevitable laws of nature.
- What is unavoidable should not be a cause of sorrow.
- Understanding the certainty of life’s cycle removes fear and grief.
- One must rise above attachment and perform one’s duty with steadiness.
