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| {{POV}}{{Copyediting}}{{Infobox religious text||image=[[File:Aum Om black.svg|200px]]|image_size=|alt=|caption=''Om'', the sacred symbol described in the chapter|religion=[[Hinduism]]|verses=28|author=Traditionally attributed to [[Vyasa]]|language=[[Sanskrit]]|date=|chapters=|name=Akshara Brahma Yoga|previouslink=Jnana-Vijnana Yoga|next=Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga|nextlink=Raja-Vidya Raja-Guhya Yoga|previous=Jnana-Vijnana Yoga}} | | {{Short description|Eighth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita}} |
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| | {{Infobox religious text||image=[[File:Aum Om black.svg|200px]]|image_size=|alt=|caption=''Om'', the sacred symbol described in the chapter|religion=[[Hinduism]]|verses=28|author=Traditionally attributed to [[Vyasa]]|language=[[Sanskrit]]|date=|chapters=|name=Akshara Brahma Yoga|previouslink=Jnana-Vijnana Yoga|next=Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga|nextlink=Raja-Vidya Raja-Guhya Yoga|previous=Jnana-Vijnana Yoga}} |
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| {{Italic title}}{{Short description|Eighth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita}}
| | The '''''Akshara Brahma Yoga''''' ({{Langx|sa|अक्षरब्रह्मयोग|translit=Akṣarabrahmayōga}})<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vyas |first=R. N. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4GHl4X1wKpAC&pg=PA166 |title=The Bhagavadgītā and Jīvana Yoga |date=1986 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-203-1 |page=166 |language=en}}</ref> is the eighth of the eighteen chapters of the ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Amiya Bhushan |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/1188954697 |title=Aristotle, Plato and Bhagvad Gita on the 'Soul' In the Light Primarily of On the Soul, Phaedo and the Second Chapter of Bhagvad Gita |oclc=1188954697}}</ref> The chapter has a total of twenty-eight [[shloka]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chand |first=Dr Bharati |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-Es5EAAAQBAJ&dq=akshara+brahma+yoga&pg=PT61 |title=Symphony of Philosophy & Education in Bhagavad Gita| volume=2 |date=2021-07-19 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-63957-488-9 |page=61 |language=en}}</ref> It is the 30th chapter of [[Bhishma Parva]], the sixth book of the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |translator-last=Cherniak |translator-first=Alex |title=Mahabharata Book Six |volume=1: Bhishma (Bhīṣmaparvan) |chapter=13–24 Shocking News: Bhishma fallen |access-date=19 August 2023 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1bmzmj1.9 |pages=105–170 |publisher=NYU Press |date=2008|doi=10.2307/j.ctt1bmzmj1.9 }}</ref> |
| The '''''Akshara Brahma Yoga''''' ({{Lang-sa|अक्षरब्रह्मयोग|translit=Akṣarabrahmayōga}})<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vyas |first=R. N. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4GHl4X1wKpAC&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA166&dq&hl=en |title=The Bhagavadgītā and Jīvana Yoga |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-203-1 |pages=166 |language=en}}</ref> is the eighth of the eighteen chapters of the [[Bhagavad Gita|''Bhagavad Gita'']].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=Amiya Bhushan |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/1188954697 |title=Aristotle, Plato and Bhagvad Gita on the "Soul" In the Light Primarily of On the Soul, Phaedo and the Second Chapter of Bhagvad Gita |oclc=1188954697}}</ref> The chapter has a total of twenty-eight [[shloka]]<nowiki/>s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chand |first=Dr Bharati |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-Es5EAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT61&dq=akshara+brahma+yoga&hl=en |title=Symphony of Philosophy & Education in Bhagavad Gita – Volume 2 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-63957-488-9 |pages=61 |language=en}}</ref> It is the 30th chapter of [[Bhishma Parva]], the sixth book of the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |translator-last=Cherniak |translator-first=Alex |title=Mahabharata Book Six |volume=1: Bhishma (Bhīṣmaparvan) |chapter=13–24 Shocking News: Bhishma fallen |access-date=19 August 2023 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1bmzmj1.9 |pages=105–170 |publisher=NYU Press }}</ref> | |
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| == Etymology ==
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| ''Akshara'' refers to the imperishable or eternal, and ''Brahma Yoga'' signifies the yoga of an ultimate reality or the divine. In this chapter, [[Krishna]] explains to [[Arjuna]] the significance of understanding and realizing the eternal essence that [[Transcendence (religion)|transcends]] the material world. The term's etymology is rooted in the concepts of the ''Bhagavad Gita'' itself, emphasizing the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the connection between the individual soul ([[jivatma]]) and the ultimate reality ([[Paramatman]]).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Jivatmaa, Paramatma relationship from two angles |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/religion/jivatmaa-paramatma-relationship-from-two-angles/article7655952.ece |access-date=2023-08-29 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
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| == Overview ==
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| '''1-5''': Inquiry about the nature of [[Brahman|ultimate reality]], the process of departing from the mortal world, and the importance of thoughts at the time of death.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Shivakumar |first=K. N. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OvHRDwAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA66&dq=karma+sanyasa+renunciation+gita&hl=en |title=Bhagawad Gita: Bhagavad Gita |publisher=Sangeet Bharati |pages=66 |language=sa}}</ref>
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| '''6-12''': Attaining [[God in Hinduism|God]] in the final moments, divine manifestations, [[Dhyana in Hinduism|meditation]] on formless aspect, cycle of creation, and significance of devotion.
