Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 8 Aksara Brahma Yogah

Aksara Brahma Yogah - That which is declared as the imperishable by those who study the Vedas, and into which ascetics enter free from attachment, and for the sake of which they practice celibacy, I will declare to you briefly.

यदक्षरं वेदविदो वदन्ति विशन्ति यद्यतयो वीतरागा: |
यदिच्छन्तो ब्रह्मचर्यं चरन्ति तत्ते पदं संग्रहेण प्रवक्ष्ये ||11||

That which is declared as the imperishable by those who study the Vedas, and into which ascetics enter free from attachment, and for the sake of which they practice celibacy, I will declare to you briefly.

Aksharam: Imperishable reality.
Veda-vid: Knower of the Vedas.
Brahmacharya: Path of celibacy and discipline.

Krishna briefly introduces the concept of the imperishable reality and its pursuit through discipline and celibacy. This commentary sets the stage for understanding how self-control aligns the seeker with eternal truths.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - Controlling all the doors of the body, confining the mind in the heart, and fixing the life-breath at the top of the head, one establishes oneself in the practice of yoga.

सर्वद्वाराणि संयम्य मनो हृदि निरुध्य च |
मूर्ध्न्याधायात्मन: प्राणमास्थितो योगधारणाम् ||12||

Controlling all the doors of the body, confining the mind in the heart, and fixing the life-breath at the top of the head, one establishes oneself in the practice of yoga.

Sarva-dvarani: All bodily gates.
Yoga-dharanam: The practice of yoga.
Murdhni: The crown of the head.

The detailed guidance on body control and focusing energy prepares the seeker for advanced practices. This commentary ties physical discipline to spiritual attainment, stressing the interconnectedness of body and mind in yoga.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - Uttering the single syllable "Om," which is the Brahman, and remembering Me, one who departs leaving the body attains the supreme destination.

ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् |
य: प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् ||13||

Uttering the single syllable "Om," which is the Brahman, and remembering Me, one who departs leaving the body attains the supreme destination.

Om: The sacred syllable symbolizing Brahman.
Ekaksharam: The single syllable.
Paramam Gatim: The supreme goal.

The invocation of "Om" as the eternal sound links the material and spiritual worlds. This commentary reflects on how a simple, sacred utterance encapsulates profound truths, offering a direct path to liberation.

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अनन्यचेता: सततं यो मां स्मरति नित्यश: |
तस्याहं सुलभ: पार्थ नित्ययुक्तस्य योगिन: ||14||

I am easily attainable by that ever-steadfast yogi who constantly remembers Me with single-minded devotion.

Ananya-cheta: Single-minded focus.
Sulabha: Easily attainable.
Nitya-yukta: Constantly united or devoted.

The promise of accessibility to Krishna for the devoted yogi reinforces the role of unwavering faith. The commentary illustrates how single-minded devotion simplifies the spiritual journey, making the divine attainable.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - Having attained Me, the great souls do not again take birth in this impermanent and miserable world; they have achieved the highest perfection.

मामुपेत्य पुनर्जन्म दु:खालयमशाश्वतम् |
नाप्नुवन्ति महात्मान: संसिद्धिं परमां गता: ||15||

Having attained Me, the great souls do not again take birth in this impermanent and miserable world; they have achieved the highest perfection.

Duhkhalayam: An abode of suffering.
Ashashvatam: Impermanent or temporary.
Samsiddhim: Ultimate perfection.

Krishna assures freedom from rebirth in this transient and sorrowful world for those who reach him. The commentary reflects on liberation as the ultimate goal, contrasting it with the temporary nature of material existence.

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आब्रह्मभुवनाल्लोका: पुनरावर्तिनोऽर्जुन |
मामुपेत्य तु कौन्तेय पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते ||16||

Even the realms of Brahma are subject to return, O Arjuna; but having attained Me, there is no rebirth.

Brahma-loka: The realm of Brahma.
Avartinah: Subject to return.
Kaunteya: Son of Kunti.

The cyclical nature of existence, even in the highest realms, highlights the transient nature of all creation. The commentary encourages the seeker to aim for liberation, surpassing even the celestial realms of Brahma.

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Aksara Brahma Yogah - One day of Brahma is said to extend over a thousand ages, and his night over another thousand ages. Those who know this understand day and night.

सहस्रयुगपर्यन्तमहर्यद्ब्रह्मणो विदु: |
रात्रिं युगसहस्रान्तां तेऽहोरात्रविदो जना: ||17||

One day of Brahma is said to extend over a thousand ages, and his night over another thousand ages. Those who know this understand day and night.

Sahasra-yuga: A cycle of a thousand ages.
Ahar: Day, often referring to Brahma’s day.
Ratri: Night, often referring to Brahma’s night.

The vast timescales of Brahma’s day and night provide perspective on the impermanence of material existence. This commentary invites reflection on the insignificance of worldly pursuits in the grand cosmic cycle.

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