Secret Knowledge

with commentary by
GAURANGA VANI PUBLISHERS
RUPANUGA BHAJAN ASHRAM

Email: [email protected]
Website: rupanugabhajanashram.com
Senior Editor – Svåmî Giri

Assistant Editors – Advaita Åcårya Dåsa, Caitanya Dåsa,
Priyånana Devî Dåsî, Gaura Gopåla Dåsa
Sanskrit – Svåmî Giri
English Translations – Svåmî Narasi∫gha and Svåmî Giri
Design and Layout – Gaura Gopåla Dåsa
Artwork – Dhîra-lalitå Devî Dåsî
Copyright 2022 GAURANGA VANI PUBLISHERS

All Rights Reserved
Contents
Preface ix
Introduction xi
The History of Bhagavad-gîtå xv
Ma∫galåcara√a xix
CHAPTER 1 Sainya-Darçana 1
Observing the Armies on the Battlefield
CHAPTER 2 Så∫khya Yoga 25

The Yoga of Analysis
CHAPTER 3 Karma Yoga 71

The Yoga of Action
CHAPTER 4 Jñåna Yoga 99

The Yoga of Knowledge
CHAPTER 5 Karma-Sannyåsa Yoga 133

The Yoga of the Renunciation of Action
CHAPTER 6 Dhyåna Yoga 151

The Yoga of Meditation
CHAPTER 7 Jñåna-Vijñåna Yoga 177

The Yoga of Knowledge and Realisation
CHAPTER 8 Tåraka-Brahma Yoga 201
The Yoga of the Supreme
CHAPTER 9 Råja Guhya Yoga 223

The Yoga of the Greatest Secret
CHAPTER 10 Vibhüti Yoga 243

The Yoga of Divine Splendour
CHAPTER 11 Viçvarüpa Darçana Yoga 267

The Yoga of the Universal Form
CHAPTER 12 Bhakti Yoga 301

The Yoga of Devotion
CHAPTER 13 Prak®ti-Purußa Viveka Yoga 317

The Yoga of Differentiation
Between Matter and Consciousness
CHAPTER 14 Gu√a-Traya Vibhåga Yoga 341

The Yoga of Understanding the
Three Modes of Material Nature
CHAPTER 15 Purußottama Yoga 357

The Yoga of the Supreme Person
CHAPTER 16 Daivåsura Sampad Vibhåga Yoga 375

The Yoga of Discretion –
Pious and Impious Natures
CHAPTER 17 Çraddhå-Traya Vibhåga Yoga 389
The Yoga Explaining Three Types of Faith
CHAPTER 18 Mokßa Yoga 411

The Yoga of Supreme Perfection
Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide 456

Glossary of Names 458
Glossary of Terms 469
Index of Quoted Verses 476
Index of Gîtå Verses 478
General Index 498
Svåmî B.G. Narasi∫gha 567
Preface
The sublime message of Bhagavad-gîtå is timeless and is
applicable in every facet of life. Within the Bhagavad-gîtå
are the answers to the mysteries of existence – our real pur-
pose in this world, how we should act and why we suffer, or
are oftentimes helpless in our struggle for survival.
To understand the Bhagavad-gîtå one must enter into
the spirit of the Gîtå by accepting the path of devotion
(bhakti). Accordingly, the Gîtå’s message cannot be prop-
erly understood by mental speculation. To this end, the
sublime process illuminated within the Gîtå must be
accepted as given by the speaker Himself, Çrî K®ß√a.
The active principle of understanding the message of
the Gîtå is to hear directly from the Master of yoga, Çrî
K®ß√a, who is glorified throughout the Vedic literature as
the Supreme Person, the Absolute Truth. Çrî K®ß√a speaks
to Arjuna in Bhagavad-gîtå and thus one who studies the
Gîtå hears from K®ß√a directly.
The philosophy of Bhagavad-gîtå is clear for the sincere
reader, yet for some, approaching the Gîtå may seem daunt-
ing – its language too ancient. However, this obstacle is
easily overcome by a straightforward translation and com-
mentary (Anuv®tti). The requirement for a translation and
commentary on the Gîtå is as necessary today as anytime
in the past. With the passing of time, our values and our
world view are constantly changing, and this demands a
fresh approach to the understanding of the Gîtå.
This translation and commentary on the Bhagavad-gîtå
provides simple, yet profound knowledge to elevate us to
a higher state of consciousness whereby we can realise our
ix
true self and progress towards attaining a life of spiritual
fulfilment. Self-realisation means to realise our actual
purpose in life and act towards it, gradually freeing us
from the yoke of material bondage. Where there is light,
darkness cannot stand — where there is proper knowledge,
ignorance cannot remain. The Bhagavad-gîtå unravels
the mysteries of life, providing not only knowledgeable
answers, but also a progressive process to uplift us to pure
consciousness.
One of the more remarkable features of the Gîtå is
that its readers can easily observe and feel its philosophy
working, like poetry in motion, in their everyday lives. The
knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå is a true science – its formu-
las for success clear and observable in action. The Bhaga-
vad-gîtå thus provides a complete outline for self-realisa-
tion in everyday life.
Anyone who is fortunate enough to dive deeply into the
wisdom of the Bhagavad-gîtå and embrace its message will
surely achieve success, for this is guaranteed in the Gîtå’s
final verse:
yatra yogeçvara˙ k®ß√o yatra pårtho dhanur-dhara˙

tatra çrîr vijayo bhütir dhruvå nîtir matir mama
Where there is Çrî K®ß√a, the Master of yoga, and

where there is Arjuna, the mighty archer, there
will always be prosperity, victory, opulence and
righteousness – this is my firm conviction.
Svåmî B.B. Viß√u
x
Introduction
Bhagavad-gîtå is the oldest and most widely read book
of theistic science in the world today. Also known as the
Gîtopanißad, the Bhagavad-gîtå has been the principle
handbook of yoga for more than 5,000 years. In contrast
to many mundane literatures of the present day, the Bhaga-
vad-gîtå is free from mental speculation and is complete
in knowledge of the eternal self (åtmå), the process of
bhakti-yoga and the nature and identity of the Absolute
Truth, Çrî K®ß√a. As such, the Bhagavad-gîtå is the single
most important book in the world, surpassing all others in
wisdom and enlightenment.
The first word of Bhagavad-gîtå is dharma. Sometimes
dharma is mistaken to mean religion or a particular belief,
but it is not so. Dharma means the quintessential duty
or knowledge that elevates our consciousness to a direct
connection with the Absolute Truth. This is also known
as sanåtana-dharma, the occupational duty of all living
beings. The Bhagavad-gîtå begins with the word dharma
– thus we can understand from the outset that Bhaga-
vad-gîtå is not about dogma or a sectarian way of thinking.
Indeed, Bhagavad-gîtå is the complete science of realising
the Absolute Truth.
For an observant person it is clear that the world around
us is a bewildering place with many unsolved mysteries. If
one is seeking answers to the age-old questions of ‘Who
am I?’ ‘Why do we suffer?’ ‘Where do we come from?’
‘What is the purpose of life?’ ‘What happens after death?’
– then one will find great satisfaction in the Bhagavad-gîtå
because the Gîtå answers these questions and more with
the utmost clarity.
xi
As a young seeker of truth, I first came in contact with
the Bhagavad-gîtå in 1968. In subsequent years I travelled
to India and studied Bhagavad-gîtå under the foremost
gurus of the late 20th Century, A.C. Bhaktivedånta Svåmî
Prabhupåda and Svåmî B.R. Çrîdhara Deva Gosvåmî. By
the goodwill of these two great masters, the essential mes-
sage of Bhagavad-gîtå entered my heart and I was soon to
be situated on the path of self-realisation.
As with any path in life, one will certainly encounter
crossroads. The first crossroad that I came to while study-
ing the Bhagavad-gîtå was to decide on the path – personal
or impersonal. Was I to follow the path of personalism –
to perfect the individual self, to enter into the spiritual sky
of Vaiku√†ha planets and live eternally with the Supreme
Person, Çrî K®ß√a? Or was I to follow the path of imper-
sonalism – ending existence as an individual living being
and merging myself into the brahma-jyoti of infinite bliss?
I chose the former, personalism (bhakti-yoga).
Bhagavad-gîtå is specifically meant for those following
the path of bhakti-yoga. Many impersonal philosophers
have tried to lay claim to the Gîtå over the years, at times
even claiming to be Çrî K®ß√a – a claim that is exposed by
the simple fact that they do not understand the message of
Çrî K®ß√a in Bhagavad-gîtå, despite its profound clarity. Çrî
K®ß√a is the original speaker of Bhagavad-gîtå, therefore
He must know the message of the Gîtå better than anyone,
and K®ß√a says in the Eighteenth Chapter that the message
of the Gîtå is exclusively meant for those who are aspiring
to know the Absolute Truth on the path of bhakti-yoga.
Bhagavad-gîtå is certainly a scholarly work, but one
need not be a scholar to understand the Gîtå’s straightfor-
xii
ward and simple message. Indeed, Arjuna, the first student
of Bhagavad-gîtå, was not a scholar, but a warrior. In the
past many great scholars, gurus and self-realised masters
have written illuminating commentaries to accompany the
Gîtå – its ‘as it is’ meaning, its poetry, philosophy and
its hidden treasure – so that the people of their time, as
well as the people of future generations, may have a better
appreciation of the message of Çrî K®ß√a.
We have now completed the first decade of the 21st
Century and a host of such erudite commentaries on the
Bhagavad-gîtå sit upon our bookshelves and in our libraries
– surely there is no call for yet another!
The message of Bhagavad-gîtå is eternal and unchang-
ing, but the time that surrounds us is always changing, thus
our perception of life, our current situation and our neces-
sity is also always changing. To meet the changing times
and the present necessity, yet another commentary is being
presented – a brief commentary, or Anuv®tti.
According to Viçvanåtha Cakravartî, a renowned com-
mentator on the Bhagavad-gîtå from antiquity, the first six
chapters of the Gîtå mainly pertain to karma, the second
six chapters to bhakti and the final six chapters to jñåna.
But the answers to life’s most puzzling questions are found
throughout the eighteen chapters of the Gîtå with Çrî
K®ß√a’s last and conclusive instruction to Arjuna in verse
66 of the last chapter – sarva-dharmån parityajya måm
ekaµ çara√aµ vraja.
In our Anuv®tti we have not commented on each and
every verse spoken by Çrî K®ß√a as we feel that by directly
hearing from K®ß√a with one’s intelligence, one receives
the greatest knowledge and further comment is not always
xiii
necessary. The comments made in the Anuv®tti are to
highlight certain points and to reflect on what K®ß√a says
with relevance to our world today. What lies ahead in our
Anuv®tti are the basics of Gau∂îya Vaiß√ava philosophy
(acintya-bhedåbheda-tattva) and the essential understanding
for the practice of bhakti-yoga.
Many readers may want to delve deeper into the knowl-
edge of Bhagavad-gîtå and for such persons we highly
recommend the study of the 1973 Macmillan edition of
Bhagavad-gîtå As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prab-
hupåda. Other recommended readings are the commen-
taries of Viçvanåtha Cakravartî, Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a,
Bhaktivinoda ˇhåkura and Svåmî B.R. Çrîdhara Deva
Gosvåmî.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for
those who have encouraged us in our work and helped
to bring Bhagavad-gîtå – Çrî K®ß√a’s Illuminations on the
Perfection of Yoga to completion. We especially want to
mention here our godbrothers, Svåmî Bhakti Bhåvana
Viß√u, Jayadeva, Jagadîçvara, our godsister Dhîra-lalitå,
and our sannyåsî disciples, Svåmî Bhakti Vijñåna Giri and
Haridåsa Båbåjî Mahåråja.
May this publication be an offering unto the Absolute
Truth, Çrî K®ß√a – k®ß√årpa√am astu.
Svåmî B.G. Narasi∫gha
August 22nd, 2011

Çrî K®ß√a Janmåß†amî
Gauråbda 526
xiv
The History of Bhagavad-gita
Since time immemorial, the Bhagavad-gîtå has been a

prime source of inspiration for many great thinkers and
philosophers in both the east and the west. In ancient
times, the first commentary on the Gîtå was written by
Ådi Ça∫kara, who was the first åcårya to treat it as a free-
standing text. Subsequently, other great åcåryas such as
Råmånuja, Madhva, Çrîdhara Svåmî and others wrote
commentaries on the Gîtå that presented its essential
devotional significance, in stark contrast to Ådi Ça∫kara’s
impersonal interpretation.
In the western world, the Bhagavad-gîtå has been
highly appreciated by erudite scholars and philosophers
such as Henry David Thoreau, Friedrich Schlegel, Arthur
Schopenhauer, Carl Jung and Herman Hesse. Upon read-
ing the Gîtå, the famous American transcendentalist, Ralph
Waldo Emerson commented:
I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavad-gîtå. It was the

first of books; it was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing
small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice
of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had
pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which
exercise us. (Journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Originally, the Bhagavad-gîtå is part of the ancient his-

torical epic, the Mahåbhårata, composed by the great sage
Vyåsa in approximately 3100 BCE. The eighteen chapters
of the Bhagavad-gîtå are found within the Sixth Canto of
the Mahåbhårata known as the Bhîßma-parva, which alto-
xv
gether contains 117 chapters. Initially Vyåsa wrote the
8,800 core verses of the Mahåbhårata and later his disciples
Vaiçampåyana and Süta added further historical details
until the Mahåbhårata finally consisted of 100,000 verses
– seven times the size of Homer’s Illiad and fifteen times
the size of the King James Bible.
The word Mahåbhårata means ‘The History of Greater
India’ and recounts the story of two feuding royal fam-
ilies, the På√∂avas (the sons of På√∂u) and their cous-
ins, the Kauravas (the sons of Dh®taråß†ra). Both På√∂u
and his brother Dh®taråß†ra belonged to the royal Kuru
Dynasty of Hastinåpura (modern day Delhi). Although
Dh®taråß†ra was the elder of the two, he was born blind
and so the throne was passed on to På√∂u, who became
the heir-apparent.
However På√∂u died untimely, leaving five children –
Yudhiß†hira, Arjuna, Bhîma, Nakula and Sahadeva. While
the På√∂avas were still young, their uncle Dh®taråß†ra
assumed the throne as regent until they were of age to rule
the kingdom. Yet due to his excessive paternal attachment,
Dh®taråß†ra schemed that his own sons, led by the corrupt
Duryodhana, would ascend the imperial throne. To this
end, and with the consent of his father, Duryodhana made
several assassination attempts upon the lives of the På√∂a-
vas. Despite the wise counsel of his grandfather Bhîßma, his
uncle Vidura and his military teacher Dro√a, Duryodhana
continued to plot against his cousins. Yet, due to the pro-
tection of Çrî K®ß√a, the På√∂avas were able to foil all his
murderous attempts.
Historically speaking, Çrî K®ß√a was the nephew of
På√∂u’s wife Queen Kuntî and was thus the cousin of the
xvi
På√∂avas. However, K®ß√a was not simply a royal prince,
but the Supreme Person Himself who had descended to
Earth to perform His pastimes and to establish the princi-
ples of dharma. Due to their righteous behaviour, Çrî K®ß√a
always favoured the På√∂avas.
After numerous failed murder attempts, Duryodhana
finally challenged the På√∂avas to a rigged game of dice.
Duryodhana cheated and won the game, and the På√∂avas
lost their kingdom. The result was that the På√∂avas were
forced into exile for thirteen years.
After completing their thirteen years of exile, the
På√∂avas returned to the capital and requested Duryo-
dhana to return their rightful kingdom. When the proud
Duryodhana flatly refused, they requested him to at least
give them five villages to rule over. At this Duryodhana
curtly remarked that he would not even give them enough
land in which to drive a pin.
Although the På√∂avas sent Çrî K®ß√a as an ambassador
to sue for peace, Duryodhana blatantly refused to listen.
War was now inevitable.
Rulers as far west as Syria and as far east as China came
to take part in the battle – some supporting the Kaura-
vas due to their political designs, and others favouring the
På√∂avas due to their piety. During this fratricidal war
K®ß√a stated that He would not take up arms for either side,
but accepted the position as Arjuna’s charioteer. Thus, in
the month of December, in 3138 BCE, both armies assem-
bled on the planes of the holy place known as Kurukßetra.
The significance of Kurukßetra is related in the
Våmana Purå√a that narrates how the virtuous king
Kuru, the ancestral patriarch of the På√∂ava and Kaurava
xvii
Dynasty, performed rigorous austerities at Kurukßetra.
Because of this act, Kuru was given two blessings – firstly
that Kurukßetra would be named after Kuru and sec-
ondly, that anyone who died at Kurukßetra would attain
the celestial planets.
The Bhagavad-gîtå is spoken on the first day of the war
at Kurukßetra. As the two armies prepare to fight, the blind
Dh®taråß†ra sits in his court with his faithful servant Sañjaya
and inquires from him as to what the virtuous På√∂avas are
doing. Sañjaya, a disciple of the great sage Vyåsa, had been
blessed with the mystic power to observe the conflict far
from the battlefield at the palace in Hastinåpura. Sañjaya
then narrates to the old emperor the sacred conversation
between Çrî K®ß√a and Arjuna. Thus the Bhagavad-gîtå was
received by Sañjaya and repeated to Dh®taråß†ra for the
spiritual benefit of all humanity.
Svåmî B.V. Giri
xviii
Mangalacarana
(Auspicious Invocation)
oµ ajñåna-timiråndhasya jñånåñjana-çalåkayå
cakßur unmîlitaµ yena tasmai çrî gurave nama˙
I offer my obeisance unto my spiritual master, who has
opened my darkened eyes that were blinded by ignorance,
with the torchlight of spiritual knowledge.
çrî caitanya-mano’bhîß†aµ sthåpitaµ yena bhütale
svayaµ rüpa˙ kadå mahyaµ dadåti sva-padåntikam
When will Rüpa Gosvåmî, who has established within
this world the mission to fulfil the desires of Çrî Caitanya
Mahåprabhu, give me shelter at his feet?
vande‘haµ çrî-guro˙ çrîyuta-pada-kamalaµ
çrî-gurün vaiß√avåµç ca
çrî-rüpaµ sågrajåtaµ saha-ga√a
raghunåthånvitaµ taµ sa-jîvam
sådvaitaµ såvadhütaµ parijana-sahitaµ
k®ß√a-caitanya-devaµ
çrî-rådhå-k®ß√a-pådån saha-ga√a
lalitå-çrî-viçåkhånvitåµç ca
I offer my respects unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master
and to all the other preceptors on the path of devotional ser-
vice. I offer my respects unto all the Vaiß√avas and unto the
Six Gosvåmîs including Rüpa Gosvåmî, Sanåtana Gosvåmî,
Raghunåtha Dåsa Gosvåmî, Jîva Gosvåmî, and their associ-
ates. I offer my respects unto Advaita Åcårya, Nityånanda
Prabhu, Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu, and all His devotees,
xix
headed by Çrîvåsa ˇhåkura. I then offer my respects unto
the lotus feet of Çrî K®ß√a, Çrîmatî Rådhårå√î, and all the
gopîs, headed by Lalitå and Viçåkhå.
nåma-çreß†haµ manum api çacî-putram atra svarüpaµ
rüpaµ tasyågrajam uru-purîµ måthurîµ goß†avå†îm
rådhå-ku√∂aµ giri-varam aho rådhikå-mådhavåçåµ
pråpto yasya prathita-k®payå çrî guruµ taµ nato ‘smi
I bow to the lotus feet of my spiritual master, by whose
mercy I have obtained the supreme name of K®ß√a, the
service of the son of Çacî Måtå (Caitanya Mahåprabhu),
the association of Svarüpa Dåmodara, Rüpa Gosvåmî and
his elder brother, Sanåtana Gosvåmî, the Supreme Abode
of Mathurå, the blissful abode of V®ndåvana, the divine
Rådhå-ku√∂a, the best of hills (Govardhana) and the desire
within my heart for loving service to Rådhå and K®ß√a.
nama˙ oµ viß√u-pådåya k®ß√a-preß†håya bhütale
svåmî çrî-bhaktivedånta prabhupådåya te nama˙
guruvajñaµ çîrasi-dhåryaµ çaktyaveça-svarüpine
hare k®ß√eti-mantrena påçcatya-pråcya tåri√e
viçvåcårya pravaryåya divya kåru√ya-mürtaye
çrî bhågavata-mådhurya gîtå-jñåna-pradåyine
gaura-çrî-rüpa-siddhånta-sarasvatî nißevine
rådhå-k®ß√a-padåmbhoja-bh®∫gåya gurave nama˙
I offer my respects unto Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda,
who is very dear to Çrî K®ß√a, having taken shelter at His
lotus feet.
xx
Taking the order of his guru upon his head, he was empow-
ered by Çrî Nityånanda and distributed the name of K®ß√a
all over the Western world, delivering and uplifting all
fallen souls.
He is the best of millions of jagad-gurus, because he is the

personification of divine mercy. He has distributed the sweet
nectar of Çrîmad Bhågavatam and the transcendental knowl-
edge of Bhagavad-gîtå all over the world.
He is constantly engaged in the exclusive service to his guru,

Bhaktisiddhånta Sarasvatî ˇhåkura, Rüpa Gosvåmî and
Caitanya Mahåprabhu. I offer my humble obeisances unto
Çrîla Prabhupåda, who is like a bumblebee always tasting the
nectar of the lotus feet of Rådhå-Govinda.
vairågya-vidyå-nija-bhakti-yoga-
apåyayåµ måm anavißyum andham
çrî-çrîdhara-bhakti rakßaka-nåma
k®påmbudhir yas tam ahaµ prapadye
I surrender unto Bhakti Rakßaka Çrîdhara Deva Gosvåmî
who is an ocean of mercy. Although I was blind and in the
darkness of ignorance, he gave me the light of transcendental
knowledge. He taught me the real meaning of detachment
and made me drink the highest nectar of divine love.
våñcå-kalpatarubhyaç ca k®på-sindhubhya eva ca
patitånåµ påvanebhyo vaiß√avebhyo namo nama˙
I bow before the Vaiß√avas who are like desire trees and are
like an ocean of mercy as they deliver the fallen souls from
material existence.
xxi
vande çrî k®ß√a caitanya nityånandau sahoditau
gau∂odaye pußpavantau citrau çan-dau tamo-nudau
I offer my respects unto Çrî K®ß√a Caitanya Mahåprabhu
and Çrî Nityånanda Prabhu who are like the sun and the
moon. Rising simultaneously in Gau∂a (Bengal), they
destroy the darkness of ignorance and bestow their won-
derful blessings on all.
namo mahå-vadånyåya k®ß√a-prema-pradåya te
krß√åya k®ß√a-caitanya-nåmne gaura-tviße nama˙
I offer my most humble respects unto Çrî K®ß√a who has
appeared in the most merciful golden form of Çrî K®ß√a
Caitanya in order to distribute k®ß√a-prema.
çrî hlådinî-svarüpåya gaurå∫ga-suh®dåya ca
bhakta-çakti-pradånåya gadådhara namo’stu te
I offer my respects unto Gadådhara Pa√∂ita, who is the per-
sonification of the hlådinî-çakti, the dearest associate of Çrî
Caitanya Mahåprabhu and the bestower of spiritual strength
to the devotees.
pañca-tattvåtmakaµ k®ß√aµ bhakta-rüpa-svarüpakaµ
bhaktåvatåraµ bhaktåkhyaµ namåmi bhakta-çaktikam
I offer my respects unto Çrî K®ß√a who is non-different from
His features as a devotee, devotional avatåra, devotional
manifestation, pure devotee and devotional energy.
he k®ß√a karu√å-sindho dîna-bandho jagat-pate
gopeça gopikå-kånta rådhå-kånta namo’stu te
xxii
O K®ß√a, You are an ocean of mercy. You are the friend
of the distressed and the Master of the universe. You are
the Master of the cowherd men, the lover of the gopîs of
V®ndåvana and the beloved of Çrîmatî Rådhårå√î. I offer my
respects unto You.
jayatåµ suratau pa∫gor mama manda-mater gatî
mat-sarvasva-padåmbhojau rådhå-madana-mohanau
All glories unto the most merciful Rådhå-Madana-mohana.
I am weak and foolish, yet Their lotus feet are everything
to me.
dîvyad-v®ndåra√ya-kalpa-drumådha˙
çrîmad-ratnågåra-siµhåsana-sthau
çrîmad-rådhå-çrîla-govinda-devau
preß†hålîbhi˙ sevyamånau smaråmi
In a temple of jewels in the forest of V®ndåvana under a
desire tree, Rådhå-Govinda sit upon a jewelled throne and
are served by Their most confidential associates. I offer my
respects unto Them.
çrîmån råsa-rasårambhî vaµçîva†a-ta†a-sthita˙
karßan ve√u-svanair gopîr gopî-nåtha˙ çriye ‘stu na˙
Çrî Gopînåtha who created the divine mellow of the råsa
dance, stands on the shore of Vaµçî-va†a, attracting the
attention of the gopîs with the sound of His flute. May
Rådhå-Gopînåtha shower Their blessings upon us.
tapta-kåñcana-gaurå∫gî rådhe v®ndåvaneçvarî
v®ßabhånu-sute devî pra√amåmi hari-priye
xxiii
I offer my respects to Rådhårå√î whose bodily hue is like
molten gold. She is the Queen of the V®ndåvana forest, the
daughter of King V®ßabhånu and most dear to Çrî K®ß√a.
v®ndåyai tulasî-devyai priyåyai keçavasya ca
viß√u-bhakti-prade devî satya-vatyai namo nama˙
I offer repeated respects unto V®ndå, Tulasî-devî, who is
very dear to Keçava (K®ß√a). O goddess, you bestow bhakti
to K®ß√a and possess the highest truth.
ugraµ vîraµ mahå-viß√uµ
jvalantaµ sarvato-mukhaµ
n®siµhaµ bhîßa√aµ bhadraµ
m®tyu-m®tyum namåmy-aham
I offer my respects unto Çrî Narasiµha, who is ferocious,
heroic and non-different from Mahå-Viß√u. He is fiery and
His face pervades all directions. He is the half-man, half-
lion avatåra who is extremely frightening. He is most auspi-
cious and He is the death of death itself.
jaya çrî k®ß√a caitanya, prabhu nityånanda
jaya advaita gadådhara çrîvåsådi gaura-bhakta-v®nda
hare k®ß√a hare k®ß√a k®ß√a k®ß√a hare hare

hare råma hare råma råma råma hare hare
xxiv
Chapter 1
VERSE 1
धृतरा उवाच ।
धमेे कुेे समवेताययवः।
मामकाः पाडवाैव िकमकुवत सय ॥१॥
dh®taråß†ra uvåca –
dharma-kßetre kuru-kßetre samavetå yuyutsava˙
måmakå˙ på√∂avåç caiva kim akurvata sañjaya
Addressing Sañjaya, Emperor Dh®taråß†ra said: After
assembling with great enthusiasm for battle at the holy
place of Kurukßetra (dharma-kßetra), what did my sons and
the sons of På√∂u do?
VERSE 2
सय उवाच ।
ा त पाडवानीकं ूढं यधनदा ।
आचायमपस राजा वचनमवीत ्॥२॥
sañjaya uvåca –
d®ß†vå tu på√∂avånîkaµ vyü∂haµ duryodhanas tadå
åcåryam upasa∫gamya råjå vacanam abravît
Sañjaya replied: O Emperor, at that time your son Dury-
odhana, after observing the military arrangements of the
På√∂avas, approached his mentor Dro√a and spoke as
follows.
VERSE 3
पयैतां पाडुपाणामाचाय महत चमूम ्।
ूढां पदपेण तव िशेण धीमता ॥३॥
paçyaitåµ på√∂u-putrå√åm åcårya mahatîµ camüm
vyü∂håµ drupada-putre√a tava çißye√a dhîmatå
3
Bhagavad-gita
Behold, O great teacher, the military formation of the

army of the sons of På√∂u arranged by your gifted student,
Dh®ß†adyumna, the son of Drupada.
VERSE 4
अ शूरा महेासाभीमाजनसमायिध ।
ययधानो िवराट पद महारथः ॥४॥
atra çürå maheßvåså bhîmårjuna-samå yudhi
yuyudhåno virå†aç ca drupadaçca mahåratha˙
Within those ranks are great archers who are equal to
Bhîma and Arjuna in war such as Såtyaki, Virå†a and the
powerful charioteer Drupada.
VERSE 5
धृकेतेिकतानः कािशराज वीयवान ्।
पिजुिभोज शै नरपंगवः ॥५॥
dh®ß†aketuç cekitåna˙ kåçi-råjaç ca vîryavån
purujit kuntibhojaç ca çaibyaç ca narapu∫gava˙
Great heroes such as Dh®ß†aketu, Cekitåna, the heroic king
of Kåçî, Purujit, Kuntibhoja and Çaibya are also present.
VERSE 6
यधाम िवा उमौजा वीयवान ्।
सौभो ौपदेया सव एव महारथाः॥६॥
yudhåmanyuç ca vikrånta uttamaujåç ca vîryavån
saubhadro draupadeyåç ca sarva eva mahårathå˙
The chivalrous Yudhåmanyu, the courageous Uttamaujå,
Abhimanyu the son of Subhadrå, and the sons of Draupadî
are indeed all mighty chariot warriors.
4
Chapter 1
VERSE 7
अाकं त िविशा ये तािबोध िजोम ।
नायका मम सै संाथ तावीिम ते ॥७॥
asmåkaµ tu viçiß†å ye tån nibodha dvijottama
nåyakå mama sainyasya saµjñårthaµ tån bravîmi te
However, O best of bråhma√as, you should also know who
amongst my army is qualified to lead our military force.
Just for your information I shall name them.
VERSE 8
भवाी कण कप सिमितंजयः ।
अामा िवकण सौमदिथैव च ॥८॥
bhavån bhîßmaç ca kar√aç ca k®paç ca samitiñjaya˙
açvatthåmå vikar√aç ca saumadattis tathaiva ca
Your good self as well as Bhîßma, Kar√a and K®pa are
always victorious in battle, as well as Açvatthåmå,
Vikar√a, Bhüriçravå and Jayadratha.
VERSE 9
अे च बहवः शूरा मदथ जीिवताः ।
नानाशहरणाः सव यिवशारदाः ॥९॥
anye ca bahava˙ çürå mad-arthe tyakta-jîvitå˙
nånå-çastra-prahara√å˙ sarve yuddha-viçåradå˙
They are all armed with various weapons, and they are
expert in the art of war. All of them are prepared to give
up their very lives for my sake, as are many other warriors.
5
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 10
अपयां तदाकं बलं भीािभरितम ्।
पयां िदमेतेषां बलं भीमािभरितम ्॥१०॥
aparyåptaµ tad asmåkaµ balaµ bhîßmåbhirakßitam
paryåptaµ tv idam eteßåµ balaµ bhîmåbhirakßitam
Our army, protected by the might of Bhîßma is unlimited.
However, the strength of the opposition, protected by
Bhîma is insufficient.
VERSE 11
अयनेष च सवेष यथाभागमविताः।
भीमेवािभर भवः सव एव िह ॥११॥
ayaneßu ca sarveßu yathå-bhågam avasthitå˙
bhîßmam evåbhirakßantu bhavanta˙ sarva eva hi
You must support and protect Bhîßma at all costs, at the
strategic points of our battle formation.
Anuv®tti
War is nothing new to this world. Thousands of years
ago wars were being fought, such as the one at Kurukßetra,
to resolve the differences between good and evil and for
the purpose of material gain. From ancient times to our
modern era, practically not a day on this Earth has passed
when someone, somewhere, was not fighting over some-
thing. Throughout history men have gathered on the field
of battle to fulfil their greed for wealth and glory, some-
times nobly, but more often ignobly. The same is happen-
ing in the 21st Century. War it seems is an unavoidable
karmic destiny of human civilisation.
6
Chapter 1
Peace, on the other hand, is rather elusive. Peace is

talked about and even prayed for, but seldom makes more
than a momentary appearance. Most of our lives, even for
the humblest of souls, are spent struggling for existence
either socially, politically, financially, mentally or physi-
cally. For most of us the temporary absence of any major
crisis is what we would call peace. However, peace (or çånti
as it is known amongst yogîs) is a state of consciousness
and not a condition relative to the external affairs of the
material world. Peace is an internal experience.
The wisdom of the Vedic literature, Çrîmad Bhågavatam
says, jîvo-jîvasya-jîvanaµ – one living being is food for
another living being. From the minutest forms of life
to the most complex, one life is sustained by the loss of
another. Thus, the basic principle for material existence is
fundamentally flawed with violence. Peace then, for most
of us, comes in doing what we have to do and believing
that we have done the right thing. Therein lies the fine line
between war and peace. Is what we think to be good, or
what we are conditioned to believe, actually right?
The ability to discriminate between right and wrong, or
in some cases good and evil, largely depends on the extent
of knowledge from which we draw our conclusions. A poor
fund of knowledge naturally results in faulty conclusions.
Therefore, it is in our best interest to seek out the greatest
source of knowledge – knowledge of the Absolute Truth,
and familiarise ourselves with that.
Bhagavad-gîtå is perhaps the most widely read book
of theistic knowledge in the world. Whatever knowledge
one finds in similar books such as the Dhammapada, the
Bible, the Torah, the Koran etc. is also found in the Bhaga-
7
Bhagavad-gita
vad-gîtå. But in the Bhagavad-gîtå one will find knowl-

edge that is not present anywhere else. Consequently, the
Bhagavad-gîtå surpasses all branches of knowledge. What
lies ahead in these commentaries is a look into the vastness
of the knowledge of the Absolute Truth contained in the
Bhagavad-gîtå.
VERSE 12
त सनयष कुवृः िपतामहः ।
िसंहनादं िवनोैः शं दौ तापवान ्॥१२॥
tasya sañjanayan harßaµ kuru-v®ddha˙ pitåmaha˙
siµha-nådaµ vinadyoccai˙ ça∫khaµ dadhmau pratåpavån
Then Bhîßma, the fearless grandsire of the Kuru Dynasty,
roaring like a lion, blew his conch loudly to increase the
euphoria of Duryodhana.
VERSE 13
ततः शा भेय पणवानकगोमखाः ।
सहसैवाह स शमलोऽभवत ्॥१३॥
tata˙ ça∫khåç ca bheryaç ca pa√avånaka-gomukhå˙
sahasaivåbhyahanyanta sa çabdas tumulo’bhavat
At that point, conches, trumpets, bugles, drums and horns
suddenly sounded all at once and the combined sound rose
up like thunder.
VERSE 14
ततः ेतैहयैये महित ने ितौ ।
माधवः पाडवैव िदौ शौ दतः ॥१४॥
8
Chapter 1
tata˙ çvetair hayair yukte mahati syandane sthitau

mådhava˙ på√∂avaç caiva divyau ça∫khau pradadhmatu˙
On the other side of the battlefield, both Çrî K®ß√a, the
husband of the goddess of wealth, and Arjuna, sitting on
a wonderful chariot yoked with horses of fair hue, blew
their divine conches.
VERSE 15
पाजं षीकेशो देवदं धनयः ।
पौं दौ महाशं भीमकमा वृकोदरः॥१५॥
påñcajanyaµ h®ßîkeço devadattaµ dhanañjaya˙
pau√∂raµ dadhmau mahåça∫khaµ bhîma-karmå v®kodara˙
Çrî K®ß√a, the Master of the senses, blew his conch-shell
called Påñcajanya. Arjuna, the winner of great wealth, blew
his conch-shell called Devadatta. Bhîma, the performer of
great feats, blew his conch-shell Pau√∂ra.
VERSE 16-18
अनिवजयं राजा कुीपो यिधिरः ।
नकुलः सहदेव सघोषमिणपकौ ॥१६॥
काय परमेासः िशखडी च महारथः ।
धृो िवराट सािकापरािजतः ॥१७॥
पदोौपदेया सवशःपृिथवीपते ।
सौभ महाबाः शाः पृथृथक ्॥१८॥
ananta-vijayaµ råjå kuntî-putro yudhiß†hirah
nakula˙ sahadevaç ca sughoßa-ma√ipußpakau
kåçyaç ca parameßvåsa˙ çikha√∂î ca mahåratha˙
dh®ß†adyumno virå†aç ca såtyakiç cåparåjita˙
9
Bhagavad-gita
drupado draupadeyåç ca sarvaça˙ p®thivî-pate

saubhadraç ca mahå-båhu˙ ça∫khån dadhmu˙ p®thak p®thak
Yudhiß†hira, the son of Kuntî, blew his conch-shell Anan-
ta-vijaya. Nakula and Sahadeva blew their conches called
Sughoßa and Ma√ipußpaka. O emperor, the great archer
the king of Kåçî, the expert chariot warrior Çikha√∂i,
Dh®ß†adyumna, Virå†a, the invincible Såtyaki, Drupada,
the sons of Draupadî and Abhimanyu the mighty son of
Subhadrå all blew their conches.
VERSE 19
स घोषो धातरााणां दयािन दारयत ्।
नभ पृिथव चैव तमलोऽननादयन ्॥१९॥
sa ghoßo dhårtaråß†rå√åµ h®dayåni vyadårayat
nabhaç ca p®thivîµ caiva tumulo’bhyanunådayan
The hearts of the sons of Dh®taråß†ra were shattered as
the tumultuous sound reverberated throughout the sky
and on the land.
Anuv®tti
At the outset of the Kurukßetra war, Duryodhana
made the classic military blunder of underestimating the
strength of his adversary. Possibly blinded by his greed for
the kingdom or by his longstanding hatred for his cousins,
the På√∂avas, he entered the engagement thinking that his
enemy’s strength was limited.
Hate and greed are certainly poor allies of judgment,
usually resulting in wrong decisions and the senseless loss
of life. No better examples in modern times need be cited
than that of the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan
10
Chapter 1
wherein underestimating the will of a people has led to the

loss of millions of innocent lives.
The classic commentators on Bhagavad-gîtå have all
pointed out the blunder of Duryodhana at Kurukßetra.
Particularly it has been mentioned that Duryodhana failed
to recognise that when Çrî K®ß√a, the Supreme Person,
was there to advise Arjuna, that Arjuna would be a most
formidable opponent.
History has shown us that wars are fought out of greed,
hatred or religious prejudice. It is simply a convenience to
think that, ‘God is on our side.’ The idea that ‘God is on
our side’ is certainly a comforting thought and has accom-
panied men into almost every war that we know of since
the rise of Abrahamic religions. However, the problem has
always been that in all these conflicts both sides assumed
the banner of righteousness, declaring, ‘God wills it!’ This
is sometimes called the ‘theology of convenience’.
Even today it makes good to stir up the troops or rally
the suicide bombers to their deaths by declaring that,
“God favours our cause.” It is a fact that during these
dark periods of history, more people have died, and more
innocent people put to death in the name of God, than
by any other single unnatural cause. Many people con-
sider despotic political regimes as the ultimate empires
of cruelty, but the truth is that religious fanaticism has
brought far more unnecessary death to the world than any
political system of government.
So what makes the war at Kurukßetra any different
than modern wars fought for greed or between religious
fanatics? Is it not simply jingoism to say that because Çrî
K®ß√a, the Supreme Person, was on the side of the På√∂a-
11
Bhagavad-gita
vas that they were correct in destroying their enemies?

