Unlock the transformative power of sacred Sanskrit verses that have guided seekers and achievers for over 5,000 years toward lasting success and fulfillment
The Bhagavad Gita's 700 verses contain concentrated spiritual wisdom that has guided countless individuals toward success, peace, and self-realization. Each sloka (verse) is a complete teaching in itself, containing multiple layers of meaning that reveal deeper insights with continued reflection.
The Bhagavad Gita slokas for success work on multiple levels. On the surface, they provide practical guidance for action, decision-making, and handling challenges. At a deeper level, they reprogram our fundamental attitudes toward work, results, and identity. At the deepest level, they connect us to our true nature beyond the temporary ego that experiences fear, anxiety, and limitation.
What makes these verses particularly powerful is their source. The Gita presents itself as the direct teaching of Lord Krishna, the divine consciousness speaking through human form. Whether understood literally or symbolically, this framing gives the teachings a gravity that transcends ordinary motivational advice. These are not mere self-help tips but expressions of eternal truth (sanātana dharma).
The traditional approach to learning from the Gita involves three stages: śravaṇa (hearing/reading the verse), manana (reflecting on its meaning), and nididhyāsana (deep meditation until the teaching becomes part of one's being). This page provides the material for all three stages - the original Sanskrit, precise transliteration, accurate translation, and extended commentary to support deep reflection.
Rather than reading through quickly, select one or two slokas that resonate with your current life situation. Spend time with each verse - learn the Sanskrit pronunciation, memorize the translation, and reflect on its application to specific challenges you face. Many practitioners recite selected slokas during morning meditation or before important work sessions.
The slokas are organized by theme, allowing you to find verses relevant to your specific needs - whether building determination, making difficult decisions, handling setbacks, or finding deeper purpose in your work.
These three verses from Chapter 2 form the bedrock of the Gita's teaching on karma yoga and success. Mastering these principles transforms one's entire approach to work and achievement.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi
"You have the right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty."
This is the single most important verse for understanding success according to the Gita. Krishna presents four interconnected instructions that, when practiced together, create a complete approach to work:
1. "karmaṇy evādhikāras te" - Your right is to action alone
We have complete authority over our actions. We can choose what to do, how to do it, with what intention and quality. This is our domain of control, and within it we should exercise full mastery. High performers focus their attention here - on execution excellence.
2. "mā phaleṣu kadācana" - Never to the fruits
Results depend on countless factors beyond our control - timing, circumstances, other people's choices, even luck. Claiming ownership of results is both philosophically incorrect and psychologically harmful. It leads to either arrogance when successful or despair when unsuccessful.
3. "mā karma-phala-hetur bhūḥ" - Don't be motivated by results
This doesn't mean ignoring goals or being indifferent to quality. It means not making outcome-achievement the primary motivation. Work motivated purely by results becomes anxious, shortcuts ethics, and collapses when outcomes don't materialize. Work motivated by duty, service, or excellence remains stable regardless of results.
4. "mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi" - Don't be attached to inaction
This crucial addition prevents misusing detachment as an excuse for laziness. True karma yoga involves intense engagement with excellent action - just without the anxiety that comes from obsessive attachment to outcomes.
Modern Application: Before starting any project, clarify what actions are within your control versus what outcomes depend on external factors. Commit fully to excellence in your actions while releasing attachment to specific results. This paradoxically improves both performance and peace of mind.
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥
yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga ucyate
"Perform action, O Dhananjaya, being fixed in yoga, abandoning attachment, and being equal in success and failure. Evenness of mind is called yoga."
Krishna defines yoga itself as "samatvam" - equanimity, balance, evenness of mind. This single word transforms our understanding of what spiritual practice means in daily life.
"yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi" - Being established in yoga means maintaining inner equilibrium while performing actions. It's not about withdrawing from action but about the quality of mind brought to action.
"siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā" - Being same in success (siddhi) and failure (asiddhi) is the practical application. This doesn't mean not caring about outcomes or not celebrating achievements. It means not letting either success or failure disturb your fundamental peace and stability.
The equalizing of success and failure might seem counterintuitive for achievement, but it actually enables higher performance. When we're not paralyzed by fear of failure or inflated by success, we can take intelligent risks, maintain steady effort through challenges, and make clear-headed decisions regardless of recent results.
Modern Application: After any significant outcome - positive or negative - observe your emotional reaction. Practice returning to centered equanimity before taking further action. This prevents reactive decisions based on temporary emotional states.
बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते।
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्॥
buddhi-yukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛta-duṣkṛte
tasmād yogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam
"One who is joined with the higher intelligence casts off both good and bad actions in this life. Therefore, devote yourself to yoga. Yoga is skill in action."
The phrase "yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam" - "yoga is skill in action" - revolutionizes the concept of spiritual practice. Excellence in work is not separate from spiritual development but is itself a path to liberation.
"buddhi-yukto" - One connected with discriminating wisdom transcends both good and bad karma. This isn't moral indifference but a recognition that even good actions bind us when done with selfish attachment. Action offered without ego transcends the cycle entirely.
"kauśalam" - This Sanskrit word means skill, expertise, mastery, artistry. Krishna equates the pursuit of excellence with yoga practice. The craftsman perfecting their work, the athlete training for mastery, the professional developing expertise - all are engaging in yoga when this pursuit is combined with the right attitude.
This verse validates the intuition that there's something sacred about striving for excellence. When we bring full attention, dedication, and artistry to our work - not for ego gratification but as an offering of our best - we engage in a form of worship through action.
Modern Application: Identify an area of your work where you can deepen your skill. Approach skill development not just as career advancement but as spiritual practice - bringing mindfulness, dedication, and integrity to the pursuit of mastery.
Success ultimately depends on mastery of the self - the mind, emotions, and tendencies that either propel us forward or hold us back. These slokas from Chapter 6 provide the framework for inner development.
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ
"One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind alone is the friend of the self, and the mind alone is the enemy of the self."
This verse places full responsibility for success or failure on the individual. The compound "ātmanātmānaṁ" (oneself by oneself) emphasizes that no external force can elevate us without our participation, nor can any external force bring us down without our consent.
"uddharet" - The word means to lift up, elevate, rescue. We are called to rescue ourselves from lower states - from mediocrity, from destructive patterns, from limited self-concepts. This is an active, intentional process requiring consistent effort.
"nātmānam avasādayet" - Equally important is not degrading oneself. This includes negative self-talk, self-sabotaging behaviors, and associating with influences that pull us down. We have the power to choose elevation or degradation through our thoughts and actions.
"ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur" - The mind as both friend and enemy is a profound observation. When disciplined and aligned with our higher purpose, the mind is our greatest ally. When undisciplined and driven by fear or desire, it becomes our worst enemy. The same instrument can serve either function - the choice is ours.
Modern Application: Conduct a personal audit. What mental habits, relationships, and activities are elevating you toward your goals? What are pulling you down? Make deliberate choices to strengthen the elevating influences and reduce the degrading ones.
बन्धुरात्माऽऽत्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः।
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्॥
bandhur ātmātmanas tasya yenātmaivātmanā jitaḥ
anātmanas tu śatrutve vartetātmaiva śatru-vat
"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 elaborates on the friend/enemy duality. The key word is "jitaḥ" - conquered, mastered. A conquered mind becomes a "bandhu" (friend, ally). An unconquered mind operates as a "śatru" (enemy).
The conquered mind refers not to suppression but to training. Just as a wild horse becomes a powerful ally when trained, the mind's tremendous energy becomes constructive when properly directed. An untrained mind scatters attention, generates anxiety, and undermines our best intentions.
Mind-mastery is the foundation of all success. Without it, external achievements remain unstable - dependent on circumstances and vulnerable to the mind's fluctuations. With it, we carry an unshakeable foundation that supports achievement in any field.
Modern Application: Establish a daily mental training practice - meditation, journaling, or focused reflection. Even 10-15 minutes daily builds the mental discipline that transforms the mind from enemy to ally.
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्।
अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते॥
asaṁśayaṁ mahā-bāho mano durnigrahaṁ calam
abhyāsena tu kaunteya vairāgyeṇa ca gṛhyate
"Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed one, the mind is restless and difficult to control. But by practice and detachment, O son of Kunti, it can be restrained."
Arjuna has expressed that controlling the mind seems as difficult as controlling the wind. Krishna acknowledges the challenge ("durnigrahaṁ calam" - hard to restrain and restless) but provides the solution: "abhyāsa" (practice) and "vairāgya" (detachment).
"abhyāsa" - Consistent, regular practice is the first key. There are no shortcuts to mind-mastery. The mind is trained through repetition - repeatedly bringing attention back to focus, repeatedly choosing constructive thoughts, repeatedly engaging in disciplined action.
"vairāgya" - Detachment is the second key. This means loosening the grip of desires, fears, and attachments that pull the mind in different directions. Vairāgya is not suppression but a natural letting go that comes from understanding the temporary nature of objects and experiences.
Together, abhyāsa and vairāgya work synergistically. Practice builds positive momentum while detachment removes obstacles. Without practice, detachment becomes passive withdrawal. Without detachment, practice becomes strained effort. Combined, they lead to effortless mastery.
Modern Application: For any goal you're pursuing, identify both the consistent practices needed and the attachments that need releasing. Success requires both building positive habits and letting go of what holds you back.
Finding and fulfilling one's unique purpose is central to Gita success philosophy. These slokas guide us toward authentic paths aligned with our nature and the greater good.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
śreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣṭhitāt
sva-dharme nidhanaṁ śreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ
"It is far better to perform one's own duty, even if imperfectly, than to master another's duty. It is better to die in one's own dharma; another's dharma is fraught with fear."
This verse is crucial for anyone struggling with career direction or feeling pressure to follow paths not suited to their nature. "Svadharma" (one's own duty/nature) is declared superior even when performed imperfectly ("viguṇaḥ") compared to "paradharma" (another's duty) even if mastered ("sv-anuṣṭhitāt").
"svadharma" refers to the duties and activities aligned with one's natural constitution, talents, and life circumstances. It's not about what society expects or what seems most profitable, but what genuinely fits who you are.
"paradharma bhayāvahaḥ" - Following another's path is "bhayāvaha" (fear-producing, dangerous). This is because when we work against our nature, we cannot sustain excellence. The effort required is enormous, the satisfaction minimal, and the long-term results unstable.
The phrase "sva-dharme nidhanaṁ śreyaḥ" (death in one's own dharma is better) might seem extreme, but it emphasizes the importance of authentic living. A life spent in genuine pursuit of one's calling, even if cut short, is more valuable than a long life of inauthenticity.
Modern Application: Before pursuing any major goal, honestly assess whether it aligns with your genuine nature and values, or whether you're chasing someone else's definition of success. Authentic paths, even difficult ones, lead to sustainable fulfillment.
स्वे स्वे कर्मण्यभिरतः संसिद्धिं लभते नरः।
स्वकर्मनिरतः सिद्धिं यथा विन्दति तच्छृणु॥
sve sve karmaṇy abhirataḥ saṁsiddhiṁ labhate naraḥ
sva-karma-nirataḥ siddhiṁ yathā vindati tac chṛṇu
"By following one's natural occupation, a person can achieve perfection. Now hear from Me how one engaged in natural work can attain this perfection."
"Saṁsiddhi" (complete success, perfection) comes through dedicated engagement with "sva-karma" (one's own natural work). The word "abhirataḥ" indicates deep engagement, even love, for one's work. This is not grudging duty but enthusiastic dedication to work that fits one's nature.
The verse promises that anyone can achieve perfection through their natural work. This democratizes success - it's not limited to certain professions or roles but available to all who fully commit to their appropriate duties. The teacher teaching with full dedication, the artist creating with complete attention, the entrepreneur building with genuine service orientation - all paths lead to the same summit.
Modern Application: Identify the work that energizes you, that you would do even without external rewards. This is likely your sva-karma. Commit to excellence in this domain, and success will follow naturally.
यतः प्रवृत्तिर्भूतानां येन सर्वमिदं ततम्।
स्वकर्मणा तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानवः॥
yataḥ pravṛttir bhūtānāṁ yena sarvam idaṁ tatam
sva-karmaṇā tam abhyarcya siddhiṁ vindati mānavaḥ
"From whom all beings originate, by whom all this is pervaded - by worshipping Him through one's own duty, a person attains perfection."
This verse transforms work into worship. The divine principle ("yataḥ pravṛttir bhūtānāṁ" - from whom all beings come) pervades everything ("yena sarvam idaṁ tatam"). We can worship this principle through our work ("sva-karmaṇā tam abhyarcya").
When work becomes worship, every task gains sacred significance. The mundane becomes meaningful, the routine becomes ritual. This shift in perspective doesn't require changing jobs but changing the spirit in which we work.
Working as worship means:
Modern Application: Begin each workday with a brief intention to offer your work as service. This simple shift transforms the psychological experience of work and often improves its quality.
Success requires courage to face challenges, take risks, and persist through difficulties. These slokas inspire boldness rooted in spiritual understanding.
नेहाभिक्रमनाशोऽस्ति प्रत्यवायो न विद्यते।
स्वल्पमप्यस्य धर्मस्य त्रायते महतो भयात्॥
nehābhikrama-nāśo 'sti pratyavāyo na vidyate
sv-alpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt
"In this path there is no loss of effort, and no possibility of regression. Even a little advancement on this path protects one from the greatest fear."
This encouraging verse removes the fear of failure that often paralyzes action. "Nehābhikrama-nāśo 'sti" - no effort is lost. "Pratyavāyo na vidyate" - no adverse reaction occurs. Unlike material investments that can be completely lost, spiritual and personal development efforts accumulate permanently.
Even if we don't achieve our ultimate goal, every sincere effort builds capacity, develops character, and creates momentum that carries forward. This understanding frees us to take intelligent risks without the paralysis that comes from fear of total loss.
"Sv-alpam api" - even a little of this practice protects from great fear. Small steps matter. Incremental progress accumulates. You don't need to transform overnight; consistent small efforts eventually produce major results.
Modern Application: When facing fear of starting something new or making major changes, remember that every effort builds toward eventual success. There are no truly wasted attempts - only learning experiences that prepare you for future achievement.
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham
"Whenever and wherever there is a decline of dharma and a predominance of adharma, O Bharata, at that time I manifest Myself."
This famous verse assures us that the divine doesn't abandon the world during dark times. When dharma (righteousness, order, truth) declines and adharma (unrighteousness, chaos, falsehood) rises, divine intervention occurs.
For individuals pursuing righteous goals, this verse offers profound encouragement. When you're working for dharma - for truth, justice, genuine value creation - you're aligned with a force greater than yourself. Challenges and opposition are temporary; the deeper current of dharma ultimately prevails.
This doesn't mean passive waiting for divine intervention. We are called to be instruments of dharma - to take action for righteousness while trusting that our efforts are supported by higher powers.
Modern Application: When facing opposition in ethical endeavors, draw strength from the understanding that dharma ultimately wins. Persevere in righteous action, knowing you're aligned with the fundamental order of the universe.
तस्मात्त्वमुत्तिष्ठ यशो लभस्व
जित्वा शत्रून् भुङ्क्ष्व राज्यं समृद्धम्।
मयैवैते निहताः पूर्वमेव
निमित्तमात्रं भव सव्यसाचिन्॥
tasmāt tvam uttiṣṭha yaśo labhasva
jitvā śatrūn bhuṅkṣva rājyaṁ samṛddham
mayaivaite nihatāḥ pūrvam eva
nimitta-mātraṁ bhava savya-sācin
"Therefore, arise and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a prosperous kingdom. They are already slain by My arrangement. Be merely an instrument, O ambidextrous one."
After revealing his cosmic form, Krishna gives Arjuna this powerful command. "Uttiṣṭha" (arise, stand up) - this is the call to action. "Yaśo labhasva" (win glory) - pursue excellence and achievement. "Bhuṅkṣva rājyaṁ samṛddham" (enjoy the prosperous kingdom) - receive the fruits of righteous action.
"Nimitta-mātraṁ bhava" - be merely an instrument. This is the key to fearless action. When we understand ourselves as instruments of a higher purpose, personal fear dissolves. The outcome is already determined at a deeper level; our role is simply to participate with full engagement.
This verse calls us to bold action while maintaining spiritual humility. Act with full force AND full surrender. Give everything AND claim nothing. This paradox resolves in the experience of being a divine instrument - fully engaged yet not burdened by outcome anxiety.
Modern Application: Before major challenges, recall this verse. Arise with courage, pursue excellence, AND surrender outcomes to the higher order. Act as an instrument fulfilling your role in a larger plan.
Clear thinking and discernment are essential for navigating complex situations. These slokas develop the wisdom needed for sound decision-making.
व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिरेकेह कुरुनन्दन।
बहुशाखा ह्यनन्ताश्च बुद्धयोऽव्यवसायिनाम्॥
vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-śākhā hy anantāś ca buddhayo 'vyavasāyinām
"Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched and endless."
Krishna distinguishes between "vyavasāyātmikā buddhi" (resolute, determined intelligence) which is "eka" (one, singular) and the intelligence of the irresolute which is "bahu-śākhā" (many-branched) and "ananta" (endless).
The successful person has clarity of purpose. Their intelligence is focused on a single aim, marshaling all resources toward that goal. The unsuccessful scatter their attention across endless options, never committing fully to any direction.
This teaching applies to both life direction and daily focus. Those who succeed commit to a clear purpose AND maintain moment-to-moment concentration on the task at hand. Scattered attention, whether across life goals or within individual work sessions, undermines achievement.
Modern Application: Clarify your primary life aim. Then, in daily work, practice single-tasking with full concentration rather than scattered multitasking. Resolution at both macro and micro levels leads to success.
दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः।
वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते॥
duḥkheṣv anudvigna-manāḥ sukheṣu vigata-spṛhaḥ
vīta-rāga-bhaya-krodhaḥ sthita-dhīr munir ucyate
"One who is not disturbed by distress, who does not crave pleasures, and who is free from attachment, fear, and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom."
Krishna describes the "sthita-dhī" (one of steady wisdom) - the ideal of mature spiritual development. Such a person is "anudvigna-manāḥ" (undisturbed in mind) during difficulties and "vigata-spṛhaḥ" (free from craving) during pleasures.
They are "vīta" (free from) "rāga" (attachment), "bhaya" (fear), and "krodha" (anger) - the three emotional patterns that most disturb clear thinking and effective action.
This verse provides a practical checklist for self-assessment:
Progress on these dimensions indicates growth toward steady wisdom.
Modern Application: Use this verse as a daily check-in. Notice when attachment, fear, or anger arise. Rather than acting from these states, pause until equanimity returns. Decisions made from steady wisdom are consistently better.
इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया।
विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु॥
iti te jñānam ākhyātaṁ guhyād guhyataraṁ mayā
vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa yathecchasi tathā kuru
"Thus I have explained to you knowledge more secret than the secret. Deliberate on this fully, and then do as you wish."
This remarkable verse near the Gita's conclusion shows Krishna's respect for individual discernment. After sharing the deepest wisdom, he says "vimṛśya" (deliberate, reflect deeply) on it "aśeṣeṇa" (completely, fully). Then "yathecchasi tathā kuru" - do as you wish.
Krishna doesn't demand blind obedience but informed choice. The teaching must be understood, processed, and integrated before it can be properly applied. And even then, the individual must choose how to act based on their own situation and judgment.
This validates the process of careful deliberation before major decisions. Gather wisdom, reflect deeply, understand the implications - then act decisively based on your own best judgment. Neither impulsive action nor endless deliberation is the answer; thorough consideration followed by committed action is the path.
Modern Application: For important decisions, create space for full deliberation. Study relevant wisdom, consult advisors, reflect deeply - then make your decision with full conviction. Trust your considered judgment.
The highest teaching of the Gita is surrender to the divine. These slokas reveal how trust and surrender paradoxically lead to greatest empowerment and success.
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥
sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvā sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucaḥ
"Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
This is considered the "charama sloka" - the ultimate, conclusive verse of the Gita. Krishna offers complete assurance to anyone who surrenders fully.
"sarva-dharmān parityajya" - Abandon all dharmas. This doesn't mean abandoning ethical behavior but releasing attachment even to righteous paths. When we surrender to the divine, we let go of the burden of figuring everything out ourselves and trust the higher guidance.
"mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja" - Take refuge in Me alone. "Ekaṁ" (alone, exclusively) emphasizes complete surrender, not partial or conditional. This is the ultimate letting go of ego control.
"ahaṁ tvā sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi" - I will liberate you from all sins (pāpa includes all negative karma, obstacles, and limitations). This is the divine promise to those who surrender.
"mā śucaḥ" - Do not grieve, do not fear. The one who has surrendered has nothing to fear. Their security lies not in external achievements but in divine refuge.
Modern Application: Practice surrendering specific concerns to the divine/higher power/life itself. This doesn't mean becoming passive but releasing the anxiety of control while continuing to act. Surrendered action is both more peaceful and more powerful.
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते।
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्॥
ananyāś cintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate
teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham
"Those who worship Me with exclusive devotion, always thinking of Me, who are eternally engaged - I personally carry what they lack and preserve what they have."
Krishna promises to personally handle the material needs of devoted seekers. "Yoga-kṣemaṁ" refers to both acquisition of what is needed (yoga) and protection of what is already possessed (kṣema).
"ananyāḥ cintayanto mām" - Those who think of Me without deviation. The condition is exclusive devotion - making the divine the center of attention rather than being scattered across endless worldly concerns.
"vahāmy aham" - "I personally carry." The verb "vahāmi" suggests bearing a burden. Krishna takes on the responsibility of providing for those whose attention is fixed on higher matters.
This verse offers tremendous relief from material anxiety. When our focus is on spiritual growth and righteous action, we can trust that material needs will be met. This doesn't mean irresponsibility but a shift in priority from acquiring to serving, from grasping to offering.
Modern Application: Rather than obsessing over material security, focus on developing spiritually and serving genuinely. Trust that needs will be met as you fulfill your higher purpose. This shift often paradoxically improves material outcomes as well.
तेषामहं समुद्धर्ता मृत्युसंसारसागरात्।
भवामि नचिरात्पार्थ मय्यावेशितचेतसाम्॥
teṣām ahaṁ samuddhartā mṛtyu-saṁsāra-sāgarāt
bhavāmi na cirāt pārtha mayy āveśita-cetasām
"For those whose minds are fixed on Me, O Partha, I become the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death."
"Samuddhartā" - the one who lifts up, rescues, delivers. Krishna promises to personally rescue those whose consciousness is absorbed in Him ("mayy āveśita-cetasām").
"Na cirāt" - without delay, swiftly. The deliverance is not postponed to some distant future but is available quickly for those who commit fully.
"Mṛtyu-saṁsāra-sāgarāt" - from the ocean of repeated birth and death. This refers not just to physical death but to the cycle of suffering that comes from identification with the temporary body and mind.
For worldly success, this verse reminds us that the ultimate deliverance is from fear itself - including fear of failure, loss, and death. When we're rescued from these fundamental fears, we can act with true freedom and power.
Modern Application: When facing overwhelming challenges, remember that help is available. Fix your mind on higher guidance, and trust that rescue will come. This mental surrender often opens unexpected solutions.
Intellectual understanding is just the beginning. These practical methods help integrate the slokas into daily life for transformative results.
Select 3-5 slokas that resonate with your current needs. Recite them in Sanskrit each morning, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. The vibration of the sacred syllables carries power beyond intellectual understanding. Gradually memorize these verses so they become available for recall throughout the day.
Choose one sloka for deep contemplation. After reading the Sanskrit, transliteration, and translation, sit quietly and let the meaning penetrate beyond intellectual understanding. Ask yourself: What is this verse really saying? How does it apply to my specific situation? What would change if I lived by this teaching?
Link slokas to specific life situations. When facing a challenge, consciously recall the relevant verse. For instance, before difficult decisions, recall BG 3.35 on following your dharma. When anxious about outcomes, recall BG 2.47 on detachment from results. This creates neural pathways that eventually make wise responses automatic.
Focus on BG 2.47 (karma yoga) and BG 2.48 (equanimity). These form the basis for all other teachings. Practice releasing attachment to outcomes in small daily situations.
Add BG 6.5 (self-elevation) and BG 6.35 (practice and detachment). Establish a daily meditation practice, even if brief. Begin observing the mind as friend or enemy in different situations.
Incorporate BG 3.35 (svadharma) and BG 18.46 (work as worship). Reflect deeply on your natural calling and how your work can become sacred offering.
Engage with BG 18.66 (ultimate surrender) and BG 9.22 (divine provision). Practice releasing control and trusting the larger process while continuing dedicated action.
The most universally applicable sloka for success is BG 2.47 (karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana), which teaches focusing on action without attachment to results. For self-development, BG 6.5 (uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ) on self-elevation is powerful. For maintaining balance, BG 2.48 (samatvaṁ yoga ucyate) on equanimity is essential. The "best" sloka depends on your specific challenges and growth areas.
Several verses address fear of failure. BG 2.40 (nehābhikrama-nāśo 'sti) assures that no effort is ever lost. BG 2.38 instructs treating victory and defeat equally. BG 18.66 (sarva-dharmān parityajya) provides ultimate reassurance through surrender to the divine. BG 11.33 (uttiṣṭha yaśo labhasva) encourages arising with courage, trusting that outcomes are already arranged.
BG 2.47 teaches that we have the right and responsibility to perform our duties but should not claim entitlement to specific results. This paradoxically leads to greater success by: freeing us from performance anxiety, improving focus on what we can control, enabling intelligent risk-taking, maintaining motivation regardless of immediate results, and preventing both arrogance in success and despair in failure.
Apply BG 3.35 to find work aligned with your natural strengths rather than chasing others' paths. Use BG 2.47 to reduce workplace anxiety and improve performance through outcome detachment. Practice BG 18.46 by viewing work as worship, bringing full dedication to each task. Apply BG 2.50 (yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam) to pursue excellence as spiritual practice. Regular meditation on these verses gradually transforms both professional attitudes and outcomes.
BG 3.35 guides decisions toward authentic paths aligned with your nature rather than copying others. BG 2.41 emphasizes single-pointed determination, suggesting clarity of purpose aids decision-making. BG 18.63 advises deliberating fully then acting as you see fit, respecting individual discernment. BG 2.56 describes steady wisdom free from attachment, fear, and anger - the ideal state for clear decisions.
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