Wisdom that comes back

tatra taṃ buddhisaṃyogaṃ labhate paurvadehikamyatate ca tato bhūyaḥ saṃsiddhau kurunandana

There they regain the understanding of their former body, and strive again, even harder, for perfection, joy of the Kurus.

What it means

Krishna says the seeker regains the buddhi, understanding, they had in their previous life. It comes back, like a remembered skill. And they strive again, even harder, toward perfection. Each life builds on the last. Nothing sincere is ever wasted.

The story

Some children show a strange wisdom or talent early. Krishna offers one explanation. They're picking up an old thread. Arjuna himself took to archery as if he'd always known it.

In your life

Imagine someone who returns to the piano after twenty years and finds their fingers remember more than they expected. Return to something you once loved. It may come back faster than you think.