VIII: 2

[Krishna Jaya]

Chapter 8, Verse 2

"Teach me the way of worship:
What it is, here in the body.
And how are you revealed
At the hour of death
To those whose consciousness
Is united with you?

Sri Eknath Easwaran:

This chapter begins like a seminar.  Krishna has just told Arjuna how to go beyond death, but he used words which Arjuna did not understand.  So Arjuna keeps asking...

What does this mean?

What about that?

Then he hesitates, his face full of expectancy.  There is still one more question.  He has saved it for last.  His tone changes, and he asks in simple, direct words the searching question that has occupied thoughtful people from all of the wisdom traditions...

At the time of the great change called death, how can I remember you in the depths of my consciousness and become united with you?

The answer to this question is the theme of this chapter.