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Bhagwad Gita (English) | Chapter 2 | Verse 27

Chapter 2, Verse 27

Contents of the Gita Summarized

For one who has taken his birth, death is certain; and for one who is dead, birth is certain. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament.


Verse

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

Meaning of each word

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

Interpretation

This verse addresses a natural part of life: birth and death. It tells us that once someone is born, they will definitely face death one day. Likewise, when someone has died, they will eventually be born again in some form. This means that life is a continuous cycle.

When we talk about birth and death, it can sound heavy and sad, but the verse encourages us to understand that this is just how life works. Imagine how we change through life—like how a child grows to become an adult. Every stage is necessary, and it's part of growing up. In the same way, when we die, it’s not the end; it can lead to a new beginning.

This cycle doesn’t mean we should ignore our feelings or dismiss the suffering and pain that come with loss. Feeling sad over losing someone is natural; it's part of being human. However, this message tells us that we shouldn’t dwell excessively on that sorrow because it comes from recognizing that every person is part of this cycle of life. Therefore, instead of getting stuck in grief, we should focus on what we can do in the moment.

Moreover, the verse reminds us about our responsibilities. Life involves duties we must fulfill—these could be towards our family, friends, community, or even our work. While facing our responsibilities, we are urged not to get overwhelmed by sadness, but to act with purpose and courage. It means even if difficult situations arise, like fighting battles (metaphorically speaking in personal life), we should keep doing what needs to be done without letting grief hold us back.

In summary, this verse offers a perspective on the natural cycle of life, urging us not to be weighed down by sadness but to remain focused on our responsibilities while accepting the realities of birth and death.


Other Verses of Chapter 2
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