Teachings On Pranava – Omkar In Bhagavad Gita

Teachings On Pranava – Omkar In Bhagavad Gita

You must do that which will destroy the habit, which the mind has of wandering about and make it self-contained in the heart. This is possible by closing the doors of the senses permanently through self-control and abstinence. The mind cannot then wander about like a man, whose hands and feet are broken and who cannot go out of the house.

When the mind (Chitta) is thus stabilised, Pranava) should be practiced by means of Pranayama and breath (Prana) should be brought to the Brahmarandhra.

Then with the aid of Yoga, the breath (Prana) should be held, until it nearly coalesces with the Akasha, while the three Matras A~U-M get merged into the half Matra.

Then the breath (Prana Vayu) should be stabilised in the Akasha, where it is in union with' Omkar,' which merges in Brahman. After this even , Omkar' is forgotten and life disappears and what survives is pure Brahman, which is even beyond ' Omkar.'

This Pranava is My name; it is My supreme form, and the seeker, who, constantly remembering this single syllable, closes his life, cannot go elsewhere; he must attain Me.

Arjuna, you may doubt, as to how anyone can remember all this at the time of death, when the senses are pained, when the thread of life is being broken and when all the visible symptoms of death begin to show themselves, how on such an occasion one can get up, secure control of senses and in the heart recite' Omkar.' I can tell you not to have such doubts. I am the servant of him, who is worshipping Me constantly (and therefore help him at the end).

………………….

Remember I am the great sound' AUM,' which is the sprout growing out of the seed of Brahman, and which is the sacred temple of four-fold speech. From the inside of this Omkar, I produce the three letters AUM, which have been reborn as the three Vedas, viz., Rig, Yajur and Sama. In this way, I am the original source of the Vedas.

Source – Gita Explained by Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Translated into English by

Manu Subedar, B. A., B. Sc. (Econ.) London, Barrister-At-Law.

Additional Teachings And Explanation On The Topic:

The Power of Devotion at the Time of Death: Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita and Hindu Philosophy

The Bhagavad Gita, one of Hinduism’s most profound and revered scriptures, addresses the mysteries of life, death, and the eternal journey of the soul. In Chapter 8, known as Akshara Brahma Yoga, Lord Krishna elucidates the process of remembrance at the time of death, emphasizing the role of devotion (bhakti) and constant practice (abhyasa). When Arjuna expresses doubt about how one could remain steadfast in devotion at the critical moment of death, Krishna assures him that divine grace assists those who worship Him consistently. This teaching highlights not only the metaphysical truths of Hinduism but also its practical relevance in modern times, offering universal lessons on mindfulness, perseverance, and the ultimate purpose of life.

The Foundation of Remembering the Divine

The Gita teaches that whatever a person remembers at the time of death determines their next birth. Krishna declares in Bhagavad Gita 8.6:
"Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail."

This underscores the importance of a life devoted to higher values and spiritual discipline. The act of remembering the divine (Ishwara Smarana) at death is not merely a spontaneous occurrence but the culmination of a lifetime of dedication, self-control, and alignment with spiritual truths. Krishna reassures Arjuna that even amidst the tumult of physical dissolution, the devotee who consistently worships God is granted divine aid in achieving liberation (moksha). In Bhagavad Gita 8.5, Krishna affirms:
"And whoever, at the time of death, leaves his body remembering Me alone, at once attains My nature. Of this, there is no doubt."

The essence of this teaching lies in the continuity of spiritual practice throughout one’s life, making the final moment not a time of fear but one of transcendence.

The Role of Bhakti and Grace in Overcoming Doubt

Arjuna’s doubts resonate with the human condition, especially when facing the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. In response, Krishna emphasizes the transformative power of bhakti yoga—the path of devotion. The Gita presents bhakti as the simplest and most universal method to connect with the divine, transcending barriers of intellect, age, or status.

The assurance given by Krishna—"I am the servant of him who worships Me constantly"—reflects a reciprocal relationship between the devotee and the Divine. Hindu sages and gurus have reiterated this point through ages, emphasizing the role of divine grace (kripa). Saints such as Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya expounded on the concept of surrender (sharanagati), teaching that when an individual relinquishes ego and turns their heart fully to God, divine intervention ensures liberation.

Modern spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda have further elucidated this principle. Yogananda, in his seminal work Autobiography of a Yogi, writes about the soul’s journey beyond the physical plane, emphasizing the importance of habitual meditation and devotion in ensuring a peaceful transition. These teachings affirm that divine remembrance at death is not an isolated act but the fruit of continuous effort and divine grace.

