भूतग्राम: स एवायं भूत्वा भूत्वा प्रलीयते | रात्र्यागमेऽवश: पार्थ प्रभवत्यहरागमे || 19 || |
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“This entire multitude of beings, being born again and again, is dissolved at the approach of night, O Arjuna, and comes forth at the approach of day.”
Commentary: Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the continuous cycle of birth and dissolution that all beings undergo. The term “bhūta-grāmaḥ” refers to the aggregate of all beings, encompassing every living creature in existence. He emphasizes that this collective multitude of beings undergoes a cyclical pattern of manifestation and dissolution.
Beings are born and take form in the manifest world, experiencing life and fulfilling their karmic destinies. However, when the time of dissolution approaches, symbolized as night, all these beings dissolve back into their essential state. This dissolution occurs at the level of individual beings as well as the entire universe.
During the period of dissolution, the individual identities and forms of beings are dissolved, and they remain in a dormant state until the next cycle of creation begins. This phase is metaphorically referred to as the night, as it represents a period of rest and withdrawal from the manifest world.
When the time of creation approaches, symbolized as day, the beings once again emerge from their dissolved state and take on new forms. They are born again into the manifest world to continue their journey of life and experiences.
Lord Krishna highlights the cyclical nature of existence, where beings go through a continuous process of birth, life, dissolution, and rebirth. This process repeats itself, governed by the cosmic rhythm of creation and dissolution.
The verse reminds Arjuna, and all seekers of truth, of the impermanence and transient nature of individual existence. It encourages individuals to recognize the eternal aspect of their being beyond the cycle of birth and death and to strive for spiritual realization.