Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 8 Aksara Brahma Yogah

Aksara Brahma Yogah - Fire, light, day, the bright fortnight, and the six months of the northern solstice—departing then, those who know Brahman go to Brahman.

अग्निर्ज्योतिरह: शुक्ल: षण्मासा उत्तरायणम् |
तत्र प्रयाता गच्छन्ति ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविदो जना: ||24||

Fire, light, day, the bright fortnight, and the six months of the northern solstice—departing then, those who know Brahman go to Brahman.

Uttarayanam: The northern solstice.
Brahma-vidah: Knowers of Brahman.
Shuklah: The bright path.

Departing during auspicious conditions like the northern solstice reflects alignment with cosmic rhythms. The commentary emphasizes how natural phenomena mirror the seeker’s internal state and progress.

Bookmark removed

Aksara Brahma Yogah - Smoke, night, the dark fortnight, and the six months of the southern solstice—departing then, the yogi attains the lunar light and returns.

धूमो रात्रिस्तथा कृष्ण: षण्मासा दक्षिणायनम् |
तत्र चान्द्रमसं ज्योतिर्योगी प्राप्य निवर्तते ||25||

Smoke, night, the dark fortnight, and the six months of the southern solstice—departing then, the yogi attains the lunar light and returns.

Dakshinayanam: The southern solstice.
Chandramasam: The lunar sphere.
Nivartate: To return or cycle back.

The path of return through the southern solstice symbolizes incomplete realization. This commentary encourages awareness of the subtle differences in spiritual progress and the importance of striving for full liberation.

Bookmark removed

शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगत: शाश्वते मते |
एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुन: ||26||

These bright and dark paths of the world are considered eternal. By one, one does not return; by the other, one returns.

Shukla: Bright path.
Krishna: Dark path.
Gati: Path or route.

The two eternal paths of bright and dark represent liberation and rebirth. The commentary reflects on choice and effort, reminding seekers of the importance of conscious actions in shaping their spiritual destiny.

Bookmark removed

नैते सृती पार्थ जानन्योगी मुह्यति कश्चन |
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु योगयुक्तो भवार्जुन ||27||

Knowing these two paths, O Partha, the yogi is never deluded. Therefore, at all times, be steadfast in yoga.

Sriti: Paths of return and non-return.
Yogi: One who practices yoga.
Muhyati: Deluded or confused.

Krishna urges Arjuna to maintain focus in yoga, avoiding confusion. This commentary reiterates the necessity of discipline and clarity in understanding the teachings and applying them consistently.

Bookmark removed

Aksara Brahma Yogah - A yogi who knows all this surpasses the fruits of Vedic study, sacrifices, austerities, and charity and attains the supreme eternal abode.

वेदेषु यज्ञेषु तप:सु चैव दानेषु यत्पुण्यफलं प्रदिष्टम् |
अत्येति तत्सर्वमिदं विदित्वा योगी परं स्थानमुपैति चाद्यम् ||28||

A yogi who knows all this surpasses the fruits of Vedic study, sacrifices, austerities, and charity and attains the supreme eternal abode.

Tapah: Austerities or penances.
Daanam: Charity or giving.
Paramam Sthanam: The supreme abode.

By surpassing the fruits of ritualistic activities, the yogi attains the ultimate eternal abode. The commentary highlights the transition from action-based spirituality to realization-based fulfillment, achieving freedom.

Bookmark removed

Chapter 9

Raja Vidya Yogah

श्रीभगवानुवाच इदं तु ते गुह्यतमं प्रवक्ष्याम्यनसूयवे |
ज्ञानं विज्ञानसहितं यज्ज्ञात्वा मोक्ष्यसेऽशुभात् ||1||

The Blessed Lord said: I shall now explain to you this most secret knowledge, along with direct realization, knowing which you shall be freed from inauspiciousness.

Guhyatama: The most confidential knowledge.
Vijnana: Knowledge with realization.
Anasuya: One free from envy.

Krishna introduces the confidential knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding. By sharing it with one who is free from envy, Krishna ensures it reaches a worthy recipient. This establishes the importance of a receptive attitude in spiritual learning and paves the way for profound teachings.

Bookmark removed