Death & Reincarnation in the Bhagavad Gita
Understand the mystery of death, the moment of departure, and reincarnation in the Bhagavad Gita.
Definition & Meaning
Death is the physical dissolution of the biological body while the eternal soul transitions to a new form.
Meaning in the Bhagavad Gita
In Chapter 8 (Akshara Brahma Yoga), Krishna explains that the state of mind at the moment of death determines the next birth.
Important Verses on death
Just as the embodied soul passes through childhood, youth, and old age in this body, so too does it pass into another body; the steadfast one does not grieve over this.
Just as a man casts off worn-out clothes and puts on new ones, so too the embodied Self casts off worn-out bodies and enters others that are new.
And whoever, leaving their body, goes forth remembering Me alone at the time of death, they will attain My Being; there is no doubt about this.
Whoever at the end leaves the body, thinking of any being, to that being only does he go, O son of Kunti (Arjuna), due to his constant thought of that being.
Practical Application in Daily Life
Live a clean, spiritually focused life so that your mind remains peaceful and connected to God at life's conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What determines the next birth according to BG 8.6?
Whatever state of being a person remembers at the time of leaving the body determines their next destination.
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