At the beginning of chapter 8, Arjuna asked 7 questions in relation to the fundamental principles of reality and achieving perfection at the end of life. After succinctly answering all the questions, Krishna dedicates the rest of the chapter to elaborating His answer to the last question – how can we know and attain Krishna at the time of death? (BG 8.2) Please refer to the previous section for details.
At the end of life (anta-kāle), one who quits one’s body (muktvā kalevaram) remembering (smaran) Krishna alone (mām eva) undoubtedly (yāti nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ) attains Krishna’s nature (mad-bhāvaṁ). (BG 8.5) The general principle is that whatever state of being one remembers at the time of death, one surely attains to that state in the next life. (BG 8.6) How can we make it possible to remember Krishna alone at the time of death?
Lord Krishna’s advice is to organize our life in such a way that we can always (sarveṣu kāleṣu) think of Krishna (mām anusmara) while carrying out our responsibilities in this world (yudhya ca). If our mind and intelligence are dedicated to Krishna (mayy arpita-mano-buddhir), we will undoubtedly (asaṁśayaḥ) attain Krishna (mām evaiṣyasy). (BG 8.7) It is possible by regular practice of engagement with Krishna (abhyāsa-yoga-yuktena) and not allowing our mind to go anywhere else (cetasā nānya-gāminā). Constantly practicing to always meditate on Krishna in this way (anucintayan), we will reach the Supreme Divine Person (paramaṁ puruṣaṁ divyaṁ), Lord Krishna. (BG 8.8) Recall the emphasis Krishna placed on practice for controlling our mind in chapter 6. (BG 6.35)
Now, the question arises – how do we meditate on Krishna? Krishna gives some tips for remembering Him. One should remember Krishna (anusmared) as one who knows everything (kaviṁ), the oldest (purāṇam), the controller (anuśāsitāram), the smaller than the smallest (aṇor aṇīyāṁsam), the maintainer of everything and everyone (sarvasya dhātāram), the one with an inconceivable form (acintya-rūpam) with a luster like the sun (āditya-varṇaṁ), and beyond darkness (tamasaḥ parastāt). (BG 8.9) As we can see, Krishna is suggesting a very personal meditation and not an impersonal one.
At the time of death (prayāṇa-kāle), with an undeviating mind (manasācalena), and filled with devotion (bhaktyā yukto), by the strength of yoga (yoga-balena), completely (samyak) fixing the life air between the eyebrows (bhruvor madhye prāṇam āveśya), one reaches that Supreme Divine Person (paraṁ puruṣam upaiti divyam). (BG 8.10)
