The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, is an integral part of the epic Mahabharata. It is a philosophical and spiritual text that offers profound insights into life, death, duty, and the nature of reality. At its core, the Gita is a dialogue between Arjuna, a Pandava prince, and Krishna, his charioteer and divine guide, who is an avatar of Vishnu.
The Setting
The Bhagavad Gita unfolds on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where the Pandavas and Kauravas are poised for a decisive war. Arjuna, overwhelmed by the prospect of killing his kin, questions the righteousness of war and his duty as a warrior. It is at this critical juncture that Krishna imparts his divine wisdom.
The Core Teachings
The Gita explores a wide range of philosophical and spiritual concepts, including:
- Dharma: One’s duty or righteous path in life.
- Karma: The law of cause and effect.
- Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
- Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- Bhakti: Devotion to a higher power.
- Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action.
- Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge.
- Raja Yoga: The path of meditation and discipline.
Krishna’s Guidance
Krishna, as the divine guide, counsels Arjuna on the path of righteousness and duty. He emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to the results. The Gita also explores the concept of the soul’s immortality and the ultimate reality.
The Gita’s Influence
The Bhagavad Gita has had a profound impact on Indian thought and culture. Its teachings have influenced various philosophical and religious traditions. The Gita’s message of selflessness, duty, and spiritual growth continues to resonate with people worldwide.
BHAGAVAD GITA INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES:
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A person is said to be elevated in yoga when, having renounced all material desires, he neither acts for sense gratification nor engages in fruitive activities.
– Chapter 6, Verse 4
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He who has no hatred for any being, who is friendly and compassionate, free from attachment and ego, even-minded in pain and pleasure, and patient, such a devotee is dear to Me.
– Chapter 12, Verse 13-14
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He who sees all beings in the self, and the self in all beings, he never turns away from the truth.
– Chapter 6, Verse 29
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There is neither this world, nor the world beyond. nor happiness for the one who doubts.
– Chapter 4, Verse 40
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Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.
– Chapter 6, Verse 20
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The key to happiness is the reduction of desires.
– Chapter 2, Verse 71
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Be fearless and pure; never waver in your determination or your dedication to the spiritual life.
– Chapter 16, Verse 1-2
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Surrender to the Divine in you. Do not worry about the results. They are in my hands.
– Chapter 18, Verse 66
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Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward.
– Chapter 2, Verse 47
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Change is the law of the universe. You can be a millionaire, or a pauper in an instant.
– Chapter 2, Verse 14
BHAGAVAD GITA QUOTES IN SANSKRIT:
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कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
– Chapter 2, Verse 47
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श्रीभगवानुवाच। क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।
– Chapter 2, Verse 3
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अहं आत्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः।
– Chapter 10, Verse 20
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सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।
– Chapter 2, Verse 38
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योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनंजय।
– Chapter 2, Verse 48
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अधर्माभिभवात्कृष्ण प्रदुष्यन्ति कुलस्त्रियः।
– Chapter 1, Verse 40
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ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते।
– Chapter 2, Verse 62
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मृत्युः सर्वहरश्चाहमुद्भवश्च भविष्यताम्।
– Chapter 10, Verse 34
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आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र समं पश्यति योऽर्जुन।
– Chapter 6, Verse 32
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सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणाः प्रकृतिसंभवाः।
– Chapter 14, Verse 5
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तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
– Chapter 3, Verse 19
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प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः।
– Chapter 3, Verse 27
BHAGAVAD GITA QUOTES IN ENGLISH SHORT:
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Set your heart upon your work, not on its reward.
– Chapter 2, Verse 47
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The mind is restless, but it can be controlled.
– Chapter 6, Verse 35
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You are what you believe in.
– Chapter 17, Verse 3
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The soul is eternal.
– Chapter 2, Verse 20
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Change is the law of the universe.
– Chapter 2, Verse 14
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Self-restraint is the key to peace.
– Chapter 5, Verse 26
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Victory is always with the patient and strong.
– Chapter 18, Verse 78
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Detachment leads to true love.
– Chapter 2, Verse 71
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Rise, and fight with determination.
