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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Vishwarup Darshan Yog  

Yog through Beholding the Cosmic Form of God Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Vishwarup Darshan Yog

To nurture and intensify Arjun’s devotion, Shree Krishna had described His divine vibhūtis (opulence) in the previous chapter. Towards the end, He had mentioned that all the beauty, glory, and power is just a spark of His immeasurable splendor. Hearing this, Arjun became curious. In this chapter, he requests the Lord to show him His viśhwarūp, or the infinite cosmic form. Shree Krishna grants Arjun divine vision to see His infinite-form that comprises all the universes. Arjun sees the entire creation in the body of the God of gods with unlimited arms, faces, and stomachs. It has no beginning or end and extends immeasurably in all directions. His radiance is similar to a thousand suns blazing together in the sky. The sight dazzles Arjun, and his hair stands on end. He witnesses the three …

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhag Yog  

Yog through Discerning the Divine and Demoniac Natures Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhag Yog

This chapter expounds on the two kinds of human nature—the saintly and the demoniac. Shree Krishna explains that the saintly-nature develops in humans by cultivating the modes of goodness, by following the instructions given in the scriptures, and purifying the mind with spiritual practices. Such behavior attracts daivī sampatti or godlike qualities, eventually leading to God-realization. Contrary to this, the demoniac-nature develops by associating with modes of passion and ignorance and materially focused lifestyles that breed unwholesome traits in human personality. This leads the soul finally to a hell-like existence. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhag Yog | Bhagavath Geeta English   Shree Krishna enumerates the saintly virtues of those…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Guna Traya Vibhag Yog  

Yog through Understanding the Three Modes of Material Nature Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Guna Traya Vibhag Yog

In the previous chapter, Shree Krishna explained the difference between the material body and the soul in detail. In this chapter, He explains the nature of His material energy, which is the source of the body and its elements. Thus, it is the origin of both mind and matter. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Guna Traya Vibhag Yog | English Bhavagath Geetha   The material nature constitutes of three gunas (modes)—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). Since the body, mind, and intellect are material in nature, they too possess these three modes, and a combination of these gunas forms the basis of one’s character. Peacefulness, morality, well-being, serenity, etc. are the virtues of those in the mode of goodness. Those driven by passion have endless desir…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhag Yog  

Yog through Distinguishing the Field and the Knower of the Field Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhag Yog

Based on its content, the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita can be divided into three sections. The first six chapters describe Karm Yog or the path of duty.  The second set, from chapters seven to twelve, glorify the path of bhakti or loving devotion of God. They also describe the opulence of God as the divine nectar that nourishes devotion. The third set, starting from this chapter, expounds upon tattva jñāna or the of knowledge scriptural terms and principles.Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhag Yog | Bhagavath Geetha     Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhag Yog | Bhagavath Geeta English Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14 Guna Traya Vibhag Yog Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13 Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibh…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12 Bhakti Yog  

The Yog of Devotion - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12 Bhakti Yog

This chapter begins with Arjun asking Shree Krishna about the two types of yogis and among them whom does He consider perfect. Those who worship the formless Brahman or those who are devoted to the personal-form of God. Shree Krishna declares that devotees can attain Him by both paths. However, He considers those who worship His personal-form as the best yogis. In this small chapter of 20 verses, Shree Krishna emphasizes that the path of devotion is the highest among all types of spiritual practices. He then explains to Arjun that it is rather difficult to meditate upon the unmanifest aspect of God. Hence, the path of worshiping the formless is full of tribulations for the embodied souls. On the other hand, the devotees who worship His personal-form dedicate all their actions to Him. And with their mind and intellect consciously su…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Raja Vidya Yog  

Yog through the King of Sciences Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Raja Vidya Yog

In the two previous chapters, the Supreme Lord Shree Krishna declared that among all, bhaktiis the highest, yet the simplest path of attaining Yog, or union with the Supreme. In this chapter, He reveals His supreme glories that inspire reverence, devotion, and awe. Although Shree Krishna stands in front of Arjun in His personal form, it should not be mistaken to possess human personality. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Raja Vidya Yog | English Bhagavath Geetha Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhag Yog | Bhagavath Geeta English   At the beginning of creation, the Supreme Lord creates innumerable life-forms with His material energy. And at dissolution, He absorbs them back into Himself, and in the next cycle of creation, He manifests them again. Similar to the mighty winds that blow everywhere …

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Akshar Brahma Yog  

The Yog of the Eternal God Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Akshar Brahma Yog

  In this chapter, Shree Krishna briefly describes several significant concepts and terms that the Upanishads expound in detail. He also explains what decides the destination of the soul after death. He says that if we remember God at the time of death, we can definitely attain Him. Therefore, alongside doing our daily works, we must always practice thinking of God. We can do this by thinking of His Qualities, Attributes, Virtues, etc. A persistent yogic meditation upon God by chanting His Names is also a good practice. Through exclusive devotion, when our mind is perfectly absorbed in Him, we will elevate from the material dimension to the spiritual realm. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Akshar Brahma Yog | English Bhagavath Geetha   Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhag Yog | Bhagavath Geeta En…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Jnana Vijnana Yog  

Yog through the Realization of Divine Knowledge Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Jnana Vijnana Yog

