Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 15

English Translation

As a result of reaching Me, the exalted ones who have attained the highest perfection do not get rirth which is an abode of sorrows and which is impermanent.

Detailed Commentary

।।8.15।। Elucidation: The verse, 'Having attained Me, there is no rebirth...they reach the highest perfection,' signifies that if one attains Bhagavan – that is, truly knows Him in essence or becomes absorbed in Him – then there is no rebirth. Rebirth means taking another body, whether of a human, animal, bird, etc. Taking a body brings only sorrow; hence, it is called a 'dwelling of misery'. After death, beings are born into a certain *yoni* according to their *karma*, and at the time of birth, they experience suffering akin to a human being whose skin is flayed, but they cannot express it. After birth, a child is dependent and cries when in distress but cannot explain it. Gradually, desires for food, drink, toys, etc., arise, and their non-fulfillment brings sorrow. In education, one must remain disciplined, stay awake at night to study, and forgetting knowledge brings distress. Laughter, foolishness, failure, etc., become causes of envy and jealousy in the world. In youth, not being able to marry according to one's wish, and after marriage, not finding compatibility, brings sorrow. Raising children involves hardship. In old age, the body becomes incapacitated, numerous diseases arise, and one has to endure neglect from family members. Thus, suffering is experienced in all *yonis*, hence it is called 'Duḥkhālaya' (a dwelling of misery). The term 'aśāśvata' (impermanent) for rebirth implies that no body is permanent; it is constantly changing. Upon attaining Bhagavan, there is no rebirth. The epithets 'Duḥkhālaya' and 'aśāśvata' indicate that devotees who have attained Bhagavan may take birth to protect the virtuous, serve the wicked, and uphold *Dharma*, but their birth is not a 'Duḥkhālaya' or 'aśāśvata' because it is by divine will, not *karma*-generated. Bhagavan has called the aspirants treading the path of *Bhakti* 'Mahātmas,' those who have understood the essence of Bhagavan. By becoming one with Bhagavan, they are 'Mahātmas.' In the *Gita*, Bhagavan has used the term 'Mahātma' only in the context of *Bhakti*. This proves that *Bhakti* is considered supreme in the *Gita*. The reason Mahātmas do not undergo rebirth is that they have attained supreme love. The feeling of this love is boundless. Special Point: Studying the *Gita* has the effect of understanding that Bhagavan has glorified His *Bhakti*. Bhagavan has called the devotee supreme and has described Himself as easily accessible to the devotee. The three *Yogas* – *Karma Yoga*, *Jnana Yoga*, and *Bhakti Yoga* – appear different from the perspective of aspirants, but their goal is one. Without divine acceptance, the attainment of supreme love is not possible. This ultimate perfection means the attainment of ever-increasing bliss and love moment by moment.