Srimad Bhagavad Gita: Thematic Categorisation of All 700 Shlokas

The Bhagavad Gita’s 700 shlokas are categorised into key themes based on their teachings. Each theme group has shlokas addressing similar concepts, with concise explanations and specific shloka references.

1. Arjuna’s Dilemma and Emotional Conflict

This theme covers Arjuna’s initial despair, moral confusion, and reluctance to fight, setting the stage for Krishna’s teachings.

  • Shlokas: 1.1-47 (Chapter 1), 2.1-10 (Chapter 2)
  • Explanation:
    • Dhritarashtra’s query and Sanjay’s description of the battlefield (1.1-11).
    • Duryodhana’s assessment of armies and conch shell signals (1.12-19).
    • Arjuna’s sorrow at seeing kin, fearing sin and societal ruin (1.20-38).
    • Arjuna’s refusal to fight, seeking Krishna’s guidance (1.39-47, 2.1-10).
  • Key Shlokas: 1.1 (Dhritarashtra’s question), 1.31-32 (Arjuna’s grief), 1.46 (Arjuna drops his bow), 2.7 (Arjuna surrenders as a disciple).

2. Nature of the Soul (Atman)

Krishna teaches the eternal, indestructible nature of the soul, distinct from the body.

  • Shlokas: 2.11-30, 2.55-59, 2.71-72, 13.2-7, 13.27-34, 15.7-11
  • Explanation:
    • The soul is unborn, eternal, and unaffected by physical changes (2.11-25).
    • Even if perishable, death is natural, so duty must be performed (2.26-30).
    • A steady sage is detached from bodily desires (2.55-59, 2.71-72).
    • The soul is the knower of the body (field) and distinct from it (13.2-7, 13.27-34).
    • The soul, a fragment of the divine, is trapped by senses (15.7-11).
  • Key Shlokas: 2.20 (soul’s immortality), 13.2 (field and knower), 15.7 (soul as Krishna’s fragment).

3. Karma Yoga (Selfless Action)

This theme emphasises performing duties without attachment to outcomes.

  • Shlokas: 2.38-53, 3.1-35, 4.14-24, 5.7-12, 6.1-9, 18.1-12, 18.23-28, 18.41-48
  • Explanation:
    • Act with equanimity, detached from success or failure (2.38-53).
    • Selfless action as sacrifice (Yajna) frees one from bondage (3.9-16).
    • The wise act for others’ welfare, without ego (3.17-26, 4.14-24).
    • Desire and anger, born of Rajas, must be controlled (3.27-35).
    • Selfless action aligns with God, avoiding karmic bondage (5.7-12, 6.1-9).
    • True renunciation is abandoning desire-driven actions, not duty (18.1-12).
    • Actions vary by gunas; duty aligns with one’s nature (18.23-28, 18.41-48).
  • Key Shlokas: 2.47 (act without attachment), 3.19 (selfless duty), 18.6 (renunciation of desire).

4. Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge)

Knowledge of the self, God, and reality leads to liberation.

  • Shlokas: 2.54-72, 4.1-15, 4.25-42, 7.1-12, 13.8-26, 14.1-4, 15.12-20
  • Explanation:
    • A sage with steady wisdom is free from desire and attains peace (2.54-72).
    • Krishna’s ancient yoga and divine incarnations reveal truth (4.1-15).
    • Knowledge-sacrifice burns karma, granting liberation (4.25-42).
    • Knowing Krishna’s material and spiritual nature is supreme wisdom (7.1-12).
    • Understanding the field, knower, Prakriti, and Purusha liberates (13.8-26).
    • Knowledge of gunas and the Supreme Self transcends bondage (14.1-4, 15.12-20).
  • Key Shlokas: 2.55 (steady sage), 4.33 (knowledge-sacrifice), 13.23 (liberation through knowledge).

5. Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion)

Devotion to Krishna ensures liberation, accessible to all.

  • Shlokas: 7.13-30, 8.1-28, 9.1-34, 10.1-18, 11.47-55, 12.1-20, 18.49-78
  • Explanation:
    • Devotees who surrender to Krishna cross Maya (7.13-19).
    • Worship of lesser gods is inferior; devotion to Krishna is eternal (7.20-30, 9.20-25).
    • Remembering Krishna at death or through meditation leads to Him (8.1-16, 8.23-28).
    • Krishna’s universal presence and simple offerings please Him (9.1-19, 9.26-34).
    • Knowing His glories fosters devotion (10.1-18).
    • Only devotion reveals Krishna’s cosmic form (11.47-55).
    • Devotees are compassionate and equanimous; surrender ensures liberation (12.1-20, 18.49-78).
  • Key Shlokas: 9.22 (Krishna protects devotees), 12.5 (devotion to personal form), 18.66 (surrender to Krishna).