The difference is that Kurukßetra was not fought because
one side had a different religious ideology than the other.
Kurukßetra was a fratricidal war – a family feud brought
on by human faults: greed for sovereignty, failure in duty,
envy, family attachment and falsely identifying the body
as the self.
But unlike any other war in history, Kurukßetra would
record a profound lesson for the benefit of all future gen-
erations. The lesson was taught by Çrî K®ß√a in the form
of Bhagavad-gîtå – a lesson that would enable humanity to
overcome its mundane shortcomings, become established
in transcendence and attain self-realisation.
VERSE 20
अथ विताा धातराािपजः ।
वृे शसंपाते धन पाडवः ।
षीकेशं तदा वािमदमाह महीपते ॥२०॥
atha vyavasthitån d®ß†vå dhårtaråß†rån kapi-dhvaja˙
prav®tte çastra-sampåte dhanur udyamya på√∂ava˙
h®ßîkeçaµ tadå våkyam idam åha mahî-pate
Speaking to Dh®taråß†ra, Sañjaya said: O emperor, just as
the war was about to commence, Arjuna, whose chariot
was decorated with the banner of Hanumån, observing
your sons poised for battle, took up his bow and spoke to
H®ßîkeça (Çrî K®ß√a, the Master of the senses), as follows.
12
Chapter 1
VERSE 21-22
अजन उवाच ।
सेनयोभयोमे रथं ापय मेऽत ॥२१॥
यावदेतािरीेऽहं योकामानवितान ्।
कैमया सह योमिन ्रणसममे ॥२२॥
arjuna uvåca –
senayor ubhayor madhye rathaµ sthåpaya me’cyuta
yåvad etån nirîkße’haµ yoddhu-kåmån avasthitån
kairmayå saha yoddhavyam asmin ra√a-samudyame
Arjuna said: O Acyuta (Infallible One), place my chariot
between both armies so that I may look upon the soldiers
that I must do battle with.
VERSE 23
योमानानवेेऽहं य एतेऽ समागताः।
धातरा बेये ियिचकीषवः ॥२३॥
yotsyamånån avekße’haµ ya ete’tra samågatå˙
dhårtaråß†rasya durbuddher yuddhe priya-cikîrßava˙
Let me see all those warriors that are dear to Duryodhana, the
wicked son of Dh®taråß†ra, assembled here for this battle.
VERSE 24
एवमो षीकेशो गडाकेशेन भारत ।
सेनयोभयोमे ापिया रथोमम ् ॥२४॥
sañjaya uvåca –
evam ukto h®ßîkeço gu∂åkeçena bhårata
senayor ubhayor madhye sthåpayitvå rathottamam
13
Bhagavad-gita
Sañjaya continued: O descendant of Bharata, being thus

requested, Çrî K®ß√a drew Arjuna’s grand chariot between
both armies.
VERSE 25
भीोणमखतः सवषां च महीिताम ्।
उवाच पाथ पयैतामवेताुिनित॥२५॥
bhîßma dro√a pramukhata˙ sarveßåµ ca mahîkßitåm
uvåca pårtha paçyaitån samavetån kurüniti
In front of Bhîßma, Dro√a and all the leaders of the world,
Çrî K®ß√a said: O Pårtha (Arjuna, son of P®thå), behold the
Kaurava Dynasty assembled here!
VERSE 26
तापयितााथः िपतॄनथ िपतामहान ्।
आचायाातलाातॄाौाखथा ।
शरादैव सेनयोभयोरिप ॥२६॥
tatråpaçyat sthitån pårtha˙ pit®n atha pitåmahån
åcåryån måtulån bhråt®n putrån pautrån sakhîµs tathå
çvaçurån suh®daç caiva senayor ubhayorapi
There, between the two armies, Arjuna was able to observe
fatherly elders, grandfathers, teachers, maternal uncles,
brothers, sons, grandsons, fathers-in-law and friends.
VERSE 27
तामी स कौेयः सवाूनवितान ्।
कपया परयािवो िवषीदिदमवीत ् ॥२७॥
tån samîkßya sa kaunteya˙ sarvån bandhün avasthitån
k®payå parayåviß†o vißîdann idam abravit
14
Chapter 1
Seeing all his relatives before him on the battlefield,

Arjuna, the son of Kuntî, became overcome with pity and
was grief-stricken.
VERSE 28
ेमं जनं क ययं समपितम ्।
सीदि मम गाािण मखं च पिरशित ॥२८॥
arjuna uvåca –
d®ß†vemaµ svajanaµ k®ß√a yuyutsuµ samupasthitam
sîdanti mama gåtrå√i mukhaµ ca pariçußyati
Arjuna said: O K®ß√a, seeing all my relatives assembled
here and preparing for battle, the strength drains from my
limbs and my mouth becomes parched.
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a is known as Pårtha-sårathi, the chariot-driver
of Arjuna. Because K®ß√a was Arjuna’s friend and compan-
ion, he requested K®ß√a to draw his chariot between the
two armies so that he could see with whom he was to do
battle. But upon seeing the enemy before him, Arjuna was
shocked and fell into a state of bewilderment.
Now the stage at Kurukßetra was set, so that Çrî K®ß√a
could speak Bhagavad-gîtå – Arjuna became overwhelmed
with grief and gave up his duty. As a warrior Arjuna was
duty-bound to fight, but seeing the ordeal that lay ahead
he could not proceed.
The world is certainly full of faults, dangers, unfortu-
nate events, cruel and hateful designs to exploit others and
a host of other qualities that one would certainly describe
as evil. To quote Edmund Burke, the Irish statesman and
15
Bhagavad-gita
philosopher, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph

is for good men to stand by and do nothing.”
Arjuna had resolved in his mind not to fight, knowing
that the destruction of the dynasty meant the loss of tradi-
tion, the onslaught of degradation, the birth of unwanted
children etc. and thus evil would be the only outcome.
Arjuna also understood deep within himself that to do
nothing also assured grim repercussions.
VERSE 29
वेपथ शरीरे मे रोमहष जायते ।
गाडीवं ंसते हाैव पिरदते ॥२९॥
vepathuç ca çarîre me romaharßaç ca jåyate
gå√∂îvaµ sraµsate haståt tvak caiva paridahyate
My body trembles, my hair stands on end, my skin burns
and my Gå√∂îva bow slips from my grasp.
VERSE 30
न च शोवातं मतीव च मे मनः ।
िनिमािन च पयािम िवपरीतािन केशव ॥३०॥
na ca çaknomy-avasthåtuµ bhramatîva ca me mana˙
nimittåni ca paçyåmi viparîtåni keçava
O K®ß√a, O Keçava (Killer of the Keçî demon), I cannot keep
my composure, my mind is bewildered and I see evil omens.
VERSE 31
न च ेयोऽनपयािम हा जनमाहवे ।
न काे िवजयं क न च रा ं सखािन च ॥३१॥
16
Chapter 1
na ca çreyo’nupaçyåmi hatvå svajanam åhave

na kå∫kße vijayaµ k®ß√a na ca råjyaµ sukhåni ca
O K®ß√a, I see no benefit in slaying my kinsmen in this
battle. Neither do I desire victory, nor happiness by attain-
ing a great kingdom.
VERSE 32-34
िकं नो रा ेन गोिव िकं भोगैजिवतेन वा ।
येषामथ काितं नो रा ं भोगाः सखािन च ॥३२॥
त इमेऽविता ये ाणांवा धनािन च।
आचायाः िपतरः पाथैव च िपतामहाः ॥३३॥
मातलाः शराः पौाः यालाः संबिनथा ।
एता हिमािम तोऽिप मधसूदन ॥३४॥
kiµ no råjyena govinda kiµ bhogair jîvitena vå
yeßåm arthe kå∫kßitaµ no råjyaµ bhogå˙ sukhåni ca
ta ime’vasthitå yuddhe prå√åµs tyaktvå dhanåni ca
åcåryå˙ pitara˙ putrås tathaiva ca pitåmahå˙
måtulå˙ çvaçurå˙ pautrå˙ çyålå˙ sambandhinas tathå
etån na hantum icchåmi ghnato’pi madhusüdana
O Govinda (K®ß√a), of what avail to us are kingdoms, hap-
piness, or even life itself when all those for whom we may
desire them are now arrayed on this battlefield? Of what
use is a kingdom and it’s pleasures if those for whom we
desire all this – our teachers, elders, sons, grandfathers,
maternal uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law
and other relatives that are present here on this battlefield
– are ready to jeopardise their kingdoms and their lives in
this battle? O Madhusüdana (Killer of the Madhu demon),
even if they wish to slay me, I have no desire to slay them.
17
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 35
अिप ैलोरा  हेतोःिकं न महीकते ।
िनह धातरााः का ीितः ानादन ॥३५॥
api trailokya-råjyasya heto˙ kiµ nu mahî-k®te
nihatya dhårtaråß†rån na˙ kå prîti˙ syåj-janårdana
O Janårdana (Maintainer of all living beings), what to
speak of ruling this world, even if we gained sovereignty
over the three worlds, what happiness would be attained
by killing the sons of Dh®taråß†ra?
VERSE 36
पापमेवायेदाैतानातताियनः ।
तााहा वयं हं धातरााबावान ्।
जनं िह कथं हा सिखनः ाम माधव ॥३६॥
påpam evåçrayed asmån hatvaitån åtatåyina˙
tasmån nårhå vayaµ hantuµ dhårtaråß†rån sabåndhavån
svajanaµ hi kathaµ hatvå sukhina˙ syåma mådhava
O Mådhava (husband of the goddess of fortune), great
misfortune will surely come upon us if we kill our relatives,
though they may be hostile towards us. It is not proper to
slay the sons of Dh®taråß†ra as well as our friends. What
happiness will be derived from killing our own kin?
VERSE 37-38
येते न पयि लोभोपहतचेतसः ।
कुलयकतं दोषं िमोहे च पातकम ्॥३७॥
कथं न ेयमािभः पापादािविततम ्।
कुलय कतं दोषं पयिजनादन ॥१-३८॥
18
Chapter 1
yadyapyete na paçyanti lobhopahatachetasa˙

kula-kßayak®taµ doßaµ mitra-drohe ca påtakam
kathaµ na jñeyam asmåbhi˙ påpåd asmån nivartitum
kula-kßayak®taµ doßaµ prapaçyadbhir janårdana
O Janårdana, although the hearts of these men are over-
whelmed by greed and they cannot see the fault in betraying
one’s friends and the offence of murdering one’s kinsmen,
why should we engage in such a terrible activity, knowing
well the consequences?
VERSE 39
कुलये णयि कुलधमाः सनातनाः ।
धम ने कुलं कमधमऽिभभवत ॥३९॥
kula-kßaye pra√açyanti kula-dharmå˙ sanåtanå˙
dharme naß†e kulaµ k®tsnam adharmo’bhibhavatyuta
By destroying one’s relatives, the family traditions are van-
quished forever, and when such practices perish, unright-
eousness prevails over the entire dynasty.
VERSE 40
अधमािभभवाृ ि कुलियः ।
ीष ास वाय जायते वणसरः ॥४०॥
adharmåbhibhavåt k®ß√a pradußyanti kula-striya˙
strîßu duß†åsu vårß√eya jåyate var√a-sa∫kara˙
O K®ß√a, descendant of V®ß√i, when unrighteousness
prevails then the women of the family become degraded.
When the women become degraded, then undesirable off-
spring is the result.
19
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 41
सरो नरकायैव कुलानां कुल च ।
पति िपतरो ेषां िपडोदकियाः ॥४१॥
sa∫karo narakåyaiva kula-ghnånåµ kulasya ca
patanti pitaro hyeßåµ lupta-pi√∂odaka-kriyå˙
Undesirable offspring creates a dreadful condition for
both the family and the destroyer of family values. Their
forefathers fall down due to the discontinuation of cere-
monial libations of food and water.
VERSE 42
दोषैरेतैः कुलानां वणसरकारकैः ।
उाे जाितधमाः कुलधमा शाताः ॥४२॥
doßair etai˙ kula-ghnånåµ var√a-sa∫kara-kårakai˙
utsådyante jåti-dharmå˙ kula-dharmåç ca çåçvatå˙
Such terrible deeds by the destroyers of the family create a
population of unwanted progeny that totally annihilates all
traditions of family and society.
VERSE 43
उकुलधमाणां मनाणां जनादन ।
नरके िनयतं वासो भवतीनशम ॥४३॥
utsanna-kula-dharmå√åµ manußyå√åµ janårdana
narake niyataµ våso bhavatîty-anuçuçruma
O Janårdana, I have heard that those who destroy
familial, social and spiritual values eternally reside in
wretched conditions.
20
Chapter 1
VERSE 44
अहो बत महापं कत विसता वयम ् ।
या सखलोभेन हं जनमताः॥४४॥
aho bata mahat-påpaµ kartuµ vyavasitå vayam
yad råjya-sukha-lobhena hantuµ svajanam udyatå˙
Alas, what wickedness we are determined to commit –
simply due to our greed to enjoy royal pleasures we are
prepared to kill our own relatives!
VERSE 45
यिद मामतीकारमशं शपाणयः।
धातराा रणे हे ेमतरं भवेत ् ॥४५॥
yadi måm apratîkåram açastraµ çastra-på√aya˙
dhårtaråß†rå ra√e hanyus tan me kßemataraµ bhavet
If the sons of Dh®taråß†ra, with weapons in their hands,
slay me unarmed and unresisting on this battlefield, that
would be considered better by me.
VERSE 46
एवमवाजनः से रथोप उपािवशत ् ।
िवसृ सशरं चापं शोकसंिवमानसः ॥४६॥
sañjaya uvåca –
evam uktvårjuna˙ sa∫khye rathopastha upåviçat
vis®jya saçaraµ cåpaµ çoka-saµvigna-månasa˙
Sañjaya said: Having thus spoken these words, Arjuna cast

aside his bow and arrows and sat on the chariot, his heart
heavy with sorrow.
21
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
Figuratively speaking we would say that Arjuna was
‘caught between a hard spot and a rock’. Therefore, Arjuna
intelligently approached Çrî K®ß√a and appealed for His
intervention. Knowing that Çrî K®ß√a was the Absolute
Truth, complete with all opulence and knowledge, Arjuna
approached Çrî K®ß√a, addressing Him as H®ßîkeça (Master
of the senses), as Acyuta (the infallible), as Keçava (the
killer of the Keçî demon), as Govinda (one who pleases
the senses), as Madhusüdana (the killer of the Madhu
demon), as Janårdana (the Maintainer of all living beings),
as Mådhava (the husband of the goddess of fortune) and as
Vårß√eya (the descendant of the V®ß√i Dynasty).
Arjuna addressed Çrî K®ß√a by His different names
in order to invoke K®ß√a’s mercy and compassion for
the predicament that Arjuna was in. As H®ßîkeça, K®ß√a
is the Master of the mind and senses – thus He is never
bewildered or put into illusion. As Acyuta, He is incapa-
ble of making mistakes or wrong decisions. Arjuna needed
K®ß√a’s advice urgently – advice that he could depend on,
that would give relief to his disturbed mind and senses.
As Keçava, K®ß√a is the killer of the demon Keçî who
represents the false sense of greatness. Çrî K®ß√a is known
to have killed numerous demons during His advent and
each of those demons represented negative qualities that
hinder one’s progress in spiritual life such as the desire for
name and fame, dishonesty, false pride, deceitfulness, cru-
elty, foolishness, violence, lust, anger, greed, false teachings
and bad habits etc. Arjuna was confident that by taking
shelter of Çrî K®ß√a, all that was an impediment to his sit-
uation would be removed.
22
Chapter 1
By addressing K®ß√a as the descendant of the V®ß√i

Dynasty, Arjuna was also reminding K®ß√a of the impor-
tance of family traditions and to destroy them was Arjuna’s
biggest dilemma.
ॐ तिदित ीमहाभारते शतसाहां संिहतायां

वैयािसां भीपवािण ीमगवीतासूपिनष
िवायां योगशाे ीकाजनसंवादे
सैदशनं नाम थमोऽायः ॥
oµ tat saditi çrî-mahåbhårate-çata-såhasryåµ saµhitåyåµ
vaiyåsikyåµ bhîßma-parvå√i
çrîmad bhagavad-gîtåsüpanißatsu
brahma-vidyåyåµ yoga-çåstre çrî k®ß√årjuna-saµvåde
sainya-darçanaµ nåma prathamo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter One entitled
Sainya-Darçana from the conversation between Çrî
K®ß√a and Arjuna in the Upanißad known as Çrîmad
Bhagavad-gîtå, the yoga-çåstra of divine knowledge,
from the Bhîßma-parva of Mahåbhårata, the literature
revealed by Vyåsa in one hundred thousand verses.
23
Chapter 2
VERSE 1
सय उवाच।
तं तथा कपयािवमपूणाकुलेणम ्।
िवषीदिमदं वामवाच मधसूदनः॥१॥
sañjaya uvåca –
taµ tathå k®payåviß†am açru-pür√åkulekßa√am
vißîdantam idaµ våkyam uvåca madhusüdana˙
Sañjaya said: Çrî K®ß√a then spoke the following words to
Arjuna whose heart was overwhelmed with pity and whose
eyes were filled with tears.
VERSE 2
ीभगवानवाच ।
कुता कमलिमदं िवषमे समपितम ्।
अनायजमयमकीितकरमजन ॥२॥
çrî bhagavån uvåca –
kutas två kaçmalam idaµ vißame samupasthitam
anårya-juß†am asvargyam akîrti-karam arjuna
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: Arjuna, how has such illusion
overcome you at this crucial moment? This is not appro-
priate for an honourable man, nor does it lead to higher
planets. It is the cause of infamy.
VERSE 3
ैं मा  गमःपाथ नैतपपते ।
ुं दयदौबं वोि परंतप ॥३॥
klaibyaµ må sma gama˙ pårtha naitat tvayy-upapadyate
kßudraµ h®daya-daurbalyaµ tyaktvottiß†ha parantapa
27
Bhagavad-gita
O Pårtha, give up this unmanliness. It does not befit you.

O chastiser of enemies, get up and do not yield to this
petty weakness of heart.
VERSE 4
अजन उवाच ।
कथं भीमहं संे ोणं च मधसूदन ।
इषिभः ितयोािम पूजाहाविरसूदन ॥४॥
arjuna uvåca –
kathaµ bhîßmam ahaµ sa∫khye dro√aµ ca madhusüdana
ißubhi˙ pratiyotsyåmi püjårhåv-arisüdana
Arjuna replied: How can I counterattack such persons as
Bhîßma and Dro√a in battle, firing arrows at those who are
worthy of my respect, O Madhusüdana?
VERSE 5
गनहा िह महानभावान ्ेयो भोंु भैमपीह लोके ।
हाथकामंा गिनहैव भीय भोगािधरिदधान ्॥५॥
gurün ahatvå hi mahånubhåvån
çreyo bhoktuµ bhaikßyam apîha loke
hatvårtha kåmåµstu gurün ihaiva
bhuñjîya bhogån rudhira-pradigdhån
It is better to live in this world by begging than kill-
ing our respectable superiors. Otherwise, the wealth and
property that we enjoy here in this world will be tainted
with their blood.
VERSE 6
न चैतिः कतरो गरीयो या जयेम यिद वा नो जयेयः।
यानेव हा न िजजीिवषामस ्तेऽविताः मखे धातरााः ॥६॥
28
Chapter 2
na caitad vidma˙ kataranno garîyo

yadvå jayema yadi vå no jayeyu˙
yån eva hatvå na jijîvißåmas
te’vasthitå˙ pramukhe dhårtaråß†rå˙
I do not know what is better for us – to conquer them or
be conquered by them. If we slay the sons of Dh®taråß†ra
who are assembled here before us, I have no desire to live.
VERSE 7
कापयदोषोपहतभावः पृािम ां धमसूढचेताः ।
येयः ािितं ूिह ते िशेऽहं शािध मां ां पम ्॥७॥
kårpa√ya-doßopahata-svabhåva˙
p®chhåmi tvåµ dharma-sammü∂hachetå˙
yachhreya˙ syån niçcitaµ brühi tan me
çißyaste’haµ çådhi måµ tvåµ prapannam
My natural propensity as a warrior is weakening and I am
bewildered as to what is righteous. Kindly tell me what
is most beneficial for me. I am your disciple, surrendered
unto You. Please instruct me.
VERSE 8
न िह पयािम ममापनाद ्योकमोषणिमियाणाम ् ।
अवा भूमावसपमृं रा ं सराणामिप चािधपम ्॥८॥
na hi prapaçyåmi mamåpanudyåd
yac chokam ucchoßa√am indriyå√åm
avåpya bhümåv-asapatnam ®ddhaµ
råjyaµ surå√åm api cådhipatyam
Even if I gain a substantial kingdom beyond compare and
the power of the demigods, I see nothing that can remove
this grief that is eroding my senses.
29
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
This second chapter is where the Bhagavad-gîtå truly
begins. Bhagavad-gîtå literally means the ‘Song of Bhaga-
vån’ and Bhagavån means the Absolute Truth. Here for
the first time in Bhagavad-gîtå, Çrî K®ß√a is addressed as
Bhagavån. According to Vedic scholars such as Paråçara
Muni, Bhagavån means one who possesses all wealth,
strength, fame, beauty, knowledge and renunciation.
aiçvaryasya samagrasya vîryasya yaçasa˙ çriya˙

jñåna vairågyayos caiva ßa√√åµ bhaga itîra√å
He that possesses the attributes of sovereignty,
potency, fame, wealth, knowledge and renunciation
in full, is known as Bhagavån. (Viß√u Purå√a 6.5.74)
Additionally, Jîva Gosvåmî, the 16th Century Vaiß√ava

philosopher, says that Bhagavån is bhajanîya gu√a ca
ananta ca nitya˙ – He that possesses all adorable qualities
and whose all-attractive nature is such that He attracts our
feelings of affection and adoration.
In contemporary society there is much debate as to
whether God exists or not. First it is necessary to define
what we mean by ‘God’ before His existence can be deter-
mined or dismissed. Accordingly, seers of the truth in
ancient India have concluded that if there is a God, then
God must necessarily be the owner and proprietor of
everything; He must be all-powerful, the most famous, the
most beautiful, the possessor of all knowledge and at the
same time, detached or renounced. After careful analysis,
those seers of truth concluded that only Çrî K®ß√a could
be and is the ultimate fountainhead of Reality, the Abso-
30
Chapter 2
lute Truth. These findings have been corroborated by many

sages throughout the ages (from before 10,000 BCE) and
are dealt with extensively in the Vedic literatures such as
the Vedas, Upanißads, Purå√as, Råmåya√a, Mahåbhårata,
Vedånta-sütra, Çrîmad Bhågavatam and Brahma-saµhitå etc.
îçvara˙ parama˙ k®ß√a˙ sac-cid-ånanda vigraha˙

anådir ådir govinda˙ sarva-kåra√a-kåra√aµ
K®ß√a is the Supreme Controller. His form is made
of bliss, knowledge and eternity. He is the origin of
all. He is the Master of the cows and the senses. He
has no other origin and He is the primeval cause of
all causes. (Brahma-saµhitå 5.1)
ete cåµça kalå˙ puµsa˙ k®ß√as tu bhagavån svayam

indråri vyåkulaµ lokaµ m®∂ayanti yuge yuge
The various avatåras are either plenary expansions
or parts of plenary expansions. But K®ß√a is the orig-
inal source of all avatåras. When impious elements
disturb His devotees, He manifests age after age in
order to protect them. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 1.3.28)
harir eva sadårådhya˙ sarva-deveçvareçvara˙

itare brahma-rudrådyå nava-jñeyå˙ kadåcana
Only Çrî Hari (K®ß√a) should be worshipped as the
Master of the entire universe. Brahmå, Çiva and all
other demigods never violate this principle at any
time. (Padma Purå√a)
31
Bhagavad-gita
yatråvatîr√aµ k®ß√åkhyaµ
paraµ brahmå naråk®tim
When the Supreme Person descends in His human-
like form, He is K®ß√a, the Supreme Brahman.
(Viß√u Purå√a 4.11.2)
tasmåt k®ß√a eva paro devas taµ dhyåyet

taµ raset taµ bhajet taµ yajet
Thus K®ß√a is the Supreme Person. One should
meditate on Him. One should delight in Him. One
should worship Him and make offerings to Him.
(Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad 1.54)
k®ßir bhü-våcaka˙ çabdo √aç ca nirv®ti-våcaka˙

tayor aikyaµ paraµ brahma k®ß√a ityabhidhîyate
The verbal root k®ß refers to the all-attractive quality
of K®ß√a, and the syllable √a refers to His spiritual
bliss. When k®ß is added to the affix √a, it becomes
the word K®ß√a, indicating the Supreme Truth.
(Mahåbhårata, Udyoga-parva 71.4)
Arjuna has become overwhelmed with compassion for

those who are about to die on the battlefield. In fact, such
is his grief that he himself is prepared to die rather than
kill his enemies. But Arjuna is a warrior and from a noble
family, therefore K®ß√a advises Arjuna against his weakness
of heart. If one is a warrior it is one’s duty to face the enemy
and not cower away. Fighting is indeed a nasty business,
but when duty calls, such fighting may be unavoidable. In
ancient times, acts of aggression were abhorred and strictly
32
Chapter 2
forbidden in society and between nations. When such

aggression did occur, retaliation and war were acceptable.
According to the great sage Vasiß†ha, there are six types of
aggressors and according to Manu-saµhitå these aggressors
are to be met with lethal response.
agnido garadaç caiva çastra-på√ir dhanåpaha˙

kßetra-dåråpahårî ca ßa∂ ete hyåtatåyina˙
The arsonist who sets fire to one’s house, one who
administers poison, one who attacks with deadly
weapons, one who usurps a nations resources, one
who invades and occupies a sovereign country and
one who kidnaps one’s family members - all should
be considered as aggressors. (Vasiß†ha-sm®ti 3.19)
åtatåyinam åyåntaµ hanyåd evåvicårayan
nåtatåyi-vadhe doßo hantur bhavati kaçcana
Without hesitation a warrior should destroy aggres-
sors, as there is no bad reaction in slaying them.
(Manu-saµhitå 8.350)
These verses are according to the rules given in the laws
of society (artha-çåstra). Yet the laws of dharma (dhar-
ma-çåstra), which are superior to the artha-çåstra, state
that one should never inflict harm on any living being (må
hiµsyåt sarva-bhütåni) – what to say of one’s family mem-
bers and superiors?
This was Arjuna’s dilemma. Being a softhearted devo-
tee of Çrî K®ß√a, Arjuna was disinclined to take up arms
against his family members, but being a warrior he had
to face his destiny. In this state of bewilderment, Arjuna
33
Bhagavad-gita
decided to put aside his casual relationship with K®ß√a as a

friend and accept Çrî K®ß√a as his guru (spiritual master).
Thus K®ß√a accepted Arjuna as a disciple.
According to Vedic knowledge there are numerous
planets and parallel universes wherein life can be found.
Some of these planets and universes have higher standards
of living than we experience on Earth and some are lower.
If one performs one’s prescribed duties in this life then
accordingly, one is elevated to higher planets. However, if
one neglects his duty then only infamy and descending to
lower planets awaits one in the next life.
K®ß√a has used the word anårya meaning ‘non-åryan’
to describe Arjuna’s disinclination to follow his prescribed
Vedic duties. For centuries there has been much contro-
versy about who is an åryan and where the åryans came
from. For the most part, all such considerations have been
based upon bodily designations in order to establish one
race of people as superior to another. But in Bhagavad-gîtå,
according to the words of Çrî K®ß√a, the åryans are those
who carry out their duties in accordance with the Vedic
injunctions. Thus it is understood that the word åryan
does not pertain to a particular race of people, but to a
conception of life and a way of living.
Knowledge of the eternal existence of the infinite con-
sciousness (K®ß√a) and the finite individual unit of con-
sciousness (åtmå or the self) is the key to all Vedic wisdom.
This will be the central theme of K®ß√a’s instruction to
Arjuna in this chapter.
34
Chapter 2
VERSE 9
एवमवा षीकेशं गडाकेशः परंतप ।
न यो इित गोिवमवा तू बभूवह ॥९॥
sañjaya uvåca –
evam uktvå h®ßîkeçaµ gu∂åkeça˙ parantapa
na yotsya iti govindam uktvå tüß√îµ babhüvaha
Sañjaya said: Having thus addressed Çrî K®ß√a, the vigi-
lant conqueror of enemies Arjuna declared, “O K®ß√a, O
Govinda, I will not fight!” and became silent.
VERSE 10
तमवाच षीकेशः हसिव भारत ।
सेनयोभयोमे िवषीदिमदं वचः ॥१०॥
tam uvåca h®ßîkeça˙ prahasann iva bhårata
senayor ubhayor madhye vißîdantam idaµ vaca˙
Descendant of Bharata, there, between the two armies, Çrî
K®ß√a (H®ßîkeça) smiled and spoke the following words to
the grief-stricken Arjuna.
VERSE 11
अशोानशोचं ावादां भाषसे ।
गतासूनगतासूं नानशोचि पिडताः॥११॥
açocyån anvaçocas tvaµ prajñåvådåµç ca bhåßase
gatåsün agatåsüµç ca nånuçocanti pa√∂itå˙
35
Bhagavad-gita
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: While speaking like a wise man,

you are actually grieving for that which is unworthy of
grief. The wise lament for neither the living nor the dead.
VERSE 12
न ेवाहं जात नासं न ं नेमे जनािधपाः।
न चैव न भिवामः सव वयमतः परम ् ॥१२॥
na tv-evåhaµ jåtu nåsaµ na tvaµ neme janådhipå˙
na caiva na bhavißyåma˙ sarve vayam ata˙ param
There was never a time that you, nor I, nor all these war-
riors assembled here did not exist. Nor shall we ever cease
to exist in the future.
VERSE 13
देिहनोऽिथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा ।
तथा देहारािधर न मित ॥१३॥
dehino’smin yathå dehe kaumåraµ yauvanaµ jarå
tathå dehåntara pråptir dhîras tatra na muhyati
As the åtmå passes through the bodily transformations of
childhood, youth and old age, it similarly transmigrates
from one body to another at the time of death. The wise
are never deluded by this transition.
VERSE 14
मााशा कौेय शीतोसख ःखदाः ।
आगमापाियनोऽिनाांिित भारत ॥१४॥
måtrå-sparçås tu kaunteya çîtoß√a-sukha-du˙kha-då˙
ågamåpåyino’nityås tåµs titikßasva bhårata
36
Chapter 2
O son of Kuntî, the interaction between the senses and the

sense-objects produce the sensations of cold, heat, pleasure
and pain. These feelings are temporary, always appearing
and then disappearing. Thus, O descendant of Bharata, you
must learn to tolerate them.
VERSE 15
यं िह न थयेते पषं पषषभ ।
समःखसखं धीरं सोऽमृताय कते ॥१५॥
yaµ hi na vyathayanty-ete purußaµ purußarßabha
sama-du˙kha-sukhaµ dhîraµ so’m®tatvåya kalpate
O most virtuous one, a sober man who is equipoised in
both pleasure and pain and remains undisturbed is cer-
tainly qualified for liberation.
Anuv®tti
Arjuna is lamenting for the loss of the body, but Çrî
K®ß√a does not approve of his lamentation and reminds
Arjuna that all living beings are eternal. K®ß√a says that
He, Arjuna and all those present on the field of battle are
eternal personalities – they have existed eternally in the
past and they will exist eternally in the future.
Arjuna is an accomplished student of Vedic thought and
an associate of Çrî K®ß√a, but for the benefit of those who
will study this erudite conversation in the future, Arjuna
is feigning bewilderment and confusion just to encourage
the discourse. Arjuna is considered a liberated personality
and thus he is actually above ignorance and bewilderment.
Although consciousness is eternal, the material body
does not share this quality. The body passes through the
stages of birth, childhood, youth, old age, disease and
37
Bhagavad-gita
death. At death, consciousness transfers to another body

