# SB 7.2.49 ## Text > atha nityam anityaṁ vā > neha śocanti tad-vidaḥ > nānyathā śakyate kartuṁ > sva-bhāvaḥ śocatām iti ## Synonyms *atha*—therefore; *nityam*—the eternal spirit soul; *anityam*—the temporary material body; *vā*—or; *na*—not; *iha*—in this world; *śocanti*—they lament for; *tat*-*vidaḥ*—those who are advanced in knowledge of the body and soul; *na*—not; *anyathā*—otherwise; *śakyate*—is able; *kartum*—to do; *sva*-*bhāvaḥ*—the nature; *śocatām*—of those prone to lamentation; *iti*—thus. ## Translation **Those who have full knowledge of self-realization, who know very well that the spirit soul is eternal whereas the body is perishable, are not overwhelmed by lamentation. But persons who lack knowledge of self-realization certainly lament. Therefore it is difficult to educate a person in illusion.** ## Purport According to the *mīmāṁsā* philosophers, everything is eternal, *nitya,* and according to the Sāṅkhya philosophers everything is *mithyā,* or *anitya*—impermanent. Nonetheless, without real knowledge of *ātma*—, the soul, such philosophers must be bewildered and must continue to lament as *śūdras.* Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī therefore said to Parīkṣit Mahārāja: > śrotavyādīni rājendra > nṛṇāṁ santi sahasraśaḥ > apaśyatām ātma-tattvaṁ > gṛheṣu gṛha-medhinām "Those who are materially engrossed, being blind to knowledge of the ultimate truth, have many subjects for hearing in human society, O Emperor." [[sb/2/1/2|(SB 2.1.2)]] For ordinary persons engaged in material activities there are many, many subject matters to understand because such persons do not understand self-realization. One must therefore be educated in self-realization so that under any circumstances in life he will remain steady in his vows.