Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 8 verse 26
Chapter 8 · Akshara Brahma Yoga

Two Paths · Choosing Freedom or Repetition

शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगतः शाश्वते मते । एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययाऽऽवर्तते पुनः ॥

śuklakṛṣṇe gatī hy ete jagataḥ śāśvate mate, ekayā yāty anāvṛttim anyayāvartate punaḥ.

Meaning

"These two paths, the bright and the dark, are considered eternal for the world; by one, a soul goes to non-return, and by the other, it returns again."

Explanation

Life consistently offers two directions—one toward lasting freedom, one toward familiar repetition—and the choice is ongoing.

Today's Life Lesson

Notice today which of your habits lead toward growth and which just keep you circling the same place.

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