Chapter 8 Verse 18
Akṣhar Brahma Yog
अव्यक्ताद्व्यक्तयः सर्वाः प्रभवन्त्यहरागमे। रात्र्यागमे प्रलीयन्ते तत्रैवाव्यक्तसंज्ञके।।8.18।।
avyaktād vyaktayaḥ sarvāḥ prabhavantyahar-āgame rātryāgame pralīyante tatraivāvyakta-sanjñake
Word Meanings
| avyaktāt | from the unmanifested |
| vyaktayaḥ | the manifested |
| sarvāḥ | all |
| prabhavanti | emanate |
| ahaḥ-āgame | at the advent of Brahma’s day |
| rātri-āgame | at the fall of Brahma’s night |
| pralīyante | they dissolve |
| tatra | into that |
| eva | certainly |
| avyakta-sanjñake | in that which is called the unmanifest |
Translation
From the Unmanifested, all the manifested worlds proceed upon the arrival of the 'day'; upon the arrival of the 'night', they dissolve indeed into that which is known as the Unmanifested.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that everything we see and experience (the manifest) comes out of a deeper, unmanifest source when creation begins, and returns to that source when it dissolves. The "day" and "night" are images for cycles of arising and passing away.
Philosophically, it points to one underlying reality beyond forms. Things appear and disappear, but the unmanifest ground remains unchanged as the source and resting place of all change.
Spiritually, recognizing this reduces fear of loss and helps us rest in a steadier inner presence. It invites us to notice that forms are temporary expressions of a deeper, unchanging reality.
Life Application
- When you face change or loss, remind yourself that everything is part of a natural cycle; this can ease grief and reduce panic.
- Build a short daily practice (breath awareness, meditation, or quiet reflection) to connect with the stillness beneath thoughts and events.
- Act fully in the world, but avoid clinging to outcomes—do your duty while keeping a bigger view of life's cycles.
Reflection Question
How would I respond differently today if I truly felt that everything around me is arising from—and returning to—the same deeper reality?