Bhagavad Gita - Book 8, Volume 8

INTRODUCTION

This text was machine-transcribed from the printed book and may contain errors. Select the words and choose “Report a mistake”.

In the last few verses Kṛṣṇa summarizes the essence of the whole chapter. He says, ‘O Pārtha, the devotees who know these different paths are never bewildered. Therefore O Arjuna, be always fixed in devotion.’

He means that a person who understands the different paths that a spirit can take while leaving the body will always be prepared for death. He immerses himself in devotion throughout his life so that he becomes liberated. Kṛṣṇa first gives Arjuna an intellectual understanding of the whole death process. He clearly tells him that the last thought while leaving the body governs the path that the spirit chooses when entering the next body.

Again and again He emphasizes that this thought cannot be divine unless we spend our entire lives in devotional service. ,

Devotion is more important than service. Never give money in charity because some priest told you that it is a good thing. Never follow these rules blindly. Its not ‘Don’t do charity work.’ It is ‘Let it just be a natural expression of yourself, not with any expectation.’

We have a head to think with and a heart to feel with. We do not need to refer to society every time to decide what to do and what not to do. Another thing, do not work in the name of ‘devotional service’ to please someone else or society.