Bhagavad Gītā – Chapter 8 Notes

 

In Chapter 8 we are urged to meditate on Krishna, so that at death we may go to him.  Krishna describes the techniques of conscious death; at this time we really need to know who we are and where we are going.

 

Explanation of Sanskrit words in verse 1:

 

adhyatma = Supreme Self (aggregate of elements of the individual Self; the aspect of Brahman which is localised in the individual)

adhibuta = Supreme being (aggregate of physical elements; it is mutable and transitory, but since all things exist because their individual existences are rooted in Brahman, they are also part of Brahman.)

adhidaiva = Supreme God (this is what we think of as “God”)

adhiyajna = Chief Sacrifice, Supreme Sacrifice (all meditations, rituals, prayers go to Him)