Arjuna continues his questions from the previous śloka. He has already asked about five technical terms. Now he asks about the sixth term, adhiyajñaḥ, and raises another important question concerning remembrance of Bhagavān at the time of death.

First, Arjuna asks, "Who is adhiyajñaḥ?" Bhagavān had introduced this word in Chapter 7 without explaining it. Arjuna also asks how adhiyajñaḥ is present within the body. This is an additional question connected with the sixth term. Arjuna appears to have some reason to associate adhiyajñaḥ with the body, but he wants Bhagavān to clarify the relationship.

Next comes his seventh and most important question: What is the significance of remembering Bhagavān at the time of death, and how can a person accomplish it?

Bhagavān had mentioned remembrance at death in 7.30. Arjuna recognizes that such a statement must have a particular spiritual significance. Otherwise, why would Bhagavān specifically mention the final moment of life?

But Arjuna sees a practical difficulty. Even when we are healthy and our minds are relatively calm, remembering Bhagavān during meditation can be difficult. We sit down to pray, but our thoughts wander toward other concerns.

At the time of death, the difficulty may be much greater. The body can become weak, breathing may be difficult, and the senses and other faculties may no longer function properly. How can someone remember Bhagavān under such circumstances?

Arjuna therefore asks not only why remembrance at death matters, but also how it can be achieved. He refers to niyatātmabhiḥ [people who have discipline and control over their minds], recognizing the importance of mental preparation.

Arjuna addresses Kṛṣṇa as Madhusūdana [the destroyer of the asura Madhu]. The name also has a philosophical significance: Madhu may symbolize karma, so Madhusūdana can be understood as the one who destroys karma and grants liberation. This makes the form of address particularly meaningful in a discussion concerning the final goal of spiritual life.

With this śloka, Arjuna completes his seven main questions. The first six concern the meanings of specific terms. The seventh asks about the importance of remembering Bhagavān at death and the means of doing so. Bhagavān will answer the six technical questions briefly in 8.3–8.4 and devote the remainder of the chapter to the seventh.