Key Concepts

Argument Explanation
Dharma (Duty) The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's duty (Dharma) without attachment to the fruits of one's actions. It teaches that one should perform their righteous duties with detachment and without concern for personal gain or loss.
Karma Yoga (Path of Action) The text promotes the concept of Karma Yoga, which involves the selfless performance of one's duties without desire for personal rewards. It teaches that by performing actions without attachment to the outcome, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge) The Bhagavad Gita presents the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) as a means to achieve spiritual liberation. It emphasizes the understanding of the true nature of the Self (Atman) and its relationship with the Supreme Brahman (Ultimate Reality).
Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion) The text also highlights the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga) as a way to attain spiritual liberation. It encourages devotion and love towards the Supreme Being (Krishna or Brahman) as a means to transcend the cycle of birth and death.
Renunciation and Detachment The Bhagavad Gita teaches the importance of renunciation and detachment from material desires and attachments. It encourages the control of the senses and the cultivation of a state of equanimity and inner peace, which is necessary for spiritual progress.
Self-Realization The ultimate goal of the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita is Self-realization, the realization of one's true nature as the Atman (individual Self) and its unity with the Brahman (Ultimate Reality). It encourages the pursuit of this knowledge through various spiritual practices.

Quotes

Chapter Verse Quote
2 47 You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, 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.
2 19 He who thinks that the soul kills, and he who thinks of it as killed, are both ignorant. The soul kills not, nor is it killed.
3 9 Work done as a sacrifice for Vishnu has to be performed, otherwise work binds one to 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.
4 7-8 Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on Earth. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of dharma, I advent myself millennium after millennium.
9 22 To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.
12 13-14 He who has no ill will to any being, who is friendly and compassionate, free from egoism and self-possession, the same in pleasure and pain, and forgiving, ever content, steady in meditation, self-controlled, and possessed of firm determination, with mind and intellect dedicated to Me – he, My devotee, is dear to Me.
18 66 Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.

Contents

Chapter Number Chapter Name Summary
1 Arjuna Vishada Yoga This chapter, called "The Despondency of Arjuna," sets the scene on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna, a great warrior, is paralyzed by doubt and moral dilemma about fighting in the battle.
2 Sankhya Yoga This chapter, "Transcendental Knowledge," contains the core teachings of Krishna. He explains the eternal nature of the soul and the importance of performing one’s duty without attachment to results.
3 Karma Yoga In "Path of Selfless Service," Krishna describes the path of karma yoga or selfless action, emphasizing performing duties without attachment to outcomes.
4 Jnana Yoga "The Yoga of Knowledge" details the importance of acquiring true knowledge and the interconnectedness of all forms of yoga.
5 Karma Vairagya Yoga "The Yoga of Renunciation" discusses the peace and liberation that comes from renouncing the fruits of actions.
6 Abhyasa Yoga "The Yoga of Meditation" talks about the techniques and importance of meditation as a means of self-realization.
7 Paramahamsa Vijnana Yoga "The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom" introduces different aspects of the Supreme Being and emphasizes devotion.
8 Aksara Brahma Yoga "The Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute" focuses on the eternal aspect of the self and the importance of remembering God at the time of death.
9 Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga "The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret" explains the most confidential knowledge and the power of devotion.
10 Vibhuti Yoga "The Yoga of Divine Glories" enumerates the various manifestations of Krishna in the material world.
11 Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga "The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form" describes Arjuna's cosmic vision of Krishna's universal form.
12 Bhakti Yoga "The Yoga of Devotion" extolls the virtues of loving devotion to God.
13 Kshetra Kshetragna Vibhaga Yoga "The Yoga of the Field and the Knower of the Field" discusses the distinction between the physical body and the soul.
14 Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga "The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas" explains the three gunas (modes of material nature) – sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
15 Purushottama Yoga "The Yoga of the Supreme Person" defines the eternal spirit and its relation to the material world and the Supreme.
16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga "The Yoga of the Division between the Divine and the Non-Divine" contrasts the divine qualities with demoniac qualities.
17 Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga "The Yoga of the Three Divisions of Faith" categorizes faith into three forms in accordance with the gunas.
18 Moksha Sannyasa Yoga "The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation" concludes the teachings by emphasizing the importance of renunciation and the ultimate liberation.