according to the laws of material nature (karma) and begins
the cycle yet again. The ever-changing body never bewil-
ders those who are cognisant of the difference between the
material body and consciousness.
Embodied consciousness is said to have five stages
known as the pañca-koça – annamaya (satisfying our exist-
ence by eating, as seen in children), prå√amaya (conscious-
ness of the preservation of one’s body), manomaya (the
stage of mental awareness), vijñånamaya (the cultivation of
consciousness based on higher knowledge, understanding
one is not this material body) and ånandamaya (cultivating
and entering into one’s relationship with the Supreme as
part and parcel of K®ß√a). The first three stages, annamaya,
prå√amaya and manomaya pertain to all living beings that
are caught in the doldrums of material sense enjoyment.
Vijñånamaya and ånandamaya concerns those who have
acquired knowledge of self-realisation (vijñåna) and per-
fection (ånanda).
Those who are asleep, simply absorbed in bodily iden-
tification, never experience the world beyond their sense
perception. Heat and cold, happiness and distress, pleasure
and pain, birth and death – these are the perceptions of life
experienced by those with no knowledge of consciousness.
But those who are liberated from the bodily concept of life
are awake in the conscious world and are always in balance,
even in the face of opposing and contradictory situations
in the material world. They are undisturbed.
VERSE 16
नासतो िवते भावो नाभावो िवते सतः।
उभयोरिप ोऽनयोदिशिभः॥१६॥
38
Chapter 2
nåsato vidyate bhåvo nåbhåvo vidyate sata˙

ubhayor api d®ß†o’ntas tv-anayos tattva-darçibhi˙
Of that which is temporary there is no eternal exist-
ence. Of that which is eternal there is no destruction
or change. Seers of the truth have realised the constitu-
tional position of both.
VERSE 17
अिवनािश त तिि येन सविमदं ततम ्।
िवनाशमया न कितमहित ॥१७॥
avinåçi tu tad viddhi yena sarvam idaµ tatam
vinåçam avyayasyåsya na kaçcit kartum arhati
Know for certain that individual consciousness, which per-
vades the whole body, is imperishable. Nobody can destroy
the indestructible individual unit of consciousness.
VERSE 18
अव इमे देहा िनोाः शरीिरणः ।
अनािशनोऽमेय ता भारत ॥१८॥
antavanta ime dehå nityasyoktå˙ çarîri√a˙
anåçino’prameyasya tasmåd yudhyasva bhårata
Embodied consciousness is eternal, imperishable and
infinite. Only the material body is perishable. Therefore
O Arjuna, fight!
Anuv®tti
Herein, Çrî K®ß√a is reiterating the superiority of con-
sciousness over matter. Since the time of Darwin, and
even amongst some philosophers of ancient India such as
39
Bhagavad-gita
Cårvåka up to the present day, there are those who think

that life arises out of matter. The Big Bang Theory and
other contemporary scientific ideas also support this
opinion. However, the problem with such thinking is that
there is no concrete evidence whatsoever to explain or
demonstrate how lifeless matter ever developed the symp-
toms of life. The Theory of Evolution, as the Darwinians
understand it, is substantially defeated in the fossil record,
since no ‘transitional species,’ that are supposed to reveal
the gradual evolution of living organisms from primitive
species to advanced life forms, have ever been discovered.
Furthermore, there is no suitable model to explain where
matter originated.
The numerous theories, new and ancient, that expound
that life arose from matter are fundamentally flawed in
many ways. On the other hand, from observing micro-
scopic living creatures to giant creatures like the elephant
and whale, it is self-evident that life comes from life. Thus,
the Vedic perspective on life is that all life comes from an
intelligent life source, Çrî K®ß√a.
Scientific interest in finding the cause of the universe,
and indeed to all life, is certainly laudable. Yet when all
reasonable and honest research leads us to the conclusion
that life/consciousness is not a byproduct of matter and
the blueprint of intelligent design can be observed every-
where and in all things, then it should also be intelligently
concluded that Super Consciousness is the cause of matter,
the universe and all living things.
VERSE 19
य एनं वेि हारं यैनं मते हतम ् ।
उभौ तौ न िवजानीतो नायं हि न हते ॥१९॥
40
Chapter 2
ya enaµ vetti hantåraµ yaçcainaµ manyate hatam

ubhau tau na vijånîto nåyaµ hanti na hanyate
One who considers the eternal unit of consciousness to be
the slayer, and one who considers it to be capable of being
slain are both in ignorance - for it neither slays nor is slain.
VERSE 20
न जायते ियते वा कदािचन ्नायं भूाभिवतावानभूयः।
अजो िनः शातोऽयं पराणो न हते हमाने शरीरे ॥२०॥
na jåyate mriyate vå kadåcin
nåyaµ bhütvå bhavitå vå na bhüya˙
ajo nitya˙ çåçvato’yaµ purå√o
na hanyate hanyamåne çarîre
The individual unit of consciousness neither takes birth nor
dies at any time. It has never been created nor will it ever be
created. It is unborn, eternal, indestructible and timeless - it
is not destroyed when the material body is destroyed.
VERSE 21
वेदािवनािशनं िनं य एनमजमयम ् ।
कथं स पषः पाथ कं घातयित हिकम ्॥२१॥
vedåvinåçinaµ nityaµ ya enam ajam avyayam
kathaµ sa purußa˙ pårtha kaµ ghåtayati hantikam
O Pårtha, considering that the individual unit of con-
sciousness is eternal, unborn, imperishable and indestructi-
ble, how can a person kill anyone, and whom does he kill?
41
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
It is sometimes thought that God, or some source of
higher intelligence, has created life in the universe, but
herein Çrî K®ß√a expresses that the individual conscious-
ness of a living being is never actually created. It exists eter-
nally as part and parcel of K®ß√a, as part and parcel of the
Super Consciousness. In the Vedic concept of the Abso-
lute Truth, K®ß√a exists eternally along with His energies.
Consciousness by that measure is never created; it simply
exists eternally as part and parcel of the Absolute Truth.
The characteristics of consciousness are described as
unborn, eternal, indestructible and timeless – that which is
not destroyed when the body is destroyed. The effects of
time on the material body are perceived as growth, main-
tenance, by-products, old age, dwindling and death. But
consciousness, being transcendental to matter, transcends
time and therefore never grows old, dwindles or dies.
In certain religious traditions the Creator is sometimes
visualised as being an old man in the sky. He is naturally
thought of as old because He has fathered the universe a
long time ago and He is the oldest of all. But here again
the conception of Bhagavad-gîtå differs dramatically. Con-
sciousness is ever fresh and the source of consciousness, the
Super Conscious Being, is always youthful and never old.
Those who are engrossed in material affairs and who
ignore the wisdom of Bhagavad-gîtå will find it very diffi-
cult to overcome the bodily concept of life and understand
the difference between matter and consciousness.
42
Chapter 2
VERSE 22
वासांिस जीणािन यथा िवहाय नवािन गृाित नरोऽपरािण ।
तथा शरीरािण िवहाय जीणाािन संयाित नवािन देही ॥२२॥
våsåµsi jîr√åni yathå vihåya navåni g®h√åti naro’parå√i
tathå çarîrå√i vihåya jîr√åny-anyåni saµyåti navåni dehî
Just as one removes old clothes and accepts new ones,
similarly the embodied unit of consciousness gives up old
bodies and accepts new bodies.
VERSE 23
नैनं िछि शािण नैनं दहित पावकः ।
न चैनं ेदयापो न शोषयित मातः ॥२३॥
nainaµ chindanti çastrå√i nainaµ dahati påvaka˙
na cainaµ kledayanty-åpo na çoßayati måruta˙
Weapons cannot cut the individual consciousness; it cannot
be burned by fire; water cannot wet it and air cannot dry it.
VERSE 24
अेोऽयमदाोयमेोऽशो एव च ।
िनः सवगतः ाणरचलोऽयं सनातनः ॥२४॥
acchedyo’yam adåhyo’yam akledyo’çoßya eva ca
nitya˙ sarva-gata˙ sthå√ur acalo’yaµ sanåtana˙
It is indestructible, incombustible, insoluble and cannot be
withered. It is eternal, all-pervading, unchanging, immova-
ble and primeval.
VERSE 25
अोऽयमिचोऽयमिवकायऽयम ते ।
तादेवं िविदैनं नानशोिचतमहिस ॥२५॥
43
Bhagavad-gita
avyakto’yam acintyo’yam avikåryo’yam ucyate

tasmåd evaµ viditvainaµ nånuçocitum arhasi
It is said that it is imperceptible, inconceivable and immuta-
ble. Thus, understanding the nature of individual embod-
ied consciousness, it is inappropriate for you to lament.
Anuv®tti
The transcendental nature of consciousness has been
described in the above verses. It cannot be cut, burned or
even touched by water or air. However, the material body
is subject to all the above. Consciousness is described as
eternal because it can never be destroyed. It is omnipresent
because it animates and gives feeling to all parts of the
body. It is unchanging because it never becomes anything
other than what it is – pure consciousness. It is immovable
because it does not change its constitutional position. It is
primeval because it is the oldest of all. It is imperceptible
because it lies beyond the range of the physical senses. It is
inconceivable because it is beyond the speculative function
of the mind, and it is immutable because it is part and
parcel of the Absolute Truth.
VERSE 26
अथ चैनं िनजातं िनं वा मसे मृतम ्।
तथािप ं महाबाहो नैनं शोिचतमहिस ॥२६॥
atha cainaµ nitya-jåtaµ nityaµ vå manyase m®tam
tathåpi tvaµ mahå-båho nainaµ çocitum arhasi
Even if you believe that the individual consciousness
is eternally subject to birth and death, still you have no
reason to lament, O mighty-armed one.
44
Chapter 2
VERSE 27
जात िह वो मृवं ज मृत च ।
तादपिरहायऽथ न ं शोिचतमहिस ॥२७॥
jåtasya hi dhruvo m®tyur dhruvaµ janma m®tasya ca
tasmåd aparihårye’rthe na tvaµ çocitum arhasi
For one who is born, death is certain. For one who is dead,
birth is certain. Therefore, you should not grieve over that
which is inevitable.
VERSE 28
अादीिन भूतािन मािन भारत ।
अिनधनाेव त का पिरदेवना ॥२८॥
avyaktådîni bhütåni vyakta-madhyåni bhårata
avyakta-nidhanåny-eva tatra kå paridevanå
O Bhårata, all living beings are unmanifest before birth,
manifest between birth and death, and again unmanifest
after death. What then is the reason for lamentation?
VERSE 29
आयवयित किदेनम ्आयवदित तथैव चाः ।
आयवैनमः णोित ाेनं वेद न चैव कित ् ॥२९॥
åçcaryavat paçyati kaçcidenam
åçcaryavad vadati tathaiva cånya˙
åçcaryavac-cainam anya˙ ç®√oti
çrutvåpy-enaµ veda na caiva kaçcit
Some consider the individual conscious unit as astound-
ing, some describe it as astounding, others hear of it as
astounding – and some, even after having heard about it,
have no knowledge of it.
45
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 30
देही िनमवोऽयं देहेसव भारत।
तावािण भूतािन न ं शोिचतमहिस ॥३०॥
dehî nityam avadhyo’yaµ dehe sarvasya bhårata
tasmåt sarvå√i bhütåni na tvaµ çocitum arhasi
O descendant of Bharata, the eternal individual conscious-
ness that dwells within the bodies of all beings can never be
slain. Thus, you should not lament for anyone.
Anuv®tti
The individual unit of consciousness is difficult to
understand because it is transcendental, a non-material sub-
stance, and cannot be seen with the material senses or even
with the world’s most powerful microscope. It is atomic
in size and can only be perceived through perfect intelli-
gence. This atomic unit of consciousness is situated in the
midst of the five kinds of subtle life-airs within the body
(prå√a, apåna, vyåna, samåna, udåna). It is located within
the heart and spreads its influence throughout the body.
To give us some idea of the minuteness of the åtmå and its
positioning within the body, the Çvetåçvatara Upanißad and
Mu√∂aka Upanißad provide the following information:
bålågra-çata bhågasya çatadhå kalpitasya ca

bhågo jîva˙ sa vijñeya˙ sa cånantyåya kalpate
When the upper part of a hair is divided into one
hundred parts and again each of those parts is fur-
ther divided into one hundred parts, each part is the
dimension of the åtmå. (Çvetåçvatara Upanißad 5.9)
46
Chapter 2
eßo’√ur åtmå cetaså veditavyo

yasmin prå√a˙ pañcadhå saµviveça
prå√aiç cittaµ sarvam otam prajånåµ
yasmin viçuddhe vibhavaty-eßa åtmå
The åtmå is atomic in size and can be perceived
by perfect intelligence. This atomic åtmå is floating
in the five kinds of airs, is situated in the heart,
and spreads its influence all over the body of the
embodied living beings. When the åtmå is purified
from its contamination of the five kinds of material
airs, its spiritual influence is exhibited. (Mu√∂aka
Upanißad 3.1.9)
The cycle of birth and death (saµsåra) is described as
a natural phenomenon for one who is embodied. Although
such a conception may be considered a fatalistic world
view, both birth and death are an unwanted experience for
the embodied consciousness. After experiencing life, no
sane person wants to die – everyone has the desire to live
as long as possible.
To that end, nowadays the producers of wonder drugs
promise us eternal life, although no such life-giving cures
exist at present – everyone has to die and before death
comes, the wonder drugs and doctors fees are sure to bank-
rupt the family fortune. However, death is an unnatural
experience. The fact that everyone seeks everlasting life
should be indicative that such a pure state of life exists
beyond birth and death. Indeed it does and Çrî K®ß√a will
shed light on that subject as this chapter develops.
47
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 31
धममिप चावे न िवकितमहिस ।
धाि याेयोऽिय न िवते ॥३१॥
svadharmam api cåvekßya na vikampitum arhasi
dharmyåddhi yuddhåc chreyo’nyat kßatriyasya na vidyate
Moreover, considering your natural duty, you should not
waver as there is no better course of action for a warrior
than a battle to uphold righteousness.
VERSE 32
यया चोपपं गारमपावृतम ्।
सिखनः ियाः पाथ लभे यमीशम ् ॥३२॥
yad®cchayå copapannaµ svarga-dvåram apåv®tam
sukhina˙ kßatriyå˙ pårtha labhante yuddham îd®çam
O Pårtha, only the most fortunate warriors are favoured
with the opportunity to engage in such a war, which has
come of its own accord to you as an open door to the
higher planets.
VERSE 33
अथ चेिममं ध संामं न किरिस ।
ततः धम कीित च िहा पापमवािस ॥३३॥
atha cet tvam imaµ dharmyaµ sangråmaµ na karißyasi
tata˙ svadharmaµ kîrtiµ ca hitvå påpam avåpsyasi
But if you decide not to take part in this war of right-

eousness, your principles of dharma will be lost, fame will
abandon you and impiety will be incurred.
48
Chapter 2
VERSE 34
अकीित चािपभूतािन कथियि तेऽयाम ्।
संभािवत चाकीितमरणादितिरते ॥३४॥
akîrtiµ cåpi bhütåni kathayißyanti te’vyayåm
sambhåvitasya cåkîrtir mara√åd atiricyate
For all time to come, people will speak of your infamy, and
for one who is great, infamy is worse than death.
VERSE 35
भयाणापरतं मंे ां महारथाः ।
येषां च ं बमतो भूा यािस लाघवम ् ॥३५॥
bhayåd ra√åd uparataµ maµsyante tvåµ mahå-rathå˙
yeßåµ ca tvaµ bahu-mato bhütvå yåsyasi låghavam
Illustrious warriors will believe that you ceased fighting
out of fear. You will fall into disgrace in the eyes of those
that hold you in great esteem.
VERSE 36
अवावादां बिदि तवािहताः ।
िनव साम ततो ःखतरं न िकम ् ॥३६॥
avåcya-vådåµç ca bahün vadißyanti tavåhitå˙
nindantas tava såmarthyaµ tato du˙khataraµ nu kim
Your enemies will insult you with slanderous words, con-
demning your prowess. Alas, what could be more painful
than that?
VERSE 37
हतो वा ािस ग िजा वा भोसे महीम ्।
ताि कौेय याय कतिनयः ॥३७॥
49
Bhagavad-gita
hato vå pråpsyasi svargaµ jitvå vå bhokßyase mahîm

tasmåd uttiß†ha kaunteya yuddhåya k®ta-niçcaya˙
O son of Kuntî, if you are killed you will attain the higher
planets, and if you are victorious you will enjoy the
Earth. Therefore, be confident of your success – stand
up and fight!
VERSE 38
सखःखे समे का लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ ।
ततो याय य  नैवं पापमवािस ॥३८॥
sukha-du˙khe same k®två låbhålåbhau jayåjayau
tato yuddhåya yujyasva naivaµ påpam avåpsyasi
Maintain equanimity when faced with happiness and dis-
tress, gain and loss, victory and defeat – fight, and in this
way you will not incur impiety.
Anuv®tti
Arjuna’s social position was that of a kßatriya, a
member of the warrior class. As such, it was Arjuna’s
solemn duty to uphold righteousness and to protect the
kingdom from aggressors. By law and social decree, Arjuna
and his brothers were the rightful heirs to the throne, yet
the throne had been usurped by his uncle Dh®taråß†ra.
Arjuna, his wife Draupadî, his mother Kuntî and his
brothers Yudhiß†hira, Bhîma, Sahadeva and Nakula had
all been forcibly exiled from the kingdom.
Çrî K®ß√a knows the temperament of Arjuna very well
and therefore He is appealing to Arjuna’s kßatriya spirit
to stand and fight. K®ß√a reminds Arjuna that only shame
awaits him if he neglects his duty. His enemies will speak
50
Chapter 2
ill of him and claim that he is a coward. Such neglect of his

duty will lead to infamy, not to glory.
A kßatriya, when called to battle, should never aban-
don his duty under any circumstance. K®ß√a tells Arjuna
that if he is killed in battle while defending the king-
dom, such an act of heroism will promote him to a higher
status in his next life. Or, K®ß√a says, if he is victorious in
battle then he will regain the kingdom and enjoy life on
Earth. In any case, K®ß√a strongly encourages Arjuna not
to abandon his duty.
VERSE 39
एषा तेऽिभिहता सांे बियगे िमां ण ।
बा यो यया पाथ कमबं हािस ॥३९॥
eßå te’bhihitå så∫khye buddhir-yoge tv-imåµ ç®√u
buddhyå yukto yayå pårtha karma-bandhaµ prahåsyasi
O Arjuna, son of P®thå, I have revealed to you the knowl-
edge of individual consciousness. Now hear how to act
upon this knowledge, through which you will be able to
release yourself from the bondage of action.
VERSE 40
नेहािभमनाशोऽि वायो न िवते ।
म धम ायते महतो भयात ् ॥४०॥
nehåbhikrama nåço’sti pratyavåyo na vidyate
svalpam apyasya dharmasya tråyate mahato bhayåt
There is no loss, nor is there any diminution of result in
performing this dharma. Even the slightest effort saves one
from the greatest fear.
51
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 41
वसायािका बिरेकेह कुनन ।
बशाखा ना बयोऽवसाियनाम ् ॥४१॥
vyavasåyåtmikå buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-çåkhå hy-anantåç ca buddhayo’vyavasåyinåm
O descendant of the Kurus, spiritual intelligence is one-
pointed and exclusive. However, the intelligence of those
that desire mundane enjoyment is many branched.
VERSE 42
यािममां पितां वाचं वदिवपितः ।
वेद वादरताः पाथ नादीित वािदनः ॥४२॥
yåm imåµ pußpitåµ våcaµ pravadanty-avipaçcita˙
veda-våda-ratå˙ pårtha nånyad astîti vådina˙
O Pårtha, those of small intelligence misinterpret the
Vedas and claim that there is no divine principle in crea-
tion. Thus they glorify those statements that are pleasing
to the senses.
VERSE 43
कामाानः गपरा जकमफलदाम ्।
ियािवशेषबलां भोगैयगितं ित ॥४३॥
kåmåtmåna˙ svarga-parå janma-karma-phala-pradåm
kriyå-viçeßa-bahulåµ bhogaiçvarya-gatiµ prati
Because their hearts are filled with selfish desires and their
goal is the higher planets, they prescribe many rituals that
award higher birth, wealth and power and lead to enjoy-
ment and opulence.
52
Chapter 2
VERSE 44
भोगैयसानां तयापतचेतसाम ्।
वसायािका बिः समाधौ निवधीयते ॥४४॥
bhogaiçvarya-prasaktånåµ tayåpah®ta-cetasåm
vyavasåyåtmikå buddhi˙ samådhau na vidhîyate
By such ideas these persons, contemplating sense gratifica-
tion and mundane pleasures, do not attain the resolve to fix
their minds on the Supreme.
Anuv®tti
The greatest fear that is mentioned in the above verse
is the fear of losing the human form of life and taking
birth in an animal body or lower. Some people think of
the consciousness that is generally called åtmå as being
human and other åtmås as being animal etc. But in reality
no such distinction between a human åtmå and an animal
åtmå exists. One transmigrates, according to one’s karma,
through many lower species of life and eventually arrives
at the human stage.
Human life offers one the opportunity of self-reali-
sation or the chance to cultivate spiritual knowledge and
awareness. One who attempts to become self-realised is
not always successful in one attempt or in one lifetime.
However, Çrî K®ß√a gives us the assurance that even a
little endeavour on the path of self-realisation will save
us from the greatest fear, namely that of taking birth in a
lower life form.
The perfection of self-realisation in the yoga system
is called samådhi, or the complete absorption of our con-
sciousness in the Supreme. The student of bhakti-yoga
achieves such a state of self-realisation by following the
53
Bhagavad-gita
instructions of Çrî K®ß√a with steady determination. This

state is only possible due to the great boon of having
attained a human form of life.
However, if one neglects the opportunity of self-real-
isation in human life then one certainly runs the risk of
sinking down into animal life or worse. It is sometimes
argued that animals like cats and dogs have a better, more
comfortable life than many humans, and that is certainly
true for many cats and dogs in western countries. But there
is no guarantee that in losing the human form of life one
will become a dog or cat and be taken care of by a rich
American family. One may become an animal that is eaten
alive by wild beasts or torn apart by predators in the sea.
Certainly it goes without saying that such a life and death
is full of suffering.
Therefore, to avoid the unnecessary suffering found in
animal life, a person who has achieved the human platform
should, with great determination and diligence, pursue the
path of self-realisation as outlined in Bhagavad-gîtå.
VERSE 45
ैगयिवषया वेदा िनैगयो भवाजन ।
िनो िनसो िनयगेम आवान ्॥४५॥
traigu√ya-vißayå vedå nistraigu√yo bhavårjuna
nirdvandvo nitya-sattva-stho niryoga-kßema åtmavån
The Vedas deal with subjects in the three modes of mate-
rial nature. O Arjuna, become free from duality, situated
in a state of pure spiritual consciousness, free from the
pursuits for gain and preservation and thus you will tran-
scend these three modes.
54
Chapter 2
VERSE 46
यावानथ उदपाने सवतः संलुतोदके ।
तावावष वेदेष ाण िवजानतः ॥४६॥
yåvån artha udapåne sarvata˙ samplutodake
tåvån sarveßu vedeßu bråhma√asya vijånata˙
A large lake serves all the purposes served by a small pond.
Similarly, one who is the knower of the Absolute Truth
realises all the purposes found within the Vedas.
VERSE 47
कमयेवािधकारे मा फलेष कदाचन ।
मा कमफलहेतभूमा ते सोऽकमिण ॥४७॥
karma√y-evådhikåraste må phaleßu kadåcana
må karma-phala-hetur bhür må te sa∫go’stv-akarma√i
Your right is to perform your work, but never to the
results. Never be motivated by the results of your actions,
nor should you be attached to not performing your pre-
scribed duties.
VERSE 48
योगः कु कमािण सं वा धनय ।
िसिसोः समो भूा समं योग उते ॥४८॥
yogastha˙ kuru karmå√i sa∫gaµ tyaktvå dhanañjaya
siddhy-asiddhyo˙ samo bhütvå samatvaµ yoga ucyate
O Dhanañjaya, stand firm in yoga, perform your activities
giving up attachment and be equipoised in both success
and failure. Such balance is known as yoga.
55
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 49
रेण वरं कम बियोगानय ।
बौ शरणमि कपणाः फलहेतवः ॥४९॥
düre√a hy-avaraµ karma buddhi-yogåd dhanañjaya
buddhau çara√am anviccha k®pa√å˙ phala-hetava˙
O Dhanañjaya, fruitive activities are by far inferior to the
yoga of wisdom. Therefore, take shelter in the wisdom
of equanimity. Those that are motivated by the fruitive
results of their actions are misers.
VERSE 50
बियो जहातीह उभे सकतृते ।
ताोगाय य  योगः कमस कौशलम ्॥५०॥
buddhi-yukto jahåtîha ubhe suk®ta-dußk®te
tasmåd yogåya yujyasva yoga˙ karmasu kauçalam
A wise man refrains from performing both good and bad
actions in this world. Thus, engage in yoga, as yoga is the
best of all activities.
VERSE 51
कमजं बिया िह फलं वा मनीिषणः ।
जबिविनमाःपदं गनामयम ्॥५१॥
karma-jaµ buddhi yuktå hi phalaµ tyaktvå manîßi√a˙
janma-bandha-vinirmuktå˙ padaµ gacchanty-anåmayam
The wise give up the results of their actions and thus lib-
erate themselves from the bondage of material birth and
death. Thus they attain the plane beyond all suffering.
56
Chapter 2
VERSE 52
यदाते मोहकिललं बििततिरित ।
तदा गािस िनवदं ोत त च ॥५२॥
yadå te moha-kalilaµ buddhir vyatitarißyati
tadå gantåsi nirvedaµ çrotavyasya çrutasya ca
Once your intelligence is able to pass through the dense
jungle of illusion, you will become indifferent to all that
has been heard and all that is yet to be heard.
VERSE 53
ितिवितपा ते यदा ाित िनला।
समाधावचला बिदा योगमवािस ॥५३॥
çruti-vipratipannå te yadå sthåsyati niçcalå
samådhåv-achalå buddhis tadå yogam avåpsyasi
When your mind is no longer affected by the false inter-
pretations of the Vedas, then you will attain the perfect
stage of yoga.
Anuv®tti
To be situated in transcendence means to be liberated
from the three modes of material nature – the modes of
ignorance, passion and goodness (tama-gu√a, raja-gu√a
and sattva-gu√a). Yoga is the practice of becoming situ-
ated beyond the modes of nature. Everyone in the material
world is under the three modes of nature and only a true
yogî can surpass these modes.
Our activities are categorised in three ways – as action
prescribed by the Vedas (karma), unauthorised action
(vikarma) and transcendental action (akarma). Karma
means those activities that derive a good result and some-
57
Bhagavad-gita
times promote one to higher planets or higher standards

of living. Vikarma are those activities that are against the
Vedic injunctions and cause suffering to the self and to
other living creatures. Akarma means those activities that
have neither good nor bad reactions.
One who is wise and who knows the science of yoga
always strives to perform the activities of akarma. Such
yogîs are known as bhakti-yogîs and can easily situate them-
selves in transcendence. Other systems of yoga such as
aß†å∫ga-yoga, råja-yoga, ku√∂alinî-yoga, ha†ha-yoga and
kriyå-yoga can also reach transcendence, but the path is
very difficult, especially in this modern age.
Çrî K®ß√a is known as Yogeçvara, the Supreme Master
of yoga, and although Bhagavad-gîtå discusses other yoga
systems, it is the bhakti-yoga system that K®ß√a ultimately
recommends. The yogî situated in bhakti-yoga is always
engaged in devotional activities to satisfy the Supreme
Master of yoga, Çrî K®ß√a. Thus, the bhakti-yogî is always
in complete control of his senses. Without control of the
senses no one can perform meditation or engage in spiritual
practices properly. Therefore, the bhakti-yogî is the top-
most yogî because he is engaged in the topmost yoga system.
There are eight mystical perfections of yoga known as the
aß†a-siddhis. These perfections are – becoming very small
(a√imå-siddhi), becoming lighter than air (laghimå-siddhi),
being able to retrieve anything from anywhere, such as
extending one’s hand while in New York and picking a
mango growing in India (pråpti-siddhi), to become heav-
ier than the heaviest (mahimå-siddhi), to create something
wonderful or to destroy anything at will (îçitva-siddhi), to
control the material elements (vaçitva-siddhi), the ability to
58
Chapter 2
fulfil all of one’s desires (pråkåmya-siddhi) and the ability

to assume any form one wishes (kåmåvasåyitå-siddhi). As
the Master of yoga, K®ß√a has these eight yoga perfections
in full.
It is sometimes claimed by yogîs that they have achieved
one or more of these aß†a-siddhis and such seems to have
been relatively common in ancient times. But in modern
times the claim of having one of the aß†a-siddhis, more often
than not, turns out to be fraudulent or simply a show to
attract many followers. With the rise in popularity of yoga,
false claims of aß†a-siddhis have become a lucrative business.
A higher aspiration for the yogî is not the achievement
of the aß†a-siddhis, but the achievement of samådhi in bhak-
ti-yoga because such achievement frees one from the cycle
of birth and death.
VERSE 54
ित का भाषा समािध केशव ।
ितधीः िकं भाषेत िकमासीत जेत िकम ् ॥५४॥
arjuna uvåca –
sthita-prajñasya kå bhåßå samådhi-sthasya keçava
sthita-dhî˙ kiµ prabhåßeta kim åsîta vrajeta kim
Arjuna said: O Keçava, what are the characteristics of that
person who is perfectly situated in divine wisdom and fully
absorbed in pure spiritual consciousness (samådhi)? How
does he speak? How does he sit? How does he walk?
59
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 55
जहाित यदा कामावााथ मनोगतान ्।
आेवाना तः ितदोते ॥५५॥
prajahåti yadå kåmån sarvån pårtha manogatån
åtmany-evåtmanå tuß†a˙ sthita-prajñas tadocyate
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: O Pårtha, When the living being
abandons all material desires that enter the mind and
becomes self-satisfied within, then that person is said to be
situated in divine knowledge.
VERSE 56
ःखेनिमनाः सखेष िवगतृहः ।
वीतरागभयोधः ितधीमिनते ॥५६॥
du˙kheßv-anudvigna manå˙ sukheßu vigata-sp®ha˙
vîta-råga-bhaya-krodha˙ sthita-dhîr munir ucyate
One whose mind remains undisturbed by distress, who has
no desire for pleasure, who is free from mundane attach-
ment, fear and anger, is a sage of steady mind.
VERSE 57
यः सवानिभेहा शभाशभम ्।
नािभनित न ेि त ा ितिता ॥५७॥
ya˙ sarvatrånabhisnehas tat tat pråpya çubhåçubham
nåbhinandati na dveß†i tasya prajñå pratiß†hitå
One who is unattached to anything in this world and who
does not become joyful or resentful on attaining good or
evil, is firmly established in wisdom.
60
Chapter 2
VERSE 58
यदा संहरते चायं कूमऽानीव सवशः।
इियाणीियाथ ा ितिता ॥५८॥
yadå saµharate cåyaµ kürmo’∫gånîva sarvaça˙
indriyå√îndriyårthebhyas tasya prajñå pratiß†hitå
When one is able to withdraw the senses from sense-ob-
jects, just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs, then he is firmly
established in wisdom.
VERSE 59
िवषया िविनवते िनराहार देिहनः ।
रसवज रसोऽ परं ा िनवतते ॥५९॥
vißayå vinivartante niråhårasya dehina˙
rasa-varjaµ raso’pyasya paraµ d®ß†vå nivartate
An embodied living being may renounce sense-objects, but
the taste for enjoying them remains. However, this too also
ceases for one who realises the Supreme.
VERSE 60
यततो िप कौेय पष िवपितः ।
इियािण माथीिन हरि सभं मनः ॥६०॥
yatato hy-api kaunteya purußasya vipaçcita˙
indriyå√i pramåthîni haranti prasabhaµ mana˙
Yet the turbulent senses can forcibly steal the mind of even
a wise man of sound judgment, O son of Kuntî.
VERSE 61
तािन सवािण संय य आसीत मरः ।
वशे िह येियािण त ा ितिता ॥६१॥
61
Bhagavad-gita
tåni sarvå√i saµyamya yukta åsîta mat-para˙

vaçe hi yasyendriyå√i tasya prajñå pratiß†hitå
Restraining all the senses, a self-controlled person should
fix his mind upon Me. Thus he becomes firmly situated in
divine knowledge.
Anuv®tti
As previously stated, there are numerous yoga systems.
Çrî K®ß√a states unequivocally that by the system of with-
drawing one’s senses from the objects of the senses, namely
sound, touch, taste, smell and sight for sense satisfaction
and concentrating the mind on Him, one becomes firmly
situated in divine knowledge and samådhi.
Simply suspending the senses without positive engage-
ment for advancing in spiritual life is not very profitable.
Many yogîs have tried giving up sense activities altogether,
but because the taste, or attachment, for sense-objects
remains, many have fallen down in their attempts. How-
ever, the senses of the bhakti-yogî who follows K®ß√a’s
direction are safeguarded because the senses are engaged
twenty-fours hours a day in K®ß√a’s service. As such, the
taste for sensual satisfaction gradually dries up and disap-
pears leaving the bhakti-yogî free to advance spiritually.
One who cannot control the senses cannot concentrate
the mind. Additionally, the senses are never actually satis-
fied by material engagement. The senses become satiated
for sometime, but then again become stimulated with an
even greater avarice. Those who are servants of the bodily
senses can never become masters of the self.
Being fully absorbed in pure spiritual consciousness or
samådhi means to be conscious of K®ß√a as the Supreme
62
Chapter 2
Person. Such absorption of the mind and senses in K®ß√a

is called K®ß√a consciousness.
VERSE 62
ायतो िवषयांसः सेषूपजायते ।
साायते कामः कामाोधोऽिभजायते ॥६२॥
dhyåyato vißayån puµsa˙ sa∫gas teßüpajåyate
sa∫gåt sañjåyate kåma˙ kåmåt krodho’bhijåyate
By meditating upon sense-objects, one becomes attached
to them. From attachment desire appears and from desire
anger manifests.
VERSE 63
ोधावित संमोहः संमोहाृितिवमः ।
ृितंशाुिनाशो बिनाशाणयित ॥६३॥
krodhåd bhavati saµmoha˙ saµmohåt sm®ti-vibhrama˙
sm®ti-bhraµçåd buddhi-nåço buddhi-nåçåt pra√açyati
Delusion manifests from anger. Delusion causes bewilder-
ment of memory. Bewilderment of memory causes loss of
intelligence and when intelligence is lost, one is destroyed.
VERSE 64
रागेष िवमै िवषयािनियैरन ्।
आवयैिवधेयाा सादमिधगित ॥६४॥
råga-dveßa-vimuktais tu vißayån indriyaiç caran
åtma-vaçyair vidheyåtmå prasådam adhigacchati
However, one who can control his mind and senses, and is
free from both attachment and repulsion, even while in the
midst of sense-objects, attains divine grace.
63
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 65
सादेसवःखानां हािनरोपजायते ।
सचेतसो ाश बिः पयवितते ॥६५॥
prasåde sarva-du˙khånåµ hånir asyopajåyate
prasanna-cetaso hy-åçu buddhi˙ paryavatiß†hate
When one attains divine grace, all miseries cease. Cer-
tainly, such a person who achieves a tranquil mind devel-
ops divine wisdom.
VERSE 66
नाि बिरय न चाय भावना ।
न चाभावयतः शािरशा कुतः सखम ् ॥६६॥
nåsti buddhir ayuktasya na cåyuktasya bhåvanå
na cåbhåvayata˙ çåntir açåntasya kuta˙ sukham
One who is bereft of self-control cannot attain wisdom.
Without wisdom one can never meditate. One who cannot
meditate cannot achieve peace, and without peace how can
one attain happiness?
VERSE 67
इियाणां िह चरतां यनोऽनिवधीयते ।
तद हरित ां वायनाविमवािस ॥६७॥
indriyå√åµ hi caratåµ yan mano’nuvidhîyate
tad asya harati prajñåµ våyur nåvam ivåmbhasi
Whichever sense the wandering mind becomes absorbed
in, that sense carries away the intelligence, just as a ship at
sea is swept away by a strong wind.
64
Chapter 2
VERSE 68
ता महाबाहो िनगृहीतािन सवशः ।
इियाणीियाथ ा ितिता ॥६८॥
tasmåd yasya mahå-båho nig®hîtåni sarvaça˙
indriyå√îndriyårthebhyas tasya prajñå pratiß†hitå
Therefore, O mighty armed Arjuna, one whose senses are
fully withdrawn from the sense-objects is firmly estab-
lished in divine wisdom.
Anuv®tti
Unfortunately, there are many charlatan yogîs who, for
the sake of money and gaining disciples, give their so called
‘blessings’ advocating that there is no need to follow any
particular practice of sense-control such as a non-violent
diet, sexual abstinence or avoiding intoxication etc. Such
charlatans cheat and mislead their followers into thinking
that they themselves are gods and that they can enjoy what-
ever their senses fancy.
But fair warning is given here. Such uncontrolled sense
activities lead not to divine grace or divine wisdom, but to
attachment, then increased desire, then anger, then delu-
sion, bewilderment, loss of intelligence and ultimately to
destruction.
VERSE 69
या िनशा सवभूतानां तां जागित संयमी ।
यां जाित भूतािन सा िनशा पयतो मनेः ॥६९॥
yå niçå sarva-bhütånåµ tasyåµ jågarti saµyamî
yasyåµ jågrati bhütåni så niçå paçyato mune˙
65
Bhagavad-gita
That which is day for the self-controlled sage is night for

all living beings, and that which is day for all living beings
is night for the introspective sage.
VERSE 70
आपूयमाणमचलितं सममापः िवशि यत ्।
तामा यं िवशि सव स शािमाोित न कामकामी ॥७०॥
åpüryamå√am acala-pratiß†haµ
samudram åpa˙ praviçanti yadvat
tadvat kåmå yaµ praviçanti sarve
sa çåntim åpnoti na kåma-kåmî
Such a sage who is steadfast in facing the constant flow of
desires and who does not strive to satisfy them achieves
peace. He remains unaffected, just as the ocean remains
calm as rivers enter into it.
VERSE 71
िवहाय कामाः सवामांरित िनःृहः ।
िनममो िनरहारः स शािमिधगित ॥७१॥
vihåya kåmån ya˙ sarvån pumåµç carati ni˙sp®ha˙
nirmamo niraha∫kåra˙ sa çåntim adhigacchati
Only one who abandons all desire for sense-indulgence,
who lives free from possessiveness and is free of false ego
can attain peace.
VERSE 72
एषा ाी िितःपाथ नैनां ा िवमित ।
िाामकालेऽिप िनवाणमृित ॥७२॥
66
Chapter 2
eßå bråhmî sthiti˙ pårtha nainåµ pråpya vimuhyati

sthitvåsyåm anta-kåle’pi brahma-nirvå√am ®cchati
O Pårtha, having attained realisation of the Absolute Truth

one is never bewildered. If one is situated in this state at
the time of death, one attains brahma-nirvå√am, the abode
of pure consciousness, and all suffering ceases.
Anuv®tti
The highest achievement by accepting the instructions
of Çrî K®ß√a in Bhagavad-gîtå is given here. One who
does so at the time of death, attains brahma-nirvå√am,
the spiritual planets of Vaiku√†ha and the mitigation of
all suffering.
According to the knowledge of self-realised souls, the
Absolute Truth has three stages of realisation – Brahman,
Paramåtmå and Bhagavån.
vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvaµ yaj jñånam advayam

brahmeti paramåtmeti bhagavån iti çabdyate
The seers that know the Absolute Truth call this
non-dual substance Brahman, Paramåtmå or Bhaga-
vån. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 1.2.11)
Brahman means attaining the impersonal light experi-

ence or effulgence of the Absolute. The word ‘Brahman’
is found throughout the Vedic literature and according to
scholars of bhakti-yoga, ultimately means Viß√u or K®ß√a.
The Buddhist philosophers take nirvå√a to be the end
of material life and entering into the void, but Bhaga-
vad-gîtå teaches differently. In the Vedic teachings there is
67
Bhagavad-gita
no void anywhere. Everything is the energy of the Absolute