This chapter begins with Shree Krishna describing the material and spiritual dimensions of God’s energies. He explains that similar to beads strung on a single thread, all these energies have originated from Him and rest in Him. The entire creation begins and dissolves into Him. Although it is very difficult to overcomeHis material energy Maya, those who surrender to Him can easily cross over it by His grace. He then describes the four kinds of people who engage in His devotion and the other four who do not surrender to Him. He says that those devotees who worship Him in knowledge with their mind and intellect merged in Him, are dearest to Him. Yet, some are deluded by material desires and surrender to the celestial gods, who bestow upon them temporary material prosperity. However, these celest…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Dhyan Yog  

The Yog of Meditation Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Dhyan Yog

Shree Krishna continues the comparative evaluation between karm yog (the practice of spirituality while performing worldly duties) and karm sanyas (the practice of spirituality in a renounced state) in this chapter. He reiterates that karm yog is a more practicable path than karm sanyas. When work is done with devotion, it purifies the mind and enhances the spiritual realization. The mind then becomes tranquil, and meditation becomes the primary means of elevation. The yogis strive to conquer the mind through meditation because, while a trained mind is the best friend, an untrained mind can be the worst enemy for a spiritual aspirant. Shree Krishna cautions Arjun that by merely engaging in severe austerities, one cannot progress on the spiritual path. Therefore, moderation must be maintained, even in basic necessities like food, sleep,…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Karm Sanyas Yog  

The Yog of Renunciation Bhagavad Gita Chapter 5 Karm Sanyas Yog

In this chapter, Shree Krishna compares karm sanyās yog (the path of renunciation of actions) with karm yog (the path of work in devotion). He says: we can choose either of the two paths, as both lead to the same destination. However, he explains that the renunciation of actions is rather challenging and can only be performed flawlessly by those whose minds are adequately pure. Purification of the mind can be achieved only by working in devotion. Therefore, karm yog is a more appropriate path for the majority of humankind. The karm yogis with a purified intellect perform their worldly duties without any attachment to its fruit. They dedicate all their works and its results to God. Just as a lotus leaf that floats on water does not get wet, the karm yogis also remain unaffected by sin. They are aware that the soul resides …

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Jnana Karm Sanyas Yog  

The Yog of Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Jnana Karm Sanyas Yog

To strengthen Arjun’s faith in the knowledge He is imparting, Shree Krishna reveals its pristine origin in this chapter. He says, “Arjun, as you are my devotee and a dear friend, I am revealing this supreme science of yog to you. It is the same eternal science that I taught to the Sun God at the beginning of time. And in a continuous tradition, the same knowledge; was passed to the saintly kings.” Arjun wonders how someone who is almost his age could exist so many eons ago. He asks Shree Krishna how is it possible that you gave this knowledge to the Sun God and the others so many years back in time. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4 Jnana Karm Sanyas Yog | English Bhagavath Geetha   Bhagavad Gita 17 శ్రద్ధా త్రయ విభాగ యోగము | Shradhaa Traya Vibhaga Yogamu   Shree Kri…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Karm Yog  

The Yog of Action Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Karm Yog - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Karm Yog | Bhagavat Geetha English

Shree Krishna expounds on karm yog or the yog of action in this chapter. He explains to Arjun that nobody can remain without action, even for a moment. Bound by their inherent modes of nature, all beings are always engaged in some work. Superior are those who practice karm yog and continue to work diligently to fulfill their responsibilities externally, but internally they are unattached to them. However, the hypocrites display external renunciation but internally dwell upon the objects of their senses. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Karm Yog | Bhagavat Geetha English Shree Krishna says that all living beings are an integral part of God’s creation and have roles and responsibilities to fulfill. Vedas prescribe performing yajña to please the celestial gods, who in-return bestow material ga…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Arjun Vishad Yog   Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Arjun Vishad Yog   Chapter 1: Arjun Vishad Yog  

Lamenting the Consequences of War

The Bhagavad Gita, or the song of God, was revealed by Lord Shree Krishna to Arjun on the threshold of the epic war of Mahabharata. A decisive battle between two sets of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, was just about to commence on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. A detailed account of the reasons that led to such a colossal war; is given under Introduction-The Setting of the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is primarily a conversation between Lord Shree Krishna and Arjun. However, the first chapter begins with a dialogue between King Dhritarashtra and his minister Sanjay. Dhritarashtra being blind, could not leave his palace in Hastinapur but was eager to know the ongoings of the battlefield. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 Arjun Vishad Yog | Bhagavad Geeta Eng…

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Sankhya Yog   Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Sankhya Yog

The Yog of Analytical Knowledge

In this chapter, Arjun reiterates to Shree Krishna that he is unable to cope with his current situation, where he has to kill his elders and teachers. He refuses to take part in such a battle and requests Shree Krishna to be his spiritual teacher and guide him on the proper path of action. Then the Supreme Lord starts imparting divine knowledge to Arjun. He begins with the immortal-nature of the soul, which is eternal and imperishable. Death only destroys the physical body, but the soul continues its journey.  Just as a person discards his old clothes and adorns new ones, the soul keeps changing bodies from one lifetime to another. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Sankhya Yog | Bhagavad Geeta English   The Lord then reminds Arjun that his social responsibility as a warrior is to fight for upholding righteousness. He exp…