Bhagavad Gita 8.13 — Chanting Om and Remembering the Supreme at Death Leads to the Highest Goal
ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन् ।
यः प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् ॥ ८.१३ ॥
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One who departs, leaving the body while uttering the single syllable Om, the sound form of Brahman, and remembering Me, attains the supreme goal.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| om | the sacred syllable Om |
| iti | thus |
| eka-akṣharam | the single syllable |
| brahma | Brahman, the Supreme Reality |
| vyāharan | uttering, chanting |
| mām | Me |
| anusmaran | remembering |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ | who |
| prayāti | departs |
| tyajan | leaving, giving up |
| deham | the body |
| saḥ | he |
| yāti | attains |
| paramām | supreme |
| gatim | goal, destination |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| om | the sacred syllable Om | yaḥ | who |
| iti | thus | prayāti | departs |
| eka-akṣharam | the single syllable | tyajan | leaving, giving up |
| brahma | Brahman, the Supreme Reality | deham | the body |
| vyāharan | uttering, chanting | saḥ | he |
| mām | Me | yāti | attains |
| anusmaran | remembering | paramām | supreme |
| gatim | goal, destination | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now gives the culmination of this practice. One who departs from the body chanting the single syllable Om, which is Brahman, and remembering Him, attains the supreme goal.
Essence
Om: The Sound of Brahman at the Final Moment
After describing the withdrawal of the senses and the gathering of the mind, Lord Krishna now introduces the sacred syllable Om as the vehicle for remembrance. This verse is among the most important statements about Om in the Gita.
Om ity ekākṣaraṁ brahma (Om, the one-syllable Brahman): Om is regarded as the sound-form of the Absolute. It is said to contain within it all sounds, all words, and therefore all of existence. The word ekākṣara means 'one syllable', suggesting the unity of everything within a single sound. In the scriptures, Om is also described as the symbol that represents Brahman in a form the mind can hold.
Vyāharan (uttering or chanting): The practitioner does not merely think about Om but vocalises it, whether aloud or silently. Repetition of Om calms the mind and brings it into a state of focus. The vibration of the sound itself has a settling effect on the body and breath.
Mām anusmaran (remembering Me): The chanting is not a mechanical act. It is accompanied by remembrance of the Lord. The sound and the meaning go together: Om is the sound, and the Lord is its meaning. This combination is what gives the practice its power.
Yaḥ prayāti tyajan deham (whoever departs, leaving the body): The practice is performed at the time of leaving the body, but, as we have seen, it can only be performed then if it has been practised throughout life.
Sa yāti paramāṁ gatim (that person attains the supreme goal): The result is the highest destination, liberation and union with the Supreme.
Sound as a bridge: This verse teaches that sound can be a bridge between the limited mind and the infinite Reality. In many traditions, a sacred sound or name is used because the mind finds it easier to hold a sound than an abstract idea.
Message for Everyday Life (The Calming Power of a Sacred Sound)
Use sound to steady your mind: When the mind is agitated, a simple, repeated sound can help it settle.
Practical approach: Try sitting quietly for a few minutes each day, chanting Om slowly, either aloud or silently, while remembering the Divine. Pay attention to the vibration and the breath. You will often notice a gentle calm and clarity. If Om is not your tradition, you may use another sacred name or word that carries meaning for you.
Om: The Sound of Brahman at the Final Moment
After describing the withdrawal of the senses and the gathering of the mind, Lord Krishna now introduces the sacred syllable Om as the vehicle for remembrance. This verse is among the most important statements about Om in the Gita.
Om ity ekākṣaraṁ brahma (Om, the one-syllable Brahman): Om is regarded as the sound-form of the Absolute. It is said to contain within it all sounds, all words, and therefore all of existence. The word ekākṣara means 'one syllable', suggesting the unity of everything within a single sound. In the scriptures, Om is also described as the symbol that represents Brahman in a form the mind can hold.
Vyāharan (uttering or chanting): The practitioner does not merely think about Om but vocalises it, whether aloud or silently. Repetition of Om calms the mind and brings it into a state of focus. The vibration of the sound itself has a settling effect on the body and breath.
Mām anusmaran (remembering Me): The chanting is not a mechanical act. It is accompanied by remembrance of the Lord. The sound and the meaning go together: Om is the sound, and the Lord is its meaning. This combination is what gives the practice its power.
Yaḥ prayāti tyajan deham (whoever departs, leaving the body): The practice is performed at the time of leaving the body, but, as we have seen, it can only be performed then if it has been practised throughout life.
Sa yāti paramāṁ gatim (that person attains the supreme goal): The result is the highest destination, liberation and union with the Supreme.
Sound as a bridge: This verse teaches that sound can be a bridge between the limited mind and the infinite Reality. In many traditions, a sacred sound or name is used because the mind finds it easier to hold a sound than an abstract idea.
Message for Everyday Life (The Calming Power of a Sacred Sound)
Use sound to steady your mind: When the mind is agitated, a simple, repeated sound can help it settle.
Practical approach: Try sitting quietly for a few minutes each day, chanting Om slowly, either aloud or silently, while remembering the Divine. Pay attention to the vibration and the breath. You will often notice a gentle calm and clarity. If Om is not your tradition, you may use another sacred name or word that carries meaning for you.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has declared that chanting Om with remembrance at the time of death leads to the supreme goal. He now explains how easily the Lord can be reached by those who remember Him constantly and with undivided mind, in the next verse.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
One syllable can hold the whole of the sacred.
Let the last breath carry the holiest sound.
Simplicity is the shortest path to depth.
The voice leads and the mind follows.
A single sound can gather a scattered mind.
Let the end be a prayer.
Mantra and meaning meet in remembrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'om' (the sacred syllable Om)?
What does 'eka-akṣharam brahma' (the single-syllable Brahman) mean?
Why does the verse say 'mām anusmaran' (remembering Me) along with chanting?
What does 'paramām gatim' (supreme goal) refer to?
What is the practical message of this verse?
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