so 'syāyam ātmā puṇyebhyaḥ karmabhyaḥ pratidhīyate | athāsyāyam itara ātmā kṛtakṛtyo vayogataḥ praiti | sa itaḥ prayann eva punar jāyate | tad asya tṛtīyaṁ janma ||
"This self of his is established for virtuous deeds. Then the other self, having done what was to be done and having reached old age, departs. Departing from here, he is born again. This is his third birth."
What This Means:
The grown person (second birth) lives, does good deeds, ages, and eventually dies. Upon leaving this body, the Self is born again — the third birth. The cycle continues based on karma.
Going Deeper:
The "virtuous deeds" (puṇya karma) establish a foundation for future births. The phrase "kṛtakṛtya" (having done what was to be done) suggests completing one's purpose. Death isn't the end but another birth — the third in this scheme.
How To Apply This:
You have been born before and may be born again. What you do now creates conditions for future existence. Are you completing what needs to be done, or leaving things undone?
Key Sanskrit Terms: