After these seven questions, Krishna has mentioned some means to connect with the Divine state. However, in this eighth chapter, these means are only indicated briefly.

Krishna says that if a person follows a certain method, they attain the supreme state; if they follow another, they attain the highest goal; if they follow yet another, they attain Me.

In this way, across five or six verses, Krishna points to these methods again and again, saying that by adopting them, one reaches the highest state.

So first, we must understand—what is this “supreme state”?

To attain the supreme state, to attain the Supreme Being, to attain the highest perfection, to attain Me—these phrases are repeated again and again.

What is their real meaning?

According to spirituality, attaining the supreme state means understanding one’s true nature and becoming established in it, and then seeing all beings—whether insects, birds, animals, or any living being—from that same perspective.

From what perspective?

From the perspective of the Self.

That is, understanding oneself as the Self and seeing all others from that same vision.

What will happen then?

This will give rise to a vision of oneness, a vision of equality, an unbroken vision.

And the result of this vision will be peace, happiness, love, and joy.

Experiencing peace, happiness, love, and joy within—and then living in that, and sharing that with everyone.

Because we can only share what we have.

So when a person experiences peace, happiness, love, and joy within, and shares the same with others—that becomes the ultimate purpose of life.

This ultimate purpose of life is what is called attaining the supreme state, attaining the highest perfection, attaining the Supreme.

These are just different words—we get confused by them.

Otherwise, we all understand what the ultimate purpose of life is.

So in simple words:
First understand yourself, then see others from that same perspective, and then share what arises within you—peace, love, joy.

That is the purpose of life.

What do we usually think?

We think purpose of life is related to roles:
If I am a mother, raising children is my purpose.
If I am a father, earning and providing is my purpose.

But these are roles, not the purpose of life.

Purpose of life is to know oneself as the Self and see all from that vision.

So now we have understood what “supreme state” means.

Now in the next few verses, Krishna indicates some methods.

First method

Krishna says: to attain the supreme state, one must offer the mind, intellect, and consciousness to the Divine.

But the question arises—how?

Two ways can be accepted:

First: through inner inspiration.

A person tries to fill inner emptiness through material means—buying things, traveling, eating—but the emptiness does not go away.

Then they try mental means—seeking praise, respect—but still the emptiness remains.

Then one day, naturally, they turn inward.

Second: through good company (Satsang).

Through association with truth or wise people, one understands that:

One’s suffering is self-created
One’s thoughts create one’s experience
One’s destiny is self-made

This understanding makes a person self-responsible.

And then one turns toward spirituality.

As long as a person keeps blaming others, spiritual practice does not give results.

Second method – Control of senses

Krishna says: control all the doors—meaning the senses.

Senses are like doors.

We can open them outward (toward the world) or inward (toward the Self).

So control does not mean suppressing senses.

It means stopping the movement of consciousness outward.

How?

Whenever attention goes outward, bring it back to the one who is aware.

Because: where attention goes, energy flows.

For example:
If someone abuses you, instead of focusing on them, shift attention to the awareness that is hearing.

Immediately, the senses close and consciousness returns inward.

This is true control of senses.

Third method – Mind in the heart

Krishna says: stabilize the mind in the heart.

This “heart” is not the physical heart.

It is the inner center—the seat of the soul.

So this means placing the mind in the Self.

Fourth method – Ekakshara Brahman

Krishna speaks of “uttering the one syllable.”

But this does not mean simply chanting “Om.”

It refers to the Anahata sound—the inner sound that arises without external contact.

There are two kinds of sound:

Produced by contact (external)
Produced within (Anahata)

This inner sound arises from life energy.

One must become silent and still to perceive it.

When the mind becomes completely quiet, this inner sound is experienced.

That leads to the supreme state.

Now further, Krishna presents two important truths related to rebirth and liberation.

First truth – Cycle of creation

Krishna explains through the idea of day and night of Brahma that creation moves in cycles.

Like day and night, like seasons—everything moves in cycles.

But the base of this cycle is the Divine.

Creation appears and disappears, but the Divine remains unchanged.

So one must remain established in that eternal reality.

Only then liberation is possible.

Second truth – Two paths: Uttarayana and Dakshinayana

These are symbolic, not physical.

They represent two movements of consciousness:

Upward (Uttarayana)
Downward (Dakshinayana)

Uttarayana – Upward path

Symbols used:

Fire → Knowledge
Light → Awareness of Self
Day → Clarity and discrimination
Bright phase → Purification of mind
Six months → Transformation of inner layers

This path leads to liberation—no return.

Dakshinayana – Downward path

Symbols:

Smoke → Ignorance
Night → Darkness of delusion
Dark phase → Impurity of mind
Six months → Distortion of inner layers
Moonlight → Mind-driven life

Here, desires and attachments prevent clarity.

The person becomes controlled by the mind.

This leads to repeated birth and death.

So there are two paths:

Rise in consciousness
Fall in consciousness

Krishna explains both—but the choice is ours.

Chapter 8: Akshar Brahma Yoga - Part 2