॥ ॐ श्री परमात्मने नमः ॥
अथ अष्टमोऽध्यायः । अक्षरब्रह्मयोगः
अर्जुन उवाच ।
किं तद् ब्रह्म किमध्यात्मं किं कर्म पुरुषोत्तम ।
अधिभूतं च किं प्रोक्तमधिदैवं किमुच्यते ॥ ८-१॥
अधियज्ञः कथं कोऽत्र देहेऽस्मिन्मधुसूदन ।
प्रयाणकाले च कथं ज्ञेयोऽसि नियतात्मभिः ॥ ८-२॥
श्रीभगवानुवाच ।
अक्षरं ब्रह्म परमं स्वभावोऽध्यात्ममुच्यते ।
भूतभावोद्भवकरो विसर्गः कर्मसंज्ञितः ॥ ८-३॥
अधिभूतं क्षरो भावः पुरुषश्चाधिदैवतम् ।
अधियज्ञोऽहमेवात्र देहे देहभृतां वर ॥ ८-४॥
अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम् ।
यः प्रयाति स मद्भावं याति नास्त्यत्र संशयः ॥ ८-५॥
यं यं वापि स्मरन्भावं त्यजत्यन्ते कलेवरम् ।
तं तमेवैति कौन्तेय सदा तद्भावभावितः ॥ ८-६॥
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु मामनुस्मर युध्य च ।
मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्मामेवैष्यस्यसंशयः ॥ ८-७॥ (संशयम्)
अभ्यासयोगयुक्तेन चेतसा नान्यगामिना ।
परमं पुरुषं दिव्यं याति पार्थानुचिन्तयन् ॥ ८-८॥
कविं पुराणमनुशासितार-
मणोरणीयंसमनुस्मरेद्यः ।
सर्वस्य धातारमचिन्त्यरूप-
मादित्यवर्णं तमसः परस्तात् ॥ ८-९॥
प्रयाणकाले मनसाऽचलेन
भक्त्या युक्तो योगबलेन चैव ।
भ्रुवोर्मध्ये प्राणमावेश्य सम्यक्
स तं परं पुरुषमुपैति दिव्यम् ॥ ८-१०॥
यदक्षरं वेदविदो वदन्ति
विशन्ति यद्यतयो वीतरागाः ।
यदिच्छन्तो ब्रह्मचर्यं चरन्ति
तत्ते पदं सङ्ग्रहेण प्रवक्ष्ये ॥ ८-११॥
सर्वद्वाराणि संयम्य मनो हृदि निरुध्य च ।
मूर्ध्न्याधायात्मनः प्राणमास्थितो योगधारणाम् ॥ ८-१२॥
ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् ।
यः प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् ॥ ८-१३॥
अनन्यचेताः सततं यो मां स्मरति नित्यशः ।
तस्याहं सुलभः पार्थ नित्ययुक्तस्य योगिनः ॥ ८-१४॥
मामुपेत्य पुनर्जन्म दुःखालयमशाश्वतम् ।
नाप्नुवन्ति महात्मानः संसिद्धिं परमां गताः ॥ ८-१५॥
आब्रह्मभुवनाल्लोकाः पुनरावर्तिनोऽर्जुन ।
मामुपेत्य तु कौन्तेय पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते ॥ ८-१६॥
सहस्रयुगपर्यन्तमहर्यद् ब्रह्मणो विदुः ।
रात्रिं युगसहस्रान्तां तेऽहोरात्रविदो जनाः ॥ ८-१७॥
अव्यक्ताद् व्यक्तयः सर्वाः प्रभवन्त्यहरागमे ।
रात्र्यागमे प्रलीयन्ते तत्रैवाव्यक्तसंज्ञके ॥ ८-१८॥
भूतग्रामः स एवायं भूत्वा भूत्वा प्रलीयते ।
रात्र्यागमेऽवशः पार्थ प्रभवत्यहरागमे ॥ ८-१९॥
परस्तस्मात्तु भावोऽन्योऽव्यक्तोऽव्यक्तात्सनातनः ।
यः स सर्वेषु भूतेषु नश्यत्सु न विनश्यति ॥ ८-२०॥
अव्यक्तोऽक्षर इत्युक्तस्तमाहुः परमां गतिम् ।
यं प्राप्य न निवर्तन्ते तद्धाम परमं मम ॥ ८-२१॥
पुरुषः स परः पार्थ भक्त्या लभ्यस्त्वनन्यया ।
यस्यान्तःस्थानि भूतानि येन सर्वमिदं ततम् ॥ ८-२२॥
यत्र काले त्वनावृत्तिमावृत्तिं चैव योगिनः ।
प्रयाता यान्ति तं कालं वक्ष्यामि भरतर्षभ ॥ ८-२३॥
अग्निर्ज्योतिरहः शुक्लः षण्मासा उत्तरायणम् ।
तत्र प्रयाता गच्छन्ति ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविदो जनाः ॥ ८-२४॥
धूमो रात्रिस्तथा कृष्णः षण्मासा दक्षिणायनम् ।
तत्र चान्द्रमसं ज्योतिर्योगी प्राप्य निवर्तते ॥ ८-२५॥
