यदि मामप्रतीकारमशस्त्रं शस्त्रपाणय: | धार्तराष्ट्रा रणे हन्युस्तन्मे क्षेमतरं भवेत् || 46||

yadi mām apratīkāram aśhastraṁ śhastra-pāṇayaḥ dhārtarāṣhṭrā raṇe hanyus tan me kṣhemataraṁ bhavet

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ॐ

सञ्जय उवाच | एवमुक्त्वार्जुन: सङ्ख्ये रथोपस्थ उपाविशत् | विसृज्य सशरं चापं शोकसंविग्नमानस: || 47||

sañjaya uvācha evam uktvārjunaḥ saṅkhye rathopastha upāviśhat visṛijya sa-śharaṁ chāpaṁ śhoka-saṁvigna-mānasaḥ

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2 . Sankhya Yoga

This chapter consists of 72 shlokas. The philosophical discussions and teachings are initiated in the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Arjun, a skilled warrior, finds himself uncertain about the impending war. This uncertainty leads him to introspection and question life's purpose and meaning. Seeking answers, Arjun turns to Krishna and inquires about profound topics such as the nature of life, the Self, death, the afterlife, and the existence of deeper meanings and realities. Krishna responds to Arjun's queries, providing insights into concepts such as rebirth, samsara (the cycle of birth and death), the eternal Self-present within each individual, the universal Self that exists in everyone, different paths of yoga, the divine essence within, the nature of self-knowledge, and other significant ideas.

3 . Karmayoga

This chapter consists of 43 shlokas. After receiving Krishna's spiritual teachings in Chapter 2, Arjuna becomes even more perplexed and returns to his original dilemma. He starts questioning the significance of engaging in the war, considering the profound insights Krishna has shared regarding the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. In response, Krishna explains that avoiding action altogether is impossible since even refraining from work is itself an action. Krishna emphasizes that Arjuna has a responsibility to comprehend and fulfill his duty (dharma) because everything in the world is interconnected through the law of cause and effect. Every individual, regardless of gender, is bound by their actions. Those who act with selfish intentions create karmic causes, which in turn bind them to the resulting effects, be they favorable or unfavorable.

4 . Gyana Karma Sanyasayoga

This chapter consists of 42 shloks. Krishna tells Arjun that he has taught this spiritual path to the sages of ancient times. Arjun is puzzled by this, as Krishn was born more recently than those sages. Krishn explains that everyone is caught in the cycle of rebirth, but while Arjun doesn't remember his past lives, Krishn does. Whenever righteousness declines and people forget the purpose of life, Krishn returns to restore righteousness. Each time he comes back, he teaches about the inner Self that exists in all beings. Towards the end of the chapter, the discussion shifts back to the importance of selfless action and the need to determine the right course of action, performing it as one's duty without being attached to the results or rewards. Krishn reveals that the key to living a liberated life is to engage in outer actions while maintaining inner renunciation. According to Krishn, action leads to knowledge, and selfless action leads to spiritual awakening. The fourth chapter marks the beginning of Krishn gradually unveiling his divine nature to Arjun.

5 . Karma Sanyasayoga

This chapter consists of 29 shloks. The chapter begins by highlighting the conflict between two paths in Indian tradition: the life of renunciation taken by monks, and the life of householders who have family and worldly attachments. Arjun asks Krishn which path is superior. Krishn responds by explaining that both paths ultimately lead to the same goal, but the path of selfless action and service, combined with inner detachment, is considered better. Krishn asserts that these different paths, when pursued with sincerity, lead to self-knowledge. This knowledge leads to realizing the universal, transcendent Godhead, the divine essence present in all beings, and ultimately to Brahman—Krishn himself. The concluding shloks of the chapter emphasize that those who have attained self-realization live without fear, anger, or desire. They experience inner freedom at all times. It is worth noting that Chapter 5 contains some conflicting ideas and possible additions, such as the shlok stating a sage's goal is to realize the impersonal Brahman followed by a shlok stating the goal is to realize the personal God, Krishn.

