Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 27 (BG 2.27) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

Neither the materialist who denies the eternal soul, nor the spiritualist who acknowledges the atman as distinct from the body, should grieve over the cycle of birth and death. Both recognize that life is a continuous succession of births and deaths. Understanding this nature of existence, no wise person should mourn the inevitable cycle of birth and death that befalls all living beings. Consider one who stands in the scorching heat of the summer sun and complains of its intensity and brightness—such complaint is merely foolishness. Similarly, if one obtains life itself yet complains of its ever-changing nature, this is an inexcusable ignorance. To grieve is but to reveal one's own lack of understanding. The life of Sri Krishna teaches us joy and enthusiasm. His message is this: weeping is the mark of ignorance, while laughter is the sign of wisdom. His entire teaching can be summed in two words: "Keep laughing." When Krishna sees his beloved friend overwhelmed by sorrow, he becomes eager to protect him from grief and delusion, and thereby guide him toward the true purpose of life. The verses that follow present the perspective of the ordinary person. The blessed Shankaracharya states in his commentary: It is not proper to grieve over things that are bound by the relationship of cause and effect, because... BG 2.27