Truth and no existence or non-existence is reconcilable
outside of that.
According to the prominent sages of bhakti-yoga,
Viçvanåtha Cakravartî translates brahma-nirvå√am as lib-
eration. His disciple, Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a understands
brahma-nirvå√am as Paramåtmå who is Viß√u, the form
of liberation. Råmånuja takes Brahman as the åtmå and
nirvå√am as full of happiness. Madhva takes brahma-nir-
vå√am as Viß√u/K®ß√a without a material form. Bhakti
Rakßaka Çrîdhara Mahåråja takes brahma-nirvå√am as
freedom from material bondage and A.C. Bhaktivedånta
Svåmî Prabhupåda takes brahma-nirvå√am as meaning
the kingdom of Viß√u/K®ß√a. In all cases, the devotees
of K®ß√a never accept liberation in the impersonal state of
Brahman or the void because they are only interested in
service to K®ß√a and are already liberated.
Paramåtmå means realisation of the Absolute situated
in the hearts of all living things – the Maintainer of the
universe, being situated within and in between every parti-
cle of matter.
Bhagavån is the realisation of the personal aspect of
the Absolute Truth and is considered to be the ultimate
stage of self-realisation, because in that stage one realises
the Absolute Truth in toto as K®ß√a, the fountainhead of
all energies. The abode of K®ß√a is known as Vaiku√†ha or
Goloka V®ndåvana.
Furthermore, verse 71 refers to the aha∫kåra, or the
false ego, that is attached to consciousness when driven
by the modes of material nature. False ego presupposes
the existence of real ego – that real ego being the pure
68
Chapter 2
consciousness of a living being. Thinking oneself to be the

material body, or thinking oneself to be the enjoyer of the
senses, is the cause and the effect of false ego. Such false
ego never leads to enlightenment, but to repeated births
and deaths in the cycle of saµsåra. The false ego is like a
shadow of darkness that covers pure consciousness. The
pure ego is non-different from pure consciousness itself.
Pure ego is to realise oneself as part and parcel of the
Absolute Truth and eternal servant of K®ß√a.

सांयोगो नाम ितीयोऽायः॥
så∫khya yogo nåma dvitîyo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Two entitled
Så∫khya Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a
and Arjuna in the Upanißad known as Çrîmad Bhagavad-
gîtå, the yoga-çåstra of divine knowledge, from the Bhîßma-
parva of Mahåbhårata, the literature revealed by Vyåsa in
one hundred thousand verses.
69
Chapter 3
VERSE 1
अजन उवाच।
ायसी चेमणे मता बिजनादन ।
तिं कमिण घोरे मां िनयोजयिस केशव ॥१॥
arjuna uvåca –
jyåyasî cet karma√as te matå buddhir janårdana
tat kiµ karma√i ghore måµ niyojayasi keçava
Arjuna said: O Janårdana, O Keçava, if it is Your opinion
that wisdom is better than action, then why do You wish
to engage me in such violent activities?
VERSE 2
ािमेणेव वाेन बिं मोहयसीव मे ।
तदेकं वद िनि येन ेयोऽहमायाम ् ॥२॥
vyåmiçre√eva våkyena buddhiµ mohayasîva me
tad ekaµ vada niçcitya yena çreyo’ham åpnuyåm
Your words seem to be contradictory and my mind is now
confused. Therefore, kindly tell me which particular path
is most beneficial for me.
VERSE 3
ीभगवानवाच।
लोकेऽिििवधा िना परा ोा मयानघ ।
ानयोगेन सांानां कमयोगेन योिगनाम ् ॥३॥
loke’smin dvi-vidhå niß†hå purå proktå mayånagha
jñåna-yogena så∫khyånåµ karma-yogena yoginåm
73
Bhagavad-gita
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: O faultless one, previously I

explained the two paths found in this world – the path
of wisdom for the empirical philosophers and the path of
action for those that must perform action.
VERSE 4
न कमणामनाराै पषोऽते ।
न च संसनादेव िसिं समिधगित ॥४॥
na karma√åm anårambhån naißkarmyaµ purußo’çnute
na ca sannyasanåd eva siddhiµ samadhigacchati
A man cannot attain the state of divine consciousness free
from material action simply by abstaining from action.
Neither can perfection be attained simply by renunciation.
VERSE 5
न िह किणमिप जात ितकमकत ्।
कायते वशः कम सवः कितजैगणैः ॥५॥
na hi kaçcit kßa√am api jåtu tiß†haty-akarmak®t
kåryate hy-avaça˙ karma sarva˙ prak®ti-jair gu√ai˙
One cannot abstain from activities even for a moment.
Indeed, all living beings are forced to engage in activities
due to the influence of the modes of material nature.
Anuv®tti
The purpose of Bhagavad-gîtå is to elevate one beyond
the bodily concept of life to the plane of consciousness or
understanding the nature of the self. Çrî K®ß√a has already
established this in the Second Chapter, but it appears that
Arjuna finds some contradiction in what K®ß√a has said.
Arjuna asks K®ß√a to further explain wisdom and action
74
Chapter 3
so that he may follow the proper path. This confusion is

common amongst novices – should one be a philosopher
who is indifferent to the affairs of the material world, or
should one engage in one’s prescribed duties?
What is ultimately to be understood by K®ß√a’s instruc-
tions is that both wisdom and proper engagement are
interdependent. One is not complete without the other.
Engagement, sometimes seen as spiritual practices, without
philosophy is merely sentiment and philosophy without
practice is mental speculation. Religious practices without
a solid philosophical basis often lead to fanaticism that
results in destruction and death. Our modern world is all
too aware of this.
The interdependent relationship between philosophy
and spiritual practice is indispensable for one who wants
to achieve the perfection of human life. Actions should
be performed with proper knowledge, only then does one
achieve the proper result and is considered a true yogî.
VERSE 6
कमियािण संय य आे मनसा रन ्।
इियाथािमूढाा िमाचारः स उते ॥६॥
karmendriyå√i saµyamya ya åste manaså smaran
indriyårthån vimü∂håtmå mithyåcåra˙ sa ucyate
One who controls the external senses yet mentally dwells
upon the sense-objects is said to be foolish and hypocritical.
VERSE 7
यिियािण मनसा िनयारभतेऽजन ।
कमियैः कमयोगमसः स िविशते ॥७॥
75
Bhagavad-gita
yas tv-indriyå√i manaså niyamyårabhate’rjuna

karmendriyai˙ karma-yogam asakta˙ sa viçißyate
However, that person who controls the senses with the
mind and engages them in karma-yoga (the path of selfless
action) without attachment is superior, O Arjuna.
VERSE 8
िनयतं कु कम ं कम ायो कमणः ।
शरीरयाािप च ते न िसेदकमणः ॥८॥
niyataµ kuru karma tvaµ karma jyåyo hy-akarma√a˙
çarîra-yåtråpi ca te na prasiddhyed akarma√a˙
You should perform your prescribed duties, since action is
better than inaction. You cannot maintain your existence
without action.
VERSE 9
याथामणोऽ लोकोऽयं कमबनः ।
तदथ कम कौेय मसः समाचर ॥९॥
yajñårthåt karma√o’nyatra loko’yaµ karma-bandhana˙
tad-arthaµ karma kaunteya mukta-sa∫ga˙ samåcara
All activities are meant for sacrifice (yajña) to Viß√u.
Other than that, all other activities bind one to this mate-
rial world. O son of Kuntî, work for Him alone and be free
from any attachment.
Anuv®tti
The Vedic injunctions enjoin that all activities should
be performed as an offering to Viß√u/K®ß√a – yajño vai
viß√u˙. No embodied being can give up action even for a
76
Chapter 3
moment because in the material world everyone is forced

to act under the influence of the modes of nature. It is also
said that the pure nature of the åtmå is to be engaged in
the spiritual activities of serving the Supreme Being, K®ß√a.
Therefore, all activities are to be connected to, and for the
satisfaction of Viß√u/K®ß√a. This is known as the consti-
tutional position of the åtmå.
It is clear from the above verses that action is better
than inaction. As it is said, “An idle mind is the Devil’s
workshop.” If the senses are idle and one tries to empty
the mind, then what usually transpires is that the mind
becomes engaged in unproductive thoughts and eventually
the sense-objects carry the mind and senses away.
The influence of the modes of material nature over the
åtmå is called måyå, or illusion. This måyå is the external
energy of the Absolute Truth. When the åtmå is separated,
or disconnected from the Absolute Truth by improper
philosophical understanding or improper activities, the
result is bewilderment, confusion and saµsåra.
VERSE 10
सहयाः जाः सृा परोवाच जापितः ।
अनेन सिवमेष वोऽिकामधक ्॥१०॥
saha-yajñå˙ prajå˙ s®ß†vå purovåca prajåpati˙
anena prasavißyadhvam eßa vo’stv iß†a kåmadhuk
In the beginning of creation, Brahmå created mankind
along with the system of sacrifice and said, “Through this
sacrifice may you prosper. May it fulfil all your desires.”
77
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 11
देवाावयतानेन ते देवा भावय वः।
पररं भावयः ेयः परमवाथ ॥११॥
devån bhåvayatånena te devå bhåvayantu va˙
parasparaµ bhåvayanta˙ çreya˙ param avåpsyatha
The demigods, being satisfied with sacrifices, will also sat-
isfy you. By mutually pleasing each other, you will attain
the highest benefit.
VERSE 12
इाोगाि वो देवा दाे यभािवताः।
तैदानदायैो यो भे ेन एव सः ॥१२॥
iß†ån bhogån hi vo devå dåsyante yajña-bhåvitå˙
tair dattån apradåyaibhyo yo bhu∫kte stena eva sa˙
Being satisfied by your performance of sacrifices, the dem-
igods will bestow unto you all the necessities of life. But
one who enjoys these gifts without offering them to the
demigods is a thief.
VERSE 13
यिशािशनः सो मे सविकिषैः ।
भते ते घं पापा ये पचाकारणात ् ॥१३॥
yajña-çiß†åçina˙ santo mucyante sarva-kilbißai˙
bhuñjate te tvaghaµ påpå ye pacanty-åtma-kåra√åt
Enlightened individuals are liberated from all types of
impiety by accepting the remnants of foodstuffs offered
in sacrifice. However, those who only cook for themselves
perpetuate their own bondage.
78
Chapter 3
VERSE 14
अावि भूतािन पजादसंभवः ।
यावित पजो यः कमसमवः ॥१४॥
annåd bhavanti bhütåni parjanyåd anna-sambhava˙
yajñåd bhavati parjanyo yajña˙ karma-samudbhava˙
All living beings subsist on food, and food is produced by
rain. Rain is produced due to the performance of sacrifice,
and sacrifice is born of prescribed activities.
Anuv®tti
In verse 10 Brahmå is mentioned as the creator.
According to the Vedas, Brahmå is the first living being in
this universe and is manifest directly by Viß√u. Brahmå’s
function is as the secondary creator of the planetary sys-
tems. In modern times, some atheistic thinkers, such as
Professor Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist
from Oxford University, have conceded that aliens from
another planet may have possibly seeded life on Earth.
Far-fetched as this may sound to some of us, the idea does
come very close to the truth.
The ancient texts of India state that Brahmå resides
in the highest realm in the universe known as Satya-loka.
Some of the offspring of Brahmå known as the Prajåpatis
are then sent forth to seed life throughout the cosmos.
But rather than look at Brahmå as an alien, the Vedic
texts describe him as the father of all living beings in the
material world.
Since western civilisation first came into contact with
the pantheon of Vedic demigods there has always been
the speculation that the Vedic people, often referred to
79
Bhagavad-gita
as Hindus, were pagans – pagan meaning the worshippers

of many gods and not one Supreme God. Thus western
observers conclude that monotheism, the worship or rever-
ence of one Supreme God, originated with the Abrahamic
religions of the west. This however is not a fact.
The Vedic pantheon does indeed include many lesser
demigods, but the Vedic texts are quite clear that there
is only one Supreme Being or Super Consciousness that
is above all. That is always referred to as Brahman, Par-
amåtmå, Bhagavån, Viß√u or K®ß√a. For example, the ‰g
Veda (1. 22. 20) states as follows:
tad viß√o˙ paramaµ padaµ sadå paçyanti suraya˙

divîva cakßur åtatam
The divine feet of Viß√u are above all, like the sun
above our heads. His holy feet are like the vigilant
eye of a grand guardian over our heads like the sun.
Çrîmad Bhågavatam says:
ete cåmça kalå˙ pumsa˙ k®ß√as tu bhagavån svayam

The various avatåras are either plenary expansions
or parts of plenary expansions. But Çrî K®ß√a is
the original source of all these avatåras. (Çrîmad
Bhågavatam 1.3.28)
Historically speaking, it is erroneous to assume that

monotheism was developed by Abrahamic civilisations
independent of any outside influence. In fact, the Abra-
hamic religions borrowed the idea of monotheism from the
Persians after King Cyrus subjugated Babylon and Judea
80
Chapter 3
circa 500 BCE. Prior to the arrival of the Persians, and

continuing into the 2nd and 3rd Centuries, Judaism and
Christianity were known to have belief systems based on
one or more gods. Thus, monotheism only gradually devel-
oped among the Abrahamic religions.
Since the monotheistic concept found in the Vedas is
much older than the Abrahamic religions, it is only logical
to conclude that the latter borrowed their thinking from
the former. During the interim, the Persians, under the
influence of Zoroaster, took the monotheistic philosophy
from India and then transmitted it to the Middle Eastern
civilisations. Indeed, monotheism has always been the cen-
tral theme of India’s Vedic literature.
However, failing to look deeply into the philosophy
of the Vedas or possibly being culturally intimidated by
the superiority of Vedic knowledge as opposed to western
philosophies and religions, Eurocentric academics and fun-
damental religionists have marginalised the ancient Vedic
civilisation of India. The German scholar Max Muller
propagated further misinformation on this subject in the
19th Century with the invention of the Aryan Invasion
Theory, stating that Vedic civilisation did not originate in
India. Yet all this is quite far from the truth.
According to Muller, the åryans were a nomadic tribe
from Europe who invaded India. Yet there is no evidence
that the åryans were nomads. In fact, to suggest that a
nomadic tribe of barbarians wrote literature of such pro-
found wisdom as the Vedas defies imagination.
Furthermore, within the Vedas, there is no mention what-
soever of an original homeland, and archaeologically there
is a complete lack of evidence to prove an invasion ever
81
Bhagavad-gita
occurred. It can only be concluded that the åryan people

and Vedic knowledge were always indigenous to India.
The Vedic knowledge is that Viß√u/K®ß√a is Supreme
and the lesser gods and goddesses such as Brahmå, Çiva,
Ga√eça, Kårtikeya, Kålî and Sarasvatî etc. are actually serv-
ants of the Supreme Being and are empowered with the
duties of managing the universal affairs of material nature.
In the above verses Çrî K®ß√a recommends that offerings
should be made to the demigods and thus the demigods
will be pleased to bestow unto humanity all the necessities
of life. This is, in short, a universal law of taxation. In
other words, we must give the demigods their dues.
It is also intrinsic to the nature of the åtmå, to perform
service and sacrifice. Constitutionally the åtmå, being part
of the organic whole (the Absolute Truth), is duty-bound
to serve the whole, both in this life and in eternity. When
sacrifice or offerings are made to Viß√u such as fruits, veg-
etables etc. then one’s senses become purified by eating the
remnants of such offerings. But if one takes the things of
this world without first acknowledging to whom they actu-
ally belong, then one simply incurs a karmic reaction. This
also includes our daily food that should first be offered
to Viß√u/K®ß√a. It will be explained by Çrî K®ß√a later in
Bhagavad-gîtå that these food offerings should comprise
of vegetables, fruits, milk products, flowers etc. Non-veg-
etarian food items cannot be offered to Viß√u or K®ß√a –
consequently the servants of Viß√u/K®ß√a are vegetarian.
K®ß√a will also explain that those who serve the Absolute
Truth are not duty-bound to serve the demigods, nor are
they bound by any other social consideration.
82
Chapter 3
VERSE 15
कम ोवं िवि ारसमवम ्।
तावगतं  िनं ये ितितम ् ॥१५॥
karma brahmodbhavaµ viddhi brahmåkßara-samudbhavam
tasmåt sarva-gataµ brahma nityaµ yajñe pratiß†hitam
One should know that prescribed activities originate from
the Vedas, and the Vedas originate from the imperishable
Absolute Truth. Thus, the omnipresent Absolute Truth is
eternally present within acts of sacrifice.
VERSE 16
एवं विततं चं नानवतयतीह यः ।
अघायिरियारामो मोघं पाथ स जीवित ॥१६॥
evaµ pravartitaµ cakraµ nånuvartayatîha ya˙
aghåyur indriyåråmo moghaµ pårtha sa jîvati
O Pårtha, one who lives in this world but does not accept
the Vedic system, lives an impious life in pursuit of sense
pleasure – thus he lives his life in vain.
VERSE 17
यारितरेव ादातृ मानवः ।
आेव च संत काय न िवते ॥१७॥
yas tv-åtmaratir eva syåd åtma-t®ptaç ca månava˙
åtmany-eva ca santuß†as tasya kåryaµ na vidyate
However, for one who finds pleasure in the self, there is
no duty to fulfil. He rejoices in the self, and internally is
completely self-satisfied.
83
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 18
नैव त कतेनाथ नाकतेनेह कन ।
न चा सवभूतेष किदथपायः ॥१८॥
naiva tasya k®tenårtho nåk®teneha kaçcana
na cåsya sarva-bhüteßu kaçcid artha-vyapåçraya˙
In this world, he neither gains by action, nor gains by inac-
tion. Neither does he depend upon any other person.
VERSE 19
तादसः सततं काय कम समाचर।
असो ाचरम परमाोित पूषः ॥१९॥
tasmåd asakta˙ satataµ kåryaµ karma samåcara
asakto hyåcaran karma param åpnoti pürußa˙
Therefore, continue to perform your prescribed duties per-
fectly without attachment to the results. By acting without
attachment one attains the Absolute.
VERSE 20
कमणैव िह संिसिमािता जनकादयः।
लोकसहमेवािप संपयतमहिस ॥२०॥
karma√aiva hi saµsiddhim åsthitå janakådaya˙
loka-sa∫graham evåpi sampaçyan kartum arhasi
In the past, kings such as Janaka and others attained per-
fection by performing their prescribed duties. In order to
set a proper example to the people in general, you should
also act appropriately.
84
Chapter 3
VERSE 21
यदाचरित ेदेवेतरो जनः ।
स यमाणं कुते लोकदनवतते ॥२१॥
yad yad åcarati çreß†has tat tad evetaro jana˙
sa yat pramå√aµ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
However a great man conducts himself, common men will
follow. Accordingly, whatever standards he sets by his
actions, others will follow in his footsteps.
Anuv®tti
The Vedic system of political and spiritual leadership is
that one should lead by example. Unfortunately, in today’s
world, good leaders of any kind are hard to come by. Not
only are we disappointed to learn that those we have elected
to public office are often pilfering the wealth of the coun-
try for their own benefit, but we are even more shocked to
learn that many of our so-called spiritual leaders cannot
even maintain the most basic principles of morality and
engage in abominable, depraved practices.
Çrî K®ß√a states in the above verse that what a great man
does the common man will follow. This is most evident
when we observe how movie stars, rock stars, and sports
personalities influence the majority of people today. That
we tend to be influenced by others is a human character-
istic, therefore role models are essential. But what human
society needs are role models that are knowledgeable, cul-
tured, morally principled and spiritually advanced.
85
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 22
न मे पाथाि कतं िष लोकेष िकन ।
नानवामवां वत एव चकमिण ॥२२॥
na me pårthåsti kartavyaµ trißu lokeßu kiñcana
nånavåptam avåptavyaµ varta eva ca karma√i
O Arjuna, son of P®thå, I have no duty to perform what-
soever in the three worlds. I lack nothing nor do I need to
gain anything – yet I still engage in activities.
VERSE 23
यिद हं न वतयं जात कमयतितः।
मम वानवते मनाः पाथ सवशः ॥२३॥
yadi hy-ahaµ na varteyaµ jåtu karma√y-atandrita˙
mama vartmånuvartante manußyå˙ pårtha sarvaça˙
If I avoid activity then all men will follow My path and
neglect their prescribed duties, O Pårtha.
VERSE 24
उीदेयिरमे लोका न कुया कम चेदहम ्।
सर च कता ामपहािममाः जाः ॥२४॥
utsîdeyur ime lokå na kuryåµ karma ced aham
sa∫karasya ca kartå syåm upahanyåm imå˙ prajå˙
If I do not act properly, then the general populace will be
ruined and I will be the cause of unwanted progeny. In this
way I will cause the destruction of all beings.
86
Chapter 3
VERSE 25
साः कमयिवांसो यथा कुवि भारत ।
कुयािांथासिकीषलकसहम ् ॥२५॥
saktå˙ karma√y-avidvåµso yathå kurvanti bhårata
kuryåd vidvåµs tathåsaktaç cikîrßur loka-sa∫graham
O descendant of Bharata, just as the ignorant are attached
to their activities, similarly the wise must also work, but
without attachment, for the welfare of all.
VERSE 26
न बिभेदं जनयेदानां कमसिनाम ्।
जोषयेवकमािण िवाः समाचरन ् ॥२६॥
na buddhi-bhedaµ janayed ajñånåµ karma-sa∫ginåm
joßayet sarva-karmå√i vidvån yukta˙ samåcaran
The wise should not disturb the minds of the ignorant who
are attached to their selfish activities. Rather, remaining
unattached and fully executing their duties, they should
encourage the ignorant and engage them in pious activities.
VERSE 27
कतेः ियमाणािन गणैः कमािण सवशः ।
अहारिवमूढाा कताहिमित मते ॥२७॥
prak®te˙ kriyamå√åni gu√ai˙ karmå√i sarvaça˙
aha∫kåra-vimü∂håtmå kartåham iti manyate
All activities are performed by the modes of nature. But
those who are deluded by the false identification of the
body think, “I am the doer.”
87
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a states in the above verses that He has no duty
to perform, that He lacks nothing nor has He anything to
gain. In other words, K®ß√a is already perfect and complete
– oµ pür√am. Yet K®ß√a acts; He is not idle. He acts for
the benefit of humanity by establishing spiritual practices
in every age – dharmaµ tu såkßåd bhagavat-pra√îtaµ. When
an avatåra of the Absolute Truth makes His appearance in
the material world, He does so to establish eternal princi-
ples of dharma.
K®ß√a appeared at the end of Dvåpara-yuga, 5,237
years ago (3228 BCE) and spoke the Bhagavad-gîtå. How-
ever, this was not K®ß√a’s most recent appearance. K®ß√a
appeared again after the beginning of Kali-yuga 525
years ago. This Kali-yuga avatåra of K®ß√a is known as
Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu. In His avatåra as Çrî Caitanya
Mahåprabhu, K®ß√a taught the process of sa∫kîrtana, the
congregational chanting of the mahå-mantra, to accompany
the study of Bhagavad-gîtå. As regards the mahå-mantra,
the Kali-santara√a Upanißad states as follows:

iti ßo∂açakaµ nåmnåµ kali-kalmaßa nåçanam
nåta˙ parataropåya˙ sarva-vedeßu d®çyate
The sixteen words of this mahå-mantra are specif-
ically meant for counteracting the contamination
of Kali-yuga. There is no other way but to chant
these names of K®ß√a. After searching throughout
88
Chapter 3
the Vedic literature one will not find a process for this
age that is more sublime. (Kali-santara√a Upanißad 2)
The transcendental potency of the mahå-mantra is fur-

ther described as follows in Padma Purå√a:
nåma cintåma√i˙ k®ß√aç caitanya-rasa-vigraha˙

pür√a˙ çuddho nitya-mukto ‘bhinnatvån nåma-nåmino˙
The name of Çrî K®ß√a is a transcendental touch-
stone, full of all transcendental mellows. Complete,
pure, and eternally liberating, the name of K®ß√a is
non-different than K®ß√a.
The study of the Bhagavad-gîtå and the practice of

sa∫kîrtana have now spread all over the world. It is no
longer something that is only available in India. There
will be more discussion on this particular topic in Chap-
ter 4, verse 8.
The proper mode of action and the proprietor of the
results of action is only understood when one is free from
the identification of the self as the body, as being a byprod-
uct of the body or that one is the doer of activities.
We walk, we talk, we digest food, we construct build-
ings and even empires, but all these activities are made
possible for us by a combination of material nature and
the Paramåtmå, the Super Consciousness that pervades
the entire universe. How all this transpires is inconceiva-
ble to those under the bodily conception of life. Thus the
idea that, “I am this body” arising from the false ego must
be abandoned. Who are we? Where do we come from?
Why are we here? Is there life after death? The answers to
89
Bhagavad-gita
all these questions begin to fall into place when one gives
up the concept of the body as the self. Many great thinkers
from western civilisation have struggled with the ultimate
questions of life and death, but failed to find the answers
or the solutions to the problems. This in part was due to
the fact that they contemplated life under the false premise
that the body is the self. Self-realisation and realisation of
the Absolute Truth begins with the abandonment of the
bodily concept of life.
VERSE 28
तिव महाबाहो गणकमिवभागयोः।
गणा गणेष वत इित मा न सते ॥२८॥
tattvavit tu mahå-båho gu√a-karma-vibhågayo˙
gu√å gu√eßu vartanta iti matvå na sajjate
Yet, O mighty-armed one, one who is a knower of the
truth concerning action and the modes of material nature,
understands that it is the modes interacting with one
another and thus he remains unattached.
VERSE 29
कतेगणसंमूढाः से गणकमस ।
तानकिवदो माृिव िवचालयेत ्॥॥२९॥
prak®ter gu√a-saµmü∂hå˙ sajjante gu√a-karmasu
tån ak®tsna-vido mandån k®tsna-vin na vicålayet
Those bewildered by the modes of material nature are
engrossed in material activities conducted by those modes.
The wise should not disturb the ignorant who are bereft of
proper knowledge.
90
Chapter 3
VERSE 30
मिय सवािण कमािण संााचेतसा ।
िनराशीिनममो भूा य िवगतरः ॥३०॥
mayi sarvå√i karmå√i sannyasyådhyåtma-cetaså
niråçîr nirmamo bhütvå yudhyasva vigata-jvara˙
Completely surrendering all your activities unto Me, with
your consciousness fully situated in the self, without any
selfish motivation, without any sense of ownership and
without grief – fight!
VERSE 31
ये मे मतिमदं िनमनितिमानवाः।
ावोऽनसूयो मे तेऽिप कमिभः ॥३१॥
ye me matam idaµ nityam anutiß†hanti månavå˙
çraddhåvanto’nasüyanto mucyante te’pi karmabhi˙
Those that faithfully follow these instructions of Mine
without envy will become free from the bondage of actions.
VERSE 32
ये ेतदसूयो नानिति मे मतम ्।
सवानिवमूढांािि नानचेतसः ॥३२॥
ye tv-etad abhyasüyanto nånutiß†hanti me matam
sarva-jñåna-vimü∂håµs tån viddhi naß†ån acetasa˙
However, you should know that those persons who, out
of envy, do not follow My instructions are deprived of all
knowledge. They have lost sight of the goal of life and are
bereft of intelligence.
91
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 33
सशं चेते ाः कतेानवानिप ।
कितं याि भूतािन िनहः िकं किरित ॥३३॥
sad®çaµ ceß†ate svasyå˙ prak®ter jñånavån api
prak®tiµ yånti bhütåni nigraha˙ kiµ karißyati
Even a wise man acts according to his nature. All living
beings act according to their natures, for what can repres-
sion achieve?
VERSE 34
इियेियाथ रागेषौ वितौ ।
तयोन वशमागेौ  पिरपिनौ ॥३४॥
indriyasyendriyasyårthe råga-dveßau vyavasthitau
tayor na vaçam ågacchet tau hy-asya paripanthinau
The senses are attracted to and repelled by the objects of
the senses. But one must not become controlled by such
attraction or aversion for they are obstacles.
VERSE 35
ेयाधम िवगणः परधमानितात ्।
धम िनधनं ेयः परधम भयावहः ॥३५॥
çreyån svadharmo vigu√a˙ para-dharmåt svanuß†hitåt

sva-dharme nidhanaµ çreya˙ para-dharmo bhayåvaha˙
It is better to perform one’s own prescribed duties imper-
fectly rather than perform another’s duties perfectly. It is
better to die while performing one’s own duties, for exe-
cuting the duties of another is fraught with uncertainty.
92
Chapter 3
Anuv®tti
The faults of material life are many. Herein, Çrî K®ß√a
has mentioned certain faults that a serious student of the
Bhagavad-gîtå should be preeminently aware of. Ignorance,
foolishness, selfish motivation, a false sense of proprietor-
ship, as well as attraction and aversion to the sense-objects
are mentioned by K®ß√a. But more dangerous than any
other fault is envy. Envy, it seems, is purely evil as K®ß√a
says that those who do not follow the teachings of the
Bhagavad-gîtå out of enviousness are bereft of all knowl-
edge and intelligence.
Another danger is the tendency of neglecting one’s own
duty and trying to perform the duty of another. In other
words, K®ß√a tells Arjuna to tend to his own business.
Arjuna is a kßatriya and his duty, as already discussed, is to
protect and defend the kingdom. Arjuna however, is show-
ing leanings towards renunciation – becoming a monk, a
sannyåsî. Arjuna wants to abandon his duty and perform
that of another, but K®ß√a warns him that this is not a
good idea. In fact, K®ß√a says it is even dangerous. K®ß√a
explains that it is better to perform one’s own duty imper-
fectly than perform another’s duty perfectly.
In particular, K®ß√a is encouraging Arjuna to follow the
codes of conduct set down for kßatriyas – of which aban-
doning the battlefield for a warrior is not an option.
VERSE 36
अथ केन योऽयं पापं चरित पूषः ।
अिनिप वाय बलािदव िनयोिजतः ॥३६॥
93
Bhagavad-gita
arjuna uvåca –
atha kena prayukto’yaµ påpaµ carati pürußa˙
anicchann api vårß√eya balåd iva niyojita˙
Arjuna asked: O K®ß√a, descendant of the V®ß√is, what is
it that makes a man perform impious activities even against
his will, as if by force?
VERSE 37
काम एष ोध एष रजोगणसमवः ।
महाशनो महापाा िवेनिमह वैिरणम ् ॥३७॥
kåma eßa krodha eßa rajogu√a-samudbhava˙
mahå-çano mahå-påpmå viddhy-enam iha vairi√am
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: It is lust, which transforms into
anger that is manifest from the mode of passion. Know
this lust to be totally insatiable and extremely evil. It is the
great enemy of this world.
VERSE 38
धूमेनाियते वियथादश मलेन च ।
यथोेनावृतो गभथा तेनेदमावृतम ्॥३८॥
dhümenåvriyate vahnir yathådarço malena ca
yatholbenåv®to garbhas tathå tenedam åv®tam
As a fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by
dust, and as the womb covers an embryo, similarly, lust
covers the consciousness of the living being.
94
Chapter 3
VERSE 39
आवृतं ानमेतेन ािननो िनवैिरणा ।
कामपेण कौेय ूरेणानलेन च ॥३९॥
åv®taµ jñånam etena jñånino nitya-vairi√å
kåma-rüpe√a kaunteya dußpüre√ånalena ca
O Kaunteya, the discrimination of even a wise man can
become covered by this eternal nemesis in the form of lust
that is like an all-devouring fire.
VERSE 40
इियािण मनो बिरािधानमते ।
एतैिवमोहयेष ानमावृदेिहनम ् ॥४०॥
indriyå√i mano buddhir asyådhiß†hånam ucyate
etair vimohayaty eßa jñånam åv®tya dehinam
It is said that the senses, mind and intelligence are the sit-
ting places of this enemy. Covering one’s knowledge, it
bewilders the embodied living being.
VERSE 41
तािमियायादौ िनय भरतषभ ।
पाानंजिहेनं ानिवाननाशनम ् ॥४१॥
tasmåt tvam indriyå√y-ådau niyamya bharatarßabha
påpmånaµ prajahi hy-enaµ jñåna-vijñåna-nåçanam
Therefore, O noblest amongst the Bharatas, you must first
bring the senses under control and eliminate lust, which is
the embodiment of all impiety and the destroyer of knowl-
edge and realisation.
95
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 42
इियािण परायािरियेः परं मनः ।
मनस परा बिय बेः परत सः ॥४२॥
indriyå√i parå√y-åhur indriyebhya˙ paraµ mana˙
manasas tu parå buddhir yo buddhe˙ paratas tu sa˙
It is said by the wise that the senses are superior to the
sense-objects, the mind is superior to the senses, and the
intelligence is superior to the mind. Superior to the intelli-
gence is the individual unit of consciousness.
VERSE 43
एवं बेः परं बा संाानमाना ।
जिह शं महाबाहो कामपं रासदम ् ॥४३॥
evaµ buddhe˙ paraµ buddhvå saµstabhyåtmånam åtmanå
jahi çatruµ mahå-båho kåma-rüpaµ duråsadam
O mighty armed Arjuna, knowing the individual unit of
consciousness to be superior to the intelligence, steady the
mind with the pure intellect of the self and conquer this
indomitable enemy in the form of lust.
Anuv®tti
Herein, it is stated that the mind is superior to the
senses and intelligence is superior to the mind, but above
the intelligence is the consciousness or åtmå. The mate-
rial body is comprised of the mind, senses and intelligence
and they are therefore considered as material elements. In
Chapter 7, verse 4 of Bhagavad-gîtå, Çrî K®ß√a lists the
eight material elements as earth, water, fire, air, space,
mind, intelligence and false ego. Then, in the next verse,
K®ß√a describes a superior energy known as jîva-bhüta, the
96
Chapter 3
units of individual consciousness. K®ß√a says that this jîva-

bhüta, also known as åtmå, is categorically different than
the material elements. It is fully spiritual.
But when lust, the all-devouring enemy of self-reali-
sation, covers the mind, senses and intelligence of the
superior jîva-bhüta, then the knowledge and realisation of
the jîva-bhüta are destroyed. Therefore, K®ß√a says that
first the yogî must conquer lust. If one does not pursue
the cravings of lust and instead takes control of one’s
lower self with one’s higher self, lust will eventually be
vanquished. However, if one tries to satisfy his burning
lust then it is like pouring fuel onto a fire.

