Verse 2.28

Verse 2.28: “For, non-manifest is the initial stage of the created things; manifest is their middle stage, O Scion of Bharata: and non-manifest also their final stage: what is there for lamenting in such a case? (164)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

All these living beings had no form before their birth. They received their individual forms with their births. Similarly when they die, then also they will have no other state, but have to return to their former (formless) condition. That which becomes manifest between birth and death is the body-form, which, through delusion is felt as being possessed by the Soul, just as the dream, although an illusion, appears to be real to the one asleep. Or, just as the water appears wavy, when a breeze causes it to move or gold takes the form of an ornament at the will of others, in the same way this world appears in (various) forms through illusion, as the sky gets screened by clouds. Why do you lament for that which has even no beginning (ādicī nāhiṃ). Keep your gaze fixed only on (the Supreme Spirit) Brahman that is imperishable; that Brahman on which the devotees concentrate their minds, and get emancipated from illusion; that (Supreme Power) Brahman, for reaching whom truth-seekers, becoming desireless, seek refuge in forests. Great sages leading a dedicated life of celibacy and practising various other penances concentrate their vision on it (Supreme Power).