10 Core Ideas of the Bhagavad Gita

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. – Bhagavad Gita 2:47

The Bhagavad Gita, meaning "Song of the Lord" in Sanskrit, is a cornerstone of Hinduism. This sacred scripture, nestled within the epic Mahabharata, unfolds as a dialogue between the warrior prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is revealed to be an incarnation of the divine. On the precipice of a monumental battle, Arjuna wrestles with moral dilemmas and contemplates the nature of his duty. Krishna's teachings, delivered amidst the battlefield, offer profound philosophical and spiritual insights that resonate deeply even today.

10 Core Ideas of the Bhagavad Gita

1. Immortality of the Soul. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that one should practice moderation in sensual pleasures, not by completely depriving oneself, but by limiting them. Through self-discipline, one can recognize the distinction between the body and the self. This understanding helps to remove the fear of death, as it highlights the difference between our temporary physical existence and our true, eternal essence. Sanskrit: अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ता: शरीरिण:। अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत॥ (Chapter 2, Verse 18) English: Only the material body is perishable; the embodied soul within is indestructible, immeasurable, and eternal. Therefore, fight, O descendent of Bharat.

2. Patience and Dharma. The Bhagavad Gita teaches patience by emphasizing the importance of upholding dharma, or righteous conduct, and fulfilling one's duties. It stresses acting with equanimity and composure, even in challenging circumstances. Sanskrit: कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (Chapter 2, Verse 47)

   English: 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.

3. Yoga. When you do your duty, you must not think of profit. The sense of profit is the greatest evil and the main enemy within each of us. You must rise above the sense of gain and treat losses and gains, happiness and sorrow, friends and enemies, honor and dishonor equally. This skill of self-control is called Yoga. Sanskrit: अनाश्रित: कर्मफलं कार्यं कर्म करोति य:। स संन्यासी च योगी च न निरग्निर्न चाक्रिय:॥ (Chapter 5, Verse 10)

   English: One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.

4. Purpose in Life. Every individual has a unique purpose, or swadharma, which aligns with their inherent nature and social obligations. The Gita emphasizes fulfilling one's duties with dedication, regardless of the outcome. This idea encourages us to recognize and pursue our personal calling with sincerity and commitment. Sanskrit: श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुण: परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेय: परधर्मो भयावह:॥ (Chapter 3, Verse 35)

   English: It is far better to perform one’s natural prescribed duty, though tinged with faults, than to perform another’s prescribed duty, though perfectly. In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one’s duty, than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger.

5. Divine Manifestations. Although there is only one God, He can take on different guises. The Bhagavad Gita harmonizes the existence of different religions by teaching that Avatara is God manifesting among us in one of His forms. Therefore, the Bhagavad Gita can be studied by followers of any religion. Sanskrit: यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥ परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्। धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे॥ (Chapter 4, Verse 7-8)

   English: Whenever Dharma starts fading into oblivion and Adharma increases, I manifest myself. I take birth in every age to protect the virtuous, to annihilate the evil-doers and to establish (and re-establish) Dharma.

6. Karma. God does not interfere with the karma of living beings. The Bhagavad Gita answers the question, "If there is God, why is there so much evil in this world?" by explaining that we create that evil ourselves. God does not interfere with our freedom of choice. Sanskrit: कर्मणो ह्यपि बोद्धव्यं बोद्धव्यं च विकर्मण:। अकर्मणश्च बोद्धव्यं गहना कर्मणो गतिः॥ (Chapter 4, Verse 17)

   English: You must understand the nature of all three — recommended action, wrong action, and inaction. The truth about these is profound and difficult to understand.

7. Sincerity. The Bhagavad Gita transcends outward rituals and emphasizes the importance of sincerity in one's actions and devotion. Whether a renunciate or a householder, genuine devotion holds the key to spiritual progress. This teaching reminds us that true spirituality lies in the purity of our intentions. Sanskrit: कर्मणैव हि संन्यासो निःसिद्ध: कर्मयोगस्य। तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योग: कर्मसु कौशलम्॥ (Chapter 4, Verse 17)

   English: By performing one's prescribed duties, one can attain the highest state of freedom from bondage. Therefore, you should engage in your duty with great care and attention.

8. Universal Energy. In Chapter 7, Krishna provides a detailed description of God. The origin of every atom and everything we see around us is God, or rather His energy. The source of each of us is also God. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to see the manifestation of God always and everywhere, for example: in fire, in the sun, in the moon, and even in the taste of water. Sanskrit: अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थित:। अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च॥ (Chapter 10, Verse 20)

   English: O Arjun, I am seated in the heart of all living entities. I am the beginning, middle, and end of all beings.

9. The Three Gunas. One might ask the question: if all beautiful things are God, what about the bad things? In response, Krishna gives an amazing explanation of the phenomenon of good and evil. In fact, he says, there is no good and evil in nature. Nature is the energy of God, but this energy has three functions, known as the three gunas. Goodness (Sattva) brings knowledge, peace, and happiness. Passion (Rajas) brings endless desires and greed, driving man to toil day after day. Ignorance (Tamas) makes man akin to an animal, covered with laziness and excessive sleep. Sanskrit: सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणा: प्रकृतिसम्भवा:। निबध्नन्ति महाबाहो देहे देहिनमव्ययम्॥ (Chapter 14, Verse 5) English: O mighty-armed Arjun, the material energy consists of three guṇas (modes) — sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). These modes bind the eternal soul to the perishable body.

10. Spiritual World. Krishna says that the spiritual world is His abode, where there is no passion or ignorance, but only goodness and happiness. Those who remember God with love all the time will reach this divine realm. Love for God is the ultimate meaning of the Bhagavad Gita and its final lesson. Love comes through remembrance, and the Gita teaches how one can constantly remember God and never forget Him. Sanskrit: ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन्। य: प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम्॥ (Chapter 8, Verse 13)

    English: One who departs from the body while remembering Me, the Supreme Personality, and chanting the syllable Om, will attain the supreme goal.

The Bhagavad Gita's Enduring Influence on Modern Yoga

The Bhagavad Gita serves as a philosophical foundation for modern yoga practices. Here's how its wisdom continues to shape the practice:

Holistic Approach

The Gita emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation work together to achieve holistic well-being.

Spiritual Connection

The Bhagavad Gita encourages us to view yoga as a path towards spiritual liberation, not just physical fitness. As we practice, we cultivate a deeper connection to our inner selves and the divine.

Ethical Guidelines

The emphasis on dharma in the Gita translates to ethical considerations within yoga practice. Yoga teachers strive to create inclusive and respectful environments, honoring individual limitations.

Pranayama

The importance of breath control (pranayama) is highlighted in the Bhagavad Gita. Yoga practices integrate various pranayama techniques to enhance focus, energy, and overall well-being.

Balance between Active and Contemplative Life

The Gita advocates for a balanced life, integrating action (karma yoga) with introspection and meditation. Yoga practice encourages this balance by offering both dynamic and meditative components.

Connection to Tradition

Studying the Bhagavad Gita allows yoga practitioners to connect with the rich history and philosophical underpinnings of the practice.