[If even Brahma’s world is destructible, is there any world that is indestructible?] Higher than this entire material world, in both its manifest and unmanifest states, is another world, which too is unmanifest but is eternal – even when all beings in this world perish, that world does not perish (20).

[What is the significance of that world?] That unmanifest world is celebrated as imperishable and as the supreme destination; those who attain it don’t return – it is my supreme abode (21).

[What is so special about that destination?] That supreme destination is [non-different from] the supreme person within whom all beings have their existence and by whom all existence is pervaded – he is attained by one-pointed devotion (22).

[Isn’t the supreme destination attained by those who depart at auspicious times?] I shall speak to you, Arjuna, about the times when departing yogis return and when they don’t (23).

[Which are the times when they don’t return?] Fire, brightness, day, the bright lunar fortnight, the six months of the northern course of the sun – departing during these times, those who know the eternal spiritual reality [brahman] attain that reality (24).

[Which are the times when they return?] Smoke, night, the dark lunar fortnight, the six months of the southern course of the sun – departing during these times, yogis attain the luminous moon and thereafter return (25).

[But don’t both paths take one to the eternal?] In the universe, the two paths of light and dark are thought to be eternal – by one, yogis don’t return; by the other, they do return (26)

[What is the effect of knowing these two paths?] Knowing these paths [to be leading to different destinations], yogis remain free from bewilderment – therefore, Arjuna, be steadfastly engaged in yoga (27).

[What is the fruit of such steadfastness?] Whatever the pious fruits of study of the Vedas, sacrifice, austerity and charity, yogis go beyond all such fruits and attain the supreme destination (28).