शुक्लकृष्णे गती ह्येते जगतः शाश्वते मते ।
एकया यात्यनावृत्तिमन्ययावर्तते पुनः ॥ ८-२६॥
नैते सृती पार्थ जानन्योगी मुह्यति कश्चन ।
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु योगयुक्तो भवार्जुन ॥ ८-२७॥
वेदेषु यज्ञेषु तपःसु चैव
दानेषु यत्पुण्यफलं प्रदिष्टम् ।
अत्येति तत्सर्वमिदं विदित्वा
योगी परं स्थानमुपैति चाद्यम् ॥ ८-२८॥
ॐ तत्सदिति श्रीमद्भगवद्गीतासूपनिषत्सु
ब्रह्मविद्यायां योगशास्त्रे श्रीकृष्णार्जुनसंवादे
अक्षरब्रह्मयोगो नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः ॥ ८॥
Introduction to Chapter 8
Devotion & Yoga as Means
Chapter 8 teaches that devotion (bhakti), meditation, and yoga with disciplined mind and senses are the means to fix the consciousness on God, both in life and at final moment.
What is Akshara Brahma Yoga
Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled Akshara Brahma Yoga – the Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute. It explains the nature of Brahman, the eternal self, and the importance of remembering God at the moment of death for liberation.
Key Definitions (Brahman
Atman Karma etc.)Krishna defines terms like Brahman (unchanging reality), Atman (individual self), Karma (action), Adhibhuta (material elements), Adhidaiva (celestial divine force), Adhyatma (inner self), and how they relate to each other.
Importance of Remembrance at Death
A central message is: whatever one remembers at the moment of death, one attains. Therefore constant remembrance of the Supreme throughout life is emphasized so that at death the mind naturally turns to God.
Paths After Death: Light vs Dark
Krishna speaks about two paths for the soul after death — the path of light leads to Brahman, and the path of darkness returns one to rebirth. The path one follows depends on their consciousness at death.
Nature of the Supreme
Nature of Imperishable (Akshara) Brahman
Akshara Brahman is eternal, beyond birth & death, beyond material change. It is the substratum which does not perish, even when the world dissolves.
Inner Self (Atman) vs Physical Self
The chapter distinguishes between the physical body which perishes and the Atman or inner self which remains unchanging irrespective of external transformation.
Role of Adhyatma
Adhibhuta AdhidaivaThese concepts refer to inner discipline/self (adhyatma), material elements (adhibhuta), and the divine ruling power (adhidaiva) influencing beings — they clarify the layers of nature and being.
Unmanifest vs Manifest Reality
Krishna explains that the imperishable unmanifest (avyakta) reality underlies manifest world; though creation is changing, the underlying Absolute remains stable.