6. Dhyana Yoga (Path of Meditation)

Meditation and discipline lead to union with the divine.

  • Shlokas: 5.13-29, 6.10-47
  • Explanation:
    • The yogi finds inner joy through self-control and meditation (5.13-29).
    • Meditation requires solitude, balance, and focus on God (6.10-17).
    • A disciplined mind attains peace; even unsuccessful yogis progress (6.18-47).
  • Key Shlokas: 6.16 (balanced lifestyle), 6.35 (mind control), 6.46 (yogi’s superiority).

7. The Three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas)

The gunas shape behavior, actions, and destiny; transcending them leads to liberation.

  • Shlokas: 3.36-43, 14.5-27, 17.1-28, 18.13-40
  • Explanation:
    • Desire and anger (Rajas) cause sin; control them through wisdom (3.36-43).
    • Sattva brings clarity, Rajas passion, Tamas ignorance, influencing life and death (14.5-18).
    • Transcending gunas through devotion grants freedom (14.19-27).
    • Faith, food, sacrifices, and austerity vary by gunas (17.1-22).
    • Actions, knowledge, and intellect are shaped by gunas (18.13-40).
  • Key Shlokas: 14.5 (nature of gunas), 17.2 (types of faith), 18.20 (Sattvic knowledge).

8. Krishna’s Divine Nature and Manifestations

Krishna reveals His cosmic role, glories, and universal presence.

  • Shlokas: 4.7-10, 7.8-12, 9.4-19, 10.19-42, 11.1-46, 15.1-6, 15.12-20
  • Explanation:
    • Krishna incarnates to restore Dharma (4.7-10).
    • He is the essence of all—light, taste, and gunas (7.8-12).
    • As creator and sustainer, He pervades all yet remains detached (9.4-19).
    • His manifestations include the sun, Himalayas, and more (10.19-42).
    • The cosmic form reveals His infinite power and destruction (11.1-46).
    • The world is a tree rooted in Him; He is the Supreme Self (15.1-6, 15.12-20).
  • Key Shlokas: 4.8 (Krishna’s incarnations), 10.41 (His glories), 11.32 (Krishna as Time).

9. Divine and Demonic Qualities

Contrasting traits determine spiritual progress or bondage.

  • Shlokas: 16.1-24
  • Explanation:
    • Divine qualities (truth, compassion) lead to liberation (16.1-3).
    • Demonic traits (arrogance, greed) cause ruin (16.4-20).
    • Lust, anger, and greed are destructive; scriptures guide the righteous (16.21-24).
  • Key Shlokas: 16.1-3 (divine qualities), 16.21 (gates to ruin).

10. Liberation and the Supreme Goal

The ultimate aim is freedom from rebirth through knowledge, devotion, or action.

  • Shlokas: 4.34-42, 5.24-29, 6.37-47, 8.17-22, 13.27-34, 15.1-6, 18.49-78
  • Explanation:
    • Knowledge destroys doubt, granting liberation (4.34-42).
    • Inner peace through meditation leads to eternal bliss (5.24-29).
    • Even unsuccessful yogis progress toward liberation (6.37-47).
    • Krishna’s eternal abode is beyond cosmic cycles (8.17-22).
    • Knowing the Supreme Self frees one from bondage (13.27-34, 15.1-6).
    • Surrender to Krishna ensures liberation and peace (18.49-78).
  • Key Shlokas: 8.15 (no rebirth for devotees), 18.66 (surrender for liberation).

Notes

  • Shlokas often overlap themes (e.g., devotion and liberation in 18.49-78), but are categorized by their primary focus.
  • The counts align with the Gita’s 700 shlokas: Chapter 1 (47), 2 (72), 3 (43), 4 (42), 5 (29), 6 (47), 7 (30), 8 (28), 9 (34), 10 (42), 11 (55), 12 (20), 13 (34), 14 (27), 15 (20), 16 (24), 17 (28), 18 (78).
  • The categorization reflects the source’s interpretations, ensuring all shlokas are covered without redundancy.
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