– Chapter 2, Verse 37
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Inaction is not an option.
– Chapter 3, Verse 8
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Ignorance covers knowledge as fire by smoke.
– Chapter 3, Verse 38
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Even a little effort saves from fear.
– Chapter 2, Verse 40
BHAGAVAD GITA QUOTES IN HINDI:
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कर्म करो, फल की चिंता मत करो।
– Chapter 2, Verse 47
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जब-जब धर्म की हानि होती है, तब-तब मैं अवतार लेता हूँ।
– Chapter 4, Verse 7
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जो हुआ वह अच्छा हुआ, जो हो रहा है वह अच्छा हो रहा है, जो होगा वह भी अच्छा ही होगा।
– Chapter 4, Verse 14
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जो मन को नियंत्रित नहीं करते उनके लिए वह शत्रु के समान कार्य करता है।
– Chapter 6, Verse 6
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वह जो सभी इच्छाओं का त्याग करता है और ‘मैं’ और ‘मेरा’ की भावना से मुक्त हो जाता है, उसे शांति प्राप्त होती है।
– Chapter 2, Verse 71
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तुम्हारा क्या गया, जो तुम रोते हो? तुम क्या लाए थे, जो तुमने खो दिया?
– Chapter 2, Verse 28
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जो व्यक्ति जिस प्रकार से मेरी शरण लेता है, मैं उसे उसी प्रकार से प्राप्त करता हूँ।
– Chapter 4, Verse 11
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जो हुआ, अच्छा हुआ। जो हो रहा है, अच्छा हो रहा है। जो होगा, वह भी अच्छा ही होगा।
– Chapter 2, Verse 27
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मनुष्य अपने विश्वास से निर्मित होता है। जैसा वह विश्वास करता है, वैसा वह बन जाता है।
– Chapter 17, Verse 3
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ज्ञान कर्म से श्रेष्ठ है, ध्यान ज्ञान से श्रेष्ठ है, और त्याग ध्यान से श्रेष्ठ है।
– Chapter 12, Verse 12
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जन्म लेने वाले के लिए मृत्यु उतनी ही निश्चित है, जितना कि मृत व्यक्ति के लिए जन्म लेना।
– Chapter 2, Verse 27
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हे अर्जुन! उठो, और अपने कर्तव्य का पालन करो।
– Chapter 3, Verse 30
BHAGAVAD GITA LIFE QUOTES:
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Life is a battlefield, and you have to live like a warrior.
– Chapter 2, Verse 37
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For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.
– Chapter 6, Verse 6
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As a man casts off worn-out garments and takes other new ones, so the embodied soul casts off worn-out bodies and enters into others that are new.
– Chapter 2, Verse 22
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The wise grieve neither for the living nor the dead.
– Chapter 2, Verse 11
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As the ocean remains undisturbed by the flow of waters, so does a sage remain unmoved by desires.
– Chapter 2, Verse 70
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He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working, and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.
– Chapter 6, Verse 17
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He who sees everything in himself, and himself in everything, is truly wise.
– Chapter 6, Verse 29
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Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.
– Chapter 17, Verse 3
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As a man casts off worn-out garments and takes others that are new, so the soul casts off worn-out bodies and enters others that are new.
– Chapter 2, Verse 22
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The soul is eternal, never born, and never dies.
– Chapter 2, Verse 20
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Victory is always with those who are patient and strong.
– Chapter 18, Verse 78
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The wise man lets go of all results, whether good or bad, and is focused on the action alone.
– Chapter 2, Verse 50
BHAGAVAD GITA MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES:
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He who is steadfast in action, his mind purified, self-conquered, his senses subdued, knows his self to be the self of all beings.
– Chapter 4, Verse 18
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That person who controls the senses, having put the mind in a focus upon me, is strong and able.
– Chapter 2, Verse 61
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For one who has conquered his mind, it is the best of friends; for one who has failed to do so, it is the greatest enemy.
– Chapter 6, Verse 6
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No one who does good work will ever come to a bad end, either here or in the world to come.
