BG 2.28
All beings have an unknown beginning, a known middle, and an unknown end. What is there to grieve in this?
अव्यक्तनिधनान्येव तत्र का परिदेवना
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avyaktādīni — unmanifest before birth
avyakta-ādīni -
bhūtāni — created beings
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vyakta-madhyāni — manifest in the middle
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vyakta — manifest
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madhyāni — in the middle
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bhārata — Arjuna
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avyakta-nidhanānyeva — unmanifest upon death
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avyakta — unmanifest
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nidhanānyeva — on death indeed
nidhanāni—on death; eva—indeed
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tatra — therefore
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kā — why
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paridevanā — grieve
Even if you think of this soul as constantly cycling through birth and death, even then you should not grieve. For one who has been born, death is certain. For one who dies, rebirth is certain. Therefore, you should not grieve over the inevitable. All beings have an unknown beginning, a known middle, and an unknown end. What is there to grieve in this?
Similar verses
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This soul is said to be unchanging and inconceivable. Therefore, knowing this, you have no reason to grieve.
- Verse 2.25
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Even if you think of this soul as constantly cycling through birth and death, even then you should not grieve.
- Verse 2.26
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I am the self, seated in the heart of all beings. I am the beginning, middle, and end for them all.
- Verse 10.20
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How are we here in this body, and who is it? How do those of steadfast mind know you at their time of death?
- Verse 8.2
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For one who has been born, death is certain. For one who dies, rebirth is certain. Therefore, you should not grieve over the inevitable.
- Verse 2.27