Bhakti & Surrender
Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Supreme Lord)
Synthesis of Karma Yoga (Action), Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), and Jnana Yoga (Knowledge)
Significance
The most widely read and influential philosophical text of Hinduism, addressing the moral dilemmas of human life on the battlefield of action.
Key concepts
- Svadharma and selfless duty (Nishkama Karma)
- The immortal nature of Atman vs. impermanence of the body
- The nature of Avatara and cosmic order
- Vishvarupa (Universal Cosmic Vision)
- Surrender (Sharanagati) to the Supreme Personal Divine
Popular shlokas
Krishna’s guidance · Arjuna’s journey
The chariot journey through eighteen chapters
Choose a chapter. The Krishna–Arjuna ratha travels to that spoke and opens its summary below.
- 1 Arjuna Vishada Yoga
- 2 Sankhya Yoga
- 3 Karma Yoga
- 4 Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga
- 5 Karma Sannyasa Yoga
- 6 Dhyana Yoga
- 7 Jnana Vijnana Yoga
- 8 Akshara Brahma Yoga
- 9 Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga
- 10 Vibhuti Yoga
- 11 Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga
- 12 Bhakti Yoga
- 13 Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
- 14 Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
- 15 Purushottama Yoga
- 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
- 17 Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
- 18 Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
Eighteen chapters
Each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita with its yoga name and a short summary.
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Arjuna’s despair on the battlefield of Dharma.
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Immortality of the Self and the first teaching on steadfast wisdom.
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Selfless action without attachment to fruits.
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Divine incarnation, wisdom-sacrifice, and action in knowledge.
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Renunciation and action reconciled.
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Meditation, mind-control, and the yogin’s equanimity.
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Knowing God with and without attributes.
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The Imperishable, death-time remembrance, and paths of light.
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The royal secret of devotion and divine immanence.
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Divine manifestations throughout creation.
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The cosmic form revealed to Arjuna.
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Paths of devotion and qualities of the dear devotee.
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Field and Knower of the Field.
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The three gunas and transcendence.
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The cosmic tree and the Supreme Person.
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Divine and demoniac dispositions.
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Threefold faith in food, sacrifice, and austerity.
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Renunciation, synthesis of yogas, and final surrender.
How to study
- Read one chapter with a trusted commentary (e.g. classical or modern teacher).
- Reflect on one verse that meets your present dilemma—duty, fear, attachment, or faith.
- Practice Nishkama Karma: do the next right action without clinging to the fruit.
- Pair study with Listen scrolls for Chapters 2 and 12 when you want recited pacing.