Shloka 10
देहं नावरुरुत्सेऽहं दु:खशोकभयावहम् । सर्वत्रास्य यतो मृत्युर्मत्स्यानामुदके यथा ॥ १० ॥
dehaṁ nāvarurutse ’haṁ duḥkha-śoka-bhayāvaham sarvatrāsya yato mṛtyur matsyānām udake yathā
I do not wish to accept a material body, for it brings distress, lamentation, and fear; everywhere its death is certain—like a fish in water, ever anxious from fear of death.
The material body, whether in the higher or lower planetary system, is destined to die. In the lower planetary system or lower species of life one may die soon, and in the higher planets or higher species one may live for a long, long time, but death is inevitable. This fact should be understood. In the human form of life one should take the opportunity to put an end to birth, death, old age and disease by performing tapasya. This is the aim of human civilization: to stop the repetition of birth and death, which is called mṛtyu-saṁsāra-vartmani. This can be done only when one is Kṛṣṇa conscious, or has achieved the service of the lotus feet of the Lord. Otherwise one must rot in this material world and accept a material body subject to birth, death, old age and disease.
FAQs
This verse states that taking a material body brings distress, lamentation, and fear, and that death is unavoidable for the embodied soul in every circumstance.
In the narrative, Nimi expresses renunciation, emphasizing that embodied life is inherently insecure because death is present everywhere, so he does not wish to take up another material body.
Use the awareness of life’s fragility to reduce over-attachment to the body and possessions, and to prioritize spiritual practice, devotion, and purposeful living.