कमयोगो नाम तृतीयोऽायः॥
karma-yogo nåma t®tîyo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Three entitled
Karma Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and
Arjuna in the Upanißad known as Çrîmad Bhagavad-gîtå,
the yoga-çåstra of divine knowledge, from the Bhîßma-
97
Chapter 4
VERSE 1
इमं िववते योगं ोवानहमयम ् ।
िववानवे ाह मनिराकवेऽवीत ् ॥१॥
imaµ vivasvate yogaµ proktavån aham avyayam
vivasvån manave pråha manur ikßvåkave’bravît
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: I disclosed this imperishable
knowledge of yoga unto Vivasvån, the sun-god. He then
taught it to Vaivasvata Manu, who then instructed the
same knowledge to Ikßvåku.
VERSE 2
एवं परपराािममं राजषयो िवः ।
स कालेनेह महता योगो नः परंतप ॥२॥
evaµ paramparå pråptam imaµ råjarßayo vidu˙
sa kåleneha mahatå yogo naß†a˙ parantapa
In this way, O conqueror of the enemy, the pious rulers
understood this path of knowledge through the disciplic
succession. However, this knowledge of yoga has been lost
due to the influence of time.
VERSE 3
स एवायं मया तेऽ योगः ोः परातनः ।
भोऽिस मे सखा चेित रहं ेतमम ् ॥३॥
sa evåyaµ mayå te’dya yoga˙ prokta˙ puråtana˙
bhakto’si me sakhå ceti rahasyaµ hy-etad uttamam
101
Bhagavad-gita
I am again teaching this ancient science of yoga to you.

Because you are My dear friend and devotee you can under-
stand the transcendental mystery of which I speak.
VERSE 4
अपरं भवतो ज परं ज िववतः।
कथमेतिजानीयां मादौ ोवािनित ॥४॥
arjuna uvåca –
aparaµ bhavato janma paraµ janma vivasvata˙
katham etad vijånîyåµ tvam ådau proktavån iti
Arjuna said: You were born only recently and the sun-
god appeared long ago. So how am I to understand that
in ancient times You had taught him the science of yoga?
Anuv®tti
According to the above statement of Çrî K®ß√a, the
Bhagavad-gîtå is a very ancient text. K®ß√a says that previ-
ously He had spoken this knowledge of yoga to Vivasvån,
the predominating deity of the sun planet, and in turn
Vivasvån passed on this knowledge to other universal lead-
ers and great kings. This flow of knowledge from one to
another is called paramparå or disciplic succession. But in
time, the knowledge of yoga was lost and therefore K®ß√a
was again speaking Bhagavad-gîtå to Arjuna.
The qualifications to properly understand Bhagavad-gîtå
are stated here. One should be a devotee of K®ß√a and one
should understand that K®ß√a is suh®dam-sarva-bhütånåm,
the friend of all living beings. In bhakti-yoga one does not
fear God because K®ß√a is not a wrathful God. K®ß√a is
our dear-most friend and our ever well-wisher. K®ß√a is the
102
Chapter 4
highest subject of love, adoration and affection. K®ß√a also

has deep feelings of love for His devotees.
From these verses we can also understand that the
knowledge of yoga is not simply meant for studio lessons.
The knowledge of yoga is actually the most important
branch of knowledge in the world and as such, it should
be studied by every discerning person – from the heads
of government to the individual citizen. Everyone should
have the opportunity to study and practice yoga, by which
one easily approaches the perfection of life.
The question naturally arises in Arjuna’s mind that how
could K®ß√a have spoken Bhagavad-gîtå to Vivasvån when
Vivasvån appeared in the universe millions of years ago
and K®ß√a only appeared recently?
VERSE 5
बिन मे तीतािन जािन तव चाजन ।
ताहं वेद सवािण न ं वे परंतप ॥५॥
bahüni me vyatîtåni janmåni tava cårjuna
tåny-ahaµ veda sarvå√i na tvaµ vettha parantapa
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: O conqueror of the enemy, both you
and I have passed through many births. I know all of them
but you do not.
VERSE 6
अजोऽिप सयाा भूतानामीरोऽिप सन ् ।
कितं ामिधाय संभवाामायया ॥६॥
103
Bhagavad-gita
ajo’pi sannavyayåtmå bhütånåm-îçvaro’pi san

prak®tiµ svåm-adhiß†håya saµbhavåmy-åtmamåyayå
Though I am unborn and My form is imperishable, and
though I am the Controller of all things, I still remain in
control of My material energy and manifest through My
own potency.
VERSE 7
यदा यदा िह धम लािनभवित भारत ।
अानमधम तदाानं सृजाहम ् ॥७॥
yadå yadå hi dharmasya glånir bhavati bhårata
abhyutthånam adharmasya tadåtmånaµ s®jåmyaham
O descendant of Bharata, whenever there is a decline in
dharma and a rise of adharma, I personally appear.
VERSE 8
पिराणाय साधूनां िवनाशाय च ृताम ् ।
धमसंापनाथाय संभवािम यगे यगे ॥८॥
paritrå√åya sådhünåµ vinåçåya ca dußk®tåm
dharma-saµsthåpanårthåya saµbhavåmi yuge yuge
To protect the pious living beings and to put an end to
malevolence, I appear in every age to establish dharma.
VERSE 9
ज कम च मे िदमेवं यो वेि ततः ।
वा देहं पनज नैित मामेित सोऽजन ॥९॥
janma karma ca me divyam evaµ yo vetti tattvata˙
tyaktvå dehaµ punar-janma naiti måmeti so’rjuna
104
Chapter 4
One who understands My divine appearance and activities

never takes birth again after giving up this material body.
He comes to Me, O Arjuna.
Anuv®tti
To understand Çrî K®ß√a’s appearance and activities
is indeed to become situated beyond the cycle of birth
and death. In material life all living beings are in a per-
petual state of transmigration from one birth to the next.
Only when one attains pure spiritual consciousness does
saµsåra, or transmigration, cease. K®ß√a tells Arjuna that
both of them have passed through many births that Arjuna
has forgotten, but K®ß√a remembers them all.
Because the living beings change bodies at the time of
death, they also forget their previous lives. K®ß√a is the
Absolute Truth and thus He does not change His body or
transmigrate to another body at any time. Because He does
not undergo a change of body He does not forget. K®ß√a
is non-different from His body, whereas living beings in
material life are units of consciousness that are embod-
ied by material elements. The bodies of all living beings
in the material world are made of the basic elements of
earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, intelligence and false
ego. K®ß√a is sac-cid-ånanda – eternity, knowledge and
bliss. K®ß√a’s body is also sac-cid-ånanda, thus K®ß√a and
K®ß√a’s body are non-different. They are transcendental,
spiritual substances.
Çrî K®ß√a not only remembers all His previous births,
but He remembers all of Arjuna’s previous births also.
This is the characteristic of the Absolute Truth who is
fully omniscient.
105
Bhagavad-gita
The knowledge of yoga being lost naturally results in

a decline in dharma and a rise of adharma (false dharma).
Malevolence arises out of adharma. When this occurs,
K®ß√a says that He appears in the world to re-establish
the principles of dharma. Dharma is understood as duties,
activities and practices that will sustain the living beings
in a state of prosperity and enable them to realise their
constitutional position as conscious parts and parcels of
the Absolute Truth, K®ß√a. As such, dharma should not be
confused with the mundane religions of this world.
In verse 8 K®ß√a says that He appears in every age (yuge
yuge) to establish the yuga-dharma. In Satya-yuga, K®ß√a
appeared as Haµsa, Matsya, Kürma, Varåha and Nar-
asiµha avatåras. In Treta-yuga, He appeared as Våmana,
Paraçuråma and Råmacandra avatåras. In Dvåpara-yuga, He
appeared as Çrî K®ß√a and in Kali-yuga, He has appeared as
Buddha and Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu. There is one more
avatåra yet to appear at the end of Kali-yuga, some 427,000
years from now, and that is Kalki.
When K®ß√a was speaking Bhagavad-gîtå, it was at the
end of Dvåpara-yuga – an age of considerable piety where
open degradation such as establishments for the consump-
tion of alcohol, illicit sex, political corruption, drug abuse
and the organised slaughter of animals were completely
unheard of. Now, five thousand years on, we are in the
midst of the age known as Kali-yuga where the unheard of
vices in Dvåpara-yuga are the norm of the day.
Similarly, as K®ß√a had appeared at the end of Dvåpa-
ra-yuga, He again appeared after the first 4,576 years
of Kali-yuga had passed as the avatåra, Çrî Caitanya
Mahåprabhu. Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu is also known as
106
Chapter 4
the Kali-yuga avatåra, or the yugåvatåra. As the yugåvatåra,

K®ß√a taught the dharma of nåma-sa∫kîrtana, the chant-
ing of the mahå-mantra as not only the most important
process of self-realisation, but as the only recommended
process of self-realisation in Kali-yuga. Conclusively, the
B®han-Nåradîya Purå√a (38.126) says:
harer-nåma harer-nåma harer-nåma eva kevalam
kalau nåsty-eva nåsty-eva nåsty-eva gatir anyathå
In the age of Kali there is no other way, there is
no other way, there is no other way except for the
chanting of the names of K®ß√a.
When the mahå-mantra is chanted congregationally in
a loud tone, it is called kîrtana or sa∫kîrtana. When the
mahå-mantra is chanted softly and the repetition is counted
on a string of one hundred-and eight beads, it is called japa.
Since the advent of Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu and the
sa∫kîrtana movement, many great and learned scholars,
philosophers and yogîs such as Sårvabhauma Bha††åcårya
and Prakåçånanda Sarasvatî have put aside other systems
of yoga, Vedånta and philosophy in favour of becoming
fully absorbed in the chanting of the holy names of K®ß√a.
According to great self-realised personalities, the chanting
of the mahå-mantra is the surest path to spiritual perfec-
tion in this age. Çrîmad Bhågavatam states as follows:
kaler doßa nidhe råjann asti hy eko mahån gu√a˙
kîrtanåd eva k®ß√asya mukta-sa∫ga˙ paraµ vrajet
Although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults where
people are short-lived, slow and always disturbed,
107
Bhagavad-gita
still there is one great quality about this age – simply

by chanting the name of K®ß√a, one can be delivered
from material bondage and attain the supreme desti-
nation. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 12.3.51)
k®te yad dhyåyato viß√uµ tretåyåµ yajato makhai˙

dvåpare paricaryåyåµ kalau taddhari-kîrtanåt
Whatever results were gained in Satya-yuga by med-
itating upon Viß√u, in Treta-yuga by performing
elaborate sacrifices and in Dvåpara-yuga by Deity
worship can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by
chanting the names of K®ß√a. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam
12.3.52)
The chanting of the mahå-mantra advances one in

self-realisation because it purifies the heart of material
influences and eliminates the false conceptions of life,
thus terminating the cycle of birth and death. Çrî Caitanya
Mahåprabhu has composed a verse wherein the benefits of
sa∫kîrtana, chanting the mahå-mantra, have been described
as follows:
ceto-darpa√a-mårjanaµ bhava mahå-dåvågni nirvåpa√aµ
çreya˙ -kairava-candrikå-vitara√aµ vidyå-vadhü-jîvanam
ånandåmbudhi-vardhanaµ prati-padaµ pür√åm®tåsvådanaµ
sarvåtma-snapanaµ paraµ vijayate çrî k®ß√a-sa∫kîrtanam
The holy name of K®ß√a cleanses the mirror of the
heart and extinguishes the fire of misery in the forest
of birth and death. Just as the evening lotus blooms
in the moon’s cooling rays, the heart begins to blos-
som in the nectar of K®ß√a’s name. And at last the
108
Chapter 4
åtmå awakens to its real inner treasure – a life of

love with K®ß√a. Again and again tasting nectar, the
åtmå dives and surfaces in the ever-increasing ocean
of ecstatic joy. All phases of the self of which we
may conceive are fully satisfied and purified, and at
last conquered by the all-auspicious influence of the
holy name of K®ß√a. (Çikßåß†aka 1)
Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu taught the chanting of the
mahå-mantra and a complete system of philosophy known
as acintya-bhedåbheda-tattva that has encompassed all the
great philosophical systems of India that preceded Him,
such as Ådi Ça∫kara’s advaita, Viß√u Svåmî’s çuddhådvaita,
Nimbårka’s dvaitådvaita, Råmånuja’s viçiß†hådvaita and
Madhva’s dvaita. The acintya-bhedåbheda-tattva philoso-
phy is essentially the philosophy of simultaneous oneness
and difference in the Absolute Truth, culminating in pre-
ma-bhakti or divine love. As such, Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu
has revealed the greatest philosophy of spiritual perfection
in this world.
To accompany the chanting of the mahå-mantra the
process of Deity worship that was prominent in Dvåpa-
ra-yuga is still in vogue today. The Deity is the arca-vi-
graha representation of Çrî K®ß√a that is manifest before
the aspirant so that one can perform arcana (worship)
and fix the mind and senses on the form of the Supreme
Person. When the authorised arca-vigraha is present, such
worship should not be confused with the worship of life-
less and unauthorised idols. Current in the communities
of bhakti-yoga are the worship of the arca-vigrahas of Çrî
K®ß√a such as Jagannåtha, Pañca-tattva, Gaura-Nitåi, Gau-
ra-Gadådhara, Çrî Narasiµha and Çrî Çrî Rådhå-K®ß√a.
109
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 10
वीतरागभयोधा मया मामपािताः ।
बहवो ानतपसा पूता मावमागताः ॥१०॥
vîta-råga-bhaya-krodhå man-mayå måm-upåçritå˙
bahavo jñåna-tapaså pütå mad-bhåvam ågatå˙
Freed from mundane attachment, fear and anger, and
absorbed in thinking of Me, many people have taken refuge
in Me and become purified by the knowledge of austerity
and attained love for Me.
VERSE 11
ये यथा मां पे तांथैव भजाहम ्।
मम वानवते मनाः पाथसवशः ॥११॥
ye yathå måµ prapadyante tåµs-tathaiva bhajåmy-aham
mama vartmånuvartante manußyå˙ pårtha sarvaça˙
In whatever way people surrender unto Me, I reward them
accordingly. O Pårtha, all men follow My path.
VERSE 12
काः कमणां िसिं यज इह देवताः ।
िं िह मानषे लोके िसिभवित कमजा ॥१२॥
kå∫kßanta˙ karma√åµ siddhiµ yajanta iha devatå˙
kßipraµ hi månuße loke siddhir bhavati karmajå
In this world, those that desire material success worship
the demigods, since in human society success from such
activities is quick to manifest.
110
Chapter 4
VERSE 13
चातवय मया सृं गणकमिवभागशः ।
त कतारमिप मां िवकतारमयम ् ॥१३॥
cåtur-var√yaµ mayå s®ß†aµ gu√a-karma-vibhågaça˙
tasya kartåram api måµ viddhy-akartåram avyayam
I have created the four social divisions that are determined
by the influence of the modes of material nature and their
parallel activities. Although I have created this arrange-
ment, know that in reality I am the non-doer and that I
am unchangeable.
VERSE 14
न मां कमािण िलि न मे कमफले ृहा ।
इित मां योऽिभजानाित कमिभन सबते ॥१४॥
na måµ karmå√i limpanti na me karma-phale sp®hå
iti måµ yo’bhijånåti karmabhir na sa badhyate
There is no activity that affects Me, neither do I desire the
results of material activities. One who understands this is
never bound by karma.
VERSE 15
एवं ाा कतं कम पूवरिप ममुिभः।
कु कमव तां पूवः पूवतरं कतम ् ॥१५॥
evaµ jñåtvå k®taµ karma pürvair api mumukßubhi˙
kuru karmaiva tasmåt tvaµ pürvai˙ pürvataraµ k®tam
Knowing this, in ancient times, those that desired libera-
tion also performed action. Thus, you should also adopt
the path of action as they did in the past.
111
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
In verse 10 Çrî K®ß√a alludes to the topmost stage of
self-realisation by the use of the word bhåva. Bhåva is the
stage of deep affection just before one reaches the stage of
purest love, prema. Rüpa Gosvåmî, the foremost disciple of
Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu, explains this in great detail in
his book, Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu (1.4.15-16).
ådau çraddhå tata˙ sådhu-sa∫go‘tha bhajana-kriyå

tato’nartha-niv®tti˙ syåt tato niß†hå rucis tata˙
athåsaktis tato bhåvas-tata˙ premåbhyudañcati,
sådhakånåm ayaµ prem√a˙ prådurbhåve bhavet krama˙
The development of transcendental love begins with
çraddhå or faith. Çraddhå leads one to associate with
spiritually advanced persons, sådhu-sa∫ga. In the
association of sådhus one receives çikßa, or instruc-
tions on how to approach the Absolute Truth, and
gradually one is initiated into this process. This
is called bhajana-kriyå. When the heart is cleared
of contamination, one reaches the stage of being
pure-hearted (anartha-niv®tti). By the cultivation
of spiritual practices after achieving anartha-niv®tti,
one becomes steady (niß†ha), and achieves the state of
ruci, wherein one begins to taste the pure sweetness
of realisation in the Absolute Truth. This ruci devel-
ops further to become åsakti, or great attachment
for the Absolute. Great attachment for the Absolute
gradually manifests as great feelings of affection for
Çrî K®ß√a. This is called bhåva. And the mature stage
of those feelings of affection are known as prema,
or the sentiments of transcendental love for K®ß√a.
112
Chapter 4
It is interesting to note that K®ß√a hints at this ulti-

mate perfection early on in Bhagavad-gîtå, not too overtly
but slightly covertly – for love, after all, is the greatest of
all secrets.
In subsequent verses, K®ß√a continues to encourage
Arjuna not to adopt the path of inaction. K®ß√a assures
Arjuna that He is transcendental to all types of karma and
that those who take refuge in Him also become liberated
from the reactions of material activities.
K®ß√a wants Arjuna to follow the example of pre-
viously liberated persons – to follow in their footsteps,
mahåjano yena gata˙ sa panthå˙. In ancient times there were
many great personalities known as mahåjanas and they all
achieved liberation from birth and death by taking shelter
of K®ß√a. K®ß√a wants Arjuna to follow these mahåjanas.
Çrî K®ß√a is awarding all living beings accordingly as
they approach Him. Knowingly or unknowingly everyone
is searching for K®ß√a. K®ß√a is the reservoir of pleasure
and the primeval cause of everything. In Brahma-saµhitå,
Çrî K®ß√a is described as sarva-kåra√a-kåra√am, the cause
of all causes. K®ß√a is also known as Govinda, or one who
gives pleasure to the senses. But due to being under the
illusion of bodily consciousness, the living beings are not
aware of what is actually in their best interest, therefore
they do not approach K®ß√a directly. Instead, the bewil-
dered living beings worship demigods for the fulfilment
of their desires, or as in modern society, they simply work
hard to earn money and purchase whatever they want.
In material existence, the living beings are wandering
throughout the universe in different species of life, expe-
riencing happiness and distress according to their karma.
113
Bhagavad-gita
brahmå√∂a bhramite kona bhågyavån jîva

guru-k®ß√a-prasåde påya bhakti-latå-bîja
Out of millions of wandering living beings, one who
is most fortunate gets an opportunity to associate
with a liberated person (guru) by the grace of K®ß√a.
By the mercy of K®ß√a and the guru, such a person
receives the seed of the creeper of bhakti. (Caitan-
ya-caritåm®ta, Madhya-lîlå 19.151)
The world is old – much older than many of us real-
ise and many things have changed over the ages. Yet the
basic principles of spiritual advancement and putting an
end to the problems of birth, death, old age and disease
remain the same. The advancement of modern civilisation
has actually done very little to solve the real problems of
life. We are given so-called higher education and better
standards of living, yet the basic problems remain – birth,
death, old age and disease. Now the real solution is at hand
and Çrî K®ß√a wants Arjuna to accept it.
To facilitate social harmony, efficiency and advance-
ment in spiritual life, K®ß√a has created the four social
orders in society called var√as. According to one’s suk®ti,
or spiritual merits derived from previous lifetimes, one
comes to the human form of life with certain innate qual-
ities. This is a natural system of order in the universe and
it is perceivable in all civilised societies. These human
tendencies are grouped into four basic classifications: the
intellectual, martial, mercantile and labourer classes. The
Vedic terms for these are bråhma√as, kßatriyas, vaiçyas and
çüdras. According to Çrî K®ß√a these var√as are determined
by one’s qualities and actions (gu√a-karma) and not simply
114
Chapter 4
by birth. One may be born in the family of workmen but

show extraordinary intellectual prowess and so forth. As
such, one is to be heartily welcomed into the intellectual
community. Similarly, one may be born to a wealthy mer-
cantile family but show great promise as a military leader.
Thus one is encouraged to follow that line of work.
When one performs the work prescribed to him accord-
ing to his qualities, and devotes that work to please the
Supreme Person K®ß√a, then such a person achieves the
highest perfection. This is confirmed as follows:
ata˙ pumbhir dvija-çreß†hå var√åçrama-vibhågaça˙

svanuß†hitasya dharmasya saµsiddhir hari-toßa√am
It is concluded that the highest perfection one can
achieve by discharging one’s occupational duties
according to the var√a and åçrama orders of life is
to please K®ß√a. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 1.2.13)
Unfortunately, in modern times some persons have

given a wrong interpretation to the eligibility of the var√as
by placing all emphasis on one’s birth in a particular
family. This has been invented to create a sense of social
superiority wherein elite members of Vedic society who
are born as bråhma√as and kßatriyas are given special priv-
ileges, while others who are born as vaiçyas and çüdras are
not. This system has created havoc in India for more than
one thousand years and is known as the caste system. The
caste system however is a total misrepresentation of the
system of var√as created by K®ß√a.
115
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 16
िकं कम िकमकमित कवयोऽ मोिहताः ।
ते कम वािम याा मोसेऽशभात ् ॥१६॥
kiµ karma kim akarmeti kavayo’pyatra mohitå˙
tat te karma pravakßyåmi yaj-jñåtvå mokßyase’çubhåt
What is action? What is inaction? – this subject bewil-

ders even wise men. Therefore, I shall explain to you what
is action, knowing which you will become liberated and
attain all auspiciousness.
VERSE 17
कमणो िप बों बों च िवकमणः।
अकमण बों गहना कमणो गितः ॥१७॥
karma√o hy-api boddhavyaµ boddhavyaµ ca vikarma√a˙
akarma√aç ca boddhavyaµ gahanå karma√o gati˙
One should understand what is prescribed action (karma),

what is forbidden action (vikarma) and what is the renun-
ciation of action (akarma). The path of action is most dif-
ficult to comprehend.
VERSE 18
कमय कमयः पयेदकमिण च कम यः ।
सबिमानेष सयः ककमकत ् ॥१८॥
karma√y-akarma ya˙ paçyed akarma√i ca karma ya˙
sa buddhimån manußyeßu sa yukta˙ k®tsna-karma-k®t
One who can see inaction in action and action within inac-
tion is certainly wise amongst men. Indeed, he is a yogî and
a performer of all actions.
116
Chapter 4
VERSE 19
य सव समाराः कामसंकविजताः ।
ानािदधकमाणं तमाः पिडतं बधाः ॥१९॥
yasya sarve samårambhå˙ kåma-sa∫kalpa-varjitå˙
jñånågni-dagdha-karmå√aµ tam åhu˙ pa√∂itaµ budhå˙
One whose every action is free from selfish desires and who
burns all his actions in the fire of knowledge is described
by the learned as a wise man.
VERSE 20
वा कमफलासं िनतृो िनरायः ।
कमयिभवृोऽिप नैव िकंिचरोित सः ॥२०॥
tyaktvå karma-phalåsa∫gaµ nitya-t®pto niråçraya˙
karma√y-abhiprav®tto’pi naiva kiñcit karoti sa˙
A person who has rejected the desire to enjoy the results
of his actions, who does not depend upon others and
who is always content, even while engaged in action, does
nothing at all.
VERSE 21
िनराशीयतिचाा सवपिरहः।
शारीरं केवलं कम कुवाोित िकिषम ् ॥२१॥
niråçîr yata cittåtmå tyakta-sarva-parigraha˙
çårîraµ kevalaµ karma kurvan nåpnoti kilbißam
Having no desires, controlling the mind and body, having
no sense of possessiveness, such a person does not incur
any wrongdoing although they may perform actions in
order to maintain the body.
117
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 22
यालाभसंतो ंातीतो िवमरः ।
समः िसाविसौ च कािप न िनबते ॥२२॥
yad®cchå-låbha-santuß†o dvandvåtîto vimatsara˙
sama˙ siddhåv-asiddhau ca k®tvåpi na nibadhyate
One who is content with those things that come of their
own accord, who is beyond duality, devoid of enviousness,
and equal in success and failure – such a person is not
bound by karma, although he may perform actions.
VERSE 23
गतस म ानावितचेतसः ।
यायाचरतः कम समं िवलीयते ॥२३॥
gata-sa∫gasya muktasya jñånåvasthita-cetasa˙
yajñåyåcharata˙ karma samagraµ pravilîyate
All karma is completely dissolved for one who is
detached, liberated, situated in knowledge and performs
action only in sacrifice.
Anuv®tti
We have already discussed previously the different types
of action such as karma (prescribed duties), vikarma (for-
bidden actions) and akarma (spiritual activities). None-
theless it is sometimes difficult to understand the different
types of action, and especially to see inaction in action
and action within inaction. Indeed, this seems quite con-
tradictory. In contemporary society, especially in various
yoga communities, karma is often spoken of without a clear
understanding of what it actually is or how it is incurred.
118
Chapter 4
The point Çrî K®ß√a wants to make clear is that actions

performed for His satisfaction do not have any reaction
in the sphere of karma or vikarma. Actions performed
for K®ß√a are in the category of akarma, producing only
spiritual benefit – no good or bad material effect. Good
and bad karma are both material and as such they must
be shaken off before one can become spiritually liberated.
Generally we want good karma, but good karma means
we will have to take birth again and enjoy its good effects.
Bad karma, of course, is commonly understood as some-
thing undesirable or to be avoided because it causes suffer-
ing, pain and distress. This is certainly true, but bad karma
is simply the flip side of good karma and vice versa. This
is called the karmic entanglement of material life – some-
times enjoying and sometimes suffering.
Akarma leads to liberation from all material entangle-
ment and takes one to the plane of eternal blissful life in
full knowledge of everything. While engaging in yoga, a
serious student should, as far as possible, lead a simple life
beyond duality by minimizing material hankerings, con-
trolling the mind and body and giving up possessiveness.
Being content with that which comes of its own accord,
one should remain steadfast in the practice of yoga.
VERSE 24
ापणं हिवाौ णा तम ् ।
ैव तेन गं कमसमािधना ॥२४॥
brahmårpa√aµ brahma havir brahmågnau brahma√å hutam
brahmaiva tena gantavyaµ brahma-karma-samådhinå
119
Bhagavad-gita
The utensils used for sacrifice are the Absolute, the sacred
fire is the Absolute and the offering made is the Absolute.
One whose consciousness is always absorbed in thoughts
of the Absolute attains the Absolute.
VERSE 25
दैवमेवापरे यं योिगनः पयपासते ।
ाावपरे यं येनैवोपजित ॥२५॥
daivam evåpare yajñaµ yogina˙ paryupåsate
brahmågnåv-apare yajñaµ yajñenaivopajuhvati
Some yogîs perform sacrifices to the demigods. Others
offer themselves into the fire of the Absolute.
VERSE 26
ोादीनीियाये संयमािष जित।
शादीिषयान इियािषजित ॥२६॥
çrotrådînîndriyå√y-anye saµyamågnißu juhvati
çabdådîn vißayån anya indriyågnißu juhvati
Some offer the senses of hearing, seeing, touching, smelling
and tasting into the fire of self-control. Others offer the
sense-objects – sound, form, taste, touch and smell – into
the fire of the senses.
VERSE 27
सवाणीियकमािण ाणकमािण चापरे ।
आसंयमयोगाौ जित ानदीिपते ॥२७॥
sarvå√îndriya-karmå√i prå√a-karmå√i cåpare
åtma-saµyama-yogågnau juhvati jñåna-dîpite
120
Chapter 4
Some offer all the functions of the senses and the functions
of the life-airs into the fire of self-purification, which is
ignited by knowledge.
VERSE 28
यापोया योगयाथापरे ।
ाायानया यतयः संिशतताः ॥२८॥
dravya-yajñås tapo-yajñå yoga-yajñås tathåpare
svådhyåya jñåna-yajñåç ca yataya˙ saµçita-vratå˙
Some yogîs sacrifice their possessions through penances
or through the practice of yoga. Some undertake severe
vows and strictly sacrifice through knowledge by study-
ing the Vedas.
VERSE 29
अपाने जित ाणं ाणेऽपानं तथापरे।
ाणापानगती ा ाणायामपरायणाः
अपरे िनयताहाराः ाणााणेष जित ॥२९॥
apåne juhvati prå√aµ prå√e’pånaµ tathåpare
prå√åpåna-gatî ruddhvå prå√åyåma-paråya√å˙
apare niyatåhårå˙ prå√ån prå√eßu juhvati
Others practice control of the life-airs by offering the in-go-
ing breath into the out-going breath and out-going breath
into the in-going breath, and thus restrain both. Others
offer their life-airs by controlling the intake of food.
VERSE 30-31
सवऽेते यिवदो यिपतकषाः ।
यिशामृतभजो याि  सनातनम ् ॥३०॥
नायं लोकोऽय कुतोऽः कुसम ॥३१॥
121
Bhagavad-gita
sarve’py-ete yajña-vido yajña-kßapita-kalmaßå˙

yajña-çiß†åm®ta-bhujo yånti brahma sanåtanam
nåyaµ loko’sty-ayajñasya kuto’nya˙ kuru-sattama
All of them are conversant with the principles of sacrifice.
They have purged themselves of impiety by their performance
of sacrifice. They are satisfied with the remnants of sacrifice
and thus they attain the eternal Absolute Truth. O best of
the Kuru Dynasty, for one that never performs sacrifice, even
the pleasures of this world are denied – then what to say of
the next life?
VERSE 32
एवं बिवधा या िवतता णो मखे ।
कमजािि तावानेवं ाा िवमोसे ॥३२॥
evaµ bahu-vidhå yajñå vitatå brahma√o mukhe
karma-jån-viddhi tån sarvån evaµ jñåtvå vimokßyase
In this way, many varieties of sacrifices have been explained
in the Vedas. You should understand that all of them are
born of action. Knowing this, you shall be liberated.
Anuv®tti
The above verses principally deal with sacrifice and sac-
rifices of different types. However, it should be mentioned
at the outset that Çrî K®ß√a does not recommend animal
sacrifices. The very word ‘sacrifice’ conjures up images of
bloodshed – and rightfully so. In the history of religions
throughout the world, from antiquity to modernity, the
sacrifice of both animals and humans has been a common
practice. Most progressive thinkers however now view
122
Chapter 4
human and animal sacrifice as totally repugnant and cer-

tainly Çrî K®ß√a would be in complete agreement.
The sacrifices mentioned here by K®ß√a mainly concern
the performance of austerities, breath control, study of the
Vedas, purification of knowledge, renunciation, observing
vows etc. The purpose of all such sacrifices is to advance
in realisation of the Absolute Truth.
It is often said that, “God is one” or that, “It is all
one”. This is true, but there is a need to qualify such state-
ments. God is the Absolute Truth, one without a second,
but this does not mean that all living beings are God. The
Bhagavad-gîtå is straightforward on the point that all living
beings are eternally individual and never become God at
any time. Similarly, God is always the Absolute Truth and
nothing less.
It is said in verse 24 that the utensils of sacrifice are
Absolute, the sacred fire is Absolute, the priest or per-
former of sacrifice is Absolute and one who is always
absorbed in thoughts of the Absolute attains the Absolute.
This is not to say that the individuality of any of these is
lost in the Absolute. Everything that comes in contact with
the Absolute Truth acquires the qualities of the Absolute
by association, but the individuality of each is maintained.
The point is also made that practically everything in
life depends on sacrifice, even worldly pleasures. Without
sacrifice one cannot enjoy in this life or in the next. The
knowledge of performing sacrifice is essential for the stu-
dents of yoga. Knowing this one becomes liberated.
123
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 33
ेयामयााानयः परंतप ।
सव कमािखलं पाथ ाने पिरसमाते ॥३३॥
çreyån dravyamayåd yajñåj jñåna-yajña˙ parantapa
sarvaµ karmåkhilaµ pårtha jñåne parisamåpyate
O conqueror of the enemy, the sacrifice involving knowl-
edge is higher than the sacrifice of material ingredients. All
actions culminate in knowledge, O Pårtha.
VERSE 34
तिि िणपातेन पिरेन सेवया ।
उपदेि ते ानं ािननदिशनः ॥३४॥
tad viddhi pra√ipåtena paripraçnena sevayå
upadekßyanti te jñånaµ jñåninas tattva-darçina˙
Just try to understand this knowledge by approaching a
self-realised person who has seen the truth. Make submis-
sive inquiry and render service unto him. The tattva-darçî,
the seer of the truth, will instruct you and give you initia-
tion into this sacred path.
VERSE 35
याा न पनमहमेवं यािस पाडव ।
येन भूताशेषािण ाथो मिय ॥३५॥
yaj-jñåtvå na punar moham evaµ yåsyasi på√∂ava
yena bhütåny-açeßå√i drakßyasy-åtmany-atho mayi
O son of På√∂u, understanding this knowledge you will
never be subject to illusion again. Through this knowledge
you will see the spiritual nature of all living beings and that
they are all situated within Me.
124
Chapter 4
VERSE 36
अिप चेदिस पापेः सवः पापकमः।
सव ानवेनैव विृजनं संतिरिस ॥३६॥
api ced asi påpebhya˙ sarvebhya˙ påpa-k®ttama˙
sarvaµ jñåna-plavenaiva v®jinaµ santarißyasi
Even if you are most impious, you can cross over the ocean
of all vices by boarding the boat of wisdom.
VERSE 37
यथैधांिस सिमोऽिभसाुतेऽजन ।
ानािः सवकमािण भसाुते तथा ॥३७॥
yathaidhåµsi samiddho’gnir bhasmasåt kurute’rjuna
jñånågni˙ sarva-karmå√i bhasmasåt kurute tathå
As a blazing fire turns wood into ashes, similarly the fire of
wisdom renders all karma to cinders, O Arjuna.
VERSE 38
न िह ानेन सशं पिविमह िवते ।
तयं योगसंिसः कालेनािन िवित ॥३८॥
na hi jñånena sad®çaµ pavitram iha vidyate
tat svayaµ yoga-saµsiddha˙ kålenåtmani vindati
There is nothing as pure as knowledge in this world. In due
course, one who is perfect in yoga realises this.
Anuv®tti
As per the understanding of advanced students and mas-
ters of Bhagavad-gîtå, Çrî K®ß√a’s instruction in verse 34 is
that one should try to understand the truth by approaching
a tattva-darçî, one who has seen the truth, with an attitude
125
Bhagavad-gita
of submissive inquiry (paripraçna) and service (sevå). Being

satisfied by such submissive inquiry and service, the tatt-
va-darçî will instruct and initiate the disciple in the sacred
science of yoga. In other words, K®ß√a is telling Arjuna
that to know the truth he must approach a spiritual master
(guru) and become his disciple.
guru-pådåçrayas-tasmåt k®ß√a-dîkßådi-çikßa√am
viçrambhe√a guro˙ sevå sådhu-vartmånu-vartanam
Firstly one must surrender at the feet of the guru,
receive training from him by accepting spiritual initi-
ation and instructions regarding Çrî K®ß√a, serve the
guru with affection and follow in the footsteps of the
sådhus. (Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu 1.2.74)
As the representative of K®ß√a, the instruction of the

guru, or åcårya, should be heeded. The genuine guru is a
representative of K®ß√a (Paramåtmå) and is of two types –
dîkßå and çikßå. The dîkßå-guru gives initiation and accepts
the student or disciple as a member of the paramparå. Such
initiations are not secret and are held in plain view of the
public, but at the initiation ceremony the disciple receives
the mahå-mantra and gåyatrî-mantras for meditation. The
çikßå-guru is one who imparts practical instructions to the
disciple for the progressive advancement in self-realisation.
The function of dîkßå and çikßå may be performed by the
same guru, or by different gurus, but in any case both the
dîkßå and çikßå gurus must be representatives of K®ß√a.
Thus, one should see the guru as non-different from K®ß√a
and should offer him all respect. K®ß√a confirms this in
Çrîmad Bhågavatam as follows:
126
Chapter 4
åcåryaµ måµ vijånîyån nåvamanyeta karhicit

na martya-buddhyåsüyeta sarva-deva-mayo guru˙
One should consider the åcårya (guru) as non-dif-

ferent from Myself and never show any disrespect
towards him. One should not envy him, nor con-
sider him to be an ordinary person as he is the rep-
resentative of all the demigods. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam
11.17.27)
This is the guru-disciple relationship that has been

accepted since time immemorial. However, the question
arises as to who is a guru? What are the qualifications of
a guru? It is clear that the disciple’s mood should be one
of eagerness to know the truth accompanied by submissive
inquiry and service. But what of the guru – what are his
qualifications?
The Bhagavad-gîtå says that the guru must be one
who has seen the truth (a tattva-darçî) and who knows
the science of K®ß√a consciousness. This presupposes
that the guru is himself a disciple of the previous guru.
This is known as the guru-paramparå or the guru-disci-
ple succession. Bhagavad-gîtå sets the standards to acquire
entrance into knowledge of the Absolute Truth and what
that Truth is. K®ß√a is the principle speaker of the Bhaga-
vad-gîtå and therefore the guru must necessarily be in the
paramparå of K®ß√a.
The first qualification of the guru is that he must be
in an authentic paramparå and he must teach his disciple
the principles and conclusions of Bhagavad-gîtå. There are
four paramparås and one should learn the philosophy of
127
Bhagavad-gita
Bhagavad-gîtå from one of those paramparås. Çrî Baladeva

