Chapter 8 · Akshara Brahma Yoga - The Yoga of the Imperishable BrahmanKrishna
Verse 26
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 8, श्लोक 26
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगतः शाश्वते मते।
एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुनः॥
Transliteration
Shukla-krishne gati hy-ete jagatah shashvate mate
Ekaya yaty-anavrittim-anyaya-avartate punah
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
शुक्लकृष्णेshukla-krishnelight and dark
गतीgatipaths
एतेetethese
जगतःjagatahof the world
शाश्वतेshashvateeternal
मतेmateconsidered
एकयाekayaby one
यातिyatigoes
अनावृत्तिम्anavrittimto no return
अन्ययाanyayaby the other
आवर्ततेavartatereturns
पुनःpunahagain
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
जगत में ये दो — शुक्ल और कृष्ण — शाश्वत गतियाँ मानी गई हैं। एक से मनुष्य अनावृत्ति (न लौटने वाली गति) को जाता है और दूसरे से पुनः लौट आता है।
English Translation
These two paths — the light and the dark — are considered to be the eternal paths of the world. By one, one goes to no return; by the other, one returns again.
Commentary (टीका)
Krishna summarizes the two cosmic paths that have existed since the beginning of creation. The path of light leads to permanent liberation while the path of darkness leads back to rebirth. This binary framework simplifies the complex Upanishadic teaching and motivates the seeker to aim for the luminous path.