Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.13
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् । यः प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् ॥१३॥
omityekākṣaraṃ brahma vyāharanmāmanusmaran | yaḥ prayāti tyajandehaṃ sa yāti paramāṃ gatim ||13||
Complete Shloka Translation
Uttering Om, the single syllable signifying Brahman, and remembering Me, whoever departs while leaving the body reaches the supreme destination.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ओम् | om | the sacred syllable Om |
| परमां गतिम् | paramāṃ gatim | the supreme destination |
| ओमित्येकाक्षरं | omityekākṣaraṃ | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| ब्रह्म | brahma | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् | vyāharanmāmanusmaran | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| यः | yaḥ | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| प्रयाति | prayāti | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| त्यजन्देहं | tyajandehaṃ | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| याति | sa | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| परमां | yāti | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| गतिम् | paramāṃ | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
| १३ | gatim | [term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab... |
the sacred syllable Om
the supreme destination
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
[term] in context of Uttering Om, the single syllab...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This completes the practice described in 8.12. Om and remembrance of Krishna occur together; the spiritual promise belongs to the passage's wider context of disciplined, sustained yoga.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Join a meaningful sacred expression with attentive remembrance."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which sacred expression holds meaning for your remembrance?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.