The Bhagavad-gita’s eighth chapter is centered on the theme of one’s consciousness at the moment of death. In fact, Krishna has referred to that theme earlier, in the second chapter (02.72) and again the seventh chapter (07.30). 

Why does Krishna discuss this topic so much? If we seek a contextual reason, the Kurukshetra battlefield setting stares us in the face. In the impending war, countless people were likely to die — that list could include Arjuna’s loved ones in both his army and in the opposing army. In fact, Arjuna’s reluctance to fight arose from his fear of the death of his relatives (01.31), especially his venerable elders (02.04-05). 

While this contextual reason for the Gita’s discussion about death is valid, it is not complete. Just as the Gita’s core message transcends its context, so does its discussion about death. Krishna wants to equip us all for making the transition of death fruitfully. 

For most people, death is a fearsome prospect, for they think it will annihilate their very existence. What if they have sometimes entertained the idea of an afterlife? Still, they may fear the nature of their post-mortem existence. 

What about those who understand the eternality of the soul and its transmigration? They won’t see death as chilling, but they will still see it as consequential: it is a vital junction where their post-mortem destination is determined. And what determines that destination? It is primarily their consciousness at the time of death.

Hence, Krishna devotes sufficient time to explain the psychological and spiritual dynamics of that moment: he wants to equip Arjuna and all of us for navigating that grave moment gracefully. 

One-sentence summary: 

Because our consciousness at the moment of death determines our post-mortem destination, Krishna discusses that moment to help us prepare for that final moment. 

Think it over: 

  • What is the contextual reason for Krishna’s discussion about the moment of death?
  • How do different people see death differently?
  • What is the universal reason for Krishna’s discussion about the moment of death?

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08.06: Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.

Why does the Gita discuss the moment of death so much?

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