Akshara Parabrahma Yoga is the chapter eight of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita
The title of the Discourse : 'Kshara' means that which perishes. 'Akshara' means that which does not perish, the Imperishable. Since the Discourse deals with the Imperishable Brahman it is entitled 'Akshara Parabrahma Yoga.'
The indestructible, the Supreme, is Brahman. The creative force that brings beings into existence is called ‘karma’.
He who meditates on me at the time of death is absorbed into
me.
The thoughts at the time of death determine the character of
the next birth.
Always think of Lord Krishna and do your work. When the mind
and understanding is concentrated on Krishna, one reaches the feet of Lord.
All worlds come and go. Beings in such world continuously pass
through the cycle of birth and death. But he who attains me never takes another
birth.
Bhagavad Gita – Akshara Parabrahman Yoga
If the mind is turned to the Yoga of Practice, and dropping
thoughts of other things engaged in constant dhyana, O Partha, the Yogi merges
with the Highest one. (8.8)
For, akshara means also a letter, the pranava, Om, which is
a symbol of Brahmam. That is why it is called akshara para Brahma yoga (The
eternal, changeless, supreme yoga). Brahmam has two adjectives, paramam and
aksharam. Akshara indicates the pranava as well as maya. Maya too is subsumed
by pranava. These two are 'attributefull', qualified, savishesha. Brahmam,
however, is nirvishesha, qualificationless, attributeless, and pure in its own
right. (Geeta Vahini - Satya Sai Baba)
The eighth 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 shloka 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.
Akshara Para Brahma Yog' means the yoga that enables the
soul to mingle with the eternal Paramatma. Arjuna asks Lord Krishna the
following seven questions : —
- What is meant by Brahmam?
- What is meant by Adhyatmam ?
- What is meant by Karma ?
- What is meant by Adhibhootham ?
- What is meant by Adhidyvam?
- Who is Adhiyagna ?
- How do persons, know Bhagavan and how do know when to attain Samadhi.
Bhagavad Gita – Akshara Parabrahman Yoga