Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: The Imperishable Truth (Chapter 8)

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In the eighth chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, Sri Kısna seeks to explain what it takes to attain the Lord, and how by changing the way we think we can attain Him.

He initiates the dialogue by stating that the mind centered upon the Lord is the one that attains Liberation. He goes on to enumerate the methods through which it can be achieved. Dwelling on the relationship between the manifest (gross) and the unmanifest (subtle), he draws outouressential nature as that of supreme Brahman.

He concludes by explaining the different paths that lead to the different ends; the path of darkness that leads to the finite and manifest, whereas the path of light that leads to the the imperishable Brahman.

To discriminate between the higher and the lower nature of the eternal Self and, identifying with the Higher, to play at will with all freedom and joy in the fields of Its lower manifestations, is to be the perfect Man of Wisdom, a God upon earth, ever liberated from the threats and sorrows of the finite. The aim of Vedanta is to carve out of ordinary folk such blissful Man of Wisdom. In the earlier chapter, therefore, a vivid description of both Knowledge and Wisdom was elaborately given.

Continuing the idea contained in the previous chapter, herein Krsna starts with the glorification of the Man of Wisdom and declares that he is perfect not only because of his special knowledge and experience of the Self, but also because he becomes thereby, a perfect, well-integrated personality at all levels of his existence and contacts of the world. He easily proves himself to be a man of Godly efficiency and balance, in all situations and conditions, at all places and times.