Bhagvad-Gita: Treatise of self-help by BS Murthy                                                                       <<Back to Chapter 7 Chapter- 8: Cycle of Creation   This chapter of 28 slokas, known as akshara parabrahma yoga, The Indestructible Brahman, emphasizes the need of un-wavered devotion to the Supreme so as to attain Him. It also describes the science of meditation to reach the Supreme by understanding the nature of the Brahman. And s 22 is a seemingly concluding statement of the Lord that only through un-swerved devotion the  Supreme could be reached from  which there is no return (s 21). Then appear s23 to s28 which if literally taken would imply that if one dies when the moon is on the ascent he would go to heaven and, to hell if it’s other way round. Needless to say, these slokas spelling superstition in an otherwise thought-elevating treatise are but interpolations. It is worth noting that Sir Edwin Arnold dismissed these as the work of some vedanti and thought it fit, justifiably at that, not to include them in his ‘Song Celestial’. In this connection it may be noted that the relationship between the state in which a person dies and  his imminent rebirth is covered in s 14 and s15 of c14, which seem to be authentic. It can be seen that s5, places the cart before the horse. Besides, s9-s14 too are interpolations going by their content that’s out of context. It is worth noting that s1-s4,s6-s8 and s15-s22, if read together would bear an unmistakable continuity of argument that the interpolations deprive. 1                    Thus spoke Arjuna: O Lord appraise what’s Brahman  Lies what within ’n backs action  Nature of deities besides the beings. 2      What is that guides bodily acts, What makes yogis realize Thee?  3        . Thus spoke the Lord: Self Imperishable is Brahman But dwells it yet there in beings   Brings that forth is Act Supreme.  4      Perish as beings all in time Spirit that lasts of them is Me. 6      In the end the way one tends Charts that future course he takes. 7      If thou act with this in mind In the end thou gain Me true, By My word now opt for war With thy strength ’n skill I gave. 8      Me they reach whoso keep On Me focus as they work. 15    Having come to stay with Me Get they rid of births and deaths. 16    Journey to Brahman holds return ticket Journeys back none abode from Mine. 17    Wise all realize days Brahman Ages thousands make with nights. 18    By day as He brings beings Un-manifests He all by night. 19    It’s all rebirths through His day But with nightfall cease they all As He wakes up puts He back. 20        My State Supreme that never ends Un-manifested it’s above Brahman.    21        It’s My Abode that Supreme For man to reach not to leave. 22    It’s through devotion that thee gain State Supreme that pervades worlds.   Ends thus: Cycle of Creation, The Eighth Chapter  Of Bhagavad-Gita,  Treatise of self-help   (cont...)   <<Back to Chapter 7 Introduction  Chapter 1   Chapter 2    Chapter 3    Chapter 4    Chapter 5    Chapter 6  Chapter 7  Chapter 8    Chapter 9   Chapter 10 Chapter 11   Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14  Chapter 15  Chapter 16  Chapter 17  Chapter 18 Hinduism main page