🕉️ Chapter 8 – The Imperishable Supreme: Shlokas 21–28
Krishna concludes Chapter 8 with a revelation about the highest destination — the Eternal, Unmanifest Brahman. He also explains the two cosmic paths taken after death — the path of light (leading to liberation) and the path of darkness (leading to rebirth). Finally, he assures Arjuna that true devotion surpasses all worry.
📜 Shloka 21
अव्यक्तोऽक्षर इत्युक्तस्तमाहुः परमां गतिम् ।
यं प्राप्य न निवर्तन्ते तद्धाम परमं मम ॥21॥
English Translation:
That unmanifest is called the Imperishable. It is said to be the highest goal. Those who reach it never return. That is My supreme abode.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
उस अव्यक्त को अक्षर कहा गया है, और वही परम गति मानी जाती है। जो उसे प्राप्त करते हैं, वे लौटकर नहीं आते — वह मेरा परम धाम है।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
The Unmanifest is not just the absence of form — it is fullness beyond form.
🪔 Modern Insight:
Your soul is seeking what does not fade. That is home. That is God.
📜 Shloka 22
पुरुषः स परः पार्थ भक्त्या लभ्यस्त्वनन्यया ।
यस्यान्तःस्थानि भूतानि येन सर्वमिदं ततम् ॥22॥
English Translation:
That Supreme Person, O Arjuna, is attained by undivided devotion. He pervades all beings and everything exists within Him.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
हे पार्थ! वह परम पुरुष अनन्य भक्ति द्वारा प्राप्त होता है। उसी में सभी प्राणी स्थित हैं, और वह सम्पूर्ण जगत में व्याप्त है।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
God isn’t somewhere else. He is the essence behind everything.
🪔 Modern Insight:
Don't seek externally — the Divine is both within you and holding you.
📜 Shloka 23
यत्र काले त्वनावृत्तिमावृत्तिं चैव योगिनः ।
प्रयाता यान्ति तं कालं वक्ष्यामि भरतर्षभ ॥23॥
English Translation:
O best of the Bharatas, I will now explain the time when departing yogis do not return — and when they do return.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
हे भरतश्रेष्ठ! मैं अब वह समय बताता हूँ, जब योगी मृत्यु के समय शरीर त्याग करते हैं और पुनः नहीं लौटते — तथा जब लौटते हैं।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
Even the moment of death holds power. It's not just when we die, but how.
🪔 Modern Insight:
Your awareness in transition determines your destination.
📜 Shloka 24
अग्निर्ज्योतिरहः शुक्लः षण्मासा उत्तरायणम् ।
तत्र प्रयाता गच्छन्ति ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविदो जनाः ॥24॥
English Translation:
Those who depart during the time of fire, light, daytime, the bright fortnight, and the six months of the northern path (uttarayana) — reach Brahman.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
जो योगी अग्नि, प्रकाश, दिन, शुक्ल पक्ष और उत्तरायण (सूर्य का उत्तर दिशा की ओर जाना) के समय शरीर त्याग करते हैं — वे ब्रह्म को प्राप्त करते हैं।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
Nature itself aligns with spiritual cycles — light carries you upward when you're inwardly aligned.
🪔 Modern Insight:
You don’t have to wait for cosmic timing — carry light within, always.
📜 Shloka 25
धूमो रात्रिस्तथा कृष्णः षण्मासा दक्षिणायनम् ।
तत्र चान्द्रमसं ज्योतिर्योगी प्राप्य निवर्तते ॥25॥
English Translation:
Those who pass away during smoke, night, the dark fortnight, and the southern path — attain the lunar light and return again.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
जो योगी धूम, रात्रि, कृष्ण पक्ष और दक्षिणायन के समय शरीर त्याग करते हैं — वे चंद्रलोक को प्राप्त करके पुनः लौटते हैं।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
This is the cycle of experience and return. Even spiritual elevation has stages — unless we go beyond form.
🪔 Modern Insight:
Progress isn't always permanent. Stay conscious beyond comfort.
📜 Shloka 26
शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगतः शाश्वते मते ।
एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुनः ॥26॥
English Translation:
These two paths — the path of light and path of darkness — are considered eternal. One leads to liberation, and the other leads to rebirth.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
ये दो मार्ग — शुक्ल (प्रकाश) और कृष्ण (अंधकार) — शाश्वत माने जाते हैं। एक मार्ग मोक्ष की ओर जाता है, और दूसरा पुनर्जन्म की ओर।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
Two journeys — one ends, the other loops. The path you walk is decided by the light you live with.
🪔 Modern Insight:
Live with clarity, die with peace. Your direction is shaped now, not later.
📜 Shloka 27
नैते सृती पार्थ जानन्योगी मुह्यति कश्चन ।
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु योगयुक्तो भवार्जुन ॥27॥
English Translation:
The yogi who understands these two paths is never deluded. Therefore, O Arjuna, be steadfast in yoga at all times.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
हे पार्थ! जो योगी इन दो मार्गों को जानता है, वह कभी मोहित नहीं होता — अतः तू सदा योग में स्थित रह।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
Knowing life’s exit doors makes you live with greater intention.
🪔 Modern Insight:
Master the moment so when the moment of death comes, it finds you awake — not afraid.
📜 Shloka 28
वेदेषु यज्ञेषु तपःसु चैव
दानेषु यत्पुण्यफलं प्रदिष्टम् ।
अत्येति तत्सर्वमिदं विदित्वा
योगी परं स्थानमुपैति चाद्यम् ॥28॥
English Translation:
The yogi who understands this teaching transcends all merits acquired from study of the Vedas, sacrifices, austerities, and charity — and attains the Supreme eternal abode.
हिन्दी अनुवाद:
जो योगी इस ज्ञान को जानता है — वह वेदों के अध्ययन, यज्ञ, तप और दान आदि से प्राप्त होने वाले समस्त पुण्यों को पार कर जाता है और परम पद को प्राप्त करता है।
🔍 Deep Reflection:
All rituals are like steps — once you know how to fly, you don’t climb anymore.
🪔 Modern Insight:
Wisdom makes worship conscious. Real yoga makes rituals redundant.
🌱 Ancient Verse – Modern Wisdom
| Gita Insight | Modern Life Lesson |
|---|---|
| The Supreme is beyond return | Seek the destination where endings don’t exist |
| Light and dark paths define afterlife | How you live shapes how you leave |
| Devotion overrules timing | Your sincerity is greater than your circumstances |
| Knowledge makes rituals unnecessary | Understand, and you're already beyond |
🧘 Message to Gen Z: Live Now Like You’re Eternal
- 🚪 Death is not a threat. It’s a gateway — if you’re ready.
- 🧭 Don’t depend on rituals. Depend on awareness.
- 🔥 Your every moment is shaping your soul’s next chapter.
- 🌌 You’re not just a spark. You are a piece of the Infinite.
➡️ Up Next: Chapter 9 – Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga: The Royal Knowledge & Supreme Secret