Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 8 Aksara Brahma Yogah

Aksara Brahma Yogah - 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.

श्रीभगवानुवाच अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते |
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.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - The material nature (adhibhuta) is perishable, and the cosmic divine being is said to be the governing deity (adhidaiva). I alone am the lord of sacrifices (adhiyajna) in the body, O best of the embodied.

अधिभूतं क्षरो भाव: पुरुषश्चाधिदैवतम् |
अधियज्ञोऽहमेवात्र देहे देहभृतां वर ||4||

The material nature (adhibhuta) is perishable, and the cosmic divine being is said to be the governing deity (adhidaiva). I alone am the lord of sacrifices (adhiyajna) in the body, O best of the embodied.

Adhibhuta: The perishable material nature.
Adhidaiva: The divine cosmic being.
Adhiyajna: The presiding deity of sacrifices.

Krishna outlines the different domains of existence—material, divine, and sacrificial—connecting them to the human body and its role in the cosmic order. This underscores the body as a microcosm of universal truths, with Krishna as the presiding deity.

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अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम् |
य: प्रयाति स मद्भावं याति नास्त्यत्र संशय: ||5||

Whoever, at the time of death, remembers Me while departing from the body attains My state. There is no doubt about this.

Antakala: The time of death.
Kalevaram: The physical body.
Madbhavam: The divine nature of Krishna.

The assurance that remembrance of Krishna at the moment of death leads to liberation provides hope and direction. It emphasizes the transformative power of devotion and how one’s final thoughts shape their spiritual destiny.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - Whatever state of being one remembers while leaving the body, O son of Kunti, one attains that state, being always absorbed in its thought.

यं यं वापि स्मरन्भावं त्यजत्यन्ते कलेवरम् |
तं तमेवैति कौन्तेय सदा तद्भावभावित: ||6||

Whatever state of being one remembers while leaving the body, O son of Kunti, one attains that state, being always absorbed in its thought.

Bhava: State of being or existence.
Kaunteya: Son of Kunti, referring to Arjuna.
Smriti: Remembrance or memory.

Krishna explains the profound link between one’s mental focus and their spiritual destination. This commentary highlights the continuity of consciousness and how lifetime habits influence the soul’s journey after death.

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तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु मामनुस्मर युध्य च |
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्मामेवैष्यस्यसंशयम् ||7||

Therefore, at all times, remember Me and fight. With mind and intellect dedicated to Me, you shall doubtlessly come to Me.

Anusmara: Constant remembrance.
Yudhya: Engage in battle.
Mayyarpita: Dedicated to Krishna.

The instruction to remember Krishna while performing duties bridges the gap between devotion and action. This marks a shift from renunciation to an integrated approach, where one’s focus and actions are aligned with spiritual aspirations.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - With the mind absorbed in constant practice of yoga and undeviating focus, one meditates on the Supreme Divine Person and attains Him.

अभ्यासयोगयुक्तेन चेतसा नान्यगामिना |
परमं पुरुषं दिव्यं याति पार्थानुचिन्तयन् ||8||

With the mind absorbed in constant practice of yoga and undeviating focus, one meditates on the Supreme Divine Person and attains Him.

Abhyasa: Practice or repetition.
Purusha: The supreme being.
Divyam: The divine or eternal.

Krishna stresses disciplined practice and unwavering focus as keys to attaining the divine. This commentary emphasizes the importance of preparation and consistency in one’s spiritual practice to overcome distractions.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - He who meditates on the Ancient Poet, the Supreme Ruler, the Subtler than the atom, the Sustainer of all, the Form beyond comprehension, and the luminous like the sun beyond darkness attains the Divine.

कविं पुराणमनुशासितारमणोरणीयांसमनुस्मरेद्य: |
सर्वस्य धातारमचिन्त्यरूपमादित्यवर्णं तमस: परस्तात् ||9||

He who meditates on the Ancient Poet, the Supreme Ruler, the Subtler than the atom, the Sustainer of all, the Form beyond comprehension, and the luminous like the sun beyond darkness attains the Divine.

Anushasitaram: The supreme controller.
Dhataram: The sustainer of all beings.
Adityavarnam: Luminous like the sun.

The portrayal of the divine as ancient, subtle, and beyond comprehension serves to elevate the seeker’s perspective. The commentary reflects on the majestic nature of the supreme being, guiding aspirants to meditate on higher ideals.

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