Chapter 8 Verse 21
Akṣhar Brahma Yog
अव्यक्तोऽक्षर इत्युक्तस्तमाहुः परमां गतिम्। यं प्राप्य न निवर्तन्ते तद्धाम परमं मम।।8.21।।
avyakto ’kṣhara ityuktas tam āhuḥ paramāṁ gatim yaṁ prāpya na nivartante tad dhāma paramaṁ mama
Word Meanings
| avyaktaḥ | unmanifest |
| akṣharaḥ | imperishable |
| iti | thus |
| uktaḥ | is said |
| tam | that |
| āhuḥ | is called |
| paramām | the supreme |
| gatim | destination |
| yam | which |
| prāpya | having reached |
| na | never |
| nivartante | come back |
| tat | that |
| dhāma | abode |
| paramam | the supreme |
| mama | my |
Translation
What is known as the Unmanifested and the Imperishable, That is said to be the highest goal. Those who reach It do not return (to this Samsara). That is My supreme abode (place or state).
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse points to a reality beyond all forms and change — the Unmanifested, the Imperishable. This is the highest goal: a state or home of being that is not born, does not die, and does not return to the cycle of birth and death.
When one reaches that state, one is freed from repeated rebirths and the pull of temporary desires. Krishna calls this His supreme abode, meaning the deepest, most lasting level of union with the divine or true Self.
Practically, the verse reminds us that lasting peace comes from turning inward to what does not change, rather than chasing things that only provide brief comfort.
Life Application
- Practice short daily times of quiet or meditation to notice the still, unchanging awareness behind thoughts and feelings.
- Let go of intense attachment to outcomes; choose actions based on steady values rather than immediate gain.
- Remember impermanence in daily choices: this reduces anxiety and helps prioritize what truly matters.
Reflection Question
What part of your life draws you toward lasting peace rather than momentary comfort?