– Chapter 6, Verse 40
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If you fail to fight this righteous war, you will be shirking your duty and thus lose your reputation as a warrior.
– Chapter 2, Verse 33
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He who has no attachments can really love others, for his love is pure and divine.
– Chapter 2, Verse 71
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Perform your duties without being attached to the outcome.
– Chapter 3, Verse 19
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A person can rise through the efforts of his own mind; or draw himself down, in the same manner.
– Chapter 6, Verse 5
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A gift is pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when we expect nothing in return.
– Chapter 17, Verse 20
BHAGAVAD GITA QUOTES IN ENGLISH WITH MEANING:
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You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.
Meaning: Focus on your duties, not on the outcomes.
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Perform your obligatory duty, because action is indeed better than inaction.
Meaning: Engage in your duties without attachment to the results.
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He who has no attachments can love others truly, for his love is pure and divine.
Meaning: Detachment leads to unconditional love.
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The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it.
Meaning: An uncontrolled mind is detrimental.
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As a man casts off worn-out garments and takes other new ones, so the soul casts off worn-out bodies and enters into others that are new.
Meaning: Life and death are like changing clothes.
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In the still mind, in the depths of meditation, the self reveals itself.
Meaning: Inner peace reveals true self-awareness.
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When a person responds to the joys and sorrows of others as if they were his own, he has attained the highest spiritual union.
Meaning: Compassion and empathy are the highest virtues.
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Set your heart upon your work but never its reward.
Meaning: Dedicate yourself to your duties without attachment to the results.
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He who lives in harmony with himself, lives in harmony with the universe.
Meaning: Inner peace reflects outer harmony.
BHAGAVAD GITA QUOTES IN ENGLISH:
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There is neither this world, nor the world beyond, nor happiness for the one who doubts.
– Chapter 4, Verse 40
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By serving Me with steadfast mind, a person attains the highest state of peace.
– Chapter 9, Verse 31
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The power of God is with you at all times; through the activities of mind, senses, breathing, and emotions; and is constantly doing all the work using you as a mere instrument.
– Chapter 18, Verse 61
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Strive to still your thoughts. Make your mind one-pointed in meditation.
– Chapter 6, Verse 1
BHAGAVAD GITA QUOTES ON POSITIVE THINKING:
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Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good.
– Chapter 4, Verse 14
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He who has faith, and who pursues the path of knowledge with determination, will attain peace beyond all doubt.
– Chapter 4, Verse 39
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For one who has conquered his mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy.
– Chapter 6, Verse 6
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The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice.
– Chapter 6, Verse 35
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The self-controlled soul, who moves amongst sense objects, free from either attachment or repulsion, he wins eternal peace.
– Chapter 2, Verse 64
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When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.
– Chapter 6, Verse 19
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You have been born to perform duty.
– Chapter 2, Verse 31
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Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.
– Chapter 2, Verse 40
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In this world, there is nothing so purifying as knowledge.
– Chapter 4, Verse 38
BHAGAVAD GITA QUOTES ON KARMA:
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You have the right to perform your duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.
– Chapter 2, Verse 47
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Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.
-Chapter 2, Verse 47
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By performing your duty with detachment, you can achieve the Supreme.
– Chapter 3, Verse 19**
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The actions of a great man are an inspiration for others.
– Chapter 3, Verse 21**
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The ignorant work for their own profit, the wise work for the welfare of the world, without thought for themselves.
– Chapter 3, Verse 25**
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One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men.
– Chapter 4, Verse 18**
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Surrender all your works to me, with your mind intent on the self, free from desire and selfishness, and free from mental fever.
– Chapter 3, Verse 30**
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As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror by dust, as an embryo by the womb, so is knowledge covered by ignorance.
– Chapter 3, Verse 38**
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Whatever you do, make it an offering to me—the food you eat, the sacrifices you make, the help you give, even your suffering.
– Chapter 9, Verse 27**
These quotes reflect the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita across different themes and languages. Each offers a unique perspective on life, duty, and spiritual understanding.
