एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुन: ||26||
These bright and dark paths of the world are considered eternal. By one, one does not return; by the other, one returns.
- Shukla: Bright path.
- Krishna: Dark path.
- Gati: Path or route.
The two eternal paths of bright and dark represent liberation and rebirth. The commentary reflects on choice and effort, reminding seekers of the importance of conscious actions in shaping their spiritual destiny.
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु योगयुक्तो भवार्जुन ||27||
Knowing these two paths, O Partha, the yogi is never deluded. Therefore, at all times, be steadfast in yoga.
- Sriti: Paths of return and non-return.
- Yogi: One who practices yoga.
- Muhyati: Deluded or confused.
Krishna urges Arjuna to maintain focus in yoga, avoiding confusion. This commentary reiterates the necessity of discipline and clarity in understanding the teachings and applying them consistently.
अत्येति तत्सर्वमिदं विदित्वा योगी परं स्थानमुपैति चाद्यम् ||28||
A yogi who knows all this surpasses the fruits of Vedic study, sacrifices, austerities, and charity and attains the supreme eternal abode.
- Tapah: Austerities or penances.
- Daanam: Charity or giving.
- Paramam Sthanam: The supreme abode.
By surpassing the fruits of ritualistic activities, the yogi attains the ultimate eternal abode. The commentary highlights the transition from action-based spirituality to realization-based fulfillment, achieving freedom.
Chapter 9
Raja Vidya Yogah
ज्ञानं विज्ञानसहितं यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् ||1||
The Blessed Lord said: I shall now explain to you this most secret knowledge, along with direct realization, knowing which you shall be freed from inauspiciousness.
- Guhyatama: The most confidential knowledge.
- Vijnana: Knowledge with realization.
- Anasuya: One free from envy.
Krishna introduces the confidential knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding. By sharing it with one who is free from envy, Krishna ensures it reaches a worthy recipient. This establishes the importance of a receptive attitude in spiritual learning and paves the way for profound teachings.
प्रत्यक्षावगमं धर्म्यं सुसुखं कर्तुमव्ययम् ||2||
This knowledge is the king of sciences, the king of secrets, most sacred, directly realizable, in accordance with dharma, easy to practice, and eternal.
- Rajavidya: The king of sciences.
- Rajaguhya: The supreme secret.
- Avagaman: Direct experience or realization.
This shloka elevates the status of knowledge as both a royal science and a royal secret, highlighting its transformative potential. Krishna underscores its practicality, purity, and permanence, emphasizing how knowledge, when applied, leads to spiritual liberation and fulfillment.
अप्राप्य मां निवर्तन्ते मृत्युसंसारवर्त्मनि ||3||
Men who lack faith in this dharma, O Parantapa, without attaining Me, return to the path of death and worldly existence.
- Ashraddha: Lack of faith.
- Samsara: The cycle of birth and death.
- Parantapa: A title for Arjuna meaning subduer of enemies.
Faith is essential in spiritual progress. Krishna contrasts the fate of the faithful and the faithless, showing how doubt can lead one back to the cycles of birth and death. This sets up the narrative for why faith in Krishna’s words and teachings is paramount.