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Akshara Brahma Yoga (Samskrit: अक्षरब्रह्मयोगः) is the commonly given title to the eighth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This chapter talks about the radiant, imperishable divine reality who is beyond all things manifest and unmanifest, names and forms and which is the highest goal to be attained in the human life.

Akshara Brahma Yoga (Samskrit: अक्षरब्रह्मयोगः) is the commonly given title to the eighth chapter of the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]]. This chapter talks about the radiant, imperishable divine reality who is beyond all things manifest and unmanifest, names and forms and which is the highest goal to be attained in the human life.

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The [[Jnana Vijnana Yoga (ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगः)|previous chapter]] spoke about union with the Supreme being. In continuation to that discussion, Sri Krishna in this chapter, explains that all beings, including even the deities, repeatedly come into being in this created universe from the state of unmanifest being wherein they remained at the end of an age-cycle. However, the Supreme being exists even beyond this unmanifest state. And those who attain union with the Supreme being do not have to come again into this impermanent world of sorrow and pain. Therefore, that radiant, imperishable Divine Reality is the highest goal to be attained and single-minded devotion of our heart is the means of attaining this highest state.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda (2000), [https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/BHAGAVAD-GITA-By-SRI-SWAMI-SIVANANDA.pdf Bhagavad Gita], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society, The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman.</ref>

The [[Jnana Vijnana Yoga (ज्ञानविज्ञानयोगः)|previous chapter]] spoke about union with the Supreme being. In continuation to that discussion, Sri Krishna in this chapter, explains that all beings, including even the deities, repeatedly come into being in this created universe from the state of unmanifest being wherein they remained at the end of an age-cycle. However, the Supreme being exists even beyond this unmanifest state. And those who attain union with the Supreme being do not have to come again into this impermanent world of sorrow and pain. Therefore, that radiant, imperishable Divine Reality is the highest goal to be attained and single-minded devotion of our heart is the means of attaining this highest state.<ref name=":0">Swami Sivananda (2000), [https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/BHAGAVAD-GITA-By-SRI-SWAMI-SIVANANDA.pdf Bhagavad Gita], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society, The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman.</ref>

Arjuna in this chapter, asks Sri Krishna about the meaning of the different terms referred to by Him in the last two verses of the previous chapter. He wishes to know what is the Supreme Being, what is Karma (action) that He refers to, the elements and the centre of all things within this human body, etc

Arjuna in this chapter, asks Sri Krishna about the meaning of the different terms referred to by Him in the last two verses of the previous chapter. He wishes to know what is the Supreme Being, what is Karma (action) that He refers to, the elements and the centre of all things within this human body, etc

* The Supreme being

* The Supreme being

Krishna says, beyond all things manifest and unmanifest, beyond these names and forms, there is the Supreme Being—Brahman. That brahman dwells in this body as the centre of all things, including our own self (atma). We are a spiritual being residing within this body supported by the Antaryami.  

Sri Krishna says, beyond all things manifest and unmanifest, beyond these names and forms, there is the Supreme Being—Brahman. That brahman dwells in this body as the centre of all things, including our own self (atma). We are a spiritual being residing within this body supported by the Antaryami.  

* The Secret of eternal bliss

* The Secret of eternal bliss

Attaining unity with the supreme reality thereby freeing oneself from the bondage of birth and death is the subject matter in this chapter. Talking of the journey beyond the physical world, it is said that, even though the departure is seen as both an auspicious as well as an inauspicious circumstance, if one steadily abides in the thoughts of the Supreme being with unwavering shraddha and bhakti, then these conditions do not matter. Because, by always remaining in tune with the Supreme through pure love, everything is made auspicious. When one remains ever united with the Divine through deep devotion, constant remembrance, regular meditation and continuous communion, then all times, places, conditions and situations become auspicious and blessed. And this is the secret of invoking His Grace for attaining Him that leads to eternal freedom and bliss. And worship, prayer and offering to the gods with shraddha and bhakti constitute actions that lead to blessedness.

Attaining unity with the supreme reality thereby freeing oneself from the bondage of birth and death is the subject matter in this chapter. Talking of the journey beyond the physical world, it is said that, even though the departure is seen as both an auspicious as well as an inauspicious circumstance, if one steadily abides in the thoughts of the Supreme being with unwavering shraddha and bhakti, then these conditions do not matter. Because, by always remaining in tune with the Supreme through pure love, everything is made auspicious. When one remains ever united with the Divine through deep devotion, constant remembrance, regular meditation and continuous communion, then all times, places, conditions and situations become auspicious and blessed. And this is the secret of invoking His Grace for attaining Him that leads to eternal freedom and bliss. And worship, prayer and offering to the deities with shraddha and bhakti constitute actions that lead to blessedness.

Thus, the secret of reaching the Divine Being is to constantly practise unbroken remembrance of the Supreme at all times, in all places and even amidst one’s daily activities. Accustomed to such steady remembrance of the Supreme through regular daily Sadhana, one will be rooted in His remembrance even at the time of departing from this body. Thus, his departure will take him beyond darkness and bondage to attain the realm of eternal blessedness.

Thus, the secret of reaching the Divine Being is to constantly practise unbroken remembrance of the Supreme at all times, in all places and even amidst one’s daily activities. Accustomed to such steady remembrance of the Supreme through regular daily Sadhana, one will be rooted in His remembrance even at the time of departing from this body. Thus, his departure will take him beyond darkness and bondage to attain the realm of eternal blessedness.