Chapter 8 Verse 16
Akṣhar Brahma Yog
आब्रह्मभुवनाल्लोकाः पुनरावर्तिनोऽर्जुन। मामुपेत्य तु कौन्तेय पुनर्जन्म न विद्यते।।8.16।।
ā-brahma-bhuvanāl lokāḥ punar āvartino ’rjuna mām upetya tu kaunteya punar janma na vidyate
Word Meanings
| ā-brahma-bhuvanāt | up to the abode of Brahma |
| lokāḥ | worlds |
| punaḥ āvartinaḥ | subject to rebirth |
| arjuna | Arjun |
| mām | mine |
| upetya | having attained |
| tu | but |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| punaḥ janma | rebirth |
| na | never |
| vidyate | is |
Translation
All the worlds, including the world of Brahma, are subject to return again, O Arjuna; but he who reaches Me, O son of Kunti, has no rebirth.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that every world, even the highest realm of Brahma, is still part of the cycle of birth and death. Those who only reach these worlds will return again into the cycle.
By contrast, one who truly reaches the Divine (Krishna) goes beyond that cycle and does not take rebirth. "Reaching" here means complete union with God through knowledge, love, or surrender — a final ending of the sense of separation.
Philosophically, the verse teaches that spiritual liberation is higher than any temporary heavenly pleasure. The goal is not escaping to a better temporary place, but realizing the eternal source so the cycle itself stops.
Life Application
- Make a steady inner connection with the Divine through short daily practices (prayer, meditation, or remembering God) rather than chasing only temporary comforts.
- Act with love and surrender: offer your work and outcomes without clinging, so your heart moves toward lasting freedom instead of short-lived success.
- When faced with choices, prefer what deepens your inner peace and wisdom over what only brings temporary pleasure.
Reflection Question
What one simple daily habit can help me remember the Divine more and lessen my attachment to temporary rewards?