Bhagavad Gita Connections 8th chapter.pptx

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1. End of 7 th Chapter:-- Kåñëa describes these terms one by one in the order that Arjuna asks about them. Later in the chapter, Kåñëa also discusses yoga- miçra -bhakti (devotional service mixed with yoga), çuddha -bhakti (unmixed, pure devotional service) and the factors that determine a soul’s destination when it leaves the body.

2. Verse 2 :--In the next verse, he will ask about the identity of the one above all sacrifices, and further, where that Lord resides. Verse 3 and 4:--In the next two verses(3,4), Kåñëa quickly answers Arjuna’s first six questions.

3. In answering Arjuna’s first three questions, Kåñëa has clarified the difference between the body and the soul. He has also explained the difference between the activity of the body, which causes the soul’s bondage, and the spiritual activity of the soul executed in the material world, which causes neither karma nor bondage. In other words, the soul is spiritual, its nature is devotional service to Kåñëa , and its karma is the material body, or its conditioned nature.

4. In conclusion, when we perform sacrifices or we worship the demigods or the continuously changing material manifestation, we indirectly worship Kåñëa Himself. If, however, we worship Kåñëa as the governing principle behind all three, then we can know Him “even at the time of death.” And that is the answer in brief to Arjuna’s final question: “How can those engaged in devotional service know You at the time of death?”

5. Whatever one’s nature is saturated with ( sadä tad- bhäva - bhävitaù ), one attains that—always—without fail. Arjuna , perhaps relieved upon hearing this, may have thought, “ Kåñëa is telling me to remember Him. That is much better advice than telling me to fight.” Kåñëa , however, clears away this possible misconception in the next verse.

6. Verse 7:-- Often devotees wonder if it is necessary to remember Kåñëa while they do their duty or whether doing the duty for Kåñëa is sufficient. Here is Kåñëa’s answer. We should remember Kåñëa and do our prescribed duties. Even though it may be difficult to remember Kåñëa while we work, it will be far more difficult to remember Him at the time of death when our consciousness is disturbed and overwhelmed with pain. Therefore Kåñëa wants us to practice now. Kåñëa will repeat His desire for us to constantly remember Him in Bg. 18.57 and in other verses.

7. It is interesting that Kåñëa says, mäm anusmara (“go on remembering Me”) even before yudhya ca (“and fight”). We should remember Kåñëa in devotion and work for His pleasure. To remember Kåñëa is so important that Kåñëa repeats the point in the next verse.