Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled “Akshara Brahma Yoga” or “The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman,” delves into deeper philosophical concepts concerning the nature of the self, the cycle of birth and death, and the path to liberation. In this chapter, Arjuna seeks clarification from Lord Krishna on various aspects of spiritual knowledge, including the nature of Brahman, the essence of the self (Adhyatma), the concept of karma, and the process of departing from the body.
Arjuna begins by seeking clarification on profound metaphysical concepts, such as Brahman (the ultimate reality), Adhyatma (the eternal essence of the self), karma (action), Adhibhuta (the perishable nature), and Adhidaiva (the divine astral being). Lord Krishna responds by explaining that the supreme reality is indestructible, the eternal essence of one’s nature is the soul, and the processes of creation and dissolution are governed by the laws of karma. He identifies himself as the Adhiyajna (the supreme lord present in all bodies). Krishna emphasizes the importance of remembering the divine at the time of death, as one’s thoughts at that moment determine the destination of the soul. He assures Arjuna that those who remember him at the time of departure attain him without fail. By constantly contemplating the divine and practicing unwavering devotion, one can easily reach the supreme eternal abode and escape the cycle of rebirth. Krishna elucidates the significance of chanting the sacred syllable “Om” and focusing the mind on him to attain liberation. Krishna explains the cyclical nature of existence, wherein all beings undergo repeated cycles of birth and death. He describes the day and night of Brahma, spanning thousands of cycles of creation and dissolution. While all beings emerge from the unmanifest state during the day of Brahma and dissolve back into it during the night, there exists another eternal unmanifested realm beyond this cycle of creation and destruction, which is Krishna’s supreme abode. Krishna asserts that the supreme divine is greater than all existence and can be known only through devotion. He reveals the specific times when yogis depart from and return to the mortal world, highlighting the importance of understanding these paths to avoid delusion. By following the path of light (symbolizing knowledge and liberation), one attains freedom from the cycle of birth and death, while following the path of darkness leads to continued existence within the cycle. Krishna urges Arjuna to engage constantly in yoga, surpassing all rituals and reaching the supreme abode. Chapter 8 of the Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into the nature of existence, the cycle of birth and death, and the path to liberation. It emphasizes the importance of remembering the divine at the time of death, cultivating unwavering devotion, and following the path of knowledge to attain liberation from the cycle of samsara. Through these teachings, Krishna guides Arjuna and humanity towards the ultimate goal of self-realization and union with the divine.