Geethartha Chinthane – 126: Not sorrow for old age, but for loss of efforts

When we refer to childhood, youth, and old age, the sense of “I” (Self) remains constant across these stages. Even in the transition between bodies, the soul remains one and the same. Sorrow arises only when one assumes that “I” (Self) ceases to exist. The changes of childhood and youth pertain only to the body; the soul remains unchanged. Since the soul is eternal, there is no reason for sorrow. If the experiences of childhood and youth were tied to the body as “I,” they would have to feel distinctly separate.

Because the experience of the soul is singular, an individual perceives the changes in their body as one entity. If the soul and body were separate in experience, then they would be perceived as distinctly different. Since the soul is separate and eternal while the body is perishable, the sense of “I” or “they” does not cease even after the body’s end. This, as explained by Lord Krishna, clarifies that relationships, which are temporary by nature, inevitably come to an end.

Did sorrow arise when childhood or youth passed? Sorrow in old age occurs not because of old age itself, but due to the realization that nothing significant has been achieved so far. People often postpone their efforts, thinking they will accomplish them in the future. When they reach old age and realize they neither acted in the past nor can act now, worry arises. This worry, not old age, is the true cause of sorrow.

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