8.10 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 8, Verse 10

Bhagavad Gita verse 8.10 addresses one of the most profound moments in a soul's journey - the time of death (prayāṇa-kāle). This verse reveals Krishna's teachings on how a yogi can attain the Supreme Divine Person through disciplined spiritual practice, particularly at this crucial transition.

At the heart of this verse lies the importance of maintaining an unwavering mind (manasācalena) at the moment of death. Krishna emphasizes that the state of one's consciousness during these final moments is decisive in determining the soul's next destination. This teaching aligns with the universal spiritual principle that our thoughts at death greatly influence our spiritual trajectory.

Krishna instructs that this steadiness of mind cannot be achieved instantly but requires consistent practice throughout one's lifetime. The natural tendency of the mind is to wander and become distracted, especially during moments of stress or transition. Through regular meditation and spiritual discipline, one gradually develops the capacity to keep the mind focused on the Divine, even amidst the turbulence that may accompany the final moments of life.

The verse introduces the crucial concept of bhaktyā yukto - being united with devotion. This devotional connection serves as an anchor for the mind, providing it with the emotional stability needed to remain fixed on Krishna. In this state of loving remembrance, the yogi develops a natural inclination to think of the Divine, making the transition at death more harmonious. Devotion becomes the channel through which the mind can remain undistracted, even as physical consciousness begins to fade.

Krishna also speaks of yoga-balena, the strength derived from yogic practice. This strength isn't merely physical but represents the culmination of mental discipline acquired through consistent spiritual practice. Like a muscle that grows stronger with regular exercise, the mind becomes increasingly capable of one-pointed focus through daily yogic discipline. This accumulated strength becomes especially valuable during life's final challenge, when the ability to control one's thoughts determines the quality of one's transition.

The verse references a specific yogic technique - directing the life force (prana) to the space between the eyebrows (bhruvor madhye prāṇam āveśya). This area, known as the Ajna Chakra in yogic tradition, is considered a gateway to higher consciousness. By directing vital energy to this point, the yogi facilitates the upward movement of consciousness, preparing for spiritual ascension. This practice, part of the ashtanga yoga system, helps align the subtle energies of the body in preparation for the soul's journey after death.

Ultimately, Krishna assures that the yogi who has cultivated these practices throughout life will, at the time of departure, attain the Supreme Divine Person. This promise offers profound comfort, suggesting that through disciplined devotion and yogic practice, one can transcend the cycle of birth and death, achieving union with the Divine. The verse thus serves as both instruction and reassurance, guiding practitioners toward the highest spiritual attainment while affirming the effectiveness of the path Krishna prescribes.