Vidyåbhüßa√a has mentioned these four paramparås in his
book Prameya-ratnåvalî:
sampradåya vihînå ye mantrås te nißphalå matå˙

ata˙ kalau bhavißyanti catvåra˙ sampradåyina˙
çrî brahma rudra sanakå˙ vaiß√avå˙ kßiti-påvanå˙
catvåras te kalau bhåvyå hy-utkale purußottamåt
råmånujaµ çrî˙ svîcakre madhvåcåryaµ catur-mukha˙
çrî viß√u-svåminaµ rudro nimbådityaµ catu˙sana˙
That mantra that is not received in a disciplic suc-
cession does not produce any result. Thus, in Kali-
yuga there are four sampradåyas (paramparås). They
are the Çrî, Brahmå, Rudra and Sanaka sampradåyas.
Råmånuja is the åcårya of the Çrî sampradåya,
Madhva is the åcårya of the Brahmå sampradåya,
Viß√u Svåmî is the åcårya of the Rudra sampradåya
and Nimbåditya is the åcårya of the Sanaka sam-
pradåya. (Prameya-ratnåvalî 1.5-7)
The Vedas conclude that Çrî K®ß√a is the Absolute

Truth and all living beings are His parts and parcels. The
Ka†ha Upanißad states:
nityo’nityånåµ cetanaç cetanånåm

eko bahünåµ yo vidadhåti kåmån
He is the Prime Eternal amongst all eternals. He
is the Supreme Conscious Being amongst conscious
beings, and He alone is maintaining all life. (Ka†ha
Upanißad 2.2.13)
128
Chapter 4
However, despite this, unscrupulous persons still

attempt to make a trade with K®ß√a’s words in Bhaga-
vad-gîtå and instead of declaring K®ß√a to be the Supreme
Conscious Being, they put themselves forward as being
K®ß√a or God incarnate. Such so-called gurus are actu-
ally not gurus, but cheaters. This is explained by Çiva in
Padma Purå√a:
guravo bahava˙ santi çißya-vittåpa hårakå˙

durlabha˙ sad-gurur devî çißya-santåpa håraka˙
There are many gurus who will take the wealth of
their disciples, but it is rare to find a true guru who
will remove the ignorance and miseries of a disciple.
The cheaters make a big show of spiritual advancement

but in reality they are spiritually bankrupt. Only a genuine
representative of K®ß√a can be guru or a teacher of the
Bhagavad-gîtå. This is the conclusion of all tattva-darçîs.
VERSE 39
ावाँभते ानं तरः संयतेियः ।
ानं ला परां शािमिचरेणािधगित ॥३९॥
çraddhåvål labhate jñånaµ tat-para˙ saµyatendriya˙
jñånaµ labdhvå paråµ çåntim acire√ådhigacchati
Those imbued with faith and who are devoted to con-
trolling their senses attain this knowledge very swiftly.
Thus they attain supreme peace.
129
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 40
अाधान संशयाा िवनयित ।
नायं लोकोऽि न परो नसखं संशयानः ॥४०॥
ajñaç cåçraddadhånaç ca saµçayåtmå vinaçyati
nåyaµ loko’sti na paro na sukhaµ saµçayåtmana˙
Those who are deluded, without faith and full of doubt
are ruined. Such faithless people find no happiness in this
world or the next.
VERSE 41
योगसंकमाणं ानसंिछसंशयम ् ।
आवं न कमािण िनबि धनय ॥४१॥
yoga-sannyasta-karmå√aµ jñåna-sañchinna-saµçayam
åtma-vantaµ na karmå√i nibadhnanti dhanañjaya
O Dhanañjaya, karma cannot bind one who has renounced
action through the process of yoga. His doubts are over-
come by knowledge and he has thus realised the nature
of the self.
VERSE 42
तादानसंभूतं ं ानािसनानः ।
िछैनं संशयं योगमाितोि भारत ॥४२॥
tasmåd ajñåna sambhütaµ h®t-sthaµ jñånåsinåtmana˙
chittvainaµ saµçayaµ yogam åtiß†hottiß†ha bhårata
Therefore, O Bhårata, with the sword of knowledge slash
these doubts of yours that have arisen out of ignorance
within your heart. Taking shelter of the process of yoga,
stand and fight!
130
Chapter 4

ानयोगो नाम चतथऽायः॥
jñåna-yogo nåma caturtho’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Four entitled Jñåna
Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and Arjuna
in the Upanißad known as Çrîmad Bhagavad-gîtå, the
yoga-çåstra of divine knowledge, from the Bhîßma-parva
of Mahåbhårata, the literature revealed by Vyåsa in one
hundred thousand verses.
131
Chapter 5
VERSE 1
संासं कमणां क पनयगं च शंसिस ।
येय एतयोरेकं ते ूिह सिनितम ् ॥१॥
arjuna uvåca –
sannyåsaµ karma√åµ k®ß√a punar yogaµ ca çaµsasi
yacchreya etayor ekaµ tan me brühi suniçchitam
Arjuna said: O K®ß√a, You talk of the renunciation of
action (sannyåsa) but then again, You also speak of kar-
ma-yoga (the way of selfless action). Please tell me clearly,
which of the two is best?
VERSE 2
संासः कमयोग िनःेयसकरावभौ ।
तयो कमसंासामयोगो िविशते ॥२॥
sannyåsa˙ karma-yogaç ca ni˙çreyasa karåv-ubhau
tayos tu karma-sannyåsåt karma-yogo viçißyate
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: Both renunciation of action
(sannyåsa) and the performance of selfless action (kar-
ma-yoga) give the highest benefit. Yet, of the two, the path
of selfless action is higher than the renunciation of action.
VERSE 3
ेयः सिनसंासी यो नेि न काित ।
िनो िह महाबाहो सखं बामते ॥३॥
jñeya˙ sa nitya-sannyåsî yo na dveß†i na kå∫kßati
nirdvandvo hi mahå-båho sukhaµ bandhåt pramucyate
135
Bhagavad-gita
O mighty-armed one, you should understand that one who

is free of hatred and material desires is a true renunciate
(sannyåsî). He is beyond duality and is easily liberated
from material bondage.
VERSE 4
सांयोगौ पृथबालाः वदि न पिडताः ।
एकमाितः सगभयोिवते फलम ्॥४॥
så∫khya-yogau p®thag bålå˙ pravadanti na pa√∂itå˙
ekam apy-åsthita˙ samyag ubhayor vindate phalam
Those who are immature and devoid of knowledge state
that the path of renunciation and the path of karma-yoga
are different. However, one who follows either of these
paths perfectly achieves the results of both.
VERSE 5
यांैः ाते ानं तोगैरिप गते ।
एकं सांं च योगं च यः पयित स पयित ॥५॥
yat så∫khyai˙ pråpyate sthånaµ tad yogair api gamyate
ekaµ så∫khyaµ ca yogaµ ca ya˙ paçyati sa paçyati
That state which is achieved by renunciation is also attained
by karma-yoga. One who sees these two systems as one and
the same actually sees things as they are.
Anuv®tti
The Vedic system recommends four spiritual orders
of life called åçråmas. These are brahmacårî, g®hastha,
vånaprastha and sannyåsa. Brahmacårîs are the celibate stu-
dents. G®hasthas are the family units, vånaprasthas are the
retired members of society and sannyåsîs are the completely
136
Chapter 5
renounced persons who live a life of sacrifice, austerity and

cultivation of knowledge. Sannyåsîs are considered to be at
the crest of all social and spiritual orders of life.
Vedic scholars sometimes debate whether sannyå-
sa-yoga (complete renunciation of activities) or karma-yoga
(actions performed selflessly) is better. Çrî K®ß√a says in
Bhagavad-gîtå that both sannyåsa-yoga and karma-yoga are
favourable for liberation. Both paths ultimately lead to the
same goal, but of the two, the path of karma-yoga is pref-
erable. This subject is controversial among some scholars
because, according to their understanding, karma-yoga is
the performance of philanthropic works that are beneficial
to the downtrodden section of society such as the poor and
the hungry. Such welfare work is indeed noble, but one
should understand that when K®ß√a speaks of karma-yoga
in the Gîtå, He is specifically speaking about activities
that are performed for His satisfaction and pleasure. Such
activities are also known as karma-yoga or bhakti-yoga
because the result of action is offered to K®ß√a. In other
words, noble philanthropic activities are ‘good karma’ but
not karma-yoga, unless they are offered to K®ß√a and per-
formed on His behalf.
When karma-yoga is established as bhakti-yoga then
its superior advantage over sannyåsa-yoga is immediately
understood. Sannyåsa-yoga is very, very difficult to exe-
cute. One has to strictly control the senses and renounce
even the simplest comforts of life such as a warm bath,
comfortable sleeping place etc. One has to live in the
forest, fast regularly and observe other austerities such as
sexual abstinence. For most people, this is very difficult,
if not impossible.
137
Bhagavad-gita
Karma-yoga (bhakti-yoga) on the other hand, is easily

adoptable by anyone at any stage and leads quickly to the
ultimate goal of life. In karma-yoga one performs devo-
tional activities and follows basic principles of purity such
as no intoxication, no illicit sex, no gambling and no eating
of meat, fish or eggs. These principles can be easily adopted
by anyone. Similarly, the devotional activity of chanting
the mahå-mantra (hare k®ß√a hare k®ß√a k®ß√a k®ß√a hare
hare, hare råma hare råma råma råma hare hare) is also
easily taken up along with meditation on the form of Çrî
K®ß√a. Mantra meditation is the recommended process of
worshipping K®ß√a in Kali-yuga. Therefore karma-yoga is
given first preference in Bhagavad-gîtå.
However, when sannyåsa-yoga is dovetailed with kar-
ma-yoga and the sannyåsî performs any and all sacrifices,
austerities and shares the knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå with
others, according to the desires of K®ß√a, then such a san-
nyåsî becomes most perfect and is naturally accepted as the
guru or teacher of both paths.
VERSE 6
संास महाबाहो ःखमामयोगतः ।
योगयो मिन निचरेणािधगित ॥६॥
sannyåsas tu mahå-båho du˙kham åptum ayogata˙
yoga-yukto munir brahma na cire√ådhigacchati
O mighty-armed one, without karma-yoga, renunciation is
a cause for misery. However, that wise man that performs
karma-yoga quickly attains the Absolute Truth.
138
Chapter 5
VERSE 7
योगयो िवशाा िविजताा िजतेियः ।
सवभूताभूताा कुविप निलते ॥७॥
yoga-yukto viçuddhåtmå vijitåtmå jitendriya˙
sarva-bhütåtmabhütåtmå kurvann-api na lipyate
One who is pure engages in karma-yoga and controls the
mind and senses. Although he engages in action, he is never
contaminated and he is filled with love for all living beings.
VERSE 8-9
नैव िकंिचरोमीित यो मेत तिवत ् ।
पयवृशिपसन ् ॥८॥
लपिसृजृिषििमषिप ।
इियाणीियाथष वत इित धारयन ् ॥९॥
naiva kiñcit karomîti
yukto manyeta tattva-vit
paçyañ ç®√van sp®çañ jighrann
açnan gacchan svapan çvasan
pralapan vis®jan g®h√ann
unmißan nimißann api
indriyå√îndriyårtheßu
vartanta iti dhårayan
One who is a knower of the truth, although he is engaged in
seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, moving, sleep-
ing, breathing, talking, evacuating, accepting objects and
blinking the eyes, realises that all his sense-functions are
interacting with the respective sense-objects. Therefore, he
thinks, “I am not doing anything.”
139
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 10
याधाय कमािण सं वा करोित यः ।
िलते न स पापेन पपिमवासा ॥१०॥
brahma√y-ådhåya karmå√i sa∫gaµ tyaktvå karoti ya˙
lipyate na sa påpena padma-patram ivåmbhaså
One who gives up all attachments and acts by offering all
his actions unto the Supreme is never contaminated by any
impiety, just as a lotus leaf is never touched by water.
VERSE 11
कायेन मनसा बा केवलैिरियैरिप ।
योिगनः कम कुवि सं वाशये ॥११॥
kåyena manaså buddhyå kevalair indriyair api
yogina˙ karma kurvanti sa∫gaµ tyaktvåtma çuddhaye
By giving up all attachments, the karma-yogî performs
actions through the medium of the body, mind, intelligence
and senses simply for the purpose of self-purification.
VERSE 12
यः कमफलं वा शािमाोित नैिकीम ् ।
अयः कामकारेण फले सो िनबते ॥१२॥
yukta˙ karma-phalaµ tyaktvå çåntim åpnoti naiß†hikîm
ayukta˙ kåma-kåre√a phale sakto nibadhyate
The karma-yogî, giving up the results of his actions, attains
everlasting peace. However, the selfish worker being
attached, desires the results of his actions and therefore
becomes ensnared.
140
Chapter 5
VERSE 13
सवकमािण मनसा संाे सखं वशी ।
नवारे परे देही नैव कुव कारयन ् ॥१३॥
sarva-karmå√i manaså sannyasyåste sukhaµ vaçî
nava-dvåre pure dehî naiva kurvan na kårayan
By mentally renouncing all actions, a sense-controlled
living being can happily reside within the material body,
neither acting nor causing others to act.
VERSE 14
न कतृं न कमािण लोक सृजित भः ।
न कमफलसंयोगं भाव वतते ॥१४॥
na kart®tvaµ na karmå√i lokasya s®jati prabhu˙
na karma-phala-saµyogaµ svabhåvas tu pravartate
The Absolute Truth does not create anyone’s sense of pro-
prietorship, one’s actions or the result of those actions. All
this is enacted by the modes of material nature.
VERSE 15
नादे क िचापं न चैव सकतं िवभः ।
अानेनावृतं ानं तेन मि जवः ॥१५॥
nådatte kasyacit påpaµ na caiva suk®taµ vibhu˙
ajñånenåv®taµ jñånaµ tena muhyanti jantava˙
The Super Consciousness does not accept anyone’s pious
deeds or their impious deeds. Living beings are bewildered
because their knowledge is covered by ignorance.
141
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 16
ानेन त तदानं येषां नािशतमानः ।
तेषामािदवानं काशयित तरम ्॥१६॥
jñånena tu tad ajñånaµ yeßåµ nåçitam åtmana˙
teßåm ådityavaj jñånaµ prakåçayati tat param
Yet for those whose ignorance has been destroyed by
knowledge of the self, their knowledge, like the rising sun,
reveals the Supreme Truth.
VERSE 17
तुयदाानिारायणाः ।
गपनरावृिं ानिनधूतकषाः ॥१७॥
tad buddhayas tad-åtmånas tan-niß†hås tat-paråya√å˙
gacchanty-apunar-åv®ttiµ jñåna-nirdhüta-kalmaßå˙
Those whose ignorance has been removed by knowledge,
whose intelligence is absorbed in the Supreme, who con-
template the Supreme, who are fixed in Him alone and
who sing His glories, never take birth again.
VERSE 18
िवािवनयसंपे ाणे गिव हििन ।
शिन चैव पाके च पिडताः समदिशनः ॥१८॥
vidyå-vinaya-sampanne bråhma√e gavi hastini
çuni caiva çvapåke ca pa√∂itå˙ sama-darçina˙
A wise man sees a learned and humble bråhma√a, a cow,
an elephant, a dog, a lowborn person and all other living
beings as equal.
142
Chapter 5
VERSE 19
इहैव तैिजतः सग येषां साे ितं मनः ।
िनदषंिहसमंतािणतेिताः॥१९॥
ihaiva tair jita˙ sargo yeßåµ såmye sthitaµ mana˙
nirdoßaµ hi samaµ brahma tasmåd brahma√i te sthitå˙
The cycle of birth and death has been conquered by those
whose minds are fixed in meditating on the Absolute Truth,
even while living in this world. Being faultless and possess-
ing divine equanimity, they are situated in the Supreme.
VERSE 20
न ेियं ा नोिजेा चाियम ् ।
िरबिरसूढो िविण ितः ॥२०॥
na prah®ßyet priyaµ pråpya nodvijet pråpya cåpriyam
sthira-buddhir asammü∂ho brahma-vid brahma√i sthita˙
Being situated in the Absolute Truth, having fixed intelli-
gence and being devoid of ignorance, one who knows the
Supreme never rejoices when he attains pleasant things, nor
laments upon obtaining unpleasant things.
Anuv®tti
In verse 15 the word vibhu has been translated as
Supreme Spirit. Vibhu literally means ‘omnipresent’ and
this refers to Çrî K®ß√a, the Supreme Conscious Being.
When consciousness is omnipresent the conclusion is
that it is omniscient also. Omniscience and omnipresence
denote K®ß√a. Arjuna however, and other living beings of
his status, are called anu or finite. K®ß√a, the Absolute
Truth, is infinite and the living beings are finite.
143
Bhagavad-gita
It is sometimes thought that God, somehow or other,

dies for the sins of the world. This is not a very intelligent
idea, nor is it consistent with the spiritual science found in
Bhagavad-gîtå. K®ß√a says that He does not cause anyone
to perform pious or impious activities nor does he accept
the reaction of anyone’s actions. The idea that God dies
for our sins is rejected. God is eternal; therefore He cannot
and does not die. The living beings are also eternal, but
because they are under the bodily concept of life, when
the body dies they also experience death – although they
actually do not die. Both the Absolute Truth and His parts
and parcels are eternal, beyond death.
In verse 18 the relative vision of equality is expressed
for one who is situated in transcendental knowledge. The
wise man (pa√∂ita) sees all living beings equally, as units
of eternal consciousness. The distinction between vari-
ous bodies is only an apparent difference between living
beings. According to the B®had-Viß√u Purå√a, there are
8,400,000 different species of material bodies:
jalajå nava-lakßå√i sthåvarå lakßa-viµçati˙
k®mayo rudra-sa∫khyakå˙ pakßinåµ daça-lakßakam
triµçal-lakßå√i paçavaç-catur-lakßå√i månußå˙
There are 900,000 aquatic species and 2,000,000
non-moving species such as trees and plants. There
are 1,100,000 species of insects and reptiles and
1,000,000 species of birds. There are 3,000,000
varieties of quadrupeds and 400,000 species of
human beings.
The unit of individual consciousness, the åtmå, transmi-
grates through these various species from one to the other
144
Chapter 5
until it eventually reaches the human form of life. This

process is known as transmigration, or reincarnation. It is
similar to the theory of evolution, but distinctly different
at the same time. In the Vedic concept the species of life
are not evolving one into the other (though change within
species is accepted), rather it is the åtmå that is evolving in
consciousness while transmigrating from one species to the
next. In the human form of life, consciousness reaches its
completeness through the process of yoga.
Therefore, a wise man does not discriminate between
one person and another based on bodily differences. The
wise see the åtmå present in all forms of life and not just
in human life.
VERSE 21
बाशसाा िवािन यखम ् ।
स योगयाा सखमयमते ॥२१॥
båhya-sparçeßv-asaktåtmå vindaty-åtmani yat sukham
sa brahma-yoga-yuktåtmå sukham akßayam açnute
One whose mind is detached from external pleasures expe-
riences the happiness found in the self. Connecting himself
with the Absolute, he attains unlimited bliss.
VERSE 22
ये िहसंशजा भोगा ःखयोनय एव ते ।
आवःकौेय नतेष रमते बधः ॥२२॥
ye hi saµsparçajå bhogå du˙kha-yonaya eva te
ådy-antavanta˙ kaunteya na teßu ramate budha˙
145
Bhagavad-gita
Those pleasures that are born in connection with the

sense-objects give rise to misery. They have a beginning
and an end. Therefore, O son of Kuntî, a wise man finds
no satisfaction in the senses and sense-objects.
VERSE 23
शोतीहैव यः सोढंु ारीरिवमोणात ् ।
कामोधोवं वेगं स यः स सखीनरः ॥२३॥
çaknotîhaiva ya˙ so∂huµ pråk çarîra-vimokßa√åt
kåma-krodhodbhavaµ vegaµ sa yukta˙ sa sukhî nara˙
Before giving up this present body, if one is able to control
the senses and the impulses that arise from lust and anger,
one becomes self-satisfied. Such a person is a true yogî.
VERSE 24
योऽः सखोऽरारामथा ितरेव यः ।
स योगी िनवाणं भूतोऽिधगित ॥२४॥
yo’nta˙-sukho’ntaråråmas tathåntar jyotireva ya˙
sa yogî brahma-nirvå√aµ brahma-bhüto’dhigacchati
One who finds happiness and bliss within and who is
enlightened within is a perfect yogî. He attains the tran-
scendental platform and achieves liberation.
VERSE 25
लभे िनवाणमृषयः ीणकषाः ।
िछैधायताानः सवभूतिहतेरताः ॥२५॥
labhante brahma-nirvå√am ®ßaya˙ kßî√a-kalmaßå˙
chinna-dvaidhå yatåtmåna˙ sarva-bhüta-hite ratå˙
146
Chapter 5
Yogîs who are free from vice, self-controlled, whose doubts

have been removed and who are engaged in welfare work
for all living beings, attain liberation in the Supreme.
VERSE 26
कामोधिवमानां यतीनां यतचेतसाम ् ।
अिभतो िनवाणं वतते िविदतानाम ् ॥२६॥
kåma-krodha-vimuktånåµ yatînåµ yata-cetasåm
abhito brahma-nirvå√aµ vartate viditåtmanåm
Those sannyåsîs who constantly endeavour for perfection,
who have controlled their minds, who are self-realised and
who are free from lust and anger, soon achieve liberation
in the Supreme.
VERSE 27-28
शाृा बिहबाांुैवारे वोः ।
ाणापानौ समौ का नासारचािरणौ ॥२७॥
यतेियमनोबिमिनमपरायणः ।
िवगतेाभयोधो यः सदा म एव सः ॥२८॥
sparçån k®två bahir båhyåµç cakßuç caivåntare bhruvo˙
prå√åpånau samau k®två nåsåbhyantara-cåri√au
yatendriya-mano-buddhir munir mokßa-paråya√a˙
vigatecchå-bhaya-krodho ya˙ sadå mukta eva sa˙
The yogî who shuts out the external sense-objects and fixes
his concentration between the eyebrows, stabilising the
inward and outward breaths that flow through the nostrils
and thus controls the senses, the mind and intelligence,
is dedicated to the attainment of liberation. He is never
bound by desires stemming from lust, fear and anger and is
certainly always liberated.
147
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 29
भोारं यतपसां सवलोकमहेरम ्।
सदं सवभूतानां ाा मां शािमृित ॥२९॥
bhoktåraµ yajña-tapasåµ sarva-loka-maheçvaram
suh®daµ sarva-bhütånåµ jñåtvå måµ çåntim ®cchati
One attains peace by knowing Me to be the original

enjoyer of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Con-
troller of all the planets, and the benefactor and friend of
all living beings.
Anuv®tti
In the last verse of this chapter Çrî K®ß√a declares that
He is bhoktåraµ yajña-tapasåµ, the ultimate enjoyer and
receiver of all sacrifice and austerities. K®ß√a then says that
He is sarva-loka-maheçvaram, the Controller of all planets.
Some modern systems of yoga recommend that one med-
itate by thinking of oneself to be controlling and moving
the planets. This is completely absurd. When one is unable
to control the affairs of the world that surrounds him, how
then is he able to control the movements of the planets?
This is not actually meditation – it is self-deception.
Çrî K®ß√a concludes by saying that He is suh®daµ sar-
va-bhütånåµ, the true friend of all living beings. By far,
the K®ß√a conception of the Absolute Truth is the broad-
est, most complete, in-depth and convincing idea of God
known to human society. There are many conceptions of
the ultimate source of life being the all-powerful creator
and controller of the universe, but the K®ß√a conception
is the only concept of ultimate reality that embraces a love
affair with God as a dear-most friend. This is exclusive
148
Chapter 5
to the K®ß√a conception, therefore it is considered as the

topmost theology, or topmost yoga system.
K®ß√a says, jñåtvå måµ çåntim ®cchati – knowing this,
one attains peace. If ever there were something that was
elusive in this world then certainly it is peace. Peace is
talked about everywhere but it is rare, if not impossible
to find. Bhagavad-gîtå gives us a key to peace. Peace is not
found in becoming rich and famous, in being saved or even
liberated from birth and death – real peace comes from
knowing that Çrî K®ß√a is our dear-most friend. This is the
message of Bhagavad-gîtå.

कमसंासयोगो नाम पमोऽायः॥
karma-sannyåsa-yogo nåma pañcamo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Five entitled Karma-
Sannyåsa Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a
149
Chapter 6
VERSE 1
अनाितः कमफलं कायकमकरोितयः।
स संासी च योगी च न िनरिन चाियः ॥१॥
anåçrita˙ karma-phalaµ kåryan karma karoti ya˙
sa sannyåsî ca yogî ca na niragnir na cåkriya˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: One who performs his pre-

scribed duties and renounces the results of those actions
is a yogî and a sannyåsî. One does not become a sannyåsî
simply by rejecting the performance of sacrifice and per-
forming no activities.
VERSE 2
यं संासिमित ायगं तं िवि पाडव ।
न संसंको योगी भवित कन ॥२॥
yaµ sannyåsam iti pråhur yogaµ taµ viddhi på√∂ava
na hy-asannyasta-sa∫kalpo yogî bhavati kaçcana
O son of På√∂u, that which is known as sannyåsa is

the same as yoga. One can never become a yogî without
renouncing the desire to satisfy the senses.
VERSE 3
आोमनेयगं कम कारणमते ।
योगाढ तैव शमः कारणमते ॥३॥
årurukßor muner yogaµ karma kåra√am ucyate
yogårü∂hasya tasyaiva çama˙ kåra√am ucyate
153
Bhagavad-gita
For one who is a beginner on the path of yoga, action is

the means. For one who is already practiced in yoga, the
renunciation of action is the means.
VERSE 4
यदा िह नेियाथष न कमनषते ।
सवसंकसंासी योगाढदोते ॥४॥
yadå hi nendriyårtheßu na karmasv-anußajjate
sarva-sa∫kalpa-sannyåsî yogårü∂has tadocyate
When one is neither attached to the sense-objects nor to
the activities that lead to their enjoyment, at that time one
is said to have attained yoga.
VERSE 5
उरेदानाानं नाानमवसादयेत ्।
आैव ानो बराैव िरपरानः ॥५॥
uddhared åtmanåtmånaµ nåtmånam avasådayet
åtmaiva hy-åtmano bandhur åtmaiva ripur åtmana˙
Living beings must elevate themselves by the mind – they
must not degrade themselves. Certainly, the mind is the
friend of the living beings as well as their worst enemy.
VERSE 6
बराान येनाैवाना िजतः ।
अनान शे वतेताैव शवत ्॥६॥
bandhur åtmåtmanas tasya yenåtmaivåtmanå jita˙
anåtmanastu çatrutve vartetåtmaiva çatruvat
154
Chapter 6
For one who has subdued the mind, the mind is a friend.
However, for one who has not controlled the mind, the
mind is the greatest enemy.
VERSE 7
िजतानः शा परमाा समािहतः ।
शीतोसख ःखेष तथा मानापमानयोः ॥७॥
jitåtmana˙ praçåntasya paramåtmå samåhita˙
çîtoß√a-sukha-du˙kheßu tathå månåpamånayo˙
Those who have subdued the mind and are calm, attain
realisation of Paramåtmå (Super Consciousness). For such
persons heat and cold, happiness and distress and honour
and dishonour are all the same.
Anuv®tti
Many commentators on Bhagavad-gîtå have mentioned
that the method of meditation spoken of in the Sixth
Chapter is derived from the eightfold process of yoga
known as aß†å∫ga-yoga. The famous compiler of the Yoga-
sütras, Patañjali has explained the sequential order of the
aß†å∫ga-yoga system as follows:
First, one should practice yama that consists of obser-
vances such as rising from bed before sunrise, taking bath,
study of the Vedas and performing püjå (rituals).
Niyama consists of controlling the senses by following
regulative principles such as no intoxication, no illicit sex,
no gambling and no eating of meat, fish or eggs.
Next one begins the practice of åsana by physically
conditioning the body through systematic bodily exercises
and postures aimed at toning and bringing into balance
one’s entire physical organism.
155
Bhagavad-gita
Then one advances to the performance of prå√åyåma,

controlling the inward and outward breath by systematic
breathing exercises performed in conjunction with vari-
ous åsanas. When åsanas and prå√åyåma are performed
or taught just for the sake of health, this is sometimes
called ha†ha-yoga.
After prå√åyåma follows pratyåhåra, or withdrawing
the senses from the sense-objects and training the mind to
become introspective and intuitively orientated. Then one
is able to concentrate the mind on a single point without
being disturbed. This is known as dhåra√å, or attaining
concentration.
Once having acquired the ability to concentrate the
mind without distractions from external sources, one can
begin actual meditation, or dhyåna. There are many forms
of meditation in the yoga system, however none of them
recommend concentrating on nothingness. The three prin-
ciple objects of meditation in yoga are Brahman (transcen-
dental light), Paramåtmå (localised Super Consciousness)
and Bhagavån (Çrî K®ß√a).
Samådhi is the final stage of aß†å∫ga-yoga wherein the
yogî, at the time of quitting the material body, attains the
object of his desired perfection. The yogîs who desire Brah-
man or Paramåtmå realisation enter the brahma-jyoti after
giving up their body and the yogî who desires Bhagavån
realisation enters into the Supreme Abode of K®ß√a known
as Vaiku√†ha or Goloka V®ndåvana to associate with and
participate in transcendental pastimes with K®ß√a.
According to many masters of yoga, only Bhagavån real-
isation is eternal. Even after attaining Brahman or Para-
måtmå realisations and merging into the Supreme Brahman,
156
Chapter 6
a yogî will once again have to come back to the material