Bhagavad Gita Slokas: A Glimpse into Divine Wisdom
The Bhagavad Gita is composed of 700 verses, divided into 18 chapters. Each verse, or shloka, offers profound insights into life, philosophy, and spirituality. While exploring the entire text is recommended, here are a few renowned shlokas to provide a glimpse into its wisdom:
Key Shlokas
- Chapter 2, Verse 47
श्लोक:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Transliteration:
Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,
Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani.
Translation:
You have the right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
- Chapter 2, Verse 20
श्लोक:
न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचि-
न्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे॥
Transliteration:
Na Jayate Mriyate Va Kadachin
Nayam Bhutva Bhavita Va Na Bhuyah,
Ajo Nityah Shashvato’yam Purano
Na Hanyate Hanyamane Shareere.
Translation:
The soul is neither born, and nor does it die; it is eternal, indestructible, and timeless, and it is not destroyed when the body is destroyed.
- Chapter 3, Verse 9
श्लोक:
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धनः।
तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्गः समाचर॥
Transliteration:
Yajnarthat Karmanonyatra Loko’yam Karma-bandhanah,
Tadartham Karma Kaunteya Mukta-sangah Samachara.
Translation:
Work done as a sacrifice for the divine has to be performed, otherwise work causes bondage in this material world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way, you will always remain free from bondage.
- Chapter 4, Verse 7
श्लोक:
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
Transliteration:
Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavati Bharata,
Abhyutthanam Adharmasya Tadatmanam Srijamyaham.
Translation:
Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on earth.
- Chapter 4, Verse 8
श्लोक:
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥
Transliteration:
Paritranaya Sadhunam Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam,
Dharma-Samsthapanarthaya Sambhavami Yuge Yuge.
Translation:
To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to re-establish the principles of dharma, I appear on this earth, age after age.
- Chapter 6, Verse 5
श्लोक:
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
Transliteration:
Uddhared Atmanatmanam Na Atmanam Avasadayet,
Atmaiva Hyatmano Bandhur Atmaiva Ripur Atmanah.
Translation:
One should elevate oneself by one’s own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.
- Chapter 6, Verse 6
श्लोक:
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः।
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्॥
Transliteration:
Bandhur Atmatmanas Tasya Yenatmaiva Atmana Jitah,
Anatmanas Tu Shatrutve Varteta Atmaiva 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, his very mind will be the greatest enemy.
- Chapter 9, Verse 22
श्लोक:
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते।
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्॥
Transliteration:
Ananyas Chintayanto Mam Ye Jana Paryupasate,
Tesham Nityabhiyuktanam Yoga Kshemam Vahamyaham.
Translation:
To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me. I personally carry what they lack and preserve what they have.
- Chapter 10, Verse 20
श्लोक:
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः।
अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च॥
Transliteration:
Aham Atma Gudakesha Sarva Bhutashaya Sthitah,
Aham Adis Cha Madhyam Cha Bhutanam Anta Eva Cha.
Translation:
I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.
- Chapter 13, Verse 28
श्लोक:
समं सर्वेषु भूतेषु तिष्ठन्तं परमेश्वरम्।
विनश्यत्स्वविनश्यन्तं यः पश्यति स पश्यति॥
Transliteration:
Samam Sarveshu Bhuteshu Tishthantam Parameshwaram,
Vinashyatsvavinashyantam Yah Pashyati Sa Pashyati.
Translation:
He who sees the Supreme Lord present equally in all beings, the unperishing within the perishing, truly sees.
- Chapter 18, Verse 66
श्लोक:
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥
Transliteration:
Sarva-Dharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Sharanam Vraja,
Aham Tvam Sarva-Papebhyo Mokshayishyami Ma Shuchah.
Translation:
Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions; do not fear.
- Chapter 18, Verse 78
श्लोक:
यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः।
तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम॥
Transliteration:
Yatra Yogeshwara Krishno Yatra Partho Dhanur Dharah,
Tatra Shrir Vijayo Bhutir Dhruva Nitir Matir Mama.
Translation:
Wherever there is Krishna, the master of yoga, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also surely be fortune, victory, prosperity, and sound morality.
These shlokas capture the essence of the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on duty, righteousness, devotion, and the nature of the soul.
