Chapter 8 Verse 19
Akṣhar Brahma Yog
भूतग्रामः स एवायं भूत्वा भूत्वा प्रलीयते। रात्र्यागमेऽवशः पार्थ प्रभवत्यहरागमे।।8.19।।
bhūta-grāmaḥ sa evāyaṁ bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate rātryāgame ’vaśhaḥ pārtha prabhavatyahar-āgame
Word Meanings
| bhūta-grāmaḥ | the multitude of beings |
| saḥ | these |
| eva | certainly |
| ayam | this |
| bhūtvā bhūtvā | repeatedly taking birth |
| pralīyate | dissolves |
| rātri-āgame | with the advent of night |
| avaśhaḥ | helpless |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| prabhavati | become manifest |
| ahaḥ-āgame | with the advent of day |
Translation
This same multitude of beings, being born again and again, helplessly dissolves, O Arjuna, into the Unmanifested at the coming of the night and comes forth at the coming of the day.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that all beings repeat cycles of coming into being and dissolving back into a deeper, unmanifest reality. Day and night are used as symbols: with day things appear, with night they merge back into a hidden ground.
It points to a natural rhythm beyond our personal story. While life seems to rise and fall, there is an underlying, steady presence that is not damaged by these changes. The word "helpless" reminds us that without inner awareness we are carried along by the cycle of birth, change, and death.
Life Application
- When you face loss or change, remember it is part of a larger natural cycle; this can reduce panic and help you respond calmly.
- Build a simple daily practice (short meditation, quiet moments at morning and evening) to reconnect with the steady inner ground beneath your changing thoughts and feelings.
- Practice doing your tasks fully but without clinging to outcomes; accept both emergence and dissolution as normal.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I being swept by change instead of finding a calm center within?