The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a sacred text of great significance in Hindu philosophy and spirituality. The Bhagavad Gita is written in the form of a dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior prince Arjuna, set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra just before a great war is about to begin.
The Gita addresses important philosophical and ethical questions, offering guidance on various aspects of life, duty, morality, and spirituality. It covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of reality, the purpose of life, the concept of dharma (righteous duty), the paths to spiritual liberation (moksha), and the nature of the self (atman).
The main teachings of the Bhagavad Gita can be summarized as follows:
Dharma and Duty: Arjuna is initially confused and morally troubled about fighting in the war. Lord Krishna teaches him about the importance of performing one’s duty (dharma) without attachment to the results, emphasizing that fulfilling one’s responsibilities is essential for maintaining order in the world.
Paths to Liberation: The Gita presents different paths to spiritual liberation, including the paths of devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and disciplined action (karma). Each path is valid and can lead to self-realization and union with the divine.
Detachment and Selflessness: Krishna emphasizes the importance of performing actions selflessly and without attachment to the outcomes. Detachment from the results of actions helps one maintain equanimity and inner peace.
Nature of the Self: Krishna explains the concept of the eternal soul (atman) that transcends the physical body. He describes the soul as immortal and unchanging and teaches Arjuna that the soul is not affected by birth and death.
Renunciation and Renunciation in Action: The Gita discusses the idea of renunciation, which can be both physical and mental. Krishna teaches that true renunciation is not merely abandoning actions, but renouncing attachment and desire. He encourages Arjuna to perform his duty while maintaining a renounced attitude.
Yoga: The term “yoga” in the Gita refers to various paths or practices that lead to spiritual realization. These include karma yoga (the yoga of selfless action), bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion), jnana yoga (the yoga of knowledge), and dhyana yoga (the yoga of meditation).
The Bhagavad Gita has been widely commented upon by scholars, philosophers, and spiritual leaders over the centuries. Its teachings have had a profound influence on Hindu philosophy and have also been appreciated by people of various backgrounds seeking wisdom and guidance. The Gita’s message of selfless action, ethical conduct, and spiritual understanding continues to resonate with people around the world.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes
1. “One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men.”
— Bhagavad Gita
2. “You should perform your duty with a view to guide people and for universal welfare.”
— Bhagavad Gita
3. “Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Arise.”
— Bhagavad Gita
4. “Even the wise are confused about what is action and what is inaction.”
— Bhagavad Gita
5. “Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.”
— Bhagavad Gita
6. “A Karma-yogi performs action by body, mind, intellect, and senses, without attachment, only for self-purification.”
— Bhagavad Gita
7. “One who neither rejoices nor grieves, neither likes nor dislikes, who has renounced both the good and the evil, and who is full of devotion, such a person is dear to Me.”
— Bhagavad Gita
8. “Entering the earth I support all beings with My energy; becoming the sap-giving moon I nourish all the plants.”
— Bhagavad Gita
9. “The deluded ones, who restrain their organs of action but mentally dwell upon the sense enjoyment, are called hypocrites.”
— Bhagavad Gita
10. “The one who has faith, and is sincere, and has mastery over the senses, gains this knowledge. Having gained this, one at once attains the supreme peace.”
— Bhagavad Gita
11. “Those who always practice this teaching of Mine, with faith and free from cavil, are freed from the bondage of Karma.”
— Bhagavad Gita
12. “Valour, glory, firmness, skill, generosity, steadiness in battle and ability to rule – these constitute the duty of a soldier. They flow from his own nature.”
— Bhagavad Gita
13. “Always perform your duty efficiently and without attachment to the results, because by doing work without attachment one attains the Supreme.”
— Bhagavad Gita
14. “Your enemies will speak many unmentionable words and scorn your ability. What could be more painful than this? You will go to heaven if killed, or you will enjoy the earth if victorious. Therefore, get up with a determination to fight, O Arjuna.”
— Bhagavad Gita
15. “Death is as sure for that which is born, as birth is for that which is dead. Therefore, grieve not for what is inevitable.”
— Bhagavad Gita
16. “Having hands and feet everywhere; having eyes, head, and face everywhere; having ears everywhere; the creator exists in the creation by pervading everything.”
— Bhagavad Gita
17. “On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.”
— Bhagavad Gita
18. “Seek refuge in the attitude of detachment and you will amass the wealth of spiritual awareness. The one who is motivated only by the desire for the fruits of their action, and anxious about the results, is miserable indeed.”
— Bhagavad Gita
19. “Through selfless service, you will always be fruitful and find the fulfillment of your desires.”
— Bhagavad Gita
20. “Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps, and whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.”
— Bhagavad Gita
21. “When a man dwells on the pleasure of sense, attraction for them arises in him. From attraction arises desire, the lust of possession, and this leads to passion, to anger.”
— Bhagavad Gita
22. “Work for work’s sake, not for yourself. Act but do not be attached to your actions. Be in the world, but not of it.” — Bhagavad Gita
23. “You are what you believe in. You become that which you believe you can become.”
— Bhagavad Gita
24. “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”
— Bhagavad Gita
25. “Actions do not cling to me because I am not attached to their results. Those who understand this and practice it live in freedom.”
— Bhagavad Gita
26. “In the dark night of all beings awakes to Light the tranquil man. But what is day to other beings is night for the sage who sees.”
— Bhagavad Gita
27. “There is nothing lost or wasted in this life.”
— Bhagavad Gita
28. “Meet this transient world with neither grasping nor fear, trust the unfolding of life, and you will attain true serenity.”
— Bhagavad Gita
29. “One should strive and employ oneself to uplift oneself. One should never dishonor oneself. The self is one’s friend as well as one’s enemy.”
— Bhagavad Gita
30. “Causes and results, including emotional opposites, are things that come and go. This knowledge helps you endure them all.”
— Bhagavad Gita
31. “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.”
— Bhagavad Gita
32. “If you want to be Great, Think Great and Positive.”
— Bhagavad Gita
33. “Live a well-balanced life, it will bring peace.”
— Bhagavad Gita
34. “Detachment from material things is the way to inner peace.”
— Bhagavad Gita
35. “Always speak if you are right and don’t blame others.”
— Bhagavad Gita