"Vāsāmsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya
Navāni gṛhṇāti naro ’parāṇi
Tathā śharīrāṇi vihāya jīrṇāny
Anyāni saṁyāti navāni dehī"
Translation in English:
"Just as a person puts on new garments after discarding the old ones, similarly, the soul accepts new material bodies after casting off the old and useless ones."
Meaning in Hindi:
"जिस प्रकार मनुष्य पुराने वस्त्रों को छोड़कर नए वस्त्र पहनता है, वैसे ही आत्मा पुराने और अनुपयुक्त शरीरों को छोड़कर नए मानसिक शरीर को अपनाती है।"
In this verse, Lord Krishna uses the analogy of changing clothes to illustrate the concept of movement of the soul from one body to another. He compares throwing off old clothes and putting on new ones to the soul's journey, leaving behind old and worn-out bodies and gaining new ones.
Just as we change clothes as they age and wear out, the soul, which is eternal, sheds its old physical body and takes on a new one. The soul is an eternal being that lives in different material bodies during its journey.
The analogy of Lord Krishna emphasizes the impermanence of the physical body and the eternal nature of the soul. The body undergoes change, decay and finally death, but the soul remains unchanged and continues to exist.
This verse reminds us that we are not a physical body, but an eternal soul that dwells in it. It encourages us to realize the transience of the material world and the importance of focusing on our spiritual nature.
By recognizing the eternal nature of the soul and the temporary nature of the body, we can develop a sense of detachment from material possessions and identify with our higher spiritual self. It helps us move through life's setbacks with peace, knowing that we are eternal beings who experience temporary situations. The teachings of Lord Krishna in this verse inspire us to change our perspective from the external aspects of life to the eternal soul within. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth and seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death.