Gita 8.25
Aksara Brahma Yoga
धूमो रात्रिस्तथा कृष्णः षण्मासा दक्षिणायनम् । तत्र चान्द्रमसं ज्योतिर्योगी प्राप्य निवर्तते ॥२५॥
dhūmo rātris tathā kṛṣṇaḥ ṣaṇ-māsā dakṣiṇāyanam | tatra cāndramasaṁ jyotir yogī prāpya nivartate ||25||
In essence: The path of smoke, darkness, and waning moon leads even the spiritual practitioner back to rebirth - partial attainment still binds.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Guruji, this sounds discouraging. Even a yogi who has practiced returns to rebirth?"
Guru: "Does this knowledge discourage you, or does it clarify your aim?"
Sadhak: "I suppose... it clarifies. But why would a yogi take this inferior path?"
Guru: "Who said it is inferior? A soul enjoying celestial realms for eons before returning - is this failure?"
Sadhak: "No, but compared to liberation..."
Guru: "Ah, so you want liberation. Then ask yourself: do you still want anything else?"
Sadhak: "Of course I do. I want my family to prosper, I want recognition for my practice, I want..."
Guru: "And there lies the smoke that obscures your path. These wants are not sins - they are simply direction-givers."
Sadhak: "So my desires determine which path I take at death?"
Guru: "Your desires at death are simply the sum of all your desires throughout life. What you practice daily, you become finally."
Sadhak: "Then how do I purify these desires?"
Guru: "Not by suppressing them, but by examining them. Each desire, when fully understood, reveals itself as a search for the One. Find what you truly seek behind every want."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Upon waking, examine your first thoughts. What do you desire for this day? Notice without judgment whether these desires point toward temporary satisfaction or eternal fulfillment. This awareness itself begins clarifying your path.
When pursuing any goal today, pause briefly and ask: 'What do I ultimately want from this?' Trace the desire to its root. Recognition, comfort, security - all ultimately seek the peace of the Self. This tracing practice transforms ordinary desire into self-inquiry.
Before sleep, review the day's pursuits. Were you motivated by the clear light of selfless action or the smoke of personal gain? Neither judgment nor guilt serves - only honest seeing. Whatever you see, offer it to the Divine with the understanding that even your imperfect striving is accepted.