Attributes of the Supreme
The Supreme has attributes like omnipresence omniscience brilliance being the origin and end of all beings meditate on His qualities.
Remembrance & Meditation
Why Remembrance Matters
Whatever one remembers at the time of death, one becomes; hence remembrance of God in life shapes the final hour’s consciousness.
Practice of Yoga & Meditation
Krishna instructs using steady yoga practice to fix the mind on the Supreme, controlling senses and breathing, which helps in steady remembrance.
Training Mind During Life
Practicing remembrance now – in ordinary moments – helps train the mind so that at death one’s remembrance naturally goes toward God.
Concentration on God’s Name & Form
Devotional repetition, chanting sacred names, or meditating on God’s form or attributes are suggested as ways to fix consciousness.
Overcoming Distraction
Even with distractions, continually bringing the mind back to God is central; discipline is required.
Paths After Death
Light Path (Path of Radiant Souls)
The path of light is attained by those whose consciousness is pure, whose mind is fixed on the Supreme, remembering Him at death; they reach liberation.
Dark Path (Path of Smoke / Dhumadi)
Those whose consciousness is bound by desires, ignorance, or fear at death follow the dark path, returning to material existence.
Continuous Rebirth
Being unable to remember God or surrender, souls wander in cycles of birth and death, bound by karma.
Abode of Brahman
Those who remember God unfailingly and meditate on Him reach the eternal abode beyond creation and destruction.
Relation to Karma and Virtue
One’s actions, quality of life, and virtue determine whether the soul’s final destination is light or darkness. Good karma, virtue, devotion lead toward the path of light.
Practical Application
Living with Remembrance
Cultivate the habit of remembering God in day-to-day life—through prayer, chanting, meditation—to prepare for the final hour.
Detachment from Death Fear
Understanding the soul’s imperishable nature helps reduce fear of death, giving peace and courage in life.
Yoga & Breath Control
Practices of meditation, focusing breath, mind stabilization are suggested to help keep remembrance strong.
Cultivating Virtue & Devotion
Living a virtuous life—truthfulness, compassion, purity—strengthens remembrance and aligns consciousness toward light.
Meditative Endurance
Overcoming distractions and maintaining devotion even in adversity deepens spiritual steadiness.
Conclusion & Promise
Summary of Key Teachings
Chapter 8 teaches that remembering God at death, understanding the supreme reality, proper meditation, and virtue lead to liberation. These core themes are pillars of this Yoga.
Final Assurance from Krishna
Krishna assures that those who steadfastly remember Him, even in the face of death, never return to suffering but abide in eternal peace.
Encouragement for Devotees
Devotees are encouraged to cultivate remembrance, meditation, virtuous living daily so that in the final hour the mind naturally turns toward God.
Chapter 8 Overview
What is Akshara Brahma Yog?
Chapter 8 “Akṣhara Brahma Yog” focuses on the imperishable Supreme Reality (Brahman) what happens at death and how remembrance of God leads to liberation.
Arjuna’s Questions at the Start
Arjuna asks about Brahman the Self (Adhyatma) the material world and how one is known at the time of death.
Definitions: Brahman
Adhyatma Adhibhuta etc.Krishna defines Brahman (imperishable) Adhyatma (the Self) Adhibhuta (material nature) Adhidaiva (cosmic forces) and Adhiyajna (divine sacrifice within).
Importance of the Final Thought
Krishna teaches that whatever one remembers at the moment of death that state determines one’s destiny.
Goal for the Devotee
The aim is to cultivate constant remembrance of God so that in life and in death the mind is fixed on the divine.
Core Teachings
Imperishable vs Perishable
Distinguishing the eternal (akshara) from the perishable physical world as key to spiritual understanding.
Remembrance at Death
One who departs remembering Krishna alone attains Him—a core assurance of this chapter.
Paths After Death
Krishna explains two paths—the path of light for those who remember Him and the path of darkness for others.
Role of Meditation & Om
Using Om-mantra focusing life-breath (prāṇa) and mind concentration as aids in fixing final thoughts on the Divine.
