Gita Series – 98: Bhagavad Gita Chapter VIII. Verses 27– 28:

“No yogi gets deluded by knowing the secrets of these two paths. Therefore Arjuna, at all times remain firmly in yoga. The yogi who truly understands the merits of these two paths transcends all the rewards ascribed in the scriptures to the study of Vedas, performance of sacrifices, austerities, charities, and attains the beginningless supreme state.”

These two verses are the summing up of this Bhagavad Gita Chapter VIII. Krishna has declared two paths, one is the path of light and the other one is the path of darkness. The first path is pursued by the wise and the second one is chosen by the ignorant. The illuminated path is the path of no return and the smoky path is the path of return. The yogi, who has really understood the Lord, purifies his mind by steadfastly fixing his mind on the Lord all the time, ignoring the sensory influences to cause any impressions on the mind is able to cut across desire, passion and attachment proceeds further towards the ever illuminating form of the Lord. His sole aim is to merge with the Brahman as he knows the miseries and pains of life that is caused by indulging in the material world. The yogi also knows that the pleasures of the materialistic world is not eternal and crumbles along with the body. The yogi has become wise by continuously working through his mind and realised that the Brahman alone gives the lasting solution of liberation. Therefore, the yogi chooses the right path, the path of light. As a result of choosing the path of light, he has gained enough knowledge and wisdom to stay connected with the Lord all the time, by simultaneously carrying out his worldly duties. He clearly distinguishes between the Real and illusionary world. As a result of his knowledge, he knows where to keep his consciousness at the time of his death. At the time of death, he is able to fix his consciousness more firmly with the Lord, as a result of which his soul traverses through the illuminated path, honoured by different deities like the lord of fire, the sun, etc. Finally, he merges with the Brahman and his further transmigrations come to an end. Hence Krishna tells Arjuna to become a yogi, always contemplating on the Supreme Self.

The union of Self with the self can be contemplated only through proper meditation. What is needed is only dedication and sincerity on the part of the aspirant. Krishna says even knowing of Vedas, performing sacrifices, austerities and charities do not yield quicker results than contemplating the Lord all the time. A perfect meditation transforms a yogi in stages making the yogi immersed in His bliss always. He utilizes the opportunity available to him at the time of his death and he fixes his consciousness on the Lord, rather more powerfully and firmly this time, to integrate with the Lord forever. 

CHAPTER VIII OF BHAGAVAD GITA CONCLUDED.

Further Readings:

Bhagavad Gita. Chapter VIII. 23-26

Bhagavad Gita. Chapter VIII. 20-22

Bhagavad Gita. Chapter IX. 1 - 3