The Imperishable - 08 - 02

The Shloka

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अधियज्ञः कथं कोऽत्र देहेऽस्मिन्मधुसूदन ।

प्रयाणकाले च कथं ज्ञेयोऽसि नियतात्मभिः ॥

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Adhiyajñah katham ko’tra dehe’smin Madhusūdana ।

Prayāṇakāle ca kathaṁ jñeyo’si niyatātmabhiḥ ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This verse continues Arjuna’s deep inquiry into the nature of existence, the divine, and the path to liberation, specifically focusing on the moment of death. The question about Adhiyajna (the lord of sacrifice) within the body points to the understanding of the indwelling divine principle that is the ultimate recipient and sanctioner of all actions and offerings, emphasizing the internal nature of true sacrifice. The second question is profoundly significant as it addresses the ultimate challenge of spiritual practice: how to maintain divine remembrance and realization at the crucial moment of passing away. This highlights the importance of life-long spiritual discipline, self-control (niyatatmabhih), and constant remembrance of the Supreme Lord (Krishna) to ensure a favorable spiritual destination after death. It underscores the Bhagavad Gita’s emphasis on the consciousness at the time of death as a determinant for one’s future state.

O Madhusudana, who is Adhiyajna (the lord of sacrifice) and how does he reside in this body? And how are You to be known by those of self-controlled minds at the time of death?

Arjuna asks Krishna two fundamental questions: firstly, about the identity and presence of Adhiyajna (the lord of sacrifice) within the human body, seeking to understand the divine principle governing all actions and sacrifices. Secondly, he inquires how those who have disciplined and controlled their minds can come to know or realize Krishna at the critical juncture of death, implying the difficulty and importance of maintaining spiritual consciousness at that final moment.

In this verse, Arjuna extends his series of profound questions from the previous verse, seeking further clarification on the ultimate realities. He first asks, ‘O Madhusudana, who is Adhiyajna and how does he reside in this body?’ This question delves into the nature of sacrifice and its connection to the individual’s existence. ‘Adhiyajna’ refers to the Supreme Lord, Vishnu or Krishna, as the ultimate enjoyer and proprietor of all sacrifices. Arjuna wants to know how this supreme principle of sacrifice, the Divine sanctioner of all ritualistic and selfless actions, is present within the limited confines of the human body. This implies a deeper understanding of the divine presence within all living beings and how every act can be seen as an offering to this indwelling spirit. His second question is equally crucial: ‘And how are You to be known by those of self-controlled minds at the time of death?’ This query addresses the paramount concern of spiritual practitioners – the state of consciousness at the moment of departing from the body. Arjuna is asking about the method or means by which individuals who have diligently practiced self-control, meditation, and devotion throughout their lives can attain the realization or remembrance of Krishna at the critical juncture of death. This question highlights the immense significance of one’s final thoughts and awareness, a central theme in the eighth chapter, and emphasizes that consistent spiritual practice is necessary to ensure one’s consciousness is fixed on the Divine at that ultimate moment.

Sentence - 1

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अधियज्ञः कथं कोऽत्र देहेऽस्मिन्मधुसूदन

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Meaning

O Madhusudana, who is Adhiyajna (the lord of sacrifice) and how does he reside in this body?

Meaning of Words

अधियज्ञः	Adhiyajñah
The lord of sacrifice Adhiyajna refers to the presiding deity or the supreme Lord who is the ultimate enjoyer and sanctioner of all sacrifices (yajnas). In a deeper sense, it refers to the indwelling Supreme Being (Vishnu or Krishna) who is present in every living being and within every act of sacrifice. He is the ultimate recipient and sustainer of all offerings, implying that all actions performed with a spirit of offering are ultimately directed towards and sanctioned by the Divine.
कथं	katham	How?
कोऽत्र	ko’tra
Who here? This is a combination of ‘kah’ meaning ‘who’ and ‘atra’ meaning ‘here’ or ‘in this context’. So, Arjuna is asking ‘who is it that is here?’ referring to Adhiyajna.
देहेऽस्मिन्	dehe’smin
In this body ‘Dehe’ means ‘in the body’ (locative case of ‘deha’ - body), and ‘asmin’ means ‘in this’ (locative case of ‘idam’ - this). Thus, it refers to the physical human body.
मधुसूदन	Madhusūdana
O killer of the demon Madhu Madhusudana is an epithet for Lord Krishna (or Vishnu). It literally means ‘the slayer of the demon Madhu’. The demon Madhu, along with Kaitabha, emerged from the earwax of Lord Vishnu while He was in yogic slumber at the beginning of creation. These demons threatened Brahma, who sought Vishnu’s help. Vishnu awoke and, after a long battle, slew them. This name signifies Krishna’s immense power to overcome formidable obstacles and destroy evil. Metaphorically, it also represents His capacity to destroy ignorance, delusion, and the attachments that bind the soul. Arjuna uses this name to invoke Krishna’s supreme wisdom and power in answering these profound spiritual questions.

Sentence - 2

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प्रयाणकाले च कथं ज्ञेयोऽसि नियतात्मभिः ॥

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Meaning

And how are You to be known by those of self-controlled minds at the time of death?

Meaning of Words

प्रयाणकाले	Prayāṇakāle
At the time of departure (death) ‘Prayāṇa’ means ‘departure’ or ‘journey’, often referring to the journey of the soul leaving the physical body. ‘Kāle’ means ‘at the time’. Hence, it signifies the critical moment of death, which is considered of immense importance for spiritual realization in Vedic philosophy, as the state of consciousness at this time determines the soul’s next destination.
च	ca	And
ज्ञेयोऽसि	jñeyo’si
Are to be known (by you) ‘Jñeyaḥ’ means ‘to be known’ or ‘knowable’, indicating something that can be understood or realized. ‘Asi’ means ‘You are’. So, Arjuna is asking, ‘how are You, Krishna, to be understood or realized?’
नियतात्मभिः	niyatātmabhiḥ
By those with self-controlled minds ‘Niyata’ means ‘controlled’, ‘restrained’, or ‘disciplined’. ‘Atmabhiḥ’ means ‘by the selves’ or ‘by the minds’. This refers to individuals who have achieved mastery over their minds, senses, and desires through spiritual practice, meditation, and adherence to dharma. Such individuals are steadfast in their spiritual pursuit and are capable of focusing their consciousness at the time of death.

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