world and begin again the cycle of birth and death. This
is said to be due to the intrinsic nature of all living beings
to perform activities. Although in the brahma-jyoti there
is a sense of bliss that is many thousands of times greater
than material happiness, still the desire to act remains. But
because the Brahman realised yogî and the Paramåtmå real-
ised yogî are not qualified to perform devotional activities
in the association of K®ß√a, they cannot enter the spiritual
planets and must therefore come down to take birth again
in the material world.
VERSE 8
ानिवानतृाा कूटो िविजतेियः ।
य इते योगी समलोामकानः॥८॥
jñåna-vijñåna-t®ptåtmå kü†astho vijitendriya˙
yukta ityucyate yogî sama-loß†åçma-kåñcana˙
The yogî who is self-satisfied due to his knowledge and
realisation, fixed in his spiritual nature and in control of
his senses, sees dirt, stones and gold equally.
VERSE 9
सिायदासीनमेबष ।
साधिप च पापेष समबििविशते ॥९॥
suh®n-mitråry-udåsîna-madhyastha-dveßya-bandhußu
sådhuß-vapi ca påpeßu sama-buddhir viçißyate
Such a yogî of impartial intelligence sees an honest well-
wisher, an affectionate benefactor, an enemy, neutral per-
sons, a mediator, the envious, a relative, the pious and the
impious with equal vision.
157
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 10
योगी यीत सततमाानं रहिस ितः ।
एकाकी यतिचाा िनराशीरपिरहः ॥१०॥
yogî yuñjîta satatam åtmånaµ rahasi sthita˙
ekåkî yata-cittåtmå niråçîr aparigraha˙
A yogî should live in a solitary place with his mind and
body fully controlled. He should be without desire, with-
out a sense of possessiveness and must constantly fix his
mind on the åtmå, the self within.
VERSE 11-12
शचौ देशे िता िरमासनमानः ।
नाितं नाितनीचं चैलािजनकुशोरम ्॥११॥
तैकां मनः का यतिचेियियः।
उपिवयासने याोगमािवशये ॥१२॥
çucau deçe pratiß†håpya sthiram åsanam åtmana˙
nåty-ucchritaµ nåtinîcaµ cailåjina-kuçottaram
tatraikågraµ mana˙ k®två yata-cittendriya-kriya˙
upaviçyåsane yuñjyåd yogam åtma-viçuddhaye
Establishing a seat in a clean environment that is not too
high or too low, a yogî should cover his sitting place with
kuça grass, a deerskin and a cloth. Sitting on that seat,
fixing his mind on one point and controlling all the activ-
ities of the mind and senses, he should practice yoga to
purify himself.
158
Chapter 6
VERSE 13-14
समं कायिशरोीवं धारयचलं िरः ।
संे नािसकां ं िदशानवलोकयन ् ॥१३॥
शााा िवगतभीचािरते ितः ।
मनः संय मिो य आसीत मरः ॥१४॥
samaµ kåya-çiro-grîvaµ dhårayann acalaµ sthira˙
samprekßya nåsikågraµ svaµ diçaç cånavalokayan
praçåntåtmå vigata-bhîr brahmacåri-vrate sthita˙
mana˙ saµyamya mac-citto yukta åsîta mat-para˙
Holding the body, head and neck straight, he should
remain still and steady, gazing at the tip of the nose with-
out casting his glance in other directions. Undisturbed,
fearless and observing a vow of celibacy, he should sit and
control his mind by thinking of Me as his highest goal.
VERSE 15
येवं सदाानं योगी िनयतमानसः ।
शािं िनवाणपरमां मंामिधगित ॥१५॥
yuñjann evaµ sadåtmånaµ yogî niyata-månasa˙
çåntiµ nirvå√a-paramåµ matsaµsthåm adhigacchati
In this way, the yogî controls his mind, withdrawing it
from material desires. He then achieves supreme peace and
liberation from material existence and attains My abode.
VERSE 16
नात योगोऽि न चैकामनतः।
न चाितशील जातो नैव चाजन ॥१६॥
nåtyaçnata stu yogo’sti na caikåntam anaçnata˙
na cåti svapna-çîlasya jågrato naiva cårjuna
159
Bhagavad-gita
One cannot practice yoga by eating too much or too little,

nor sleeping too much or too little, O Arjuna.
VERSE 17
याहारिवहार यचे कमस ।
यावबोध योगो भवित ःखहा ॥१७॥
yuktåhåra-vihårasya yukta-ceß†asya karmasu
yukta-svapnåvabodhasya yogo bhavati du˙kha-hå
Yoga destroys the suffering of one who is moderate in

eating and sleeping, who performs all activities in a regu-
lated manner and is well balanced in sleeping and waking.
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a again informs Arjuna in verse 15 that the final
goal of yoga is to attain His Supreme Abode (Vaiku√†ha
or Goloka V®ndåvana). This is indeed the ultimate goal of
the yoga system.
One cannot be a yogî if one eats too much or not
enough. Eating too much also means eating things like
non-vegetarian foodstuff to maintain the body. This is not
actually required. Nor can one be a yogî if one does not eat
enough. This also means that one should not abstain from
eating milk products by considering it as non-vegetarian.
Milk is the most complete food possible. Milk products
help to develop a strong bodily constitution and nourish
our brain cells and thus our thinking capacity. Yoga is
something that has been practiced in India for thousands
of years and from then until now, yogîs have recommended
taking milk and milk products like yogurt and cheese etc.
Only in recent times have some people thought it bad to
160
Chapter 6
take milk products, but the masters of yoga have never rec-
ommended such abnegation.
Proper sitting posture, control of the senses and observ-
ing celibacy are also recommended in the above verses
because without such practices no one can actually be a
yogî. Gazing at the tip of the nose without casting one’s
glance in other directions means being perfectly concen-
trated, as in dhåra√å, and performing dhyåna, or medita-
tion on K®ß√a as the highest goal.
As far as possible, a yogî should try to live in a holy
place to practice yoga. In India yogîs are fond of residing on
the banks of the Ganges at Haridvåra, H®ßîkeça, Benares,
or Måyåpura, or on the banks of another sacred river like
the Yamunå, Kåverî or Godåvarî. Some yogîs prefer the
sanctuary of the Himålayas, others prefer residence in the
cåra-dhåma (Dvårakå, Badarînåtha, Jagannåtha Purî and
Råmeçvaram). In any case, the yogî must choose the proper
place to practice yoga.
If one is unable to live in a holy place or on the banks
of a sacred river, then one should try to live in an åçrama
or yoga community. If one is unable to live in a yoga com-
munity then one should sanctify one’s home by creating a
place where K®ß√a can be worshipped and mantra medita-
tion can be performed. The home should have an atmos-
phere conducive for contemplation, study and controlling
the senses. Such a home should be peaceful and free from
acts of violence, animal killing, intoxication etc.
In this modern age (Kali-yuga) animal killing, intoxi-
cation and so many other unfavourable activities are to be
found everywhere. Subsequently, it is very difficult to find
the appropriate place for yoga practice, especially for the
161
Bhagavad-gita
practice of aß†å∫ga-yoga, råja-yoga, ha†ha-yoga and so on.

Therefore, in Kali-yuga the recommended process is bhak-
ti-yoga and meditation is performed through the chanting
of the mahå-mantra.
The chanting of the mahå-mantra is so powerful and
purifying that, wherever it is chanted, it makes that place
purified. Thus the bhakti-yoga process can be practiced
everywhere and anywhere. Bhakti-yoga is actually the only
recommended process of yoga in Kali-yuga.
The yogî must always strive for self-satisfaction, knowl-
edge and realisation. Such a yogî will always see everything
in this world with equal vision and therefore will not
become attached to anything of a temporary nature. K®ß√a
says that the yogî sees gold and mere stones as the same.
This is not to say that the yogî cannot distinguish the bril-
liance of gold from that of ordinary objects; this means
that the yogî is not attracted to finding satisfaction in the
accumulation of wealth.
It has been said that the desire for wealth is what makes
the world go round. This may be true in the sense that the
desire for wealth is what drives most people to act. Sadly
we also see clearly where greed for wealth is taking the
world today – political unrest culminating in war, death
and destruction, economic instability and collapse as well
as extreme instability in the environment. This results in
natural disasters and the extinction of many species of life.
162
Chapter 6
VERSE 18
यदा िविनयतं िचमाेवावितते ।
िनृहः सवकामेो य इते तदा ॥१८॥
yadå viniyataµ cittam åtmany-evåvatiß†hate
nisp®ha˙ sarva-kåmebhyo yukta ity-uchyate tadå
When the steady mind is fixed exclusively upon the self,
then one becomes free from all material desires – such a
person is said to be situated in yoga.
VERSE 19
यथा दीपो िनवातो नेते सोपमा ृता ।
योिगनो यतिच यतो योगमानः ॥१९॥
yathå dîpo nivåtastho ne∫gate sopamå sm®tå
yogino yata-cittasya yuñjato yogam åtmana˙
Just as a flame does not flicker in a windless place, simi-
larly the mind of a yogî never wavers in its concentration
on the self.
VERSE 20-23
योपरमते िचं िनं योगसेवया ।
य चैवानाानं पयािन तित ॥२०॥
सखमािकं युिामतीियम ् ।
वेि य न चैवायं ितलित ततः ॥२१॥
यं ला चापरं लाभं मते नािधकं ततः ।
यिितो न ःखेन गणािप िवचाते ॥२२॥
तं िवाुःखसंयोगिवयोगं योगसंितम ्।
स िनयेन योो योगोऽिनिवणचेतसा ॥२३॥
yatroparamate cittaµ niruddhaµ yoga-sevayå
yatra caivåtmanåtmånaµ paçyann åtmani tußyati
163
Bhagavad-gita
sukham åtyantikaµ yat tad buddhi-gråhyam atîndriyam

vetti yatra na caivåyaµ sthitaç calati tattvata˙
yaµ labdhvå cåparaµ låbhaµ manyate nådhikaµ tata˙
yasmin sthito na du˙khena guru√åpi vicålyate
taµ vidyåd du˙kha-saµyoga-viyogaµ yoga saµjñitam
sa niçcayena yoktavyo yogo’nirvi√√a-cetaså
When the mind is restrained and peaceful by the practice

of yoga, it becomes detached from material desires. Thus
one can perceive the self and attain happiness. Being sit-
uated in this plane of eternal bliss, which is beyond the
scope of the mundane senses and obtained through intel-
ligence, one never deviates from reality. Upon gaining this
position, one considers that there is nothing superior to
this and does not become disturbed even in the midst of
the greatest calamities. You should know that this state of
being, wherein all miseries are destroyed, is known as yoga.
VERSE 24
संकभवाामांवा सवानशेषतः ।
मनसैवेियामं िविनय समतः ॥२४॥
sa∫kalpa-prabhavån kåmåµs tyaktvå sarvån açeßata˙
manasaivendriya-gråmaµ viniyamya samantata˙
One should practice yoga with determination and an unwa-

vering mind. In order to practice yoga, one must reject all
thoughts that create material desires and withdraw the
senses from the sense-objects using the mind.
164
Chapter 6
VERSE 25
शनैः शनैपरमेुा धृितगृहीतया ।
आसंं मनः का न िकंिचदिप िचयेत ्॥२५॥
çanai˙ çanair uparamed buddhyå dh®ti-g®hîtayå
åtma-saµsthaµ mana˙ k®två na kiñcid api cintayet
Gradually, one should still the mind by means of the intel-

ligence, focusing it on the self and nothing else.
VERSE 26
यतो यतो िनलित मनलमिरम ्।
तततो िनयैतदाेव वशं नयेत ् ॥२६॥
yato yato niçcalati manaç cañcalam asthiram
tatas tato niyamyaitad åtmany-eva vaçaµ nayet
The nature of the mind is flickering and unsteady. How-

ever, one should always endeavour to control the mind
from its wanderings and bring it back under the control of
the higher self (åtmå).
VERSE 27
शामनसं ेनं योिगनं सखममम ्।
उपैित शारजसं भूतमकषम ् ॥२७॥
praçånta-manasaµ hy-enaµ yoginaµ sukham uttamam
upaiti çånta-rajasaµ brahma-bhütam akalmaßam
Supreme bliss comes to a yogî who subdues his passions,

whose mind is calm, who is free of vice and who is always
situated on the spiritual plane.
165
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 28
येवं सदाानं योगी िवगतकषः ।
सखेनसंशमं सखमते ॥२८॥
yuñjann evaµ sadåtmånaµ yogî vigata-kalmaßa˙
sukhena brahma-saµsparçam atyantaµ sukham açnute
In this way, through the constant practice of yoga, a yogî who
is devoid of material contamination can attain eternal bliss
through contact with the Absolute.
Anuv®tti
Control of the mind is quintessential for the practice of
yoga. The problem arises due to the very nature of the mind
itself. The nature of the mind is flickering and unsteady; it
wants to wander here and there from one sense-object to
the next. Even in sleep the wandering mind is active. But
Çrî K®ß√a says that the yogî must always endeavour to bring
the mind under control of his higher conscious self. This is
indeed the foremost challenge that a yogî faces.
In some western philosophical systems the mind is
conceived of as the self, but this does not hold true in
yoga. In yoga, the mind is called ‘the sense within’. The
senses of the body like sight, sound, touch, smell and taste
are engaged with external objects and the mind acts as the
faculty that ultimately makes sense of sensual experiences
– the sense within. But in yoga the self is conceived of as
a transcendental substance that exists independent of the
mind and body. Therefore, according to the knowledge of
yoga, the self survives the death of the body and mind. It is
something completely different.
There are many external practices within the yoga system
such as fasting and living in a secluded place that help to
166
Chapter 6
control the mind. But owing to the nature of the mind

being like the wind, these external methods frequently fall
short of the mark. However, in the bhakti-yoga system it is
recommended to control the mind by mantra. The word
mantra originates from two Sanskrit words – mana (the
mind) and tråyate (to control). By engaging the mind in
the process of hearing and chanting mantras – and espe-
cially the mahå-mantra, the great mantra for delivering the
mind – the wandering mind becomes steady in the self.
The mahå-mantra is a direct sound representation of
the Absolute Truth, Çrî K®ß√a. As such, the mahå-mantra
is both all-powerful and all-attractive. The power of the
mahå-mantra removes the ignorance that covers the real
identity of the living being and the all-attractive nature
of the mahå-mantra fills the heart of the chanter with
inconceivable ånanda, supreme spiritual bliss. Chanting of
the mahå-mantra to control and steady the mind has been
highly recommended for these reasons.
VERSE 29
सवभूतमाानं सवभूतािन चािन ।
ईते योगयाा सव समदशनः ॥२९॥
sarva-bhüta-stham åtmånaµ sarva-bhütåni cåtmani
îkßate yoga-yuktåtmå sarvatra sama-darçana˙
One who is connected to the Supreme sees all things
equally and perceives the Supreme in all living beings and
all beings within the Supreme.
VERSE 30
यो मां पयित सव सव च मिय पयित ।
ताहं न णयािम स च मे न णयित ॥३०॥
167
Bhagavad-gita
yo måµ paçyati sarvatra sarvaµ ca mayi paçyati

tasyåhaµ na pra√açyåmi sa ca me na pra√açyati
For one who sees Me in all things and sees everything
within Me, I am never lost and they are never lost to Me.
VERSE 31
सवभूतितं यो मां भजेकमाितः ।
सवथा वतमानोऽिप स योगी मिय वतते ॥३१॥
sarva-bhüta-sthitaµ yo måµ bhajaty-ekatvam åsthita˙
sarvathå vartamåno’pi sa yogî mayi vartate
That yogî who venerates Me, with the knowledge that I am
situated in all living beings (as the Super Consciousness),
abides in Me in all circumstances.
VERSE 32
आौपेन सव समं पयित योऽजन ।
सखं वा यिद वा ःखं स योगी परमो मतः ॥३२॥
åtmaupamyena sarvatra samaµ paçyati yo’rjuna
sukhaµ vå yadi vå du˙khaµ sa yogî paramo mata˙
O Arjuna, one who regards the happiness and distress of
all others equally, as if it were their own, is considered the
best of yogîs.
VERSE 33
अजन उवाच।
योऽयं योगया ोः साेन मधसूदन ।
एताहं न पयािम चलािितं िराम ् ॥३३॥
168
Chapter 6
arjuna uvåca –
yo’yaµ yogas tvayå prokta˙ såmyena madhusüdana
etasyåhaµ na paçyåmi cañcalatvåt sthitiµ sthiråm
Arjuna said: O Madhusüdana, I cannot conceive of this
system of yoga that You have described because by nature
the mind is very unsteady.
VERSE 34
चलं िह मनः क मािथ बलवढम ्।
ताहं िनहं मे वायोिरव सरम ् ॥३४॥
cañcalaµ hi mana˙ k®ß√a pramåthi balavad d®∂ham
tasyåhaµ nigrahaµ manye våyor iva sudußkaram
The mind is erratic, disturbed, very powerful and stub-
born. O K®ß√a, I think that to control it is as difficult as
trying to control the wind.
VERSE 35
असंशयं महाबाहो मनो िनहं चलम ्।
अासेन त कौेय वैरायेण च गृते ॥३५॥
asaµçayaµ mahå-båho mano durnigrahaµ calam
abhyåsena tu kaunteya vairågye√a ca g®hyate
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: O mighty-armed one, indeed
the mind is unsteady and very difficult to control. How-
ever, it is possible to control the mind by practice and
detachment, O son of Kuntî.
169
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 36
असंयताना योगो ाप इित मे मितः ।
वयाना त यतता शोऽवामपायतः ॥३६॥
asaµyatåtmanå yogo dußpråpa iti me mati˙
vaçyåtmanå tu yatatå çakyo’våptum upåyata˙
My conclusion is that yoga is difficult to attain if one’s
mind is uncontrolled. But one who endeavours to control
the mind by the proper practice can be successful.
Anuv®tti
There are five primary subject matters explained in
Bhagavad-gîtå, namely åtmå (individual consciousness),
prak®ti (material nature), karma (action), kåla (time) and
ˆçvara (the Supreme Controller). The culmination of
knowledge is to understand Çrî K®ß√a as the underlying
principle of everything. Yet some commentators on Bhaga-
vad-gîtå have tried to explain the Gîtå minus K®ß√a. That is
to say, they have said such things as, “K®ß√a was a tempo-
rary manifestation of the Supreme Brahman,” “K®ß√a has
no eternal existence as a person” or that when K®ß√a says
things like, “One attains My abode,” K®ß√a actually means
that one attains something else of an impersonal nature.
However, true masters of yoga and scholars of Vedic liter-
ature reject all these ideas.
Bhagavad-gîtå, although surely mystical in that it delin-
eates in great detail the Absolute Truth and how to attain
that Truth, is not an allegorical or speculative treatise on
the subject of perfection. Bhagavad-gîtå is to be taken lit-
erally as a conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and His dear
friend and devotee, Arjuna. Therein lies the open secret to
170
Chapter 6
understanding Bhagavad-gîtå. K®ß√a says what He means

and means what He says – therefore an abstract commen-
tary on Bhagavad-gîtå is not necessary.
That Çrî K®ß√a is everywhere, in all things and within
the hearts of all living beings is confirmed by the above
verses. K®ß√a says that He is in all living beings as the Par-
amåtmå and all living beings are in Him as His parts and
parcels. K®ß√a is in all things and all things are in K®ß√a.
One who endeavours to see in this way becomes enlight-
ened – indeed such a vision is enlightenment.
Arjuna, being a self-realised yogî and an eternal associ-
ate of K®ß√a, does not argue with K®ß√a over such conclu-
sions. However, Arjuna does object to the rigours of yoga
required to attain such perfection. Arjuna was a family man
with many responsibilities, so how was he to practice yoga?
Arjuna pleads his case in favour of day to day people in
that the yoga system of rigorous mind control described so
far by K®ß√a is too difficult. It is simply impractical.
K®ß√a’s assurance to Arjuna is that if one perseveres
then one will certainly be successful. But understanding
Arjuna’s point, K®ß√a will indeed bring the attainment
of the Absolute Truth into the reach of everyone as the
Bhagavad-gîtå discourse continues.
VERSE 37
अयितः योपेतो योगािलतमानसः ।
अा योगसंिसिं कां गितं क गित ॥३७॥
arjuna uvåca –
ayati˙ çraddhayopeto yogåc calita-månasa˙
apråpya yoga-saµsiddhiµ kåµ gatiµ k®ß√a gacchati
171
Bhagavad-gita
Arjuna said: O K®ß√a, what is the destination of a person

who has faith but cannot control his mind by the process
of yoga and does not attain perfection?
VERSE 38
किोभयिविछािमव नयित ।
अितो महाबाहो िवमूढो णः पिथ ॥३८॥
kaccin nobhaya-vibhraß†aç chhinnåbhram iva naçyati
apratiß†ho mahå-båho vimü∂ho brahma√a˙ pathi
O mighty-armed K®ß√a, does such a person, being both
confused on the spiritual path and having no shelter,
become lost like a scattered cloud?
VERSE 39
एते संशयं क छेमहशेषतः।
दः संशया छेा न पपते ॥३९॥
etan me saµçayaµ k®ß√a chettum arhasy-açeßata˙
tvad-anya˙ saµçayasyåsya chettå na hy-upapadyate
O K®ß√a, only You can completely remove these doubts of
mine and no one else.
VERSE 40
पाथ नैवेह नाम िवनाश िवते ।
न िह काणकिुगितं तात गित ॥४०॥
pårtha naiveha nåmutra vinåças tasya vidyate
na hi kalyå√a-k®t kaçcid durgatiµ tåta gacchati
172
Chapter 6
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: O Pårtha, such a person does

not meet with destruction, either in this world or the next.
One who performs acts of virtue never suffers misfortune.
VERSE 41
ा पयकतां लोकानिषा शातीः समाः ।
शचीनां ीमतां गेहे योगोऽिभजायते ॥४१॥
pråpya pu√ya-k®tåµ lokån ußitvå çåçvatî˙ samå˙
çucînåµ çrîmatåµ gehe yoga-bhraß†o’bhijåyate
One who falls from the practice of yoga attains the celes-
tial planets of the pious and dwells there for many years.
Thereafter, they take birth amongst humans in a noble and
prosperous family.
VERSE 42
अथ वा योिगनामेव कुले भवित धीमताम ्।
एति लभतरं लोके ज यदीशम ् ॥४२॥
athavå yoginåm eva kule bhavati dhîmatåm
etaddhi durlabhataraµ loke janma yad îd®çam
Otherwise they may be born into a learned family of yogîs.
Certainly such a birth is rarely achieved in this world.
VERSE 43
त तं बिसंयोगं लभते पौवदेिहकम ्।
यतते च ततोभूयः संिसौ कुनन ॥४३॥
tatra taµ buddhi-saµyogaµ labhate paurva-dehikam
yatate ca tato bhüya˙ saµsiddhau kuru-nandana
O descendant of Kuru, regaining their knowledge of yoga
from previous births, they again endeavour to attain success.
173
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 44
पूवाासेन तेनैव ियते वशोऽिपसः।
िजासरिप योग शाितवतते ॥४४॥
pürvåbhyåsena tenaiva hriyate hy-avaço’pi sa˙
jijñåsur api yogasya çabda-brahmåtivartate
Due to the practices of their previous life, they are auto-
matically attracted to the yoga process. Simply by inquir-
ing about this system of yoga, one transcends the rituals
of the Vedas.
VERSE 45
यातमान योगी संशिकिषः।
अनेकजसंिसतो याित परां गितम ् ॥४५॥
prayatnåd yatamånas tu yogî saµçuddha-kilbißa˙
aneka-janma-saµsiddhas tato yåti paråµ gatim
By sincere endeavour, the yogî is then purified of all con-
tamination and achieves perfection after many lifetimes
– he attains the Supreme Destination.
VERSE 46
तपिोऽिधको योगी ािनोऽिप मतोऽिधकः ।
किमािधको योगी ताोगी भवाजन ॥४६॥
tapasvibhyo’dhiko yogî jñånibhyo’pi mato’dhika˙
karmibhyaç cådhiko yogî tasmåd yogî bhavårjuna
Such a yogî is superior to the tapasvî (one who performs
severe penances), the jñånî (one who tries to achieve the
Absolute by intellectual pursuits) and the karmî (one who
tries to attain salvation by performing Vedic rituals). This
is My conclusion, O Arjuna – therefore become a yogî!
174
Chapter 6
VERSE 47
योिगनामिप सवषां मतेनाराना ।
ावाजते यो मां स मे यतमो मतः ॥४७॥
yoginåm api sarveßåµ mad gatenåntaråtmanå
çraddhåvån bhajate yo måµ sa me yuktatamo mata˙
I consider the best of all yogîs to be the bhakti-yogî who
abides in Me, who meditates upon Me and who worships
Me with firm faith.
Anuv®tti
Arjuna’s questions in verses 37 and 38 are very critical for
our understanding. Arjuna wants to know what happens to
one who practices yoga for sometime, but for some reason or
another, does not become completely self-realised and gives
up the body at death without having attained perfection.
What is the destination of such a person in the next life?
The first thing to note here is that Arjuna is aware or
completely convinced that this one life is not the all-in-all.
As Çrî K®ß√a has said previously, we have had many lives
in the past and we will have many in the future. Therefore
Arjuna wants to know of his fate or that of anyone who
practices yoga but does not reach perfection. What will be
the fate of such a person in the next life?
K®ß√a’s reply is that of the all-knowing, omniscient
Supreme Being. K®ß√a says that for the yogî there is never
any loss. If one does not achieve perfection in this life
then in the next life one will be born in favourable cir-
cumstances and begin the process anew. In the next life,
one will again become attracted to the practice of yoga
and continue on the path. Even if it takes many lifetimes,
175
Bhagavad-gita
the yogî, with perseverance and determination, attains the

supreme destination. Therefore, K®ß√a tells Arjuna, in all
circumstances, be a yogî.

ानयोगो नाम षोऽायः॥
dhyåna-yogo nåma ßaß†ho’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Six entitled Dhyåna
176
Chapter 7
VERSE 1
मासमनाः पाथ योगं यदायः।
असंशयं समं मां यथा ािस तण ॥१॥
mayy-åsakta-manå˙ pårtha yogaµ yuñjan mad-åçraya˙
asaµçayaµ samagraµ måµ yathå jñåsyasi tac ch®√u
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: O Pårtha, please listen – when
the mind is attached to Me and one practices yoga and
takes full shelter of Me, then you will certainly be able
to know Me.
VERSE 2
ानं तेऽहं सिवानिमदं वाशेषतः ।
याा नेह भूयोऽातमविशते ॥२॥
jñånaµ te’haµ sa-vijñånam idaµ vakßyåmy-açeßata˙
yaj-jñåtvå neha bhüyo’nyaj jñåtavyam avaçißyate
I will explain to you this knowledge and its realisation.
Once you understand this, there is nothing else in this
world that remains to be known.
VERSE 3
मनाणां सहेष कितित िसये ।
यततामिप िसानां किां वेि ततः ॥३॥
manußyå√åµ sahasreßu kaçcid yatati siddhaye
yatatåm api siddhånåµ kaçcin måµ vetti tattvata˙
Amongst thousands of men, one may try to achieve
perfection. Amongst those rare persons that endeavour for
perfection, one may actually know Me.
179
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
This chapter of Bhagavad-gîtå is entitled Jñåna-Vijñåna
Yoga. Jñåna means knowledge of self as distinguished
from non-self, or knowledge that the self is not the body.
Vijñåna means realised knowledge or realisation of one’s
intrinsic relationship with K®ß√a. Çrîmad Bhågavatam also
mentions jñåna and vijñåna as follows:
jñånaµ parama guhyaµ me yad vijñåna-samanvitam

sa-rahasyaµ tad a∫gaµ ca g®hå√a gaditaµ mayå
Knowledge (jñåna) about K®ß√a as described in the
Vedic literatures is very confidential, and it has to
be realised (vijñåna) in conjunction with the secrets
of devotion. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 2.9.31)
When we speak of knowledge, modern man immedi-

ately thinks of scientific knowledge which he deems to
be most perfect. However, jñåna in Bhagavad-gîtå refers
to that knowledge of the self as distinguished from the
knowledge of matter or scientific knowledge. Knowledge
of matter is called aparå-vidyå and it is quite distinct
from the knowledge of the self in that it never leads to
self-realisation.
Since the beginning of the Rationalist movement, some
five centuries ago, science has completely rejected the idea
of consciousness as independent of matter. Many scientific
theories have been presented to explain the origin of the
universe and the origin of life such as the ‘Big Bang’ and
Darwinian Evolution, but these explanations remain mere
theories, lacking conclusive evidence.
180
Chapter 7
For centuries, scientific and theistic communities have

been at odds with each other, but recently it appears that
the two may finally be drawing closer. Leading persons in
the scientific community are willing to accept conscious-
ness as a scientific fact. Indeed, biologist and stem-cell
therapist, Dr. Robert Lanza has of late rocked the scien-
tific world with his book, Biocentrism – How Life Creates
the Universe, in which he postulates that consciousness has
evolved matter and not that matter has evolved conscious-
ness. If this current trend continues then indeed science
may very well be on the path of jñåna.
The understanding of consciousness being the origin of
matter has taken a long time to manifest. But as K®ß√a says in
verse 3, those who endeavour for perfection are very rare, and
rarer still are those who actually understand K®ß√a. To this
end, all learned and educated people in the world should take
lessons from Bhagavad-gîtå.
VERSE 4
भूिमरापोऽनलो वायः खं मनो बिरेव च ।
अहार इतीयं मे िभा कितरधा ॥४॥
bhümir åpo’nalo våyu˙ khaµ mano buddhireva ca
aha∫kåra itîyaµ me bhinnå prak®tir aß†adhå
Earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, intelligence and false
ego – these are the eight different elements that constitute
My material nature.
VERSE 5
अपरेयिमतां कितं िवि मे पराम ्।
जीवभूतां महाबाहो ययेदं धायते जगत ् ॥५॥
181
Bhagavad-gita
apareyam itas tvanyåµ prak®tiµ viddhi me paråm

jîva-bhütåµ mahå-båho yayedaµ dhåryate jagat
However, you should know that there is another nature,
superior to this inferior nature. It is a conscious potency
that consists of the living beings and maintains the universe.
VERSE 6
एतोनीिन भूतािन सवाणीपधारय ।
अहं क जगतः भवः लयथा ॥६॥
etad yonîni bhütåni sarvå√îty-upadhåraya
ahaµ k®tsnasya jagata˙ prabhava˙ pralayas tathå
Try to understand that all beings are manifest from these
two sources and that I am the cause of the creation and
annihilation of the entire universe.
Anuv®tti
The basic material elements that comprise the universe
have been mentioned here. Earth (bhümi), water (åpa), fire
(anala) and air (våyu) are, for the most part, easy to com-
prehend – whereas khaµ, the invisible element, is rather
more difficult. Khaµ is defined as accommodating space
for existence. For a long time, modern science has rejected
the Bhagavad-gîtå’s concept of space as an element. How-
ever, once again the scientific community finds itself
facing serious problems wherein an elusive element must
be present in the universe in order for them to explain how
the universe works. This element, physicists say, may com-
prise up to 80% or more of the universe, but is unknown
to them and is thus far undetectable. They have called this
‘Dark Matter’.
182
Chapter 7
The first person to provide evidence and infer the

existence of the phenomenon of Dark Matter was the
Swiss astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky, of the California Insti-
tute of Technology in 1933. Zwicky applied the viral
theorem to the Coma cluster of galaxies and obtained evi-
dence of unseen mass. Zwicky estimated the cluster’s total
mass based on the motions of galaxies near its edge and
compared that estimate to one based on the number of
galaxies and total brightness of the cluster. He found that
there was about four-hundred times more estimated mass
than was visually observable. The gravity of the visible
galaxies in the cluster would be far too small for such fast
orbits, so something extra was required. This is known as
the ‘Missing Mass Problem’. Based on these conclusions,
Zwicky inferred that there must be some non-visible form
of matter that would provide enough of the mass and
gravity to hold the cluster together. That was the begin-
ning of the search for Dark Matter.
Seventy-eight years later, science is still looking for
Dark Matter. They know it is literally everywhere, but it
escapes detection and thus they are unable to observe it.
Millions in taxpayers’ money is spent every year by western
scientists in the search for Dark Matter. Nothing has yet
been discovered.
However, the Çrîmad Bhågavatam identifies a material
element that among its other qualities is, for the most part,
elusive. It is all-pervading, but simultaneously it is unde-
tectable. That element according to Bhågavatam is called
nabhas, or as mentioned here in Bhagavad-gîtå, khaµ.
The activities, qualities and characteristics of the khaµ
element can be observed as accommodating space/room
183
Bhagavad-gita
for existence. Space itself, both internal and external, is the

element khaµ. This then, if taken notice of by physicists,
may very well fit nicely into the ‘Missing Mass Problem’.
Khaµ, being a material element, could theoretically be
assigned a numerical code – then they might find what
they are looking for.
In the Vedic way of thinking, a physical element is
secondary to its qualities – when the qualities of a par-
ticular thing are understood, it is as good as or better than
having the gross object at hand. In that sense, modern
science has already discovered Dark Matter, because they
have understood something of its qualities – they just hav-
en’t realised it yet. In the Çrîmad Bhågavatam we find the
following verse:
bhütånåµ chidra-dåt®tvaµ bahir antaram eva ca

prå√endriyåtma-dhiß√yatvaµ nabhaso v®tti-lakßa√am
The activities and characteristics of nabhas can be
observed as accommodation for external and inter-
nal existences of all living beings, namely the field
of activities of the vital air, the senses and the mind.
(Çrîmad Bhågavatam 3.26.34)
This verse is the potential basis for great scientific

research work. It explains how subtle forms are generated
from nabhas, what their characteristics and actions are,
and how the tangible elements, namely air, fire, water and
earth, are manifested from the subtle form.
Bhågavatam does not simply list the basic material ele-
ments, but explains quite scientifically how those elements
evolve from the most subtle plane of existence up to the
184
Chapter 7
divisions of the universe – this is quite elaborate and sci-

entific indeed. Yet for science to take full advantage of this
understanding of matter and to discover how the universe
came into being, they will have to do more than just add
khaµ to their table of elements – they will have to add
aha∫kåra (false ego), mana (the mind) and buddhi (intel-
ligence). For indeed, Bhagavad-gîtå lists these as material
elements. Furthermore, these elements, aha∫kåra, mana
and buddhi are categorised as even more subtle than khaµ,
because they are closer in character to consciousness (åtmå).
Beyond the gross and subtle material elements being
added to the scientific table, Bhagavad-gîtå says that a
complete understanding of existence and reality is not
possible without adding two transcendental, anti-material
concepts – namely åtmå and Paramåtmå (consciousness
and Super Consciousness). This, it seems, science strug-
gles with even more than Dark Matter. We have dubbed
these ‘Light Matter’.
Mind and intelligence should not be confused with the
self or åtmå. Mind and intelligence have not arisen out of
matter as some philosophers or scientists have suggested.
Last in the list is aha∫kåra or false ego. All these are mate-
rial elements which manifest from the aparå-prak®ti or the
inferior energy of K®ß√a. These gross and subtle elements
make up the material body and cover the self within.
Those conditioned by material elements consider the
body as the self. But K®ß√a says that there is another energy
of His – a superior energy, which is a conscious potency
and consists of all living beings.
Bhagavad-gîtå clearly explains both the gross and subtle
material elements as well as consciousness and Super Con-
185
Bhagavad-gita
sciousness. Any theory that does not include all of these

elements is surely inadequate.
VERSE 7
मः परतरं नाििदि धनय ।
मिय सविमदं ोतं सूे मिणगणा इव ॥७॥
matta˙ parataraµ nånyat kiñcid asti dhanañjaya
mayi sarvam idaµ protaµ sütre ma√i-ga√å iva
Dhanañjaya, there is nothing superior to Me. All things rest
upon Me, just like jewels strung upon a thread.
VERSE 8
रसोऽहम कौेय भाि शिशसूययोः ।
णवःसववेदेष शः खे पौषं नृष ॥८॥
raso’ham apsu kaunteya prabhåsmi çaçi-süryayo˙
pra√ava˙ sarva-vedeßu çabda˙ khe paurußaµ n®ßu
I am the taste of water and the light of the sun and the
moon, O son of Kuntî. I am the syllable ‘oµ’ found in all
the Vedas, I am the sound in space and I am the masculinity
in man.
VERSE 9
पयो गःपृिथां च तेजाि िवभावसौ ।
जीवनं सवभूतेष तपाि तपिष ॥९॥
pu√yo gandha˙ p®thivyåµ ca tejaç cåsmi vibhåvasau
jîvanaµ sarva-bhüteßu tapaç cåsmi tapasvißu
I am the original scent of the earth, I am the lustre of fire.
I am the life of all creatures and the penances of the per-
formers of austerities.
186
Chapter 7
VERSE 10
बीजं मां सवभूतानां िवि पाथ सनातनम ्।
बिबिमतामि तेजेजिनामहम ् ॥१०॥
bîjaµ måµ sarva-bhütånåµ viddhi pårtha sanåtanam
buddhir buddhimatåm asmi tejas tejasvinåm aham
O Pårtha, know that I am the original cause of all living

