Vasansi Jirnani (Bhagavad Gita 2.22) — Word-by-Word Meaning
वासांसि जीर्णानि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वासांसि जीर्णानि यथा विहाय
Vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya
As a person casts off worn-out garments
नवानि गृह्णाति नरः अपराणि
Navani grihnati narah aparani
And takes on other, new ones
तथा शरीराणि विहाय जीर्णानि
Tatha sharirani vihaya jirnani
So, casting off worn-out bodies
अन्यानि संयाति नवानि देही
Anyani samyati navani dehi
The embodied soul (dehi) takes on other, new ones
Complete Translation
As a person casts off worn-out garments and puts on new ones, so the embodied soul casts off worn-out bodies and enters others that are new.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 22
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: Itihasa (Mahabharata)
To free Arjuna from the fear and grief of death on the battlefield, Lord Krishna gave this luminous image: the soul changes bodies as a person changes worn-out clothes. With its companion verse 2.23, it is among the most quoted teachings of the Gita on the deathless soul and reincarnation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Vasansi Jirnani?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 2.22: 'As a person casts off worn-out garments and puts on new ones, so the soul casts off worn-out bodies and takes on new ones.' It is Krishna's classic teaching on reincarnation and the immortality of the soul.
Which chapter and verse is Vasansi Jirnani?▼
It is verse 22 of Chapter 2 (Sankhya Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna compares the soul's passage from body to body with a person changing old clothes for new.
What does Vasansi Jirnani teach about death?▼
It teaches that death is not an end but a change of garments — the eternal soul (dehi) simply leaves a worn-out body and takes on a new one. This understanding removes the fear of death and the grief of loss, and is why the verse is recited at funerals.
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