यदा सत्त्वे प्रवृद्धे तु प्रलयं याति देहभृत् | तदोत्तमविदां लोकानमलान्प्रतिपद्यते || 14 || रजसि प्रलयं गत्वा कर्मसङ्गिषु जायते | तथा प्रलीनस्तमसि मूढयोनिषु जायते || 15 || |
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“When the mode of sattva predominates and one departs from the body at the time of death, they attain the pure realms of those who know the highest.”
“By departing in the mode of rajas, one is born among those attached to action. Likewise, by departing in the mode of tamas, one takes birth among the ignorant and deluded.”
Commentary In these verses, Lord Krishna explains the consequences of departing from the body in different modes of nature. When an individual’s consciousness is predominantly influenced by sattva, the mode of goodness, at the time of death, they attain higher realms or spiritual planes where enlightened beings reside. These realms are characterized by purity, wisdom, and spiritual realization. The individuals who reach these realms are free from impurities and are aligned with higher truths.
Similarly, if one’s consciousness is predominantly influenced by tamas, the mode of ignorance, at the time of death, they are born among those who are ignorant and deluded. They lack understanding, are prone to confusion, and are disconnected from spiritual truths. They are trapped in the cycle of ignorance and suffer from the consequences of their deluded actions.
These verses highlight the importance of living a life guided by sattva, the mode of goodness. By cultivating virtues, seeking knowledge, and practicing self-discipline, one can elevate their consciousness and ensure a favorable outcome at the time of death. The Bhagavad Gita encourages individuals to strive for spiritual growth, purify their consciousness, and transcend the lower modes of nature to attain higher realms and ultimately liberation from the cycle of birth and death.