Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 8.8

“With mind disciplined by yoga, not wavering, meditating on the Supreme Divine, one attains Him, O Arjuna.”
Key Teaching: Disciplined meditation on Krishna leads to attaining him.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Akshara Brahma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that with a mind disciplined by yoga, unwavering, and meditating on the Supreme Divine, one attains him. This verse, continuing 8.7, addresses Arjuna’s need for meditative focus (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies disciplined meditation, and Akshara Brahma Yoga, as he emphasizes divine attainment, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s wavering mind (1.28–46) hinders his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s lack of discipline (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to meditate for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 6.26). Discipline ensures divine union.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human challenge of mental focus, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on yoga (6.26, 8.7). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to meditate unwaveringly. The theme of Akshara Brahma Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine meditation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its disciplined clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s distractions, where yoga ensures focus. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with meditative discipline, aligning with liberation.