Core Themes of the Bhagavad Gita
The Gita addresses timeless concepts that apply to modern life. Explore these themes to understand the philosophical foundation of the teachings.
Action (Karma)
Karma Yoga is the path of dedicated action. The Gita teaches that we cannot avoid action, but we can transform it into a spiritual practice. By performing our duties without attachment to the results, we free ourselves from the cycle of cause and effect.
Explore theme →Cosmic Form (Vishvarupa)
Core teaching on Cosmic Form (Vishvarupa) from the Bhagavad Gita.
Explore theme →Detachment (Vairagya)
Detachment is not indifference, but maintaining inner freedom. It means enjoying the world without being enslaved by it. Like a lotus leaf in water, one remains in the world but untouched by it.
Explore theme →Devotion (Bhakti)
Bhakti Yoga is the path of love and devotion. It is the easiest path for this age. By offering all our actions and emotions to the Divine, we transcend the ego and experience the bliss of connection with the Supreme.
Explore theme →Discrimination (Viveka)
Core teaching on Discrimination (Viveka) from the Bhagavad Gita.
Explore theme →Divine Glory (Vibhuti)
Core teaching on Divine Glory (Vibhuti) from the Bhagavad Gita.
Explore theme →Divine Love (Prema)
Core teaching on Divine Love (Prema) from the Bhagavad Gita.
Explore theme →Duty (Dharma)
Dharma is the cosmic order and our personal responsibility. Fulfilling one's own duty (Svadharma), even imperfectly, is better than performng another's duty perfectly. It aligns us with the harmony of the universe.
Explore theme →Equanimity (Samatva)
Yoga is defined as Equanimity (Samatvam Yoga Uchyate). It is the ability to remain balanced in success and failure, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism. This stability is the mark of a wise person.
Explore theme →Faith (Shraddha)
Faith is the substance of our commitment. The Gita describes three kinds of faith based on our nature. True faith is not blind belief but a deep conviction that guides our actions and spiritual growth.
Explore theme →Righteousness vs Unrighteousness
Core teaching on Righteousness vs Unrighteousness from the Bhagavad Gita.
Explore theme →Knowledge (Jnana)
Jnana Yoga is the path of wisdom. It involves discriminating between the real (eternal) and the unreal (temporary). True knowledge burns the seeds of karma like fire burns wood.
Explore theme →Liberation (Moksha)
Moksha is the ultimate goal of life—freedom from the cycle of birth and death. It is attained when one realizes their unity with the Divine and breaks the chains of karma and ignorance.
Explore theme →Meditation (Dhyana)
Dhyana Yoga is the practice of stilling the mind. By withdrawing the senses and focusing inward, one attains a state of deep peace and direct perception of the Self.
Explore theme →Mind Control
The mind can be our best friend or worst enemy. A disciplined mind leads to success and peace, while an uncontrolled mind leads to suffering. Krishna teaches practice (Abhyasa) and detachment (Vairagya) to master it.
Explore theme →Nature (Prakriti)
Core teaching on Nature (Prakriti) from the Bhagavad Gita.
Explore theme →Self-Knowledge (Atma Jnana)
The ultimate question is "Who am I?". The Gita teaches that we are not the body or the mind, but the eternal Spirit (Atman) which is never born and never dies. Realizing this leads to fearlessness.
Explore theme →Selfless Action (Nishkama Karma)
Nishkama Karma is action performed without selfish desire. It is the art of working for a higher cause or for the benefit of others, rather than for personal gain. This purifies the heart and leads to inner peace.
Explore theme →Surrender (Sharanagati)
Surrender is the ultimate act of trust. It is not giving up, but giving over our burdens to a higher power. Krishna promises that those who surrender to Him are protected from all fear and reactions.
Explore theme →Time (Kala)
Core teaching on Time (Kala) from the Bhagavad Gita.
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