ते द्वन्द्वमोहनिर्मुक्ता भजन्ते मां दृढव्रता: ||28||
Those people whose sins have been destroyed by virtuous deeds, free from the delusion of dualities, worship Me with determination.
- Punyakarmanam: Of virtuous deeds.
- Nirmukta: Free from or liberated.
- Dridha-vratah: Firm in determination.
The role of virtuous actions in freeing one from delusion prepares Arjuna to see devotion as both a practice and a result of spiritual purification.
ते ब्रह्म तद्विदु: कृत्स्नमध्यात्मं कर्म चाखिलम् ||29||
Striving for liberation from old age and death, taking refuge in Me, they come to know Brahman, the Self, and all karma.
- Jaramarana: Old age and death.
- Brahman: The Absolute Truth.
- Karma: Actions or deeds.
Krishna ties liberation from old age and death to knowledge of the divine, bridging Arjuna’s understanding of karma, Brahman, and the Self.
प्रयाणकालेऽपि च मां ते विदुर्युक्तचेतस: ||30||
Those who know Me as the Supreme Being in all respects, even at the time of death, their minds remain steady in Me.
- Adhibhutam: Pertaining to the physical realm.
- Adhidaivam: Pertaining to the divine realm.
- Yukta-cetasah: Steadfast-minded.
The focus shifts to the ultimate state of awareness at the time of death, providing reassurance that those devoted to Krishna attain liberation.
Chapter 8
Aksara Brahma Yogah
अधिभूतं च किं प्रोक्तमधिदैवं किमुच्यते ||1||
Arjuna said: What is Brahman, what is the self, what are actions, O Supreme Person? What is said to be the field of material existence, and what is known as the divine?
- Brahman: The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit.
- Adhyatma: The nature of the self.
- Purushottama: The Supreme Person.
Arjuna’s questions about Brahman, self, and cosmic principles reflect his growing curiosity about metaphysical truths. This marks the beginning of his quest for deeper understanding, moving beyond material concerns to eternal knowledge.
प्रयाणकाले च कथं ज्ञेयोऽसि नियतात्मभि: ||2||
How, O Madhusudana, is the sacrifice (adhiyajna) situated in this body? And how are You to be known at the time of death by the steadfast?
- Madhusudana: A name of Krishna, slayer of the demon Madhu.
- Adhiyajna: The lord of sacrifice.
- Niyatatma: The steadfast mind.
Arjuna seeks clarity on how the supreme sacrifice manifests within the body and how one can realize it at the moment of death. This introduces the importance of steadfast focus and preparation for spiritual liberation in the final moments.
भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्ग: कर्मसञ्ज्ञित: ||3||
The Supreme Lord said: The indestructible Brahman is the ultimate reality, and one’s own nature is called the self. The creative force that brings beings into existence is called action.
- Aksharam: Indestructible or imperishable.
- Bhavodbhava: Source of creation and dissolution.
- Karma: Actions performed with intention.
Krishna begins with a succinct explanation of fundamental concepts: Brahman as the eternal, the self as one’s intrinsic nature, and karma as the creative force. This sets the foundation for understanding the interplay between the material and spiritual worlds.