All Chapters of the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters and 700 verses. Each chapter addresses different aspects of life, duty, and spiritual wisdom.
Arjuna Vishada Yoga
The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection
Chapter 1 sets the stage for the entire Gita. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna surveys both armies and is struck by overwhelming grief at the thought of killing his own kinsmen, teachers, and friends. His moral crisis, emotional turmoil, and physical symptoms of distress represent the universal human experience of facing difficult decisions.
Sankhya Yoga
The Yoga of Knowledge
Chapter 2 is the foundation of the Gita's philosophy. Krishna begins his teachings by explaining the eternal nature of the soul, the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to results, and the characteristics of a person of steady wisdom. This chapter introduces Karma Yoga and the art of equanimity.
Karma Yoga
The Yoga of Action
Chapter 3 elaborates on the path of selfless action. Krishna explains why action is superior to inaction, how to perform duties without attachment, and the cosmic order sustained by righteous action. He teaches that true renunciation lies not in abandoning work but in performing it without selfish motives.
Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga
The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
Chapter 4 reveals the divine nature of the Gita's teachings and introduces the concept of divine incarnation. Krishna explains how ancient wisdom is transmitted, the nature of action and inaction, and how true knowledge burns away all karmic bondage. He emphasizes that wisdom transforms action into liberation.
Karma Sannyasa Yoga
The Yoga of Renunciation
Chapter 5 reconciles the paths of action and renunciation. Krishna explains that both lead to the same goal, but selfless action is preferable for most. He describes the characteristics of a true renunciant who acts through the body while remaining detached in spirit, achieving inner peace and equality of vision.
Atma Samyama Yoga
The Yoga of Self-Mastery
Chapter 6 is the definitive guide to meditation and self-discipline. Krishna describes the practice of dhyana yoga, the posture, the place, the technique, and the fruits of meditation. He addresses Arjuna's concern about the restless mind and assures that sincere effort is never wasted.
Jnana Vijnana Yoga
The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom
Chapter 7 reveals Krishna's divine nature and explains how the material world manifests from him. He describes two types of knowledge—theoretical and experiential—and explains why only rare souls truly seek and know the Divine. The chapter distinguishes between those who worship for material gains and those who seek truth.
Aksara Brahma Yoga
The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman
Chapter 8 answers fundamental questions about life, death, and what lies beyond. Krishna explains the imperishable nature of Brahman, the process of departure from the body, and how one's final thoughts determine their next destination. He reveals the cosmic cycles of creation and dissolution.
Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga
The Yoga of Royal Knowledge and Royal Secret
Chapter 9 is called the 'King of Knowledge' and the 'King of Secrets.' Krishna reveals his most confidential teachings about devotion, explaining how he pervades all creation while remaining transcendent. He emphasizes that sincere devotion, even with simple offerings, reaches him directly.
Vibhuti Yoga
The Yoga of Divine Manifestations
Chapter 10 describes Krishna's divine glories and manifestations. He explains how he is the source, essence, and most excellent aspect of everything in creation—from mighty mountains to sacred rivers, from great warriors to divine sages. This chapter inspires awe and cultivates recognition of the divine in all things.
Visvarupa Darsana Yoga
The Yoga of the Vision of the Universal Form
Chapter 11 is the climactic revelation of the Gita. Arjuna is granted divine eyes to see Krishna's cosmic form—infinite, terrifying, all-consuming, containing all beings, all time, and all possibilities. This overwhelming vision transforms Arjuna's understanding and confirms Krishna's supreme divinity.
Bhakti Yoga
The Yoga of Devotion
Chapter 12 is the heart of the Gita's devotional teaching. Krishna explains that loving devotion is the easiest and most direct path to him. He describes the qualities of his dear devotees—those who are compassionate, content, self-controlled, and equal in praise and blame.
Ksetra Ksetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of the Field and the Knower
Chapter 13 presents a profound analysis of matter and spirit. Krishna distinguishes between the 'field' (body/matter) and the 'knower of the field' (soul/consciousness). He describes the twenty qualities of true knowledge and explains how understanding this distinction leads to liberation.
Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of the Three Gunas
Chapter 14 explains the three qualities (gunas) that constitute material nature: sattva (purity), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance). Krishna describes how these qualities bind the soul, their effects on behavior, and how to transcend them through devotion and knowledge.
Purusottama Yoga
The Yoga of the Supreme Person
Chapter 15 uses the metaphor of an inverted cosmic tree to describe the material world. Krishna reveals himself as the Supreme Person (Purushottama) who transcends both the perishable material world and the imperishable soul. This chapter summarizes the essence of all Vedic knowledge.
Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of Divine and Demonic Qualities
Chapter 16 contrasts divine and demonic natures in human beings. Krishna lists twenty-six divine qualities that lead to liberation and demonic qualities that lead to bondage. He warns against lust, anger, and greed as the three gates to hell and encourages following scriptural guidance.
Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of the Three Types of Faith
Chapter 17 explains how the three gunas influence faith, food, worship, austerity, and charity. Krishna describes sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic approaches to spiritual practice and concludes with the sacred syllables 'Om Tat Sat' representing the supreme reality.
Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
The Yoga of Liberation and Renunciation
Chapter 18 is the grand conclusion of the Gita. Krishna summarizes all teachings, distinguishes tyaga (renunciation of fruits) from sannyasa (renunciation of action), explains the nature of action according to gunas, and reveals the highest secret: complete surrender to the Divine. Arjuna's doubt is destroyed, and he is ready to act.