Let’s explore something really special together! In a big world where things can get confusing, there’s a book that’s like a wise friend guiding us. It’s called the Bhagavad Gita, and it’s full of timeless wisdom about life, what we should do, and finding inner peace. As we journey through its pages, we’ll uncover some amazing quotes that have touched hearts for ages. Join us on this adventure as we discover five of the most famous sayings from the Bhagavad Gita, offering insights that can help us understand ourselves better and find our way in the world.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47
“कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥”“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”
Explanation: This verse teaches us about the importance of doing our duty without worrying too much about the results. It tells us that we should focus on doing what we need to do, but we shouldn’t be too attached to what happens as a result.
Real-life Example: Imagine you have a big test coming up at school. Your duty is to study hard and prepare as best as you can. So, you spend hours studying and giving your best effort. However, when the day of the test arrives, you find out that the questions are really tough, and you don’t do as well as you hoped.
Now, according to this verse, even though you didn’t get the results you wanted, you should still feel proud of yourself for putting in the effort and doing your duty by studying hard. The verse teaches us that we should focus on doing our best in whatever we do, but we shouldn’t worry too much about whether things turn out exactly as we hoped. Instead, we should focus on doing our duty with dedication and without getting too attached to the outcomes.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 48
“योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥”“Perform your duty equipoised, O Arjuna, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga.”
Explanation: This verse advises Arjuna (and us) to perform our duties with a balanced mind, without getting too attached to whether we succeed or fail. It teaches us that maintaining inner peace and balance, regardless of the outcome, is what true yoga (union with the divine) is all about.
Real-life Example: Imagine you are preparing for a sports competition, let’s say a basketball game. Your duty as a player is to practice hard, play your best during the game, and contribute to your team’s success. However, during the game, there are ups and downs. Sometimes your team scores points, and sometimes the opposing team does. In the end, whether your team wins or loses, what’s important is that you played your part to the best of your ability without being overly attached to the outcome.
In this example, performing your duty with equipoise means giving your best effort on the court while staying calm and composed, regardless of whether your team wins or loses. It’s about finding inner peace and satisfaction in knowing that you did your part, regardless of external circumstances. This verse teaches us to approach life’s challenges with a balanced mindset, focusing on our actions rather than getting caught up in the results.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 7
“यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥”
“Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself.”
Explanation: In this verse, Krishna, who is speaking to Arjuna, explains that whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in wrongdoing or “irreligion” in the world, he manifests himself to restore balance and uphold what is right.
Real-life Example: Imagine a neighborhood where people used to help each other, respect their elders, and live peacefully. However, over time, people become selfish, disrespectful, and engage in harmful behavior. In such a situation, someone might step forward to promote kindness, respect, and harmony among the community members. This person acts as a beacon of light, guiding others back to righteousness and moral values.
In this example, the person who steps forward to restore harmony in the neighborhood can be seen as a manifestation of divine qualities, similar to Krishna’s descent mentioned in the verse. They embody the principles of righteousness and strive to counteract the prevailing negative trends, just as Krishna descends to restore Dharma (righteousness) whenever it is threatened.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 5, Verse 18
“विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि।
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः॥”
“The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater [outcaste].”
Explanation: In this verse, Krishna describes the mindset of enlightened individuals who possess true wisdom. They see all living beings, regardless of their social status or species, with equal respect and compassion. Such enlightened individuals recognize the inherent value and interconnectedness of all life.
Real-life Example: Imagine you are walking down the street, and you encounter different people and animals. You see a well-educated professor, a humble janitor, a street vendor, a stray dog, and a person from a marginalized community. Now, consider how you perceive and treat each of them.
An enlightened individual, as described in the verse, would treat all these beings with equal kindness, respect, and compassion, recognizing the intrinsic worth and dignity in each one. They would extend their care not only to humans but also to animals, understanding that all living beings deserve love and consideration.
In this example, the enlightened individual’s ability to see beyond superficial differences and appreciate the essence of every being reflects the profound wisdom highlighted in the verse. They view the world with an equal vision, devoid of prejudice or discrimination, embodying the ideals of compassion and inclusivity.
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18, Verse 66
“सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥”
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
Explanation: In this verse, Krishna advises Arjuna to let go of all other forms of religious practices and surrender completely to him. Krishna promises to free Arjuna from the consequences of his actions (sinful reactions) and assures him not to be afraid.
Real-life Example: Imagine you’re on a journey, and you come across a guide who knows the path well. You’ve been trying different routes and methods to reach your destination, but nothing seems to work. The guide tells you to trust him completely and follow his instructions. He promises to lead you safely to your destination and assures you that there’s no need to worry.
In this example, the guide represents Krishna, and the journey symbolizes life’s challenges and struggles. Just as the guide advises surrendering to him for a successful journey, Krishna advises Arjuna to surrender to him for guidance and protection in life’s journey. Surrendering to Krishna means trusting in his wisdom and divine guidance to navigate life’s obstacles and ultimately attain spiritual liberation.
Important Message
We wrote this article to help you understand important teachings from the Bhagavad Gita in a simple way. These teachings can guide you in life and bring you wisdom, peace and also make you feel happy and good about life. We want to share wisdom that can inspire and support you on your journey. To know more insights in Bhagavad Gita you can read the Introduction. And if you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with others so they can benefit too. Together, we can spread knowledge and make a positive difference in more people’s lives. Thank you! Radhe Radhe _/\_
