(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

The Light Path Leads To Liberty, Whereas The Darkness Path Leads To Reincarnation

शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगत: शाश्वते मते |
एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुन: || 8.26||

śhukla-kṛiṣhṇe gatī hyete jagataḥ śhāśhvate mate
ekayā yātyanāvṛittim anyayāvartate punaḥ|| 8.26||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 8- Ver. 26:

Both these paths, light and dark, have been known from the beginning of time. The traveller does not have to return in one case, but must return in the other.

Explanation

At the end of their lives, all humans born on this planet must pass along two paths: the path of light or the path of darkness. Their karmas ultimately determine the route they will choose. Shri Krishna described two paths that the jeeva travels after death: the “bright” path, which leads to Lord Brahma’s dwelling, and the “black” path, which leads to the moon’s abode.

He then underlines the distinction between the two paths, explaining that those who follow the bright path are liberated, while those who follow the dark path are reborn after spending time in the moon’s dwelling. He also claims that these roads have existed from the beginning of time.

These two roads cater to two distinct groups of individuals. Those who perform good deeds, as well as single-pointed devotion, are eligible to enter Lord Brahma’s dwelling. Those who solely do good deeds, on the other hand, will go to paradise.

Verse & what we can learn

It is one’s Karma’s that decide which path one will go. Active workers and intellectual dreamers have been coming and going since the dawn of time. They are unable to attain ultimate salvation because they refuse to submit to Divine Will.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the Next verse, Shri Krishna explains to Arjuna what is the significance of these two paths to us?

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…