6 . Dhyanayoga (Aatmasamyamyoga)

This chapter has 47 shloks. The chapter continues Krishna's teachings on selfless work and the nature of those who have renounced the desire for personal gain. Krishn explains that such self-realized individuals remain impartial towards friends and enemies, transcending the notions of good and evil. They treat both supporters and opponents with equal equanimity, as they have attained the pinnacle of consciousness. Shlokas 6.10 and onwards provide a summary of the principles of Yoga and meditation in a simpler form, resembling Patanjali's Yogasutra. It discusses the characteristics of a true yogi and the necessary qualities to reach a state of harboring no ill will towards anyone.

7 . Gyana Vigyanayoga

This chapter has 30 shloks. The seventh chapter begins with Krishn continuing his discourse to Arjun. He delves into the concepts of jnana (knowledge) and vijnana (realization, understanding), drawing upon the framework of the Prakriti-Purusha (matter-Self) from the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy, as well as the Maya-Brahman framework of Vedanta. The chapter highlights that ignorance and attachment to the transient and illusory nature of Maya are the causes of evil. It emphasizes that attaining Self-knowledge and uniting with Purusha (Krishn) are the ultimate goals of any spiritual endeavor.

8 . Akshara Brahmayoga

This chapter consists 28 shloks. The chapter begins with Arjun posing questions regarding the nature of Brahman and the concept of karma. Krishn responds by stating that his own supreme nature is the imperishable Brahman, and that he exists within every being as the adhyatman (innermost Self). Krishn further explains that all beings possess a temporary physical body and an eternal Self, and that the divine essence of "Krishn as Lord" resides within each and every creature. The chapter explores cosmology, contemplating the nature of death and rebirth. It delves into eschatology, discussing the significance of one's final thoughts before death, the distinctions between the material and spiritual worlds, and the divergent paths that the Self may take after death.

9 . Raja Vidya Raja Guhyayoga

This consists of 34 verses. In Chapter 9, Krishn continues his discourse while Arjun attentively listens. Krishn explains that he pervades everything in an unmanifested form, existing everywhere, yet remaining unaffected by any limitations. He describes how time cycles come to an end, dissolution occurs, and then he initiates a new cycle, subjecting everything to the laws of nature (Prakriti). Krishn compares himself to the father and mother of the universe, the Om sound, the three Vedas, the seed from which life arises, the ultimate goal of existence, and the sanctuary and dwelling place for all. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the devotional worship of Krishna.

10 . Vibhutiyoga

This chapter consists of 42 shloks. When Arjun inquires about the divine manifestations (Vibhuti) of Krishn, he explains that all entities are forms of himself. Krishn reveals his divine nature in greater detail, describing himself as the ultimate cause of both material and spiritual existence. He transcends all dualities and opposites. Upon Arjun's request, Krishn enumerates his major opulences. He states that he is the innermost Self, the atman, present in all beings. He is also the compassionate Vishnu, Surya, Indra, Shiva-Rudra, Ananta, Yama, as well as the Om, Vedic sages, time, the Gayatri mantra, and the science of Self-knowledge. Krishn further declares, "Among the Pandavas, I am Arjun," indicating that he manifests in all beings, including Arjun. He also affirms his presence as Rama by stating, "Among the wielders of weapons, I am Rama." Arjun accepts Krishn as the purushottama, the Supreme Being.

11 . Vishvarupa Darshanayoga

Upon Arjun's request, Krishn manifests his "universal form" (Viśvarūpa). This concept can be found in the Rigveda and various later Hindu texts, symbolizing the eternal presence of atman (Self) and Brahman (Absolute Reality) permeating all beings and existence. In Chapter 11, as described by Eknath Eswaran, Arjun experiences two stages of samadhi. Initially, he enters savikalpa samadhi, where he perceives a specific form. Later, he transcends into nirvikalpa samadhi, perceiving the universal form, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of Krishn.

