श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ८.६ — यं यं वापि स्मरन्भावं — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ८.६ — यं यं वापि स्मरन्भावं
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यं यम्
yam yam
whatever
वा
vā
or
अपि
api
even
स्मरन्
smaran
remembering
भावम्
bhāvam
state of being, object of thought
त्यजति
tyajati
gives up
अन्ते
ante
at the end (of life)
कलेवरम्
kalevaram
the body
तम् तम्
tam tam
to that very (state)
एव
eva
certainly
एति
eti
gets, attains
कौन्तेय
kaunteya
O son of Kunti (Arjuna)
सदा
sadā
always
तद्भावभावितः
tat-bhāva-bhāvitaḥ
absorbed in contemplation of that state
Complete Translation
हे कौन्तेय ! (यह जीव) अन्तकाल में जिस किसी भी भाव को स्मरण करता हुआ शरीर को त्यागता है, वह सदैव उस भाव के चिन्तन के फलस्वरूप उसी भाव को ही प्राप्त होता है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 6
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the eighth chapter, Akshara-Brahma Yoga, Krishna answers Arjuna's questions about the Supreme, the soul, and what happens at death. He explains that the state of mind at the moment of departure determines one's future state, and then advises constant remembrance of the Divine so that the final thought leads to the highest goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 8.6?▼
Krishna teaches that whatever one remembers at the moment of leaving the body determines one's next state of existence. Because the final thought is shaped by lifelong contemplation, the verse stresses cultivating the right remembrance throughout life so that one's last thought leads to a higher destiny.
Does this mean only the last moment matters?▼
Not exactly. The verse says the final thought is decisive, but it also notes that this thought arises from being 'always absorbed' in that contemplation. So the last thought is really the fruit of one's lifelong habits of mind, which is why steady practice during life is essential.
How does this verse connect to the next one (8.7)?▼
In the very next verse Krishna gives the practical instruction: 'Therefore, remember Me at all times and fight.' Having explained that the final thought shapes one's destiny, He advises constant remembrance of Him alongside performing one's duty, so that the Divine becomes one's natural last thought.
How can one ensure a good final thought?▼
By cultivating remembrance of the Divine consistently throughout life through japa, prayer, devotion and righteous living. Just as practice makes any thought spontaneous, lifelong God-remembrance makes the Lord the natural object of the mind even at the final moment.
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