Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.26
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगतः शाश्वते मते । एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुनः ॥२६॥
śuklakṛṣṇe gatī hyete jagataḥ śāśvate mate | ekayā yātyanāvṛttimanyayāvartate punaḥ ||26||
Complete Shloka Translation
These bright and dark paths are regarded as the world's enduring two courses. By one, a person reaches nonreturn; by the other, one returns again.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| शुक्लकृष्णे | śuklakṛṣṇe | bright and dark |
| गती | gatī | the two courses |
| ह्येते | hyete | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
| जगतः | jagataḥ | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
| शाश्वते | śāśvate | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
| मते | mate | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
| एकया | ekayā | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
| यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते | yātyanāvṛttimanyayāvartate | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
| पुनः | punaḥ | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
| २६ | punaḥ | [term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar... |
bright and dark
the two courses
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
[term] in context of These bright and dark paths ar...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The two descriptions are summarized through their different outcomes. Bright and dark are traditional names for these courses, not labels for the moral worth of people living at different times.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Compare goals by their lasting significance, not only their immediate attraction."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How do you compare goals by their lasting significance?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.