Bhagavad Gita 8.23 — Krishna Announces the Times of Departure That Lead to Return or Non-Return
यत्र काले त्वनावृत्तिमावृत्तिं चैव योगिनः ।
प्रयाता यान्ति तं कालं वक्ष्यामि भरतर्षभ ॥ ८.२३ ॥
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O best of the Bharatas, I shall now tell you the times at which yogis who depart from this world do not return, and the time at which they do return.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yatra | in which |
| kāle | time |
| tu | but |
| anāvṛittim | non-return, no rebirth |
| āvṛittim | return, rebirth |
| cha | and |
| eva | also |
| yoginaḥ | yogis |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| prayātāḥ | having departed |
| yānti | attain, go |
| tam | that |
| kālam | time |
| vakṣhyāmi | I shall describe |
| bharatarṣhabha | O best of the Bharatas |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yatra | in which | prayātāḥ | having departed |
| kāle | time | yānti | attain, go |
| tu | but | tam | that |
| anāvṛittim | non-return, no rebirth | kālam | time |
| āvṛittim | return, rebirth | vakṣhyāmi | I shall describe |
| cha | and | bharatarṣhabha | O best of the Bharatas |
| eva | also | ||
| yoginaḥ | yogis | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now introduces a new subject. He will explain the times at which yogis, on departing from the world, either do not return or return again.
Essence
Introducing the Two Paths of Departure
This verse acts as a bridge. Having discussed remembrance at the time of death, Lord Krishna now gives additional teaching on the paths that souls follow after departure. This is a topic that Arjuna had indirectly raised by asking about the time of death.
Yatra kāle (at which time): The word kāla in this context can mean time, but it is also understood as the 'path' or 'condition' associated with certain times. The verses that follow describe two broad paths, one associated with light and one with darkness.
Anāvṛttim (non-return): This refers to liberation, the path from which there is no return to the cycle of birth and death.
Āvṛttiṁ caiva (and also return): This refers to the path from which one returns to rebirth. The Gita acknowledges that not every departure leads to final liberation. Some people, after enjoying the fruit of their good deeds in higher realms, return to the earthly world.
Yoginaḥ prayātā yānti (yogis departing, go): The verse specifically speaks of yogis. This is not about ordinary persons without discipline, but about spiritual practitioners and the different destinations that their way of life leads to.
Vakṣyāmi bharatarṣabha (I shall tell you, O best of the Bharatas): The Lord announces that He will explain this clearly. His address to Arjuna as the best of the Bharatas shows respect for his capacity to understand.
Why this teaching is given: The point of the description is not to create fear or to encourage speculation about the afterlife. Its purpose is to help the seeker see that how we live determines what we reach, and that there is a path leading to freedom. The next verses describe the two paths in symbolic terms.
Message for Everyday Life (Our Choices Shape Our Direction)
Recognise that direction matters: We are always moving in some direction, even if we do not choose it consciously. Daily choices gradually shape the course of a life.
Practical approach: Take a few minutes to ask yourself where your present habits are leading you in the long run. If you do not like the direction, make one small adjustment, such as spending time with positive people or setting aside time for reflection. Small changes in direction, kept up over time, lead to very different destinations.
Introducing the Two Paths of Departure
This verse acts as a bridge. Having discussed remembrance at the time of death, Lord Krishna now gives additional teaching on the paths that souls follow after departure. This is a topic that Arjuna had indirectly raised by asking about the time of death.
Yatra kāle (at which time): The word kāla in this context can mean time, but it is also understood as the 'path' or 'condition' associated with certain times. The verses that follow describe two broad paths, one associated with light and one with darkness.
Anāvṛttim (non-return): This refers to liberation, the path from which there is no return to the cycle of birth and death.
Āvṛttiṁ caiva (and also return): This refers to the path from which one returns to rebirth. The Gita acknowledges that not every departure leads to final liberation. Some people, after enjoying the fruit of their good deeds in higher realms, return to the earthly world.
Yoginaḥ prayātā yānti (yogis departing, go): The verse specifically speaks of yogis. This is not about ordinary persons without discipline, but about spiritual practitioners and the different destinations that their way of life leads to.
Vakṣyāmi bharatarṣabha (I shall tell you, O best of the Bharatas): The Lord announces that He will explain this clearly. His address to Arjuna as the best of the Bharatas shows respect for his capacity to understand.
Why this teaching is given: The point of the description is not to create fear or to encourage speculation about the afterlife. Its purpose is to help the seeker see that how we live determines what we reach, and that there is a path leading to freedom. The next verses describe the two paths in symbolic terms.
Message for Everyday Life (Our Choices Shape Our Direction)
Recognise that direction matters: We are always moving in some direction, even if we do not choose it consciously. Daily choices gradually shape the course of a life.
Practical approach: Take a few minutes to ask yourself where your present habits are leading you in the long run. If you do not like the direction, make one small adjustment, such as spending time with positive people or setting aside time for reflection. Small changes in direction, kept up over time, lead to very different destinations.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has announced that He will explain the times of departure leading to non-return and return. He now describes the first of these, the path of light, which leads knowers of Brahman to the Supreme, in the next verse.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
A clear map calms the traveler.
Knowing the roads makes the choice real.
To understand the end is to live more fully.
A good teacher announces the road before the journey.
Prepare for the crossing before the crossing.
Knowledge of the paths dissolves fear.
Guidance is a form of compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the topic being introduced in this verse?
What do 'anāvṛittim' (non-return) and 'āvṛittim' (return) mean?
Why does Krishna say 'vakṣhyāmi' (I shall describe)?
Who are the 'yoginaḥ' (yogis) mentioned here?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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