Bhagavad Gita

Chapter 1: Arjuna's Despair (Arjuna Vishada Yoga) The story begins on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The warrior-prince Arjuna is filled with despair as he sees his friends, teachers, and relatives on the opposing side. He questions the morality of fighting a war against his own kin and lays down his weapons, refusing to fight.

Chapter 2: The Yoga of Knowledge (Sankhya Yoga) Lord Krishna, serving as Arjuna's charioteer, begins his counsel. He explains the nature of the eternal Self (Atman), which is indestructible and immortal. He teaches that death is merely a transition for the soul and that Arjuna's duty as a warrior is to fight for righteousness (Dharma) without attachment to the results.

Chapter 3: The Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga) Arjuna is confused about whether knowledge or action is superior. Krishna explains that action (Karma Yoga) is necessary for everyone. The key is to perform one's duties without selfish attachment to the fruits of the labor. Such selfless action purifies the mind and leads to spiritual liberation.

Chapter 4: The Yoga of Wisdom (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga) Krishna reveals that he has taught this sacred wisdom in past lives. He explains the concepts of divine incarnation (avatar) and the importance of seeking a self-realized guru. He elaborates on the nature of action, inaction, and forbidden action, emphasizing that true wisdom sees action in inaction and inaction in action.

Chapter 5: The Yoga of Renunciation (Karma Sannyasa Yoga) Krishna clarifies that both the path of action (Karma Yoga) and the path of renunciation of action (Sannyasa) lead to the same goal. However, he states that selfless action is easier and more practical for most people. True renunciation is not giving up action, but giving up the attachment to its results.

Chapter 6: The Yoga of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga) Krishna describes the process of meditation as a means to control the mind and senses. He details the posture, focus, and discipline required to achieve a state of inner stillness and union with the divine Self. He assures Arjuna that even small efforts on the spiritual path are never wasted.

Chapter 7: The Yoga of Knowledge and Realization (Jnana Vijnana Yoga) Krishna explains his divine nature, both material and spiritual. He reveals that he is the source of all creation and the essence within everything. He describes the four types of people who worship him and the four types who do not, emphasizing that true knowledge is seeing the divine in all things.

Chapter 8: The Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute (Akshara Brahma Yoga) Arjuna asks about the nature of God, the soul, and the process of dying. Krishna explains how one's thoughts at the time of death determine the next life. He teaches that by remembering him at the final moment, one can attain the supreme, eternal abode.

Chapter 9: The Yoga of the Royal Secret (Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga) Krishna reveals the "royal secret" – the most profound knowledge. He explains that he is the supreme support of the universe, yet he remains detached from it. He emphasizes the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), stating that anyone, regardless of their background, can reach him through loving devotion.

Chapter 10: The Yoga of Divine Glories (Vibhuti Yoga) Arjuna asks Krishna to describe his divine manifestations (vibhuti) in the world. Krishna lists his prominent glories, explaining that he is the best of everything – the sun among lights, the lion among beasts, the 'Aum' among sacred sounds. He concludes that his divine presence is limitless.

Chapter 11: The Yoga of the Universal Form (Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga) At Arjuna's request, Krishna reveals his magnificent and terrifying Universal Form (Vishvarupa), a cosmic vision in which Arjuna sees the entire universe – all gods, beings, and the cycles of creation and destruction – within Krishna's divine body. Overwhelmed, Arjuna offers prayers of adoration and asks Krishna to return to his gentle, four-armed form.

Chapter 12: The Yoga of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) Arjuna asks which path is better: worshiping the formless God or God with form. Krishna affirms that while both paths lead to him, the path of devotion to his personal form is easier and more direct for most people. He describes the qualities of a true devotee, who is dear to him.

Chapter 13: The Yoga of the Field and its Knower (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga) Krishna explains the difference between the physical body (the field, or Kshetra) and the immortal soul (the knower of the field, or Kshetrajna). He describes the components of the material world and the qualities of true knowledge, emphasizing the need to understand the distinction between matter and spirit.

Chapter 14: The Yoga of the Three Gunas (Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga) Krishna details the three modes (gunas) of material nature: sattva (goodness, purity), rajas (passion, activity), and tamas (ignorance, inertia). He explains how these gunas bind the soul to the material world and influence one's actions and consciousness. The goal is to transcend these three modes to achieve liberation.

Chapter 15: The Yoga of the Supreme Person (Purushottama Yoga) Krishna uses the metaphor of an upside-down banyan tree to describe the material world, with its roots in the divine and its branches spreading downwards. He explains that one must cut the roots of this tree with the axe of detachment to attain the supreme abode. He describes himself as the Supreme Person (Purushottama), who is beyond both the perishable and the imperishable.

Chapter 16: The Yoga of the Divine and Demoniac Natures (Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga) Krishna contrasts the qualities of those with a divine nature (fearlessness, purity, charity) with those of a demoniac nature (arrogance, hypocrisy, anger). He explains that the divine qualities lead to liberation, while the demoniac qualities lead to bondage and rebirth in lower realms.

Chapter 17: The Yoga of the Threefold Faith (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) Krishna discusses the nature of faith (shraddha) and how it can be influenced by the three gunas. He explains how food, sacrifice, austerity, and charity are also categorized into sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic types based on their nature and the intention behind them.

Chapter 18: The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation (Moksha Sannyasa Yoga) In the final chapter, Krishna summarizes the teachings of the entire Gita. He explains the true meaning of renunciation (tyaga) and the different types of action, knowledge, and doers based on the three gunas. He concludes by urging Arjuna to surrender to him completely (sarva-dharman parityajya), promising liberation from all sins. Convinced and free from doubt, Arjuna picks up his bow, ready to fulfill his duty.