The eighth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is known as "Akshara Brahma Yoga" for a few reasons:
Title Meaning: "Akshara" means
"imperishable" or "indestructible," and "Brahma"
refers to the Supreme Reality or the ultimate truth. "Yoga" means the
path or practice. Thus, "Akshara Brahma Yoga" can be translated as
the "Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman."
Content Focus: The chapter primarily deals with the nature
of the imperishable Brahman (the eternal aspect of the divine), the process of
remembering God at the time of death, and the importance of maintaining a
consciousness fixed on the divine. This focus on the eternal, imperishable
aspect of reality justifies the title.
Arjuna's Questions: At the beginning of the chapter, Arjuna
asks Krishna about several key concepts, including Brahman, Adhyatma (the
self), Karma (action), Adhibhuta (the physical world), Adhidaiva (the divine),
and Adhiyajna (the sacrificial spirit). Krishna's responses elaborate on the
nature of the eternal soul (Atman) and the imperishable reality (Brahman),
tying back to the idea of "Akshara" or the imperishable.
The Imperishable Nature of the Soul: Krishna emphasizes that
the soul (Atman) is imperishable and beyond physical death. This aligns with
the concept of "Akshara" and helps practitioners understand the
eternal aspect of their existence.
Meditation and Death: The chapter discusses the importance
of remembering the divine at the time of death. Krishna explains that those who
meditate on the imperishable Brahman, especially at the time of leaving their
body, attain the highest spiritual goal. This meditation on the eternal,
imperishable reality further reflects the chapter's title.
In summary, the eighth chapter is called "Akshara
Brahma Yoga" because it focuses on the imperishable nature of Brahman, the
eternal soul, and the importance of maintaining this awareness, especially at
the time of death, which aligns with the concepts of "Akshara"
(imperishable) and "Brahma" (Supreme Reality).