Living with God-consciousness
Daily living with devotion surrender and remembrance shapes one’s awareness and prepares for the final moment.
Practical Applications
Developing Constant Remembrance
Train the mind through chanting prayer or meditation to remember God throughout life.
Practicing in Daily Life
In everyday responsibilities integrate moments of remembrance—pause reflect direct thoughts to the Divine.
Preparing for Death Mindfully
Reflect regularly on impermanence to reduce fear and cultivate readiness for the moment of death.
Using Breath and Focus
With controlled breathing and anchoring attention the mind becomes steadier and better able to hold final thoughts.
Choosing the Path of Light
Selecting virtuous devotional and selfless actions so that your destination after death is elevated.
Obstacles & Misconceptions
Misconstruing Brahman
Many mistake imperishable Brahman for static emptiness Krishna clarifies that Brahman is conscious eternal and beyond limited forms.
Neglecting Final Thought
Living without training remembrance makes it unlikely that one’s last moment will be peaceful or directed toward God.
Over-emphasis Ritual without Heart
Outward rituals alone fail unless the heart is devoted and mind is fixed on the Divine especially at the time of death.
Fear of Death
Fear arises from ignorance understanding impermanence and self less identity reduces dread and unhelpful attachments.
Comparing Paths to Liberation
Some compare different paths (knowledge action devotion) but this chapter asserts devotion and remembrance give direct passage at life’s end.
Deep Insights
The Eternal Supreme Reality
Brahman is beyond time change and decay—a reality that underlies all existence.
Mind’s Final Impression
The strongest habit of remembrance formed in life shapes the final moment of death.
Unity of All Existence
Though bodies change the Self and Supreme are one all beings are part of the same imperishable reality.
Power of Devotion
Devotion has power to transform knowledge into experience and to grant liberation when remembrance is pure.
Transcending Life-Death Cycles
Through remembrance and God-consciousness one transcends the cycles of birth death and rebirth.
Chapter 8 teaches that devotion (bhakti), meditation, and yoga with disciplined mind and senses are the means to fix the consciousness on God, both in life and at final moment.
Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita is titled Akshara Brahma Yoga – the Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute. It explains the nature of Brahman, the eternal self, and the importance of remembering God at the moment of death for liberation.
Atman Karma etc.)Krishna defines terms like Brahman (unchanging reality), Atman (individual self), Karma (action), Adhibhuta (material elements), Adhidaiva (celestial divine force), Adhyatma (inner self), and how they relate to each other.
A central message is: whatever one remembers at the moment of death, one attains. Therefore constant remembrance of the Supreme throughout life is emphasized so that at death the mind naturally turns to God.
Krishna speaks about two paths for the soul after death — the path of light leads to Brahman, and the path of darkness returns one to rebirth. The path one follows depends on their consciousness at death.
Akshara Brahman is eternal, beyond birth & death, beyond material change. It is the substratum which does not perish, even when the world dissolves.
The chapter distinguishes between the physical body which perishes and the Atman or inner self which remains unchanging irrespective of external transformation.
Adhibhuta AdhidaivaThese concepts refer to inner discipline/self (adhyatma), material elements (adhibhuta), and the divine ruling power (adhidaiva) influencing beings — they clarify the layers of nature and being.
Krishna explains that the imperishable unmanifest (avyakta) reality underlies manifest world; though creation is changing, the underlying Absolute remains stable.
The Supreme has attributes like omnipresence omniscience brilliance being the origin and end of all beings meditate on His qualities.
Whatever one remembers at the time of death, one becomes; hence remembrance of God in life shapes the final hour’s consciousness.
Krishna instructs using steady yoga practice to fix the mind on the Supreme, controlling senses and breathing, which helps in steady remembrance.
Practicing remembrance now – in ordinary moments – helps train the mind so that at death one’s remembrance naturally goes toward God.
Devotional repetition, chanting sacred names, or meditating on God’s form or attributes are suggested as ways to fix consciousness.