Benefits of Devotion and the Practice of Omkar

Central to the Gita’s teaching in this context is the chanting of Omkar (the sacred syllable Om), symbolizing the ultimate reality. Krishna states in Bhagavad Gita 8.13:
"Uttering the one-syllabled Om—the Brahman—while remembering Me, he who departs, leaving the body, attains the supreme goal."

The practice of chanting Om and meditating on the divine brings numerous benefits:

1. Mental Clarity and Calmness:
   Regular recitation of Om aligns the mind with the universal vibration, reducing mental agitation and promoting clarity. At the time of death, this calmness helps in focusing on the divine rather than succumbing to fear or attachment.

2. Spiritual Upliftment:
   The vibrations of Om awaken spiritual consciousness, allowing one to transcend the physical and mental planes. It prepares the individual to face death with equanimity and a sense of purpose.

3. Control Over Senses:
   By practicing detachment and discipline, as prescribed in Bhagavad Gita 6.16-17, one gains mastery over the senses, ensuring that the soul's focus remains undistracted by worldly pain during death.

These benefits are not limited to spiritual aspirants; they extend to modern individuals seeking inner peace amidst life’s chaos.

Modern Relevance of Gita’s Teachings on Death

In today’s fast-paced, materialistic world, death is often viewed with fear and denial. The Gita offers an antidote to this existential anxiety by reframing death as a transition rather than an end. The practices it prescribes—devotion, mindfulness, and chanting—are as relevant now as they were thousands of years ago.

1. Mindfulness and Mental Resilience:
   The Gita’s emphasis on steady practice (abhyasa) resonates with modern mindfulness techniques. By cultivating awareness and focus, individuals can develop resilience to face life’s uncertainties, including death.

2. Universal Application of Devotion:
   Devotion in the Gita is not confined to rituals but is an all-encompassing love for truth, duty, and selfless service. In a world divided by religion, caste, and creed, this universal principle bridges humanity, offering a shared path to peace.

3. Preparation for Life’s Transitions:
   Beyond the moment of physical death, the Gita’s teachings are relevant to life’s metaphorical deaths—loss, failure, and change. By practicing detachment and remembering higher truths, individuals can navigate these transitions gracefully.

4. Health Benefits of Spiritual Practices:
   Scientific studies have shown that meditation and chanting improve physical and mental health. The practice of Omkar, in particular, has been linked to reduced stress, improved cardiac function, and enhanced focus.

Universality of the Gita’s Message

While deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, the Gita’s teachings transcend cultural and religious boundaries. The assurance of divine grace and the power of remembrance at death align with universal spiritual principles found in other traditions. For example:

• In Christianity, the concept of calling upon Jesus in one’s final moments reflects a similar faith in divine intervention.
• In Buddhism, mindfulness at the moment of death is emphasized as a critical factor determining the soul’s journey.

These parallels affirm the Gita’s message as a universal guide for attaining peace and liberation.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Remembrance

To implement the Gita’s teachings, individuals can adopt simple yet profound practices:

1. Daily Devotion:
   Set aside time each day for prayer, chanting, or meditation. This creates a habit of divine remembrance.

2. Chanting and Breath Control:
   Regular chanting of Om or a personal mantra, combined with controlled breathing (pranayama), prepares the mind for focused awareness.

3. Living a Righteous Life:
   By following ethical principles and performing one’s duties selflessly, as emphasized in Bhagavad Gita 3.19, one aligns life with higher truths.

4. Reflecting on Mortality:
   Contemplating the transient nature of life encourages detachment and fosters a deeper connection with the eternal.

5. Seeking Guidance:
   Learning from spiritual teachers and scriptures strengthens faith and provides clarity on the path.

A Life Anchored in the Divine

The Bhagavad Gita’s message about remembering God at the time of death is a profound reminder of life’s ultimate purpose. It calls upon individuals to cultivate devotion, practice mindfulness, and live in alignment with eternal truths. Far from being a mere philosophical ideal, this teaching has practical relevance for modern seekers, offering tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace and prepare for its inevitable transitions.

As Krishna assures Arjuna, those who worship Him with unwavering faith are never abandoned:
"To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me." (Bhagavad Gita 10.10)

Through a life dedicated to spiritual practice, the remembrance of the divine becomes second nature, transforming death from a moment of fear to one of liberation. In embracing this wisdom, humanity can transcend its fears and connect with the eternal essence that unites all existence.