Kṛṣṇa begins to explain the different conditions under which a yogī departs from the world. He promises to tell Arjuna about the specific times of passing that lead either to ‘anāvṛttim’ (no return/liberation) or to ‘āvṛttim’ (return/rebirth). In ancient Vedic mysticism, the circumstances of one’s death were considered very important. The time of day, the phase of the moon, and the path of the sun were thought to act as markers for the soul’s destination. Kṛṣṇa is addressing the technical traditions of the ‘Dhyāna-yogīs’ who relied on these cosmic timings. This section shows that Kṛṣṇa is aware of all the mystical sciences. He is providing a complete education to Arjuna, covering both the technicalities of the mystics and the simplicity of the devotees. He is about to describe the ‘Path of Light’ and the ‘Path of Smoke’ as they were understood by the seekers of that time.