Verse 22
vāsānsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya navāni gṛhṇāti naro ’parāṇi
tathā śarīrāṇi vihāya jīrṇāny anyāni saṁyāti navāni dehī
Word-by-Word Meaning:
- vāsānsi — clothes, garments
- jīrṇāni — old, worn-out
- yathā — just as, in the same way
- vihāya — giving up, casting away
- navāni — new
- gṛhṇāti — takes, accepts
- naraḥ — a man, a person
- aparāṇi — others, different
- tathā — likewise, in the same manner
- śarīrāṇi — bodies
- vihāya — giving up
- jīrṇāni — old, worn-out
- anyāni — other, new
- saṁyāti — takes up, accepts
- navāni — new
- dehī — the soul, the self
Just as a person puts aside old worn-out clothes and takes new ones, in the same way, the soul discards old worn-out bodies and takes on new ones.
Expanded Meaning:
Krishna explains the process of bodily transformation and the immortality of the soul through a simple but profound analogy: changing clothes.
- Just as clothes wear out and are replaced, the physical body ages and is discarded at death.
- The soul (dehī), however, is eternal and moves on to inhabit a new body, just as one changes clothes.
- This illustrates the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) without loss of the true Self.
- The soul remains unchanged despite changes in the physical form.
Contextual Analysis:
- Analogy of Clothes and Body
The use of a common daily experience (changing clothes) makes the profound truth accessible. - The Soul’s Continuity
The verse emphasizes that the soul is distinct from the physical body and remains intact after death. - Transcending Fear of Death
Understanding this analogy helps reduce attachment and fear regarding the death of the body.
Philosophical Insight:
- The body is temporary and perishable; the soul is eternal and imperishable.
- Death is not annihilation but a transformation or transition.
- This verse supports the doctrine of Samsara (cycle of life, death, and rebirth).
Spiritual Symbolism:
| Term | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vāsānsi (clothes) | Physical bodies we wear temporarily |
| Jīrṇāni (old/worn-out) | Bodies that have completed their lifespan |
| Dehī (soul) | The immortal Self that transcends physical form |
Modern-Day Relevance:
- Helps to understand and accept physical aging and death as natural processes.
- Encourages detachment from the body and focus on the eternal self.
- Supports resilience and calmness in the face of loss or change.
Reflection Questions:
How do I perceive my body in relation to my true self?
Can I practice detachment from physical identity and focus on inner essence?
How does this understanding affect my attitude toward aging and mortality?
Conclusion:
This verse provides a vivid metaphor clarifying that the soul’s journey is continuous and unaffected by physical death. The body is like clothing, worn temporarily and replaced, while the true Self endures eternally. This teaching is central to the spiritual wisdom of the Gita and offers deep solace in the face of life’s inevitable changes.