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| '''13-22''': Paths after death, cycle of creation and [[Pralaya|dissolution]], eternal nature of God, influence of [[Guṇa|guna]]<nowiki/>s, role of knowledge, and attaining God through [[Bhakti|devotion]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=What lesson does the Bhagavadgita teach about death? {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/question/What-lesson-does-the-Bhagavadgita-teach-about-death |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>
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| '''23-28''': Path of devotion, meditation on God, the significance of ''[[Om]]'', dedicating actions to God, importance of devotion, knowledge, and [[Nonattachment (philosophy)|detachment]].
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| == Content ==
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| In this chapter, [[Krishna]] elaborates on various concepts, including the nature of duty ([[dharma]]) and the imperishable nature of the soul ([[Ātman (Hinduism)|ātman]]). He advises [[Arjuna]] to fulfill his warrior duty without attachment to the results, emphasizing the importance of selfless action ([[karma yoga]]). Krishna explains that individuals have control only over their actions, not over the results, and encourages Arjuna to act in accordance with his dharma.
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| Krishna introduces the idea of the eternal soul, asserting that it transcends birth and death. He highlights the distinction between the physical body and the true self, which is immortal and unaffected by external circumstances ''([[akshara]])''. This understanding is the basis of spiritual discipline and renunciation ({{transl|sa|[[sannyasa]]}}).
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| == Themes ==
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| * '''The Eternal and Imperishable Nature of the Soul''': (Akshara: Ātman, the imperishable soul as described in the Bhagavad Gita) In this chapter, Krishna teaches Arjuna about the eternal and indestructible nature of the soul. The text emphasizes that the soul is beyond the physical body and mind: it does not undergo the cycles of birth and death. This understanding helps Arjuna overcome his fear of mortality.
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| * '''The Process of Transition at the Time of Death''': Krishna describes the process of departing from the physical body during death. He explains that the mental state and consciousness at the time of death determines the soul's journey to the next life. By maintaining a meditative and devotional state of mind, individuals can ensure a positive transition and a better future existence.
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| * '''The Importance of Devotion and Surrender to God''': The chapter underscores the significance of unwavering devotion (bhakti) and surrender to the divine. Krishna explains that by focusing one's thoughts on the Para Brahman (Supreme Being) and cultivating a deep connection through love and devotion, individuals can attain liberation ([[moksha]]) and break the cycle of birth and death.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/bhagavadgitawith00lond |title=The Bhagavad Gita : with an English translation, explanatory notes and an examination of its doctrines |publisher=London ; Madras : Christian Literature Society for India |others=Robarts - University of Toronto |pages=30 |language=English}}</ref>
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| * '''The Significance of the ''Om'' Sound in Spiritual Practice''': ''Om'' (or ''Aum'') is a sacred sound often considered to be the primordial vibration of the universe. It symbolizes the ultimate reality or Brahman. In the context of the Gita, Krishna mentions the syllable ''Om'' as a representation of the Divine.
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| The Akshara Brahma Yoga teaches about the eternal nature of the soul, the process of transitioning at death, the importance of devotion and surrender, and the significance of ''Om'' in spiritual practice.
