Bhagavad Gita 8.5 — Remembering the Lord at the Time of Death Leads to His Nature
अन्तकाले च मामेव स्मरन्मुक्त्वा कलेवरम् ।
यः प्रयाति स मद्भावं याति नास्त्यत्र संशयः ॥ ८.५ ॥
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Whoever, at the time of death, gives up the body remembering Me alone, attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| anta-kāle | at the time of death |
| cha | and |
| mām | Me |
| eva | alone |
| smaran | remembering |
| muktvā | having given up, having left |
| kalevaram | the body |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaḥ | who |
| prayāti | departs |
| saḥ | he |
| mat-bhāvam | My nature, My being |
| yāti | attains |
| na | no |
| asti | there is |
| atra | in this |
| saṁśhayaḥ | doubt |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| anta-kāle | at the time of death | yaḥ | who |
| cha | and | prayāti | departs |
| mām | Me | saḥ | he |
| eva | alone | mat-bhāvam | My nature, My being |
| smaran | remembering | yāti | attains |
| muktvā | having given up, having left | na | no |
| kalevaram | the body | asti | there is |
| atra | in this | ||
| saṁśhayaḥ | doubt | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now answers Arjuna's question about the time of death. Whoever, at the end of life, leaves the body remembering Him alone attains His state of being, and of this there is no doubt.
Essence
The Decisive Moment: Remembrance at the End
With this verse, the central theme of Chapter 8 begins. Lord Krishna gives a clear and encouraging answer to Arjuna's question. It is also a very significant statement about the power of remembrance.
Anta-kāle ca mām eva smaran (and at the end of life, remembering Me alone): The word anta-kāla refers to the final moments of life. The word smaran means remembering or keeping in mind. The word eva, 'alone', emphasises that the mind is fully fixed on the Lord and not distracted by other things. At the time of death, a person is usually flooded with thoughts of attachments, regrets, and fears. To remember the Lord alone at that moment requires a mind that has been trained.
Muktvā kalevaram (leaving the body): The word kalevara means body. The Gita regards death as the departure of the self from one body, not the end of existence. The self continues, and what it carries with it is the quality of mind it has cultivated.
Yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ yāti (whoever departs thus attains My state of being): The word mad-bhāva means participation in the Lord's own being. The person who leaves the body with the Lord in mind attains union with Him, and is free from the cycle of repeated suffering.
Nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ (there is no doubt in this): Lord Krishna makes a firm, unambiguous promise. This statement shows the power of the Lord's grace, as well as the importance of sincere practice.
A gentle note on understanding: The verse should not be taken as a casual formula, as if a single thought at the last moment automatically guarantees the result, regardless of one's life. The following verses explain that remembrance at the end is a natural outcome of constant practice throughout life.
Message for Everyday Life (What Will Your Mind Return To?)
Notice where your mind habitually rests: In moments of stress or silence, notice which thoughts arise first. This is an indicator of what your mind is deeply used to.
Practical approach: Cultivate a simple daily practice, such as a few minutes of prayer, chanting, or quiet reflection, so that remembrance of the Divine becomes a natural habit. When your mind is familiar with this practice, it becomes your refuge in hard times, and a source of calm in everyday life.
The Decisive Moment: Remembrance at the End
With this verse, the central theme of Chapter 8 begins. Lord Krishna gives a clear and encouraging answer to Arjuna's question. It is also a very significant statement about the power of remembrance.
Anta-kāle ca mām eva smaran (and at the end of life, remembering Me alone): The word anta-kāla refers to the final moments of life. The word smaran means remembering or keeping in mind. The word eva, 'alone', emphasises that the mind is fully fixed on the Lord and not distracted by other things. At the time of death, a person is usually flooded with thoughts of attachments, regrets, and fears. To remember the Lord alone at that moment requires a mind that has been trained.
Muktvā kalevaram (leaving the body): The word kalevara means body. The Gita regards death as the departure of the self from one body, not the end of existence. The self continues, and what it carries with it is the quality of mind it has cultivated.
Yaḥ prayāti sa mad-bhāvaṁ yāti (whoever departs thus attains My state of being): The word mad-bhāva means participation in the Lord's own being. The person who leaves the body with the Lord in mind attains union with Him, and is free from the cycle of repeated suffering.
Nāsty atra saṁśayaḥ (there is no doubt in this): Lord Krishna makes a firm, unambiguous promise. This statement shows the power of the Lord's grace, as well as the importance of sincere practice.
A gentle note on understanding: The verse should not be taken as a casual formula, as if a single thought at the last moment automatically guarantees the result, regardless of one's life. The following verses explain that remembrance at the end is a natural outcome of constant practice throughout life.
Message for Everyday Life (What Will Your Mind Return To?)
Notice where your mind habitually rests: In moments of stress or silence, notice which thoughts arise first. This is an indicator of what your mind is deeply used to.
Practical approach: Cultivate a simple daily practice, such as a few minutes of prayer, chanting, or quiet reflection, so that remembrance of the Divine becomes a natural habit. When your mind is familiar with this practice, it becomes your refuge in hard times, and a source of calm in everyday life.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has promised that one who remembers Him at the time of death attains Him. This raises a natural question: what if a person remembers something else at that time? In the next verse, He explains the general law behind the final thought.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The last thought writes the next chapter.
Remember daily to remember at the end.
Peace at the end is built in the middle.
Trust in the Divine removes the doubt.
Face the last hour with a settled mind.
Love of the Divine does not fear the threshold.
One thought, held steadily, is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'anta-kāle' (at the time of death) emphasize?
What does 'mat-bhāvam' (My nature) mean?
What does 'na asti atra saṁśhayaḥ' (there is no doubt about this) express?
Is remembering the Supreme only at death enough?
What is the practical message of this verse?
Explore related topics
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