Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Verse 6: The Universal Law of Rebirth

Minutes to read.

Introduction

In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 6, the Speaker (Kaal Brahm) explains the universal psychological and spiritual law that governs the soul's transition after death. This verse clarifies that it is not just "God" in a general sense that one might attain, but specifically whatever "state" or "deity" the mind is most absorbed in at the time of departure.

Sanskrit Shlok (Original Verse)

Word-for-Word Meaning (Sanskrit to English)

• Yam Yam: Whatever / Whichever
• Va Api: Or even
• Smaran: Remembering / Meditating upon
• Bhavam: State of being / Nature / Deity
• Tyajati: Leaves / Abandons
• Ante: At the end / At the time of death
• Kalevaram: The body
• Tam Tam: To that very (destination/deity)
• Eva: Only
• Eti: Goes / Attains
• Kaunteya: O son of Kunti (Arjun)
• Sada: Always
• Tad-bhava-bhavitah: Absorbed in that very thought/devotion (as a result of lifelong habit)

English Translation

O son of Kunti, Arjun! Whatever state of being (or whichever deity) a person remembers while leaving the body at the end of life, they attain that very state alone, because they have been constantly absorbed in that specific thought or devotion.

Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अनुवाद)

श्री भगवानुवाच: हे कुन्तीपुत्र अर्जुन! यह मनुष्य अन्तकाल में जिस-जिस भी भाव को सुमरण करता हुआ (अर्थात् जिस भी देव की उपासना करता हुआ) शरीर का त्याग करता है, वह उस-उसको ही प्राप्त होता है; क्योंकि वह सदा उसी भक्ति-भाव (स्वभाव) में भावित रहता है।

Detailed Commentary & Analysis

As per the core knowledge on holybhagavadgita.com, this verse reveals the "Science of Habit":

1. The Result of Lifelong Practice: The phrase Sada tad-bhava-bhavitah is the key. It implies that the final thought isn't a random occurrence. What we meditate on throughout our life becomes our "nature" (Svabhav), and that nature naturally arises at the moment of death.
2. Attainment of Specific Deities: This verse confirms that if a person worships ghosts, they go to ghosts; if they worship ancestors (Pitras), they go to Pitras; and if they worship the Speaker (Brahm), they go to him. The destination is strictly aligned with the object of one's lifelong devotion.
3. The Logic of Rebirth: This verse explains the mechanism behind the cycle of births. The mind acts as a magnet, pulling the soul toward the frequency it has been tuned to during its stay in the physical body.

Why This Translation is Different

Most translations overlook the technicality of "Yam Yam" (Whichever). At holybhagavadgita.com, we emphasize that this verse is a warning: if your devotion is directed toward a perishable entity or an incorrect path throughout your life, you will attain that perishable state. To attain the Supreme Eternal God, one must ensure their "lifelong habit" of remembrance is directed toward the correct, scripturally-sanctioned Supreme Power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I remember God at the last moment if I haven't practiced during my life? A1: Verse 6 suggests this is very difficult. Because we are "Sada tad-bhava-bhavitah" (always absorbed in our habits), our mind naturally gravitates toward what we practiced daily.

Q2: Does "Bhavam" only mean "thoughts"? A2: In this context, "Bhavam" refers to the object of worship or the spiritual state. Whichever deity's "Bhav" (devotional state) you maintain is where you will go.