Chapter 1: Arjuna’s Dilemma (Arjuna Vishada Yoga)
On the Kurukshetra battlefield, Dhritarashtra asks Sanjay about the actions of his and the Pandava armies. Sanjay describes Duryodhana assessing the Pandava forces and boasting about his own. As conch shells resound, Arjuna surveys both armies and is overwhelmed with grief at the thought of fighting his kin. He confides in Krishna, lamenting that such a war would lead to sin and the destruction of family traditions.
Key Shlokas: 1.1 (Dhritarashtra’s query), 1.31-32 (Arjuna’s sorrow).
Chapter 2: The Yoga of Knowledge (Sankhya Yoga)
Seeing Arjuna’s despair, Krishna imparts wisdom about the eternal soul, which is indestructible and transcends birth and death. He urges Arjuna to fulfill his Kshatriya duty without attachment to outcomes, introducing the concept of selfless action (Nishkama Karma). Krishna describes the qualities of a wise sage, steady in joy and sorrow, free from desire.
Key Shlokas: 2.20 (soul’s immortality), 2.47 (detached action).
Chapter 3: The Yoga of Action (Karma Yoga)
Arjuna questions whether knowledge surpasses action. Krishna explains that selfless action is essential, as everyone is bound by nature’s qualities (gunas). Performing duties as a sacrifice (Yajna) frees one from bondage. The wise act for the world’s welfare, controlling desire and anger, which arise from the Rajas guna.
Key Shlokas: 3.8 (necessity of action), 3.19 (selfless duty).
Chapter 4: The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation (Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga)
Krishna reveals that He taught this timeless yoga to the sun god, which was passed down but later lost. He incarnates to restore righteousness (Dharma). Knowledge-sacrifice surpasses material offerings, and actions performed without attachment do not bind. True wisdom burns away all karma, leading to liberation.
Key Shlokas: 4.7-8 (Krishna’s incarnations), 4.18 (action without attachment).
Chapter 5: The Yoga of Renunciation (Karma Sanyasa Yoga)
Arjuna asks whether renouncing action or performing it is better. Krishna clarifies that selfless action (Karma Yoga) and renunciation both lead to liberation, but action is more practical. A liberated yogi masters self-control, meditates with devotion, and sees all beings equally, attaining freedom.
Key Shlokas: 5.2 (both paths lead to liberation), 5.25 (qualities of the liberated).
Chapter 6: The Yoga of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga)
Krishna defines true renunciation as performing duties without attachment. He outlines the practice of meditation, emphasizing mind control through discipline. A yogi who strives but fails is reborn to continue the journey. Persistent practice leads to divine union.
Key Shlokas: 6.16-17 (balanced discipline), 6.46 (yogi’s superiority).
Chapter 7: The Yoga of Wisdom (Vijnana Yoga)
Krishna explains knowing Him fully—His material and spiritual nature. He describes four types of devotees and the futility of worshipping lesser deities. Those who seek Him with devotion understand His divine essence beyond the material world.
Key Shlokas: 7.3 (rarity of true knowledge), 7.16 (types of devotees).
Chapter 8: The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman (Akshara Parabrahma Yoga)
Krishna answers Arjuna’s questions about Brahman, karma, and divine forms. He explains that remembering Him at the time of death leads to liberation, while others face rebirth. He describes cosmic cycles and two paths: one to eternal freedom, another to return.
Key Shlokas: 8.5-6 (remembrance at death), 8.15 (no rebirth for devotees).
Chapter 9: The Yoga of Royal Knowledge (Raja Vidya Yoga)
Krishna shares the supreme secret of self-knowledge, His all-pervading presence as the source of creation. He contrasts divine and demonic natures, emphasizing that selfless devotion to Him leads to liberation, regardless of one’s status.
Key Shlokas: 9.22 (devotion ensures protection), 9.32 (universal accessibility).
Chapter 10: The Yoga of Divine Glories (Vibhuti Yoga)
Krishna lists His divine manifestations, explaining that all splendor originates from Him. Knowing His infinite glories inspires unwavering devotion in the seeker, who sees Him as the source of all existence.
Key Shlokas: 10.8 (Krishna as the source), 10.41 (His manifestations).
Chapter 11: The Yoga of the Cosmic Form (Vishwarupa Sandarshana Yoga)
At Arjuna’s request, Krishna reveals His cosmic form, vast and awe-inspiring. Arjuna, trembling, realizes its grandeur and learns that only pure devotion grants such a vision. Krishna urges him to act as His instrument in the war.
Key Shlokas: 11.32 (Krishna as Time), 11.55 (path to devotion).
Chapter 12: The Yoga of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga)
Krishna explains that devotion to His personal form is easier than meditating on the unmanifest. He outlines the practices and qualities of a true devotee, who remains steadfast, compassionate, and free from ego.
Key Shlokas: 12.5 (difficulty of unmanifest worship), 12.13-14 (devotee’s traits).
Chapter 13: The Yoga of the Field and Knower (Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga)
Krishna distinguishes the body (field) from the soul (knower). He lists virtues like humility and detachment that lead to wisdom. Understanding Prakriti (matter) and Purusha (spirit) frees one from bondage, leading to liberation.
Key Shlokas: 13.2 (field and knower), 13.22 (Purusha and Prakriti).
Chapter 14: The Yoga of the Three Gunas (Guna Traya Vibhaga Yoga)
Krishna describes the three gunas—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance)—and their influence on behavior and destiny. Transcending these gunas through devotion leads to liberation and union with the divine.
Key Shlokas: 14.5 (nature of gunas), 14.20 (transcending gunas).
Chapter 15: The Yoga of the Supreme Self (Purushottama Yoga)
Krishna compares the material world to an inverted Ashvattha tree, its roots in the divine. He explains the soul’s entanglement in matter and the Supreme Self, beyond both perishable and imperishable, attainable through detachment and devotion.
Key Shlokas: 15.1 (world as a tree), 15.15 (Krishna in all hearts).
Chapter 16: The Yoga of Divine and Demonic Qualities (Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga)
Krishna contrasts divine qualities (truth, compassion) with demonic ones (arrogance, anger). Demonic traits lead to bondage, while divine qualities and adherence to scriptures pave the way to liberation.
Key Shlokas: 16.1-3 (divine qualities), 16.4 (demonic traits).
Chapter 17: The Yoga of Threefold Faith (Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga)
Krishna categorizes faith, food, sacrifices, austerity, and charity according to the three gunas. He explains the significance of “Om Tat Sat” and stresses that actions rooted in faith and scripture lead to spiritual growth.
Key Shlokas: 17.2 (types of faith), 17.23 (Om Tat Sat).
Chapter 18: The Yoga of Liberation through Renunciation (Moksha Sanyasa Yoga)
Krishna clarifies true renunciation (abandoning desire-driven actions) versus abandonment (neglecting duty). He explains the five factors of action, the influence of gunas on knowledge and intellect, and the duties of the four castes. Surrendering to Him through devotion leads to ultimate liberation.
Key Shlokas: 18.66 (surrender to Krishna), 18.78 (victory through Krishna).