Introduction to Shrimad Bhagavad Gita
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as simply the Gita, is one of the most influential and revered scriptures in Hindu philosophy. It is believed to be spoken by Lord Krishna to Prince Arjuna during the great war of Mahabharata. This scripture discusses the complexities of human existence, duty, righteousness, and the pursuit of self-realization, while also addressing practical concerns of everyday life. In its essence, the Gita teaches the way to attain liberation (Moksha) through a balanced approach to life, focusing on devotion, selfless action, and wisdom.
The Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters (Adhyayas), and each chapter deals with a particular aspect of life and spirituality. The central theme revolves around Dharma (righteous duty), Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action), and Jnana (knowledge).
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga (The Yoga of Arjuna’s Dejection)
The first chapter sets the stage for the discourse of the Bhagavad Gita. As the great war of Kurukshetra is about to begin, Arjuna, the Pandava prince, finds himself in a state of moral and emotional turmoil. He is overcome with grief and compassion as he realizes that the war would lead to the death of many of his loved ones.
One of the most poignant verses from this chapter is:
Verse 28:
"Arjuna uvacha: Drshtvemam svajanam Krishna, yuyutsum samupasthitam;
Siddhanti mama gatrani mukham cha parishushyati."
Translation:
“Arjuna said: O Krishna, seeing my kinsmen standing and eager for battle, my limbs are weakening, my mouth is drying, and I am trembling.”
Here, Arjuna expresses his emotional breakdown and questions the righteousness of fighting against his own relatives. This chapter serves as the prelude to the philosophical teachings that will follow in subsequent chapters.
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge)
This chapter marks the beginning of Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna. It is one of the most important chapters of the Gita, where Krishna explains the concept of the soul (Atman) and the eternal nature of life and death. He introduces Arjuna to the idea of the immortal soul that transcends the body.
Verse 13:
"Dehino 'smin yatha dehe kaumaram yauvanam jara;
Tatha dehantara-praptir dhiras tatra na muhyati."
Translation:
“Just as the soul passes through childhood, youth, and old age in this body, it also passes into another body; the wise are not bewildered by this.”
Krishna emphasizes the need for Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment, introducing the concept of Nishkama Karma (selfless action). The central theme of this chapter is the importance of action without desire for its fruits.
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Selfless Action)
In this chapter, Krishna delves deeper into the concept of Karma Yoga, the path of action. He explains that every individual must engage in action as it is impossible to live without acting. However, the key is to perform actions selflessly, without attachment to the results. This is what leads to spiritual liberation.
Verse 19:
"Tasmad asaktah satatam karyam karma samachara;
Asakto hy acharan karma param apnoti purushah."
Translation:
“Therefore, always perform your duty without attachment, for by working without attachment, one attains the Supreme.”
Krishna encourages Arjuna to fight, but without being motivated by personal gain or attachment to the outcome of the battle. He further explains that performing one’s duty with dedication and without ego is the true path to liberation.
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action)
In this chapter, Krishna reveals his divine nature and explains the concept of Avatara (divine incarnation). He teaches Arjuna that whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails, he incarnates on earth to restore Dharma.
Verse 7:
"Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata;
Abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srjamy aham."
Translation:
“Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself on earth.”
Krishna also emphasizes the importance of Jnana (knowledge) and how true knowledge helps one transcend the bondage of actions. He explains the path of Jnana Yoga, which involves understanding the nature of the self and realizing the ultimate truth.
Chapter 5: Karma Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Renunciation)
This chapter addresses the concept of renunciation and how one can attain peace through the renunciation of desires while still performing one’s duties. Krishna clarifies the difference between Karma Yoga (the path of action) and Sanyasa (renunciation of action), explaining that both lead to the same goal, but Karma Yoga is superior for most people.
Verse 2:
"Sannyasah karma-yogas cha nihshreyasa-karav ubhau;
Tayos tu karma-sannyasat karma-yogo vishishyate."
