Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8
Akshara Brahma Yoga — అక్షర బ్రహ్మ యోగం
28 verses · The Imperishable Brahman
Krishna explains the moment of death — the soul takes the form of what it thinks of in its final moment. By remembering Krishna at death, one attains Krishna. He describes the paths of light (devayana — leading to liberation) and darkness (pitryana — leading to rebirth). The 8th chapter is the meditation manual for facing death.
Key Verse
अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम् — At the moment of death, remembering Me alone leaves the body.
Antakāle cha mām eva smaran muktvā kalevaram
మరణ సమయంలో నన్ను స్మరిస్తూ శరీరం వదిలే వాడు
Spiritual Lesson
Whatever you remember at the moment of death, that you become. Hence cultivate the right thought-pattern throughout life.
Chapter Summary
Krishna explains the moment of death — the soul takes the form of what it thinks of in its final moment. By remembering Krishna at death, one attains Krishna. He describes the paths of light (devayana — leading to liberation) and darkness (pitryana — leading to rebirth). The 8th chapter is the meditation manual for facing death.