Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 8 (BG 8.8) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

In this verse, the verbal form "yaati" means "attains" or "goes to." However, one should not understand the attainment or realization of the Supreme Person as occurring only after death. By death is meant the dissolution of ego, which is accomplished through the practice of meditation. The purpose of this verse is to demonstrate that when the limited ego dissolves, any seeker can live as a liberated being in this very life, remaining ever established in their true nature. The person who lives in the world as a temporary traveler rather than a permanent resident, following the aforementioned way of life, and who continuously practices self-reflection, will certainly become absorbed in meditation. In truth, this is an elucidation of the prayer and worship taught in the Vedas, and of the disciplines of devotion and surrender described in the Puranas—whereas the teaching in the preceding verse pertains to the practical expression of dharma, that is, the form of renunciation within one's own field of action. As a fruit of this yoga of practice, the devotee attains one-pointedness of mind, which serves to strengthen the intellect. When the inner faculty becomes worthy of direct realization of the Self, the experience of the atman becomes naturally perfected. Through continuous reflection, O Partha, the seeker attains the Supreme Divine Person. This principle is not only true regarding the attainment of the Supreme Person, but applies equally to any object whatsoever. Thus the profound meaning of this verse becomes clear. If the seeker possesses all the necessary means, the experience of the atman and firm steadfastness in it can be attained in this very present life. The word "anuchintayan" used here is deliberate. A continuous stream of homogeneous mental modifications focused on the object of meditation is called reflection or meditation. The prefix "anu" means continuous. Therefore, here the teaching is to contemplate the Divine Person continuously. The Lord now speaks of the qualities by which that object of meditation is distinguished—