These verses mention different ways to leave the body and thus achieving different destination.
Devotees don’t worry about proper time to leave the body, but leave everything in Krishna’s hands and become fixed in devotion. This is because:
Krishna takes care and gives protection
Devotional service gives results of all other practices WAYS OF LEAVING THE BODY
1Path — In light, influence of fiery God, auspicious moment of day, Fort night of waxing moon, or 6 months when sun travels to north (8.24) For whom: Path of yogis and Jnanis Destination: Brahmajyoti
2Path — In darkness/night, during smoke, fortnight of waning moon or 6 months when sun passes to south reaches the moon and again comes back (8.25) For whom: Path of Karma-kandis Destination: Attain heavenly planets, and then return to earth
3Path — At any time (8.27) For whom: Path of unalloyed devotees Destination: Krishna-loka
aCan a yogi choose time of leaving — an expert yogi can choose;
If not expert in choosing, then it depends upon accident or destiny
bKala — refers to presiding deity of time
Eligibility – one expert in fruitive acts/sacrificial methods
Ref. Kapildev in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 3
Life duration – 10,000 years (demigod calculation)
Engagement – soma rasa and other pleasures
Fate – when credits finished, one return to earth
dYoga-yukta — implies to engage constantly in Krishna Consciousness in all the activities.
Example – Rupa goswami’s yukta vairagya
Devotee does not worry about different paths and is undisturbed (8.27), because...
Firmly established in Krishna Consciousness and chant Hare Krishna
Best way to absorb – dovetail in the service of Krishna