Bhagavad Gita Quotes

A collection of quotes by Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a sacred Hindu scripture and a part of the Indian epic, Mahabharata. Composed approximately 2,000 years ago, the Gita is set in the context of a great battle between two factions of a royal family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The protagonist, Prince Arjuna, finds himself morally conflicted about fighting in the war, as he would have to kill his own relatives and mentors on the opposing side. In his state of despair and confusion, Arjuna turns to his charioteer, Lord Krishna, who reveals his divine form and imparts spiritual wisdom to him.

The Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters and around 700 verses in poetic form. It addresses profound philosophical and spiritual matters, exploring the concepts of duty, righteousness, self-realization, and the paths to attain liberation or union with the divine. The teachings within the Gita advocate for selflessness, devotion, and the renunciation of desires, while emphasizing the importance of performing worldly duties without attachment to the outcomes.

The Bhagavad Gita has been widely studied and revered by individuals across various religious and philosophical backgrounds. Its teachings have influenced countless thinkers, leaders, and scholars over the centuries, and it continues to serve as a guide for spiritual seekers seeking enlightenment and a deeper understanding of life's purpose.

As a man can drink water from any side of a full tank, so th

As a man can drink water from any side of a full tank, so the skilled theologian can wrest from any scripture that which will serve his purpose.

Religion

Little by little, through patience and repeated effort, the

Little by little, through patience and repeated effort, the mind will become stilled in the Self.

Mind

I got this today, they say; tomorrow I shall get that. This

I got this today, they say; tomorrow I shall get that. This wealth is mine, and that will be mine too. I have destroyed my enemies. I shall destroy others too! Am I not like God? I enjoy what I want. I am successful. I am powerful. I am happy. I am rich and well-born. Who is equal to me? I will perform sacrifices and give gifts, and rejoice in my own generosity. This is how they go on, deluded by ignorance. Bound by their greed and entangled in a web of delusion, whirled about by a fragmented mind, they fall into a dark hell. Self-important, obstinate, swept away by the pride of wealth, they ostentatiously perform sacrifices without any regard for their purpose. Egotistical, violent, arrogant, lustful, angry, envious of everyone, they abuse my presence within their own bodies and in the bodies of others.

Vices

If the radiance of a thousand sunsWere to burst at once into

If the radiance of a thousand sunsWere to burst at once into the skyThat would be like the splendor of the Mighty one --I am become Death,The shatterer of Worlds.

Death

Just as a fire is covered by smoke and a mirror is obscured

Just as a fire is covered by smoke and a mirror is obscured by dust, just as the embryo rests deep within the womb, wisdom is hidden by selfish desire.

Wisdom

When the senses contact sense objects, a person experiences

When the senses contact sense objects, a person experiences cold or heat, pleasure or pain. These experiences are fleeting they come and go. Bear them patiently.

Feelings

Neither in this world nor elsewhere is there any happiness i

Neither in this world nor elsewhere is there any happiness in store for him who always doubts.

Doubt

On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no fai

On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.

Failure

Never the spirit was born; the spirit shall cease to be neve

Never the spirit was born; the spirit shall cease to be never;Never was time it was not; End and Beginning are dreams!Birthless and deathless and changeless remaineth the spirit for ever;Death hath not touched it at all, dead though the house of it seems!Who knoweth it exhaustless, self-sustained,Immortal, indestructible,shall suchSay, I have killed a man, or caused to kill?Nay, but as when one layethHis worn-out robes away,And, taking new ones, sayeth,These will I wear to-day!So putteth by the spiritLightly its garb of flesh,And passeth to inheritA residence afresh.

A man's own self is his friend. A man's own self is his foe.

A man's own self is his friend. A man's own self is his foe.

Conflict

It is better to do thine own duty, however lacking in merit,

It is better to do thine own duty, however lacking in merit, than to do that of another, even though efficiently. It is better to die doing one's own duty, for to do the duty of another is fraught with danger.

Danger

When you move amidst the world of sense, free from attachmen

When you move amidst the world of sense, free from attachment and aversion alike, there comes the peace in which all sorrows end, and you life in the wisdom of the Self.

Wisdom

If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst forth at on

If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst forth at once in the sky, that would be like the splendour of the Mighty One. I am mighty, world-destroying Time

Even as a tortoise draws in its limbs, the wise can draw in

Even as a tortoise draws in its limbs, the wise can draw in their senses at will.

Choice

The live in wisdom who see themselves in all and all in them

The live in wisdom who see themselves in all and all in them, who have renounced every selfish desire and sense craving tormenting the heart.

Wisdom

Death is as sure for that which is born, as birth is for tha

Death is as sure for that which is born, as birth is for that which is dead. Therefore grieve not for what is inevitable.

Death

But they for whom I am the supreme goal, who do all work ren

But they for whom I am the supreme goal, who do all work renouncing self for me and meditate on me with single-hearted devotion, these I will swiftly rescue from death's vast sea, for their consciousness has entered into me.

Thought

Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance.

Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives.

Kindness

What is work and what is not work are questions that perplex

What is work and what is not work are questions that perplex the wisest of men.

Work

O Krishna, the stillness of divine union which you describe

O Krishna, the stillness of divine union which you describe is beyond my comprehension. How can the mind, which is so restless, attain lasting peace? Krishna, the mind is restless, turbulent, powerful, violent; trying to control it is like trying to tame the wind.

Spirituality