देहिनोऽस्मिन् यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा।
तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति॥
Translation (English):
Just as the embodied soul continuously passes through childhood, youth, and old age, similarly, at the time of death, the soul attains another body. The wise person is not deluded by this.
Meaning (Hindi):
जैसे कि शरीरी इस शरीर में कुमार्य, यौवन और वृद्धावस्था से गुजरता है, वैसे ही मृत्यु के समय यह शरीर छोड़कर दूसरे शरीर को प्राप्त करता है। धीर पुरुष इससे मोहित नहीं होता॥
Meaning (in English):
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the eternal journey of the soul through the various stages of life and the process of reincarnation. He compares the transitions of the embodied soul from childhood to youth to old age to the inevitable cycle of death and rebirth.
Lord Krishna emphasizes that just as the soul continues its journey through various stages of life, it also undergoes transformation by acquiring a new body after death. A wise man understands this eternal process and does not allow himself to be deceived by it.
This verse reminds us of the lifelessness of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul. It teaches us to recognize the temporary nature of life and to focus on the unchanging nature within us.
By understanding the cycle of birth and death, a deeper understanding of the soul's journey and the purpose of life can be developed. It encourages people to strive for spiritual growth and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation by realizing their true nature as immortal souls.
This teaching calls us to take a broader view of life and death and to live wisely, detached and aware of our eternal nature.