Chapter 8

Arjuna said: Krishna, how are you to be realised at the time of death by those of steadfast mind?

Lord Krishna said: He who departs from the body thinking of me alone even at the time of death attains my state, there is no doubt about it. Thinking of whatever entity one leaves the body at the time of death, that and that alone one attains being ever absorbed in its thought. Having by the power of yoga firmly held the life-breath in the space between the two eyebrows even at the time of death and then contemplating on god with a steadfast mind full of devotion, he reaches verily that supreme divine purusha (god).

Arjuna, whosoever always and constantly thinks of me with undivided mind, to that yogi who is ever absorbed in me, I am easily attainable. Great souls who have attained the highest perfection come to me alone. They are no more subject to transitory rebirth which is the abode of sorrow and transient by nature. Therefore Arjuna, at all times be steadfast in yoga and attain the supreme and primal state.

Arjuna, I shall now tell you the time ( path ) departing when yogis do not return and also the time ( path ) departing when they return. One path is that when proceeding along it after death, yogis who have known brahma successively led by the various gods finally reach brahma. The other path is that wherein the yogi taken this path after death led by various gods one after another returns to this mortal world.