यत्र काले त्वनावृत्तिमावृत्तिं चैव योगिन: | प्रयाता यान्ति तं कालं वक्ष्यामि भरतर्षभ || 23 || अग्निर्ज्योतिरह: शुक्ल: षण्मासा उत्तरायणम् | तत्र प्रयाता गच्छन्ति ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविदो जना: || 24 || धूमो रात्रिस्तथा कृष्ण: षण्मासा दक्षिणायनम् | तत्र चान्द्रमसं ज्योतिर्योगी प्राप्य निवर्तते || 25 || शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगत: शाश्वते मते | एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुन: || 26 || |
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“Now I will tell you, Ο greatest of the Bharatas, the time in which the yogis depart and return.”
“Fire, light, day, the bright fortnight of the moon, the six months of the northern solstice – these are the times of ascension or departure for the yogis.”
“Smoke, night, the dark fortnight of the moon, the six months of the southern solstice – these are the times of descension or return for the yogis.”
“Indeed, those who know the supreme reality say that the paths of light and darkness are eternal in this world. By following the path of light, one attains liberation, and by following the path of darkness, one returns to the cycle of birth and death.”
Commentary: In these verses, Lord Krishna explains the significance of time and its relation to the journey of yogis. He states that accomplished yogis are aware of the influence of time and can navigate its cycles. They can enter the unmanifested or manifested aspects of time aligning their consciousness accordingly. This indicates their mastery over the temporal dimension.
The specific times mentioned here symbolize different energetic and cosmic influences. The bright fortnight, the northern solstice, fire, light, and day represent positive and ascending forces.
The Earth’s axial tilt causes variations in the amount of sunlight different regions receive throughout the year. This tilt results in the changing of seasons. Uttarayana refers to the period when the sun travels in the northern direction, moving from the Tropic of Capricorn toward the Tropic of Cancer. In the Northern Hemisphere during the winter solstice, Uttarayana begins in December and lasts for approximately six months until June, marking the beginning of summer solstice.
The lunar month in the Hindu calendar is divided into two halves: the bright half (Shukla Paksha) and the dark half (Krishna Paksha). Shukla Paksha begins with the new moon (Amavasya) and lasts for approximately 15 days until the full moon (Purnima).
Earthly departure during Shukla Paksha in Uttarayana is considered auspicious. Many Hindu festivals and rituals are performed during this ascending 6-month period from the time sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
The term “Brahmavido janāḥ” refers to those who have knowledge of the ultimate reality or Brahman. Yogis who have realized Brahman, the ultimate reality, ascend and merge into these forces during their manifestation.
On the other hand, the dark fortnight, the southern solstice, night, and smoke symbolize negative and descending forces. Yogis who have not attained liberation return to the cycle of birth and death during the influence of these forces.
By following the path of light, which is characterized by knowledge, purity, and spiritual evolution, one attains liberation (nirvana) and transcends the cycle of rebirth. Conversely, following the path of darkness, which is associated with ignorance, attachment, and material desires, leads to repeated births and deaths.
The verses emphasize the importance of understanding the nature of time and aligning one’s actions and consciousness with the spiritual path. By being aware of the energetic influences of time and making conscious choices, yogis can progress towards liberation and avoid being trapped in the cycle of samsara.