Translation:
“Both renunciation of action and the yoga of action lead to the supreme bliss. However, of the two, the yoga of action is superior to renunciation of action.”
Krishna further emphasizes that renunciation does not mean giving up physical actions but rather giving up attachment to the outcomes of those actions.
Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation)
Dhyana Yoga is dedicated to the practice of meditation as a means of controlling the mind and achieving self-realization. Krishna explains the importance of discipline in controlling the mind and the senses.
Verse 6:
"Bandhur atmatmanas tasya yenatmaivatmana jitah;
Anatmanas tu shatrutve vartetatmaiva shatruvat."
Translation:
“For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, the mind will remain the greatest enemy.”
Krishna teaches that through meditation, one can calm the mind, transcend the ego, and realize the true self, leading to eternal peace and happiness.
Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom)
In this chapter, Krishna explains the difference between knowledge and wisdom. He emphasizes that knowledge of the material world is important, but wisdom is necessary for spiritual growth and self-realization.
Verse 16:
"Chatur-vidha bhajante mam janah sukritino'rjuna;
Arto jijnasur artharthi jnani cha bharatarsabha."
Translation:
“Four kinds of pious men begin to render devotional service unto Me—the distressed, the desirer of wealth, the inquisitive, and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute.”
Krishna encourages Arjuna to pursue wisdom and devotion, which lead to the ultimate realization of God and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman)
This chapter focuses on the eternal nature of the soul and the process of attaining liberation. Krishna describes the process of death and how one’s thoughts at the time of death influence their next birth.
Verse 6:
"Yam yam vapi smaran bhavam tyajaty ante kalevaram;
Tam tam evaiti kaunteya sada tad-bhava-bhavitah."
Translation:
“Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail.”
Krishna encourages Arjuna to focus on the eternal and unchanging nature of the soul, and to seek union with the Divine through devotion and meditation.
Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret)
This chapter is one of the most important chapters of the Gita, where Krishna reveals the most confidential knowledge about the nature of God and the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Being. Krishna explains that He is both immanent and transcendent.
Verse 22:
"Ananyas chintayanto mam ye janah paryupasate;
Tesham nityabhiyuktanam yoga-kshemam vahamy aham."
Translation:
“For those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”
Krishna encourages Arjuna to surrender fully to Him and assures him that those who have unwavering devotion will be protected and cared for.
Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (The Yoga of Divine Glories)
In this chapter, Krishna reveals his divine opulences and how His presence is manifest in all aspects of the universe. He describes various forms in which His power and glory are exhibited in the material world.
Verse 41:
"Yad yad vibhutimat sattvam srimad urjitam eva va;
Tat tad evavagaccha tvam mama tejo'msa-sambhavam."
Translation:
“Know that all opulent, beautiful, and glorious creations spring from but a spark of My splendor.”
Krishna urges Arjuna to recognize the divine presence in everything and to see the world as an expression of God’s infinite power and glory.
Chapter 11: Visvarupa Darshana Yoga (The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form)
In this chapter, Krishna reveals his universal form to Arjuna, showing him his infinite, all-encompassing nature. Arjuna is awestruck by the sight of Krishna’s cosmic form, which displays both creation and destruction.
Verse 32:
"Kalo'smi loka-kshaya-krit pravriddho lokan samahartum iha pravrttah;
Rite'pi tvam na bhavishyanti sarve ye'vasthitah pratyanikesu yodhah."
Translation:
“I am Time, the great destroyer of the world, and I have come here to engage all people. With the exception of you, all the warriors here on both sides will be slain.”
This vision of Krishna’s universal form is both terrifying and awe-inspiring. It reminds Arjuna of the inevitable nature of death and destruction and the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment.
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion)
This chapter is focused on Bhakti (devotion) as the highest path to spiritual realization. Krishna emphasizes the importance of loving devotion and explains the qualities of a true devotee.
