This verse underscores the principle of karma and its consequences, emphasizing that individuals are responsible for their actions and their ultimate spiritual destiny. The bright path signifies the journey of self-realization, enlightenment, and liberation, achieved through virtuous deeds and spiritual practice. In contrast, the dark path represents ignorance, attachment, and bondage to worldly desires, leading to continued cycles of suffering and rebirth.

Lord Krishna explains the two paths that souls take after death, depending on their actions and spiritual evolution. He describes these paths as the bright and dark paths, leading to different destinations in the eternal world.

Firstly, Krishna mentions the bright path (shukla), representing the virtuous and righteous individuals who have lived a life of Dharma and spiritual upliftment. Those who follow this path attain the non-returnable state (anavrittim), which refers to liberation (moksha) or union with the divine. Once they reach this state, they do not reincarnate into the cycle of birth and death but merge with the supreme consciousness.

Conversely, Krishna speaks of the dark path (krishna), symbolizing those who have lived a life of ignorance, delusion, and negative actions. Souls who follow this path undergo the cycle of birth and death (avartate punah), repeatedly reincarnating into different life forms based on their karma. They continue to experience the consequences of their actions until they attain spiritual purification and evolve towards liberation.

Krishna's teaching highlights the importance of leading a righteous and virtuous life, aligning with Dharma, and striving for spiritual growth and liberation. By following the path of righteousness and spiritual evolution, individuals can transcend the cycle of birth and death and attain eternal bliss and union with the divine.