In the previous śloka, Bhagavān explained that our final thoughts are influenced by the mental habits developed throughout life. Therefore, He now gives Arjuna a practical instruction: Remember Me at all times, and continue performing your duties.

The words sarveṣu kāleṣu mean at all times, while mām anusmara means remember Me. Bhagavān wants remembrance of Him to become a regular part of life so that the mind gradually develops a lasting spiritual orientation.

But this raises an important question. If we must remember Bhagavān throughout the day, how can we attend to our responsibilities? We need to concentrate while studying, working, caring for our families, or making important decisions. Our conscious mind cannot fully concentrate on two different tasks simultaneously.

Bhagavān answers this difficulty with yudhya ca [and fight]. He tells Arjuna to continue fighting the battle rather than abandon his responsibility in the name of spiritual practice. For Arjuna, fighting is the duty he must perform. For everyone else, the instruction means continuing to fulfil one's own responsibilities, or svadharma [one's appropriate duties].

How, then, can we remember Bhagavān while doing our work?

The answer lies in understanding the difference between what occupies our immediate attention and what remains important to us in the background.

Imagine a musician performing a difficult composition. The musician must carefully attend to the melody, rhythm, and words. At the same time, the steady sound of the tambūrā provides the background pitch, or śruti, supporting the entire performance. The musician does not need to think consciously about the background pitch at every moment, yet it remains an essential reference.

Our spiritual life can work similarly. While our conscious mind is occupied with a particular responsibility, our deeper mind can retain Bhagavān as its highest priority. This does not mean repeating a prayer mechanically while neglecting the task before us. It means maintaining a spiritual orientation in the background while giving the necessary attention to our work.

When we are free from demanding activities, we can deliberately return our attention to Bhagavān through prayer, chanting, or meditation. In this way, conscious remembrance during available moments gradually strengthens the deeper habit of remembering Him.

Bhagavān also says mayyarpitamanobuddhiḥ [with mind and intellect dedicated to Me]. This instruction involves two important aspects of our personality.

The mind represents our emotional life. We naturally look to family, friends, and other people for comfort, affection, and support. These relationships are valuable, but people are mortal and their availability is uncertain. Bhagavān therefore teaches us to develop emotional dependence upon Him. We can love others and fulfil our relationships while learning to turn toward Bhagavān for our deepest emotional support.

The intellect represents our understanding and conviction. We should recognize what Bhagavān's chosen form represents: the highest reality, immortality, love, compassion, and steadiness. The divine form is a support for meditation and devotion, helping us relate to the truth it represents. As our understanding matures, we can appreciate that the ultimate reality is not limited by any particular form.

Thus, dedicating both mind and intellect to Bhagavān means bringing our emotional commitment and our understanding into harmony with the spiritual goal. We continue living responsibly, but our deepest sense of support and our highest priority remain with Bhagavān.

Finally, Bhagavān assures Arjuna, mām eva eṣyasi asaṃśayaḥ [you will certainly attain Me, without doubt]. He is not asking Arjuna to choose between devotion and duty. Rather, He teaches him how to combine them: perform the work that must be done while maintaining Bhagavān as the central spiritual priority.

The teaching of 8.7 is therefore practical and reassuring. We need not withdraw from family, work, or society to develop constant remembrance. Our conscious attention can fulfil the demands of daily life, while our deeper mind remains oriented toward Bhagavān. By dedicating both our emotions and understanding to Him, we can perform our responsibilities without losing sight of the ultimate spiritual goal.