Approaches to Studying the Gita: By theme or concept

Pick one idea (such as nishkama karma or samatva) and follow it across chapters.

107 results

Simple

In Depth

Article

Arjuna's Seven Steps: The Road Through a Crisis

Shock, freezing, arguing, asking for help, learning, doubting again and finally acting: the Gita walks Arjuna through each, and the road is the one we walk too. Each step, how it looks in life, an example, a practice and five questions.

Level: In Depth English 8 min Arjuna, Our Mirror

Article

Does Detachment Mean Not Caring?

Detachment in the Bhagavad Gita does not mean not caring or becoming emotionally indifferent. It is a deeper way of approaching life through Karma Yoga, attachment to results, equanimity, love, and inner freedom.

Level: In Depth English 21 min

Deeper

Other pieces

Quick summary

By Devotion Alone: Quick Summary

After the cosmic form the Lord speaks four verses: this vision is rare even for the gods, is not won by the Vedas, austerity, giving or sacrifice, but by undivided devotion, and the devotee has five marks. A short revision of Gita 11.52-55.

English 10 min By Devotion Alone

Quick summary

Duty, Honour and Fear: Quick Summary

After the teaching of the self, the Lord speaks to Arjuna in the language of duty, honour and the fear of disgrace. A short revision of Gita 2.31-37: the seven verses, how far the argument goes, and the turn to an even mind in the next verse.

English 7 min Duty, Honour and Fear

Quick summary

Equanimity: Quick Summary

Keeping the mind the same in pleasure and pain, gain and loss, honour and insult is the Gita's equanimity. It is not going numb or giving up work, but going on with one's work with a calm mind in every condition.

English 11 min Equanimity

Quick summary

Karma Yoga in Practice: Quick Summary

How does working without clinging to the fruit enter everyday life? Four moments for every task: intention before, full attention during, handing over the result after, and an evening check, from Gita 2.47 to 2.51, 3.30 and 4.19 to 4.23.

English 5 min Karma Yoga in Practice

Quick summary

One's Own Duty: Quick Summary

What svadharma means, why Gita 3.35 and 18.47 say one's own duty done imperfectly is better than another's done well, and why svadharma is not a family trade or caste.

English 9 min One's Own Duty

Quick summary

The Ladder of Devotion: Quick Summary

What if the mind does not rest in the Lord? In Gita 12.6-12 the Lord gives four steps, each for one who cannot manage the one above, and at the end peace comes right after giving up the fruit of action. The meaning of the verses and three readings.

English 10 min The Ladder of Devotion