Sanskrit literature is rich with verses and shlokas that touch upon the themes of depression, death, and suffering. These ancient verses often offer philosophical insights and spiritual wisdom to help individuals cope with the challenges of life. Here are a few shlokas related to these themes:
On Coping with Suffering: नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः। उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः॥ (Transliteration: Nāsato vidyate bhāvo nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ, ubhayorapi dṛṣṭo'ntastvanayostattvadarśibhiḥ) Meaning: The unreal has no existence, and the real never ceases to exist; the wise, who perceive the truth about these two, understand their nature.
On Overcoming Grief and Sorrow: कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (Transliteration: Karmaṇyevādhikāraste mā phaleṣu kadāchana, mā karmaphalaheturbhūrmā te saṅgo'stvakarmaṇi) Meaning: You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to not doing your duty.
On Impermanence and Death: जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च। तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि॥ (Transliteration: Jātasya hi dhruvo mṛtyur dhruvaṁ janma mṛtasya ca, tasmādaparihārye'rthe na tvaṁ śocitumarhasi) Meaning: Death is certain for one who is born, and rebirth is inevitable for one who dies. Therefore, you should not grieve over the inevitable.
On the Eternal Soul: