Verses 8.27–8.28🔗

At the end he reaches the Supreme and Primal Abode. In the last few verses Kṛṣṇa summarizes the essence of the whole chapter. He says, ‘O Pārtha, the devotees who know these different paths are never bewildered. Therefore O Arjuna, be always fixed in devotion.’ naite sṛtī pārtha jānan yogi muhyati kaścana I tasmāt sarveṣu kāleṣu yoga-yukto bhavārjuna II 8.27 He means that a person who understands the different paths that a spirit can take while leaving the body will always be prepared for death. He immerses himself in devotion throughout his life so that he becomes liberated. Kṛṣṇa first gives Arjuna an intellectual understanding of the whole death process.

He clearly tells him that the last thought while leaving the body governs the path that the spirit chooses when entering the next body. Again and again He emphasizes that this thought cannot be divine unless we spend our entire lives in devotional service. When I say devotional service, devotion is more important than service. I tell Akṣarabrahma Yogaḥ The Art Of Leaving 633 people, never give money in charity because some priest told you that it is a good thing. Never follow these rules blindly. I do not say, ‘Don’t do charity work.’ I am only saying, ‘Let it just be a natural expression of yourself, not with any expectation.’

We have a head to think with and a heart to feel with. We do not need to refer to society every time to decide what to do and what not to do. Another thing, do not work in the name of ‘devotional service’ to please someone else or society. If you expect something in return, then be very clear, it is not devotional service. If it springs purely out of devotion, the act itself should be the reward. I tell people, every day for half an hour, just for half an hour, work without expecting anything in return. It could be anything. Without any calculations, immerse yourself in some work for half an hour.

You will suddenly see a new space open up inside you. When you work without expecting anything in return, just for the joy of doing it, you will see how liberating it is. Gradually, when this becomes ingrained in you, you will be enriched and enjoy whatever you do much more. You will no more bother about who thinks what about you. Kṛṣṇa says, ‘Performing austerities and sacrifices, giving charity or pursuing pious result-based activities will take a person to the Supreme abode.’ While doing each of these activities, it is the attitude that matters most, not the action itself. I have seen people give money to temple priests out of fear and greed.

They are told that if they don’t give money, the gods will be angry. Or if they give money, their family will be protected. The attitude behind these actions is what counts. Kṛṣṇa says, if one engages in activities with devotion, then He will be there at the time of one’s death. He has given intellectual knowledge until now. In the following chapters, He gives deeper level techniques to experience this truth, to experience completion by removing root thought patterns, by removing bio-memories. Let us pray to that Ultimate Energy, Parabrahma Kṛṣṇa, to give us intelligence and the experience of thoughtless awareness, witnessing consciousness, ātma jñāna, the eternal bliss, Nityānanda.

Thank you. Thus ends the eighth chapter named Akṣarabrahma Yogaḥ, ‘The Yoga Of Imperishable Brahma’ of the Bhagavad Gītā Upaniṣad, Brahmavidyā Yogaśātra, the scripture of yoga dealing with the science of the Absolute in the form of Śrī Kṛṣṇārjuna saṃvād, dialogue between Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna. Secret Of All Secrets The whole universe is intelligence. It responds to our thoughts. krsna transmits the king of all knowledge and all secrets, which is eternal, easy, and joyfully done. To the one who is non-envious and trusts Him, krsna promises yoga (success) and ksema (protection). c h a p t e r Rājavidyā Rājaguhya Yogaḥ ... ... We are now at the halfway mark of the Bhagavad Gītā.

Arjuna started in total confusion and dilemma. His questions were varied and repetitive. It was as if he did not listen to what Kṛṣṇa told him. As I said, questions arise from inner violence. They arise from the ego to prove one’s correctness. These questions gradually transform into doubts. Doubts are essential for any seeker. Doubt and faith are two sides of the same coin. Without doubt, we cannot develop faith. Blind faith will not help the seeker. It is just based upon root thought patterns and will collapse under pressure. Real faith develops in the seeker when he sincerely questions spiritual truths. Raising sincere doubts before an Enlightened Master actually does a lot to integrate a person and strengthen his faith.

Kṛṣṇa sees the change that is happening within Arjuna. He feels Arjuna’s inner violence and conflict is clearing up and that his individual consciousness is opening to the space of completion. The Master is ready to change gears now and take the dialogue to the next level that is needed to address this change in inner space. In previous chapters Kṛṣṇa explains to Arjuna how to act without attachment by renouncing the outcome of his actions to Existence. In the last chapter He enriches Arjuna with an understanding of the process of death and liberation. Now Kṛṣṇa reveals to Arjuna the greatest of all secrets—Rājavidyā Rājaguhya Yogaḥ, the secret about Himself. Secret Of All Secrets Eternal, Easy And Joyfully Done