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| == Significance ==
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| The Akshara Brahma Yoga emphasizes the eternal and indestructible nature of the soul ([[Ātman (Hinduism)|ātman]]) using the syllable ''Om'' as a representation of the ultimate reality.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gurumaa |first=Anandmurti |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VpSdEAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA257&dq=akshara+brahma+yoga&hl=en |title=Srimad Bhagavad Gita: (Succinct Commentary) |publisher=Gurumaa Vani |isbn=978-93-81464-68-7 |pages=257 |language=en}}</ref> Krishna explains the concept of oneness between the individual soul and the universal consciousness. This chapter underscores the importance of spiritual discipline, devotion, and meditation as means to realize this unity. Through the metaphor of a tree, Krishna illustrates the roots as the divine, the trunk as the cosmic order, and the leaves as the individual souls. By understanding the imperishable nature of the soul and aligning oneself with the universal, one can attain liberation (moksha). Akshara Brahma Yoga teaches the path to self-realization, emphasizing the connection between individual and divine, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
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| === ''Om'' ===
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| {{See also|Om{{!}}''Om''}}Verse 13 of this chapter is as follows:<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gurumaa |first=Anandmurti |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VpSdEAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA257&dq=o%E1%B9%81+ityek%C4%81k%E1%B9%A3hara%E1%B9%81+brahma+vy%C4%81haran+m%C4%81m+anusmaran&hl=en |title=Srimad Bhagavad Gita: (Succinct Commentary) |publisher=Gurumaa Vani |isbn=978-93-81464-68-7 |pages=257 |language=en}}</ref>{{verse translation|lang=sa
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| |<i>oṁ ityekākṣharaṁ brahma vyāharan mām anusmaran<br>yaḥ prayāti tyajan dehaṁ sa yāti paramāṁ gatim</i>
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| |The one who utters the single syllable 'Om,' remembering me, and departs
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| abandoning the body, that person attains the supreme goal.|attr1=Verse 8.13 |attr2=English translation}}
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| [[File:Aum red.svg|thumb|The sacred symbol ''[[Om]]'', discussed in the Akshara Brahma Yoga<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 - Akshara Brahma Yoga |url=https://bhagavadgita.io/chapter/8/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Bhagavad Gita}}</ref>]]
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| The ''Om'' symbol holds profound significance in Akshara Brahma Yoga, a sacred syllable representing the ultimate reality, encompassing creation, preservation, and dissolution. The three phonetic components of Aum — ''A'', ''U'', and ''M'' — symbolize these phases of existence.
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| In Akshara Brahma Yoga, Aum signifies the unchanging, eternal essence amidst the ever-changing world. ''A'' resonates with the waking state, symbolizing creation and the beginning (of human personhood). ''U'' corresponds to the dream state, representing preservation and continuity. ''M'' signifies the state of deep sleep and dissolution, leading to rebirth.
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| === Oneness of Krishna ===
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| {{See also|Krishna}}
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| [[File:India 40's Print KRISHNA SHOWING HIS UNIVERSAL FORM TO ARJUNA.jpg|thumb|1940 print of Krishna revealing his true form to Arjuna ]]
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| Verses 8.6-8.7 of this chapter are as follows:<ref>{{Cite book |last=Marga |first=Bhakti |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_BLDDAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PA145&dq=akshara+brahma+yoga&hl=en |title=Shreemad Bhagavad Gita - Verses and Translations |publisher=BoD – Books on Demand |isbn=978-3-940381-59-0 |pages=145 |language=en}}</ref>
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| {{verse translation|lang=sa
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| |<i>yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvaṁ tyajatyante kalevaram<br>taṁ tam evaiti kaunteya sadā tad-bhāva-bhāvitaḥ<br>tasmāt sarveṣhu kāleṣhu mām anusmara yudhya cha<br>mayyarpita-mano-buddhir mām evaiṣhyasyasanśhayam</i>
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| |Whatever one remembers upon giving up the body at the time of death, O son of Kunti, one attains that state, being always absorbed in such contemplation.
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| Therefore, always remember me and also do your duty of fighting the war. With mind and intellect surrendered to me, you will definitely attain me; of this, there is no doubt.|attr1=Verse 8.6–8.7|attr2=English translation}}
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| The emphasizes the oneness of Krishna as the eternal, imperishable reality that transcends the material and spiritual. In this discourse, Krishna reveals himself as the Akshara Brahma, the unchanging and indestructible {{transl|sa|[[Svayam Bhagavan]]}} ('God Himself') consciousness that resides within all beings. He describes how everything in the universe, both perishable and imperishable, emanates from this ultimate reality.
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| Krishna illustrates that he is the essence of all creation, the source from which all things originate, and the destination to which all things return, the Para Brahman. He is the cosmic intelligence that sustains the universe, and the eternal thread that connects all living beings. By realizing this oneness with the Akshara Brahma, the chapter states that individuals may attain liberation from the [[Saṃsāra|cycle of birth and death]].
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| == References == | | == References == |
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| [[Category:Bhagavad Gita]] | | [[Category:Bhagavad Gita]] |
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