Verse 13-14:
"Adveshta sarva-bhutanam maitrah karuna eva cha;
Nirmamo nirahankarah sama-duhkha-sukhah kshami.
Santushtah satatam yogi yatatma dridha-nishchayah;
Mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktah sa me priyah."
Translation:
“One who is free from malice towards all beings, who is friendly and compassionate, who is free from attachment and ego, who is balanced in pleasure and pain, who is forgiving, ever-content, self-controlled, firm in determination, and whose mind and intellect are fixed on Me—such a devotee is dear to Me.”
Krishna encourages Arjuna to adopt the path of devotion, as it leads to direct communion with the Divine.
Chapter 13: Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field)
This chapter deals with the distinction between the body (Kshetra) and the soul (Kshetrajna). Krishna explains the nature of the physical body, the soul, and the difference between them.
Verse 23:
"Upadrashtanumanta cha bharta bhokta maheshvarah;
Paramatmeti chapy ukto dehe'smin purushah parah."
Translation:
“The Supreme Soul in this body is also known as the overseer, the permitter, the supporter, the enjoyer, the great Lord, and the supreme Self.”
Krishna teaches that understanding the difference between the body and the soul is essential for spiritual progress.
Chapter 14: Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas)
In this chapter, Krishna explains the three Gunas (qualities) that govern human nature: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance). He describes how these Gunas influence human behavior and bind the soul to the material world.
Verse 20:
"Gunebhyash cha param vetti mad-bhavam so'dhigachchhati."
Translation:
“When the embodied being transcends these three Gunas, he attains a state of freedom from birth, death, old age, and suffering, and becomes eligible for liberation.”
Krishna emphasizes the need to rise above the influence of the Gunas through self-realization and devotion.
Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga (The Yoga of the Supreme Person)
This chapter focuses on the eternal nature of the soul and the Supreme Person (Purushottama). Krishna describes the material world as a tree with its roots in the heavens and branches extending downwards.
Verse 6:
"Na tad bhasayate suryo na shashanko na pavakah;
Yad gatva na nivartante tad dhama paramam mama."
Translation:
“That supreme abode of Mine is not illuminated by the sun, moon, or fire. Those who reach it never return to this material world.”
Krishna explains that the ultimate goal of life is to realize the Supreme Person and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Division between the Divine and the Demoniac)
This chapter explains the qualities of the divine and demoniac natures. Krishna describes the virtues of those who are divine and the vices of those who are demoniac.
Verse 3:
"Tejah kshama dhritih shaucham adroho natimanita;
Bhavanti sampadam daivim abhijatasya bharata."
Translation:
“Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge and yoga, charity, self-restraint, austerity, honesty, non-violence, compassion, and humility are the qualities of those endowed with the divine nature.”
Krishna encourages Arjuna to cultivate divine qualities and avoid the demoniac tendencies that lead to suffering and bondage.
Chapter 17: Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (The Yoga of the Threefold Faith)
In this chapter, Krishna explains the different types of faith based on the influence of the three Gunas. He describes how faith in goodness, passion, or ignorance shapes a person’s actions and determines their spiritual progress.
Verse 28:
"Ashraddhaya hutam dattam tapas taptam kritam cha yat;
Asad ity uchyate partha na cha tat pretya no iha."
Translation:
“Whatever is done without faith—whether it be sacrifice, charity, austerity, or any other act—is termed as ‘Asat’ (meaning unreal), and it is of no value here or hereafter.”
Krishna emphasizes that faith is essential for all spiritual practices and that it should be rooted in goodness.
Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga (The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation)
The final chapter of the Bhagavad Gita summarizes the teachings of the previous chapters and explains the concept of Moksha (liberation). Krishna describes the path of renunciation and the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the results.
Verse 66:
"Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja;
Aham tvam sarva-papebhyo mokshayishyami ma shuchah."
Translation:
“Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me. I will deliver you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.”
Krishna encourages Arjuna to surrender fully to Him, assuring him that through devotion and surrender, he will attain liberation and eternal peace.
