The concept of impermanence, particularly in relation to the body, is a central theme in the Bhagavad Gita, which is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Sri Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom and guidance to Arjuna, a warrior who is confused and morally troubled about fighting in a great battle.
One of the key teachings in the Bhagavad Gita is the idea
that the physical body is temporary and perishable, while the true self, the
atman (soul), is eternal and indestructible. This concept aligns with the
broader Hindu philosophy of the eternal cycle of birth and death, known as
samsara.
Here are a few verses from the Bhagavad Gita that highlight
the teaching on the impermanence of the body:
Chapter 2, Verse 14: "O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent
appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course,
are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They
arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate
them without being disturbed."
In this verse, Bhagavan Sri Krishna emphasizes the transient
nature of both pleasure and pain, likening them to the changing seasons.
Chapter 2, Verse 22: "As a person puts on new garments,
giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies, giving up
the old and useless ones."
This verse illustrates the concept of the soul taking on new
bodies, shedding old ones, and the impermanence of the physical form.
Chapter 2, Verse 27: "One who has taken his birth is
sure to die, and after death, one is sure to take birth again. Therefore, in
the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament."
Here, Bhagavan Sri Krishna explains the cyclical nature of
birth and death, reinforcing the idea of impermanence.
These teachings on impermanence in the Bhagavad Gita serve to remind individuals of the transitory nature of the physical body and the importance of focusing on the eternal aspect of the self, the atman, in one's spiritual journey. It encourages detachment from the temporary and a greater emphasis on understanding and realizing the eternal truth of the soul's existence.