The Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute

Krishna introduces the imperishable goal: 'Yad aksharam veda-vido vadanti'—that which (yat) is declared (vadanti) imperishable (aksharam) by the knowers of the Vedas (veda-vidah). 'Vishanti yad yatayo vitaragah'—into which (yat) enter (vishanti) the self-controlled (yatayah) and desire-free (vitaragah). 'Yad icchanto brahmacaryam caranti'—desiring which (yat icchanta) they practice (caranti) celibacy (brahmacaryam). 'Tat te padam sangrahena pravakshye'—that (tat) goal (padam) I shall declare (pravakshye) to you (te) in brief (sangrahena). This verse introduces the imperishable Brahman—the goal that sages seek, that self-controlled people enter, that those desiring liberation practice celibacy to attain. This is the goal beyond all change—the eternal Absolute. Krishna will explain this in brief in the next verses.