Even with distractions, continually bringing the mind back to God is central; discipline is required.
The path of light is attained by those whose consciousness is pure, whose mind is fixed on the Supreme, remembering Him at death; they reach liberation.
Those whose consciousness is bound by desires, ignorance, or fear at death follow the dark path, returning to material existence.
Being unable to remember God or surrender, souls wander in cycles of birth and death, bound by karma.
Those who remember God unfailingly and meditate on Him reach the eternal abode beyond creation and destruction.
One’s actions, quality of life, and virtue determine whether the soul’s final destination is light or darkness. Good karma, virtue, devotion lead toward the path of light.
Cultivate the habit of remembering God in day-to-day life—through prayer, chanting, meditation—to prepare for the final hour.
Understanding the soul’s imperishable nature helps reduce fear of death, giving peace and courage in life.
Practices of meditation, focusing breath, mind stabilization are suggested to help keep remembrance strong.
Living a virtuous life—truthfulness, compassion, purity—strengthens remembrance and aligns consciousness toward light.
Overcoming distractions and maintaining devotion even in adversity deepens spiritual steadiness.
Chapter 8 teaches that remembering God at death, understanding the supreme reality, proper meditation, and virtue lead to liberation. These core themes are pillars of this Yoga.
Krishna assures that those who steadfastly remember Him, even in the face of death, never return to suffering but abide in eternal peace.
Devotees are encouraged to cultivate remembrance, meditation, virtuous living daily so that in the final hour the mind naturally turns toward God.
Chapter 8 “Akṣhara Brahma Yog” focuses on the imperishable Supreme Reality (Brahman) what happens at death and how remembrance of God leads to liberation.
Arjuna asks about Brahman the Self (Adhyatma) the material world and how one is known at the time of death.
Adhyatma Adhibhuta etc.Krishna defines Brahman (imperishable) Adhyatma (the Self) Adhibhuta (material nature) Adhidaiva (cosmic forces) and Adhiyajna (divine sacrifice within).
Krishna teaches that whatever one remembers at the moment of death that state determines one’s destiny.
The aim is to cultivate constant remembrance of God so that in life and in death the mind is fixed on the divine.
Distinguishing the eternal (akshara) from the perishable physical world as key to spiritual understanding.
One who departs remembering Krishna alone attains Him—a core assurance of this chapter.
Krishna explains two paths—the path of light for those who remember Him and the path of darkness for others.
Using Om-mantra focusing life-breath (prāṇa) and mind concentration as aids in fixing final thoughts on the Divine.
Daily living with devotion surrender and remembrance shapes one’s awareness and prepares for the final moment.
Train the mind through chanting prayer or meditation to remember God throughout life.
In everyday responsibilities integrate moments of remembrance—pause reflect direct thoughts to the Divine.
Reflect regularly on impermanence to reduce fear and cultivate readiness for the moment of death.
With controlled breathing and anchoring attention the mind becomes steadier and better able to hold final thoughts.
Selecting virtuous devotional and selfless actions so that your destination after death is elevated.
Many mistake imperishable Brahman for static emptiness Krishna clarifies that Brahman is conscious eternal and beyond limited forms.
Living without training remembrance makes it unlikely that one’s last moment will be peaceful or directed toward God.
Outward rituals alone fail unless the heart is devoted and mind is fixed on the Divine especially at the time of death.
Fear arises from ignorance understanding impermanence and self less identity reduces dread and unhelpful attachments.
Some compare different paths (knowledge action devotion) but this chapter asserts devotion and remembrance give direct passage at life’s end.
Brahman is beyond time change and decay—a reality that underlies all existence.
The strongest habit of remembrance formed in life shapes the final moment of death.
Though bodies change the Self and Supreme are one all beings are part of the same imperishable reality.
Devotion has power to transform knowledge into experience and to grant liberation when remembrance is pure.
Through remembrance and God-consciousness one transcends the cycles of birth death and rebirth.
