यत्र काले त्वनावृत्तिमावृत्तिं चैव योगिनः। प्रयाता यान्ति तं कालं वक्ष्यामि भरतर्षभ।।8.23।।
yatra kāle tv anāvṛttim āvṛttim caiva yoginaḥ prayātaḥ yanti tam kālam vakṣyāmi bharata‑ṛṣabha
Translation
I will tell you, O chief of the Bhāratas, the times at which the mystics who have gone forth depart either for the state of no return or for return.
Word Meanings
yatra — at which; kāle — time; tu — and; anāvṛttim — no return; āvṛttim — return; ca — also; eva — certainly; yoginaḥ — mystics; prayātaḥ — having departed; yanti — attain; tam — that; kālam — time; vakṣyāmi — I shall describe; bharata-ṛṣabha — O chief of the Bhāratas
Understanding the Verse
Verse 8.23 of the Bhagavad Gītā deals with a subtle but crucial aspect of the yogic path – the precise moments of death that determine whether a soul attains the state of non‑return (ānavaṛttī) or returns again to the cycle of birth and death (āvṛttī). In the preceding verses, Lord Krishna has explained the nature of the supreme abode (Brahma‑stra) and the importance of remembering the Divine at the moment of death. Here He narrows the focus to the specific ‘kāla’ or time‑instants when a yogi departs, asserting that the outcome depends on the yogi’s inner state and the consciousness with which he leaves the body.
The verse lists the categories of yogis: those who have attained the highest realization (ānavaṛttī) and those who, though disciplined, still retain a subtle attachment to the material world (āvṛttī). The former are described as having merged fully into the divine consciousness, so that at the instant of death they merge with the supreme, never to re‑embark upon the worldly journey. The latter, while still spiritually advanced, may still possess a trace of ego or desire, leading them to return to the cycle for further evolution. Krishna’s promise to describe the exact times (‘yatra kāle’) is a pedagogical tool, encouraging aspirants to cultivate unwavering devotion, steady meditation, and remembrance of the Divine at all times, especially at death.
Practically, this verse urges seekers to prepare for the moment of death throughout life, by cultivating a steady mind (citta‑śānta) and constant remembrance (smaraṇa) of the Supreme. By doing so, one aligns the moment of departure with the highest spiritual vibration, ensuring that the ‘kāla’ becomes a portal to the non‑returning state. This teaching underscores the Gītā’s broader message: the ultimate goal is liberation (mokṣa), and that liberation can be attained not only by elaborate rites but by the purity of consciousness at the decisive instant of death. Consequently, the verse serves both as a warning against complacency and as an inspiration for disciplined spiritual practice, guiding the devotee toward the ultimate goal of eternal union with the Divine.
