Uttering the single-syllable OM, which is Brahman, and remembering Me, one who departs leaving the body attains the supreme goal. OM is identified as both the verbal expression of Brahman and the vehicle for divine remembrance at the moment of death. The verse combines mantra practice with devotional remembrance as the complete method.
Synthesis
Om, the single syllable that is Brahman, uttered while remembering Krishna at the moment of departure, leads to the supreme goal. This verse unites mantra, meditation, and devotion in one concentrated practice. Shankara sees Om as the direct symbol of attributeless Brahman. Ramanuja sees it accompanied by devotion to the personal God. The bhakti tradition finds that one syllable spoken with love surpasses all ritual. Madhva teaches Om encompasses all of God's names and attributes. Abhinavagupta identifies Om as the primordial vibration (nada) from which all arises. Vallabhacharya says Om is Krishna's own sound-form, effective when uttered with love. Tilak reads this as the culmination of lifelong integrated discipline. Vivekananda teaches that Om is universal, transcending all boundaries — its power lies in unifying the mind around the highest reality.
Commentaries 8 traditions
Shankara explains that OM is the single syllable (ekakshara) that is Brahman itself in sonic form. Its utterance is not mere vocalization but the invocation of the Absolute. 'Mam anusmaran' (remembering Me) alongside OM chanting unifies mantra practice with meditation on the Self. At death, this combination dissolves all remaining bonds of avidya (ignorance) and the jiva realizes its eternal identity with Brahman.
Apply This Verse
Personal Growth
Having a single word, phrase, or intention that anchors your consciousness can transform your experience during transitions and crises. Whether it is a mantra, an affirmation, or a value, a single focal point provides stability when everything else is uncertain.
Questions this verse answers
- ?"What single word or phrase anchors me when everything else is chaotic?"
- ?"How do I develop a personal mantra or focal point for difficult times?"
- ?"What is the simplest practice I can maintain even in crisis?"
- ?"How does sound vibration affect my mental and emotional state?"