Be Fixed In Devotion🔗

In the last few verses Kṛṣṇa summarizes the essence of the whole chapter. He says, ‘O son of Pṛtā, 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. When I say devotional service, devotion is more important than service. I tell people, never give money in charity because some priest told you that it is a good thing. I do not say, ‘Don’t do charity work.’ I am only saying, ‘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. Do not work in the name of 'devotional service' to please someone else or society. If you expect something in return, then it is not devotional service. If it springs purely out of devotion, the act itself should be the reward.

A small story:

Bodhidharma goes to China. The King of China was devoted to Bodhidharma. The king did a lot to spread Buddhism in China. He built many temples and ashrams, and spent lots of money trying to get people to follow the path.

When Bodhidharma entered his palace, the king welcomed him and asked, 'Buddha, I have done so much to spread Buddhism in my country. What will happen when I die? Will I reach heaven?'

Bodhidharma replied, 'You will reach the worst hell.'

The king was shocked! Understand: The king's question contained an expectation of return for his charity. He did service hoping that Bodhidharma would recognize and reward him.

I tell people, every day for just half an hour, work without expecting anything in return. It could be anything. If you make a painting, don't calculate, 'Oh, how many people will appreciate this!' Without such calculations, immerse yourself in some work for half an hour.

You will suddenly see a new space open up inside you. When you work without expecting anything in return, just for the joy of doing it, you will see how liberating it is. Gradually, when this becomes ingrained in you, you will enjoy whatever you do much more. You will no more bother about who thinks what about you.

Kṛṣṇa says, 'Performing austerities and sacrifices, giving charity or pursuing pious result-based activities will take a person to the supreme abode.' While doing each of these activities, it is the attitude that matters most, not the action itself. Kṛṣṇa says, if one engages in activities with devotion, then He will be there at the time of one’s death.

He has given intellectual knowledge until now.

Let us pray to that ultimate energy, Parabrahma Kṛṣṇa, to give us intelligence and the experience of thoughtless awareness, witnessing consciousness, ātma jñāna, the eternal bliss, nityānanda.

Thank you.

Thus ends the eighth chapter named Akṣara Brahma Yogaḥ, of the Upaniṣad of Bhagavad Gītā, the scripture of Yoga dealing with the Science of the Absolute, in the form of the dialogue between Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna.