Karma Yoga (Ch. 1-6)
The Path of Action
Focus on performing one's duty without attachment to results. Establishes the foundation of selfless action and introduces key concepts like the eternal soul.
Bhagavad Gita Summary
A complete overview of the 700 verses across 18 chapters - the essence of Krishna's timeless wisdom to Arjuna
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita ("Song of God") is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that forms part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before a great war.
Arjuna, facing his relatives and teachers on the opposing side, becomes overwhelmed with moral dilemma. Krishna's response forms the Gita - a profound discourse on duty, righteousness, devotion, and the nature of existence.
The Central Question
When Arjuna refuses to fight, asking "How can killing my own family be right?", Krishna's answer spans philosophy, psychology, and spirituality - addressing not just Arjuna's immediate crisis but the universal human struggle to find meaning and act rightly in a complex world.
The Three Main Sections
The 18 chapters of the Gita are traditionally divided into three sections of six chapters each, corresponding to three paths to liberation:
Bhakti Yoga (Ch. 7-12)
The Path of Devotion
Explores the nature of God, divine manifestations, and loving devotion as a means to liberation. Includes the awe-inspiring vision of Krishna's universal form.
Jnana Yoga (Ch. 13-18)
The Path of Knowledge
Deep philosophical teachings on the nature of reality, the three gunas, and the ultimate synthesis of all paths leading to moksha (liberation).
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary
Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada Yoga
अर्जुनविषादयोग - The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection
47 verses - Sets the scene on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna sees his teachers, relatives, and friends on both sides and is overcome with grief. He puts down his bow and refuses to fight, expressing his moral anguish to Krishna.
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga
साङ्ख्ययोग - The Yoga of Knowledge
72 verses - Krishna begins His teaching. He explains the eternal nature of the soul (atman), the temporary nature of the body, and introduces karma yoga - the path of selfless action. Contains the famous verse 2.47 on performing duty without attachment to results.
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga
कर्मयोग - The Yoga of Action
43 verses - Explains why action is necessary and superior to inaction. Discusses the concept of yajna (sacrifice), svadharma (one's own duty), and how desire and anger arise from rajas (passion).
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga
ज्ञानकर्मसन्यासयोग - Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
42 verses - Krishna reveals His divine nature and purpose of incarnation. Explains how knowledge purifies action and describes different types of spiritual sacrifice.
Chapter 5: Karma Sanyasa Yoga
कर्मसन्यासयोग - The Yoga of Renunciation
29 verses - Compares the path of renunciation with the path of action, concluding both lead to liberation. Describes the characteristics of one who has attained peace.
Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga
ध्यानयोग - The Yoga of Meditation
47 verses - Detailed instructions on meditation practice. Describes the ideal environment, posture, and mental discipline. Addresses Arjuna's concern about the difficulty of controlling the mind.
Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana Yoga
ज्ञानविज्ञानयोग - Knowledge and Wisdom
30 verses - Krishna explains His higher and lower nature, how the world is sustained by Him, and why people seek God in different ways. Introduces the concept of maya (illusion).
Chapter 8: Aksara Brahma Yoga
अक्षरब्रह्मयोग - The Imperishable Brahman
28 verses - Answers questions about Brahman, karma, and the moment of death. Explains how one's final thoughts determine the next life and how to attain God.
Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga
राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोग - The Royal Knowledge
34 verses - Called the "king of knowledge" - Krishna reveals His supreme position and how He pervades all creation. Emphasizes devotion as the easiest path, accessible to all.
Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga
विभूतियोग - Divine Manifestations
42 verses - Krishna describes His divine glories and manifestations in the world. Whatever is glorious, powerful, or beautiful represents a spark of His splendor.
Chapter 11: Visvarupa Darsana Yoga
विश्वरूपदर्शनयोग - The Vision of the Universal Form
55 verses - The dramatic climax where Krishna reveals His cosmic form to Arjuna. Arjuna witnesses the entire universe within Krishna's body - terrifying yet awe-inspiring.
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga
भक्तियोग - The Yoga of Devotion
20 verses - Compares worship of the personal God vs. the impersonal Absolute. Describes the qualities of a true devotee who is dear to Krishna.
Chapter 13: Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञविभागयोग - Field and Knower of the Field
35 verses - Philosophical analysis of the body (field) and the soul (knower). Explains prakriti (nature) and purusha (consciousness) and how liberation comes through understanding their distinction.
Chapter 14: Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
गुणत्रयविभागयोग - The Three Gunas
27 verses - Detailed explanation of the three qualities of nature: sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). How they bind the soul and how to transcend them.
Chapter 15: Purusottama Yoga
पुरुषोत्तमयोग - The Supreme Person
20 verses - Uses the metaphor of the cosmic tree to explain creation. Distinguishes between the perishable, imperishable, and the Supreme Person (Purushottama).
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोग - Divine and Demoniac Natures
24 verses - Contrasts divine qualities (fearlessness, purity, self-control) with demoniac qualities (hypocrisy, arrogance, anger). Warns against the gates of hell: lust, anger, and greed.
Chapter 17: Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोग - Three Types of Faith
28 verses - Analyzes how the three gunas influence faith, food, sacrifice, austerity, and charity. Explains the significance of "Om Tat Sat."
Chapter 18: Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
मोक्षसन्यासयोग - Liberation Through Renunciation
78 verses - The grand conclusion synthesizing all teachings. Covers types of renunciation, duties according to nature, and culminates in the famous verse 18.66: "Surrender unto Me alone."
Key Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
- The Soul is Eternal - The body perishes but the soul (atman) is immortal, unchanging, and indestructible.
- Perform Duty Without Attachment - Focus on action itself, not the fruits. This is the essence of karma yoga.
- All Paths Lead to God - Whether through knowledge, devotion, action, or meditation, sincere seekers reach the Divine.
- God is Present in Everything - Krishna pervades all creation while remaining transcendent.
- Control the Mind - The mind can be our best friend or worst enemy. Through practice and detachment, it can be mastered.
- Surrender Leads to Liberation - Complete surrender to the Divine frees us from all fear and bondage.
Study the Complete Gita
Read all 700 verses with Sanskrit text, audio, and AI-powered explanations in the Srimad Gita App.