The Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute

Krishna introduces the teaching about the paths after death: 'Yatra kale tv anavrittim avrittim chaiva yoginah'—in which (yatra) time (kale), the yogis (yoginah) do not return (anavrittim) or return (avrittim). 'Prayata yanti tam kalam vakshyami bharatarshabha'—I shall tell (vakshyami) you, O best of the Bharatas (bharatarshabha), that (tam) time (kalam) at which departing (prayatah) yogis go (yanti). This verse sets up the teaching about the two paths: the path of light (leading to liberation, no return) and the path of darkness (leading to rebirth, return). Krishna will explain which times lead to which path. This is crucial knowledge—understanding these paths helps you prepare for death and choose the path that leads to liberation.