ॐ

सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणा: प्रकृतिसम्भवा: | निबध्नन्ति महाबाहो देहे देहिनमव्ययम् || 5||

sattvaṁ rajas tama iti guṇāḥ prakṛiti-sambhavāḥ nibadhnanti mahā-bāho dehe dehinam avyayam

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ॐ

मम योनिर्महद् ब्रह्म तस्मिन्गर्भं दधाम्यहम् | सम्भव: सर्वभूतानां ततो भवति भारत || 3|| सर्वयोनिषु कौन्तेय मूर्तय: सम्भवन्ति या: | तासां ब्रह्म महद्योनिरहं बीजप्रद: पिता || 4||

mama yonir mahad brahma tasmin garbhaṁ dadhāmy aham sambhavaḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ tato bhavati bhārata sarva-yoniṣhu kaunteya mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā

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12 . Bhaktiyoga

This chapter consists of 20 shloks. In this chapter, Krishn extols the path of love and devotion towards God. Krishn describes the practice of devotional service known as Bhakti yoga. According to Easwaran, this chapter offers a "significantly easier" path for most people to recognize and love God through an anthropomorphic representation. God can be perceived as a compassionate father, a nurturing mother, a wise friend, a passionate beloved, or even a playful child, as explained by Easwaran. The text emphasizes that combining action with inner detachment and loving Krishn as a personal God leads to inner peace. In the final eight shlokas of this chapter, Krishn declares his love for those who show compassion towards all living beings, possess contentment regardless of circumstances, live a selfless and impartial life, remaining unaffected by temporary pleasure or pain, and neither seeking praise nor becoming disheartened by criticism.

13 . Kshetra Kshetragya Vibhagayoga

This chapter consists of 34 shloks. The chapter begins with Krishn continuing his discourse. He explains the distinction between the temporary and perishable physical body (kshetra) and the eternal and unchanging Self (kshetrajna). The teachings highlight the difference between ahamkara (ego) and atman (Self), as well as the distinction between individual consciousness and universal consciousness. The knowledge of one's true self is intricately connected to the realization of the Self. The 13th shloka of the Gita provides a clear exposition of the Samkhya philosophy, as it elucidates the difference between the material world (field) and the knower (Self), prakriti and purusha.

ॐ

क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोरेवमन्तरं ज्ञानचक्षुषा | भूतप्रकृतिमोक्षं च ये विदुर्यान्ति ते परम् || 35||

kṣhetra-kṣhetrajñayor evam antaraṁ jñāna-chakṣhuṣhā bhūta-prakṛiti-mokṣhaṁ cha ye vidur yānti te param

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iti guhyatamaṁ śhāstram idam uktaṁ mayānagha etad buddhvā buddhimān syāt kṛita-kṛityaśh cha bhārata

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ॐ

न रूपमस्येह तथोपलभ्यते नान्तो न चादिर्न च सम्प्रतिष्ठा | अश्वत्थमेनं सुविरूढमूल मसङ्गशस्त्रेण दृढेन छित्त्वा || 3|| तत: पदं तत्परिमार्गितव्यं यस्मिन्गता न निवर्तन्ति भूय: | तमेव चाद्यं पुरुषं प्रपद्ये यत: प्रवृत्ति: प्रसृता पुराणी || 4||

na rūpam asyeha tathopalabhyate nānto na chādir na cha sampratiṣhṭhā aśhvattham enaṁ su-virūḍha-mūlam asaṅga-śhastreṇa dṛiḍhena chhittvā tataḥ padaṁ tat parimārgitavyaṁ yasmin gatā na nivartanti bhūyaḥ tam eva chādyaṁ puruṣhaṁ prapadye yataḥ pravṛittiḥ prasṛitā purāṇī

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idam adya mayā labdham imaṁ prāpsye manoratham idam astīdam api me bhaviṣhyati punar dhanam asau mayā hataḥ śhatrur haniṣhye chāparān api īśhvaro ’ham ahaṁ bhogī siddho ’haṁ balavān sukhī āḍhyo ’bhijanavān asmi ko ’nyo ’sti sadṛiśho mayā yakṣhye dāsyāmi modiṣhya ity ajñāna-vimohitāḥ

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sad-bhāve sādhu-bhāve cha sad ity etat prayujyate praśhaste karmaṇi tathā sach-chhabdaḥ pārtha yujyate yajñe tapasi dāne cha sthitiḥ sad iti chochyate karma chaiva tad-arthīyaṁ sad ity evābhidhīyate

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yatra yogeśhvaraḥ kṛiṣhṇo yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ tatra śhrīr vijayo bhūtir dhruvā nītir matir mama

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