Hari Om!

Swami Aparajitananda chooses to discuss Chapter 8 - Akshara Brahma Yoga, which is scarcely selected for discourse because of its rare, mystic and frightening theme of death; its meaning at physical, emotional and intellectual levels; inauspicious ignorance about the majestic way to die and importance of its study through words of the Lord and Scriptures.

More typically, the Chapter is chanted at the prayer meetings for the departed souls. Swamiji gives unique logic for that also.

Verses 1 and 2: Explaining the layout of the Chapter, Swamiji refers to 7 questions asked by Arjuna to Lord which have their source in verses 29 and 30 of Chapter 7.

Verses 3 and 4 contain answers to 6 questions about 6 factors. Swamiji clarifies Krishna's role as messenger of ancient Rishis and thoroughly simplifies His mantra-like answers in a most logical and wonderful way.

1. Name of the Chapter is from the first factor, Brahman (Parā-prakriti) which is discussed with respect to its origin, its meanings, adjectives used for it and two types of Eternity.

2. Adhyātma as I (Svabhāva) from ignorant and Jñāni people's view point.

3. Karma (Visarga) as ability to do special creation of own world; and different bodies/worlds as different karmas only.

4. Adhibhūta as aparā-prakriti.

5. Adhidaiva as Purusha.

6. Who is Adhiyajña? Where it resides? Who enjoys consuming what offerings made to whom?

Swamiji, discussing the wonders of Vedānta, points out the message to be derived from the mysterious Knowledge just as the suspense revealed at the end of a mystery, viz. "Only Lord exists by different names, as different factors enabling different functions. He expresses as Supreme Self in all (jīva, jagat and Ishvara). Therefore, one should always single-pointedly remember Him only."

Answer to question 7, viz. "How to know Brahman along with these 6 factors at the time of death?" is discussed in verses 5 to 28.

(Bhagavad Gītā Chp 8 - Talk 1 of 7 - Introduction and Verses 1 to 4)

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