beings. I am the wisdom of the wise and I am the power of
the powerful.
VERSE 11
बलं बलवतां चाहं कामरागिवविजतम ्।
धमािवो भूतेष कामोऽि भरतषभ ॥११॥
balaµ balavatåµ cåhaµ kåma-råga-vivarjitam
dharmåviruddho bhüteßu kåmo’smi bharatarßabha
I am the might of the mighty which is devoid of passion
and attachment. I am the desire to procreate which does
not violate the principles of dharma.
VERSE 12
ये चैव सािका भावा राजसाामसा ये ।
म एवेित तािि न हं तेष ते मिय ॥१२॥
ye caiva såttvikå bhåvå råjasås tåmasåç ca ye
matta eveti tån viddhi na tvahaµ teßu te mayi
Also, know that all things generated by the modes of
goodness, passion and ignorance originate from Me alone.
However, I am not in them but they are in Me.
187
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 13
ििभगणमयैभावैरेिभः सविमदं जगत ्।
मोिहतं नािभजानाित मामेः परमयम ् ॥१३॥
tribhir gu√amayair bhåvair ebhi˙ sarvam idaµ jagat
mohitaµ nåbhijånåti måm ebhya˙ param-avyayam
The whole world is bewildered by these three modes of
nature. Thus, no one can understand Me because I am
superior to these modes and unchanging.
Anuv®tti
Since the most ancient times we find the same funda-
mental questions in the search for knowledge and meaning
– Who are we? Where did we come from? Why are we
here? How should we conduct ourselves? Is there life after
death? These were questions in the minds of our ancestors
and we still ask the same questions today. The search for
answers to these questions leads an intelligent person to
conclude that consciousness is superior to matter and that
there must be one absolute source from which everything
in the universe and beyond emanates.
Here Çrî K®ß√a says that He is the singular cause of
everything and that nothing is superior to Him. He is
the sum total of the universe and of all living creatures,
but He Himself remains separate from everything as the
Supreme Individual.
Throughout the yoga systems we find that the chant-
ing of mantras is highly recommended and possibly no
mantra is chanted more than oµ, or oµkåra. This oµkåra is
described as the supreme combination of letters (a, u and
µ) and is thus the primary Vedic mantra. Here Çrî K®ß√a
188
Chapter 7
says that He is the oµ found in Vedic mantras and as such,

it is K®ß√a that is to be meditated on while chanting oµ. In
support of this the ‰g Veda states as follows:
oµ ity etad brahma√o nediß†aµ

nåma yasmåd uccåryamåna
eva saµsåra-bhayåt tårayati
tasmåd-ucyate tåra iti
oµ åsya jånanto nåma cid-viviktan mahaste viß√o
sumatiµ bhajåmahe oµ tat sat
tato ‘bhüt triv®d-oµkåro yo ‘vyakta prabhava˙ svarå†
yat tal-li∫gaµ bhagavato brahma√a˙ paramåtmana˙
One who chants oµ, which is the closest form of
Brahman, approaches Brahman. This liberates one
from the fear of the material world; therefore, it is
known as tåraka-brahman. O Viß√u/K®ß√a, Your
self-manifested name, oµ, is the eternal form of
cognisance. Even if my knowledge about the glo-
ries of reciting this name is incomplete, still, by the
practice of reciting this name, I will achieve perfect
knowledge. He who has unmanifested potencies and
is fully independent manifests the vibration oµkåra,
which indicates Himself. Brahman, Paramåtmå and
Bhagavån are the three forms He manifests. (Dh®ta
‰g Veda 1.156.3)
Now the question may arise that if oµ is non-differ-

ent from Çrî K®ß√a, what then is the necessity to chant
the mahå-mantra? Great åcåryas such as Jîva Gosvåmî,
Viçvanåtha Cakravartî, Bhaktivinoda, Sarasvatî ˇhåkura,
Svåmî B.R. Çrîdhara, Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda and
189
Bhagavad-gita
others are all in agreement that oµ helps us up to the stage

of liberation from material bondage. But the benefits of
chanting the mahå-mantra continue even after liberation,
helping us to develop spontaneous affection for K®ß√a and
thus cultivate our eternal relationship with Him.
In the ontology of mantras it is said that oµ ema-
nates from the flute of Çrî K®ß√a; it then manifests as
gåyatrî-mantra, then as the Vedas, Vedånta and Çrîmad
Bhågavatam. The last verse of Bhågavatam recommends the
chanting of the mahå-mantra.
nåma-sa∫kîrtanaµ yasya sarva-påpa-pra√åçanam

pra√åmo du˙kha-çamanas taµ namåmi hariµ param
The chanting of the mahå-mantra can relieve us from
all undesirable habits, all filthy characteristics and
all miseries. Chant the mahå-mantra! Nothing else
is necessary. Take this! Chant the mahå-mantra and
begin your real life in this dark age of Kali-yuga with
the most broad and wide theistic conception. Let
us all bow down to Çrî K®ß√a. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam
12.13.23)
One may chant oµ and certainly everyone should chant

the mahå-mantra. Those who do this under the guidance
of the spiritual master will certainly taste the fruits of
self-realisation.
VERSE 14
दैवी ेषा गणमयी मम माया रया ।
मामेव ये पे मायामेतां तरि ते ॥१४॥
190
Chapter 7
daivî hy-eßå gu√amayî mama måyå duratyayå

måmeva ye prapadyante måyåm etåµ taranti te
This divine potency of Mine which consists of the three
modes of material nature is extremely difficult to defeat.
Yet those that take shelter of Me can cross beyond it.
VERSE 15
न मां ृितनो मूढाः पे नराधमाः ।
माययापताना आसरं भावमािताः ॥१५॥
na måµ dußk®tino mü∂hå˙ prapadyante narådhamå˙
måyayåpah®ta jñånå åsuraµ bhåvam åçritå˙
The foolish, the lowest of men, those whose knowledge is
covered by illusion and those who take shelter of impious
activities – such unrighteous persons never surrender to Me.
VERSE 16
चतिवधा भजे मां जनाः सकितनोऽजन ।
आत िजासरथाथ ानी च भरतषभ ॥१६॥
catur-vidhå bhajante måµ janå˙ suk®tino’rjuna
årto jijñåsur arthårthî jñånî ca bharatarßabha
O descendant of Bharata, there are four kinds of persons
who are fortunate enough to worship Me – those who are
in distress, the inquisitive, those that seek wealth and those
that desire self-realisation.
VERSE 17
तेषां ानी िनय एकभििविशते ।
ियो िह ािननोऽथमहं स च मम ियः ॥१७॥
191
Bhagavad-gita
teßåµ jñånî nitya-yukta eka-bhaktir viçißyate

priyo hi jñånino’tyartham ahaµ sa ca mama priya˙
Of these, one who desires self-realisation is superior. He is
always absorbed in thoughts of Me and engaged in bhak-
ti-yoga. I am very dear to him and he is very dear to Me.
VERSE 18
उदाराः सव एवैते ानी ाैव मे मतम ् ।
आितः स िह याा मामेवानमां गितम ् ॥१८॥
udårå˙ sarva evaite jñånî tvåtmaiva me matam
åsthita˙ sa hi yuktåtmå måm evånuttamåµ gatim
Certainly all of them are virtuous, yet I regard the self-real-
ised devotee to be as My own Self because his mind is fully
fixed upon Me as his ultimate goal.
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a speaks here about His måyå potency, also
known as mahå-måyå, to distinguish it from His internal
potency known as yoga-måyå. Mahå-måyå is the potency
of material energy and the modes of nature that condi-
tion all living beings in material existence, binding them
to saµsåra. These three modes of material nature will be
discussed at length in Chapter 14 of Bhagavad-gîtå.
K®ß√a says that to escape the modes of material nature
is very difficult for the conditioned living being, but one
who takes shelter of K®ß√a in bhakti-yoga can easily cross
beyond them. This is recommended as follows:
akåma˙ sarva-kåmo vå mokßa-kåma udåra-dhî˙

tîvre√a bhakti-yogena yajeta purußaµ param
192
Chapter 7
Whether one is without desire or full of desire or

aspires for liberation – one should take shelter of
the Supreme Person through bhakti-yoga. (Çrîmad
Bhågavatam 2.3.10).
K®ß√a further explains that pious persons (the dis-

tressed, the inquisitive, those seeking wealth and those
desiring self-realisation) take shelter of Him, but of these
K®ß√a says that those in search of knowledge and self-real-
isation are superior.
After taking shelter of Çrî K®ß√a for wealth, out of curi-
osity or out of distress, it is often seen that such persons
again resume their normal course of material activities.
Those who come to K®ß√a for knowledge and self-realisa-
tion truly become liberated from material desires and enter
into a plane of eternal bliss. Ultimately they attain K®ß√a’s
Supreme Abode, never to return to the world of birth and
death as will be explained in Chapter 15. Therefore, the
seekers of self-realisation who take shelter of K®ß√a and
absorb all their thoughts and deeds in K®ß√a are considered
the best among virtuous persons.
VERSE 19
बनां जनामे ानवाां पते ।
वासदेवः सविमित स महाा सलभः ॥१९॥
bahünåµ janmanåm ante jñånavån måµ prapadyate
våsudeva˙ sarvam iti sa mahåtmå sudurlabha˙
After many births, one who possesses knowledge surren-
ders unto Me. He realises that Våsudeva is the source of
everything. Such a great personality is very rare.
193
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 20
कामैैैतानाः पेऽदेवताः ।
तं तं िनयममााय का िनयताः या ॥२०॥
kåmais tais tair h®ta-jñånå˙ prapadyante’nya-devatå˙
taµ taµ niyamam åsthåya prak®tyå niyatå˙ svayå
Those whose intelligence has been lost to various material
desires take shelter in other gods. Swayed by their natures
they perform various rituals.
VERSE 21
यो यो यां यां तनं भः यािचतिमित ।
त ताचलां ां तामेव िवदधाहम ् ॥२१॥
yo yo yåµ yåµ tanuµ bhakta˙ çraddhayårchitum icchati
tasya tasyåcalåµ çraddhåµ tåm eva vidadhåmy-aham
Whatever form of the demigods a man desires to worship
with faith, I make his faith strong in that particular form.
VERSE 22
स तया या याराधनमीहते ।
लभते च ततः कामायैव िविहताि तान ् ॥२२॥
sa tayå çraddhayå yuktas tasyårådhanam îhate
labhate ca tata˙ kåmån mayaiva vihitån hi tån
One who worships that particular form with faith, only
attains the fulfilment of his desires due to My sanction alone.
VERSE 23
अव फलं तेषां तवमेधसाम ् ।
देवाेवयजो याि मा याि मामिप ॥२३॥
194
Chapter 7
antavat tu phalaµ teßåµ tad bhavaty-alpa-medhasåm

devån deva-yajo yånti mad bhaktå yånti måm api
However, the results achieved by such persons of little
intelligence are temporary. Those who worship the dem-
igods reach them, but My devotees attain Me.
Anuv®tti
Surrender to Çrî K®ß√a may not be achieved in one
lifetime. In fact K®ß√a says that after many lifetimes of
acquiring knowledge one ultimately surrenders unto Him
knowing Våsudeva (K®ß√a) to be the source of all that be.
Indeed such persons are very rare – sa mahåtmå sudurlabha˙.
Mahåtmå literally means a great personality or devotee
of K®ß√a, but one does not become a mahåtmå simply by
‘rubber stamping’. There are required qualities and only
those who manifest such qualities should be respected
as a mahåtmå. These qualities are mentioned in Caitan-
ya-caritåm®ta as follows:
k®pålu, ak®ta-droha, satya-såra sama
nidoßa, vadånya, m®du, çuci, akiñcana
sarvopakåraka, çånta, k®ß√aika-çara√a
akåma, anîha, sthira, vijita-ßa∂-gu√a
mita-bhuk, apramatta, månada, amånî
gambhîra, karu√a, maitra, kavi, dakßa, maunî
Devotees of Çrî K®ß√a are always merciful, humble,
truthful, and equal to all, faultless, magnanimous,
mild and clean. They are without material posses-
sions, and they perform welfare work for everyone.
They are peaceful, surrendered to K®ß√a and without
desire. They are indifferent to material acquisitions
195
Bhagavad-gita
and are fixed in devotion to K®ß√a. They completely

control the six bad qualities – lust, anger, greed and
so forth. They eat only as much as required, and
they are not intoxicated with false ego. They are
respectful, grave, compassionate and without false
prestige. They are friendly, poetic, expert and silent.
(Caitanya-caritåm®ta, Madhya-lîlå, 22. 78-80)
The popularity of the bhakti movement in contempo-

rary times has also come to include the worship of many
demigods and demigoddesses such as Çiva, Ga√eça, Sar-
asvatî, Lakßmî etc. However, according to Bhagavad-gîtå,
the worship of various demigods is not on the same level
as worshipping K®ß√a and thus does not help one advance
in self-realisation. Bhakti-yoga is solely meant for K®ß√a.
Bhakti is the reciprocal exchange between K®ß√a and His
devotees and thus bhakti is incompatible with the worship
of the demigods.
It is not that the demigods are ‘false gods,’ but they
simply cannot free one from material bondage. K®ß√a
knows what is necessary for the ultimate good of all living
creatures and therefore He says that worship of demigods
is less intelligent.
It can also be said that those who worship the demi-
gods worship K®ß√a indirectly, because the demigods are
the representatives of K®ß√a for the management of uni-
versal affairs. In that way the worship of demigods is also
the worship of K®ß√a, save and except for the fruits of
liberation. Only K®ß√a is known as mukti-pada, the giver
of liberation, or Mukunda. Speaking in Padma Purå√a,
Çiva says:
196
Chapter 7
mukti-pradåtå sarveßåµ viß√ur eva na saµçaya˙

Undoubtedly, Viß√u (K®ß√a) is the only deliverer of
liberation for all. (Padma Purå√a 6.253.176)
When surrender to K®ß√a is the only shelter from the
cycle of birth and death, then it stands to reason that one
should take shelter of K®ß√a and forego the worship of
various demigods.
VERSE 24
अं िमापं मे मामबयः ।
परं भावमजानो ममायमनमम ्॥२४॥
avyaktaµ vyaktim åpannaµ manyante måm abuddhaya˙
paraµ bhåvam ajånanto mamåvyayam anuttamam
My nature is eternal, supreme and imperishable. Yet less
intelligent persons cannot comprehend this and consider Me
to be the impersonal that has now accepted a material form.
VERSE 25
नाहं काशः सव योगमायासमावृतः ।
मूढोऽयं नािभजानाित लोको मामजमयम ्॥२५॥
nåhaµ prakåça˙ sarvasya yoga-måyå-samåv®ta˙
mü∂ho’yaµ nåbhijånåti loko måm ajam avyayam
I do not manifest Myself to everyone. I am hidden by My
yoga-måyå potency and thus the foolish cannot recognise
Me as eternal and unborn.
Anuv®tti
Herein Çrî K®ß√a states His position quite unequivo-
cally. He is eternal, without birth, supreme and imperish-
197
Bhagavad-gita
able. To this He adds that those who are foolish (mü∂ha),

consider His appearance in this world to be a temporary
appearance of the impersonal Brahman in material form.
Such misguided philosophers consider that K®ß√a’s body is
material and that K®ß√a, like other living beings, is a man-
ifestation from the brahma-jyoti. In Chapter 14 of Bhaga-
vad-gîtå, K®ß√a will explain that He is the very source of
the brahma-jyoti and that all living beings emanate from
Him. K®ß√a does not manifest or reveal Himself to every-
one – particularly to those who are envious or jealous of
Him. To the envious K®ß√a is covered by His own spiritual
potency, yoga-måyå and at the same time the envious are
covered by mahå-måyå in the cycle of birth and death.
VERSE 26
वेदाहं समतीतािन वतमानािन चाजन ।
भिवािण च भूतािन मां त वेद न कन ॥२६॥
vedåhaµ samatîtåni vartamånåni cårjuna
bhavißyå√i ca bhütåni måµ tu veda na kaçcana
O Arjuna, I know past, present and future. I know all living
beings, but they do not know Me.
VERSE 27
इाेषसमेन मोहेन भारत ।
सवभूतािन संमोहं सग याि परंतप ॥२७॥
icchå-dveßa samutthena dvandva-mohena bhårata
sarva-bhütåni saµmohaµ sarge yånti parantapa
O conqueror of the enemy, at the beginning of creation,
all living beings are born bewildered by the dualities of
desire and hatred.
198
Chapter 7
VERSE 28
येषां गतं पापं जनानां पयकमणाम ् ।
ते ंमोहिनमा भजे मां ढताः ॥२८॥
yeßåµ tvanta-gataµ påpaµ janånåµ pu√ya-karma√åm
te dvandva-moha-nirmuktå bhajante måµ d®∂ha-vratå˙
Yet those that perform pious activities become purified of
all reactions – they become free from the illusion of duality
and worship Me with dedication.
VERSE 29
जरामरणमोाय मामाि यति ये ।
ते  तिः कमां कम चािखलम ् ॥२९॥
jarå-mara√a-mokßåya måm åçritya yatanti ye
te brahma tad vidu˙ k®tsnam adhyåtmaµ karma cåkhilam
Those that strive to become free from old age and death by
taking shelter of Me know the Absolute Truth, the indi-
vidual self and the laws of action and reaction.
VERSE 30
सािधभूतािधदैवं मां सािधयं च ये िवः ।
याणकालेऽिप च मां ते िवयचेतसः ॥३०॥
sådhibhütådhidaivaµ måµ sådhiyajñaµ ca ye vidu˙
prayå√a-kåle’pi ca måµ te vidur yukta-cetasa˙
Those who know Me to be the Controller of matter, the

Controller of the demigods and the recipient of all sacri-
fices – with their minds concentrated upon Me, they will
know Me at the time of death.
199
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
The knowledge in Bhagavad-gîtå cannot be found out-
side Vedic literature. No literary source in the world com-
pares with the Gîtå. The divinity of Çrî K®ß√a is stated with
such clarity and boldness that no doubt can remain in the
mind of a serious student of yoga. K®ß√a has made it very
clear that He is eternal, without birth, supreme and imper-
ishable. He knows past, present and future; He knows all
living beings and those who fix their minds in meditation
on K®ß√a, knowing Him to be the Controller of everything,
will not have to take birth again in this material world.

ानिवानयोगो नाम समोऽायः॥
jñåna-vijñåna yogo nåma saptamo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Seven entitled Jñåna-
Vijñåna Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and
200
Chapter 8
VERSE 1-2
िकं त िकमां िकं कम पषोम ।
अिधभूतं च िकं ोमिधदैवं िकमते ॥१॥
अिधयः कथं कोऽ देहेऽिधसूदन ।
याणकाले च कथं ेयोऽिस िनयतािभः ॥२॥
arjuna uvåca –
kiµ tad-brahma kim adhyåtmaµ kiµ karma purußottama
adhibhütaµ ca kiµ proktam adhidaivaµ kim ucyate
adhiyajña˙ kathaµ ko’tra dehe’smin madhusüdana
prayå√a-kåle ca kathaµ jñeyo’si niyatåtmabhi˙
Arjuna inquired: O Purußottama (Supreme Person), what
is Brahman? What is the self? What is karma? What is
action? What is this material manifestation? Who are the
demigods? Who is the object of sacrifice and how does
He dwell within the body? O Madhusüdana, how can
You be known by those who are self-controlled at the
time of death?
Anuv®tti
For the serious student of yoga and, for that matter,
anyone desiring the perfection of life, Arjuna asks Çrî
K®ß√a, his dearest friend and well-wisher, a series of very
important questions. Vedånta-sütra, one of the most schol-
arly literatures ever written on the thesis of transcendence,
begins with the statement, oµ athåto brahma-jijñåså –
‘Now in this human form of life, one should inquire into
Brahman’. The human form of life is actually meant for
inquiry into such matters as Arjuna has put forward, and
the Supreme Master of yoga, Çrî K®ß√a, will now answer
203
Bhagavad-gita
them most concisely. The purpose of the human form of

life is also explained in Çrîmad Bhågavatam as follows:
kåmasya nendriya-prîtir låbho jîveta yåvatå
jîvasya tattva-jijñåså nårtho yaç ceha karmabhi˙
Life’s desires should never be aimed towards gratify-
ing the senses. One should desire a healthy life only
because human life is meant for inquiry about the
Absolute Truth. Nothing else should be the goal of
one’s activities. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 1.2.10)
VERSE 3
ीभगवानवाच ।
अरं  परमं भावोऽामते ।
भूतभावोवकरो िवसगः कमसंितः ॥३॥
akßaraµ brahma paramaµ svabhåvo’dhyåtmam ucyate
bhüta-bhåvodbhava karo visarga˙ karma-saµjñita˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: It is said that Brahman is
the imperishable Supreme, and the åtmå is the original
spiritual nature of the living being. Karma is that which
produces birth, duration of life and death.
VERSE 4
अिधभूतं रो भावः पषािधदैवतम ्।
अिधयोऽहमेवा देहे देहभृतां वर ॥४॥
adhibhütaµ kßaro bhåva˙ purußaç cådhidaivatam
adhiyajño’ham evåtra dehe deha-bh®tåµ vara
This material manifestation is defined as constantly
changing and this material universe is the cosmic form
204
Chapter 8
of the Supreme Person. I am the object of all sacrifices,

situated in all living beings.
VERSE 5
अकाले च मामेव रवा कलेवरम ्।
यः याित स मावं याित ना संशयः ॥५॥
anta-kåle ca måm eva smaran muktvå kalevaram
ya˙ prayåti sa mad-bhåvaµ yåti nåsty-atra saµçaya˙
At the time of death, one who leaves the body specifi-

cally remembering Me attains My nature – of this there
is no doubt.
VERSE 6
यं यं वािप रावं जे कलेवरम ् ।
तं तमेवैित कौेय सदा तावभािवतः ॥६॥
yaµ yaµ våpi smaran bhåvaµ tyajaty-ante kalevaram
taµ tam evaiti kaunteya sadå tad-bhåva-bhåvita˙
O son of Kuntî, whatever state of being one remembers at

the time of death, one certainly attains to that nature.
VERSE 7
तावष कालेष मामनर यच ।
मिपतमनोबिमामेवैसंशयः ॥७॥
tasmåt sarveßu kåleßu måm anusmara yudhya ca
mayy-arpita-mano buddhir måm evaißyasy-asaµçaya˙
Therefore, always remember Me and fight! Surrender your
mind and intelligence to Me and you will surely attain Me.
205
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a’s answers to Arjuna are to the point and if one
accepts K®ß√a as the ultimate authority in yoga, as indeed
He is, then one quickly attains the most valuable knowl-
edge. To acquire perfect knowledge by speculation or by
the process of trial and error simply wastes valuable time.
In fact, so much time is wasted in speculation and exper-
imentation that even after centuries such processes have
failed to deliver perfect knowledge of the meaning of life.
Everyone is dying, and for the most part dying without
answers to life’s most basic questions. However, since time
immemorial, Çrî K®ß√a has had the answers and they are
presented here in Bhagavad-gîtå.
K®ß√a says that all living beings are Brahman – part and
parcel of the spiritual energy of the Absolute Truth – eter-
nal, individual, imperishable and immutable. However, in
this material world death of the body comes to everyone.
There are no exceptions. But for those whose mind and
intelligence are fixed on K®ß√a, they do not take birth
again in the material world, but attain K®ß√a’s own divine
nature. K®ß√a is by nature sac-cid-ånanda – eternal, com-
plete in knowledge and full of bliss. Remembering K®ß√a
at the time of death, one attains that nature and is imme-
diately transferred to the abode of K®ß√a, far beyond the
material sky and the planets of birth and death. As K®ß√a
will explain in Chapter 15, one who attains His Supreme
Abode does not return to this material world.
When we speak of saµsåra, we are indeed talking about
reincarnation. Although reincarnation is becoming a pop-
ular belief in many communities, it is for the most part
misunderstood. To many, reincarnation means being born
206
Chapter 8
as a human being life after life, but this is not a fact. The
human form of life is only rarely achieved. It is not some-
thing that comes in rapid succession. Above and below the
human species there are hundreds and thousands of other
life forms. According to one’s activities performed in this
life and one’s final consciousness and state of mind at the
time of death, one‘s next birth is determined.
In the species below the human being, namely animal,
aquatic, insect and plant life, there is great ignorance and
suffering. Above the human plane there are higher planets
full of celestial beings and celestial pleasures. Yet higher or
lower, all stations of life in the material world are tempo-
rary. There is no place of eternal damnation and no place
of eternal happiness in the material universe. Nothing
in this world is everlasting. Only the abode of K®ß√a is
beyond the dualities of pleasure and suffering.
K®ß√a says above in verse 5, anta-kåle ca måm eva
smaran muktvå kalevaram – one who remembers Him at
the time of death attains His transcendental nature. To
remember K®ß√a at the end of life is indeed perfection, and
to forget Him is the greatest aberration. The Viß√u-dhar-
mottara Purå√a states:
så hånis tan mahac-chidraµ sa moha˙ sa ca vibhrama˙

yan muhürtaµ kßa√aµ våpi våsudevo na cintayet
If even for a moment remembrance of K®ß√a is
missed, that is the greatest loss, the greatest illu-
sion and the greatest anomaly. (Viß√u-dharmottara
Purå√a 1.16)
207
Bhagavad-gita
However, it is our experience of the world that death

is often accompanied by great pain, confusion and bewil-
derment of memory. Therefore, it would seem that to
remember K®ß√a at the time of death is no easy task. Death
may come swiftly at any time, without a moments notice
or even during sleep, thus impeding one’s remembrance of
K®ß√a. In this regard Kulaçekhara Ålvår writes in Mukun-
da-målå Stotram as follows:
k®ß√a tvadîya-pada-pa∫kaja-pañjaråntam
adyaiva me viçatu månasa-råja-haµsa˙
prå√a-prayå√a-samaye kapha-våta-pittai˙
ka√†håvarodhana-vidhau smara√aµ kutas te
O K®ß√a, please help me die quickly so the swan
of my mind may become encircled by the stem of
Your lotus feet. Otherwise at the time of my final
breath, when my throat is choked up, how will it be
possible for me to think of You? (Mukunda-målå
Stotram 33)
For the bhakti-yogî K®ß√a takes all his many endeavours,

practices and services into consideration. Even if the bhak-
ti-yogî is unable to remember K®ß√a at the time of death,
K®ß√a will certainly remember him. Çrî K®ß√a is never for-
getful under any circumstance and thus He swiftly delivers
His devotee from the clutches of death. K®ß√a Himself
confirms this in the Varåha Purå√a as follows:
yadi vitådi-doße√a mad bhakto måµ ca na smaret

ahaµ smaråmi mad bhakta˙ nayåmi paramåµ gatim
208
Chapter 8
If My devotee is unable to remember Me at the time

of death because of the great disturbances felt within
the body, at that time I shall remember My devotee
and take him to the spiritual world.
VERSE 8
अासयोगयेन चेतसा नागािमना ।
परमं पषं िदं याित पाथानिचयन ्॥८॥
abhyåsa-yoga-yuktena cetaså nånya-gåminå
paramaµ purußaµ divyaµ yåti pårthånucintayan
O Pårtha, one who practices yoga and focuses his mind,
without straying from the path, and meditates upon the
Divine Supreme Person, certainly achieves Him.
VERSE 9
किवं पराणमनशािसतारम ्अणोरणीयांसमनरेः।
सव धातारमिचपमािदवण तमसः परात ्॥९॥
kaviµ purå√am anuçåsitåram
a√or a√îyåµsam anusmared ya˙
sarvasya dhåtåram acintya-rüpam
åditya-var√aµ tamasa˙ paraståt
One should meditate upon the Supreme Person who is
all-knowing, without beginning, the Supreme Controller, who
is smaller than the atomic particle, yet who is the support of
all things in the universe, whose form is inconceivable, who is
radiant like the sun, and who is beyond material nature.
VERSE 10
याणकाले मनसाचलेन भा यो योगबलेन चैव ।
वोमे ाणमावेयसक ् स तं परं पषमपैित िदम ् ॥१०॥
209
Bhagavad-gita
prayå√a-kåle manaså’calena
bhaktyå yukto yoga-balena caiva
bhruvor madhye prå√am åveçya samyak
sa taµ paraµ purußam upaiti divyam
At the time of death, one who remembers Him with

a steady mind by drawing the life-airs between the eye-
brows by dint of yogic power certainly reaches the Divine
Supreme Person.
Anuv®tti
Yoga and meditation are described herein. However,
they are not impersonal or self-centred processes. Medita-
tion is to be performed on the Absolute Truth, Çrî K®ß√a –
not on abstract ideas that we ourselves are the sum total of
reality, that we are all-knowing or that we are the supreme
controller etc. Such processes are not meditation, but
self-deception and never lead to liberation or eternal bliss.
In verse 10, Çrî K®ß√a says that in yogic meditations
(aß†å√ga and ku√∂alinî-yoga) one should draw one’s life-
airs to the area of the eyebrows. This indicates the location
of the åjñå-cakra. There are seven cakras located in the
body that are the primary seats of human consciousness.
Consciousness pervades the entire body, but is said to
be centred in one of the seven cakras – mülådhåra-cakra
(located at the base of the genital), svådhiß†håna-cakra
(located at the base of the spinal cord), ma√ipüra-cakra
(located in the navel area), anåhata-cakra (located in the
heart), viçuddha-cakra (located in the throat), åjñå-cakra
(located in between the eyebrows) and the sahasråra-cakra
(located at the top of the head).
210
Chapter 8
When consciousness is situated in the lower three cakras

one is found to be preoccupied with the animal tendencies
of eating, sleeping, mating and defending. When con-
sciousness is situated in the upper cakras there is progress
in the finer sentiments of spiritual culture and ultimately
liberation. Consciousness is raised in meditation from one
cakra to another through the subtle passage in the body
known as the sußum√å-nå∂î.
K®ß√a says that the yogî should bring his consciousness
to be seated in the åjñå-cakra, sometimes known as the
‘third eye’. Here the yogî makes his or her final preparation
and at last raises the consciousness through the sußum√å-
nå∂î to the sahasråra-cakra and from there the yogî quits the
material body. If the aß†å∫ga-yogî or ku√∂alinî-yogî makes
Çrî K®ß√a the object of his meditation while concentrating
on the åjñå-cakra, then after passing the sahasråra-cakra,
the yogî achieves K®ß√a’s Supreme Abode. However, if the
said yogî does not make Çrî K®ß√a the object of his medita-
tion, then he may enter the brahma-jyoti for sometime, but
eventually he returns to this material world.
The aforementioned processes of yoga take superhu-
man endeavour and for the most part are not possible for
the average person to achieve in this age. Aß†å∫ga-yoga
and ku√∂alinî-yoga must be practiced in absolute seclu-
sion from society, observing complete celibacy and fasting
for long periods. In ancient times such yogîs went to the
mountain caves of the Himålayas or to the deserts. Today’s
yogîs in modern yoga studios and societies are unable to
raise their consciousness through the cakras to the sahas-
råra-cakra because they lack the solitude and severe deter-
mination required. Therefore, Bhagavad-gîtå conclusively
211
Bhagavad-gita
recommends the process of bhakti-yoga that can be prac-

ticed by everyone, everywhere, by fixing the mind on Çrî
K®ß√a and thus attaining perfection.
One may question that since Çrî K®ß√a is speaking here
in the third person that He is not referring to Himself as
the object of meditation and therefore it does not mean
that we should meditate on K®ß√a. However, according to
Svåmî B. R. Çrîdhara Mahåråja, a great åcårya of bhakti-yoga,
when K®ß√a speaks in the third person, He is referring to
the object of meditation as His expansion as Paramåtmå
(Super Consciousness). As already explained in the Second
Chapter, Çrî K®ß√a manifests Himself as the Paramåtmå,
present in the hearts of all living beings. Therefore, medi-
tation on the Paramåtmå means meditation on K®ß√a.
Those who cannot comprehend the Absolute Truth
as personal, due to anarthas (misgivings of the heart), can
meditate on K®ß√a’s impersonal aspect as Brahman. But
this process is tedious and the results are limited since even
the Brahman-realised yogî must once again return to the
world of birth and death.
VERSE 11
यदरं वेद िवदो वदि िवशि यतयो वीतरागाः ।
यिदो चय चरि ते पदं सहेण वे ॥११॥
yad akßaraµ veda-vido vadanti
viçanti yad yatayo vîta-rågå˙
yad icchanto brahmacaryaµ caranti
tat te padaµ sa∫grahe√a pravakßye
Great sages in the renounced order of life and scholars of
the Vedas accept the vow of celibacy and utter oµ to enter
into Brahman. I shall now explain this process to you.
212
Chapter 8
VERSE 12
सवारािण संय मनो िद िन च ।
मूाधायानः ाणमाितो योगधारणाम ् ॥१२॥
sarva-dvårå√i saµyamya mano h®di-nirudhya ca
mürdhny-ådhåyåtmana˙ prå√am åsthito yoga-dhåra√åm
One should control all the senses and concentrate the mind
within the heart, fixing the life-airs between the eyebrows
and fully absorbing oneself in yoga.
VERSE 13
ॐ इेकारं  ाहरामनरन ् ।
यः याित जेहं स याित परमां गितम ् ॥१३॥
oµ ity-ekåkßaraµ brahma vyåharan måm anusmaran
ya˙ prayåti tyajan dehaµ sa yåti paramåµ gatim
Thus, by chanting the great monosyllable oµ and remem-

bering Me, when one leaves the material body, he will
attain the Supreme Abode.
VERSE 14
अनचेताः सततं यो मां रित िनशः ।
ताहं सलभः पाथ िनय योिगनः ॥१४॥
ananya-cetå˙ satataµ yo måµ smarati nityaça˙
tasyåhaµ sulabha˙ pårtha nitya-yuktasya yogina˙
O Pårtha, that yogî who is without deviation and con-

stantly remembers Me alone, easily attains Me for he is
always connected to Me.
213
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 15
मामपे पनज ःखालयमशातम ् ।
नावि महाानः संिसिं परमां गताः ॥१५॥
måm upetya punar janma du˙khålayam açåçvatam
nåpnuvanti mahåtmåna˙ saµsiddhiµ paramåµ gatå˙
Those great personalities who have attained Me never
take birth again in this temporary world of misery, for
they have reached the highest destination.
Anuv®tti
Modern systems of yoga focus more or less on achiev-
ing a healthy condition for the body, but this is actually
not the aim of yoga. The process of yoga is intended for
one goal and one goal alone – to transcend the world
of birth and death. There is, of course, more than one
system of yoga, but all schools of yoga aim at a singular
goal – liberation.
As already explained in previous commentaries, the
mantra oµ elevates one to the stage of liberation. However,
it should be noted here that the divisions of yoga, such as
sense-control and celibacy, must also be in place before
the chanting of mantras can be effective. Mantras purify
the mind and heart of material contamination which arises
from sense enjoyment. If one endeavours for purification,
but at the same time does not control the senses, then it is
tantamount to starting a fire while simultaneously pouring
water on it. Sense-control is therefore essential for those
attempting to practice all forms of yoga.
214
Chapter 8
VERSE 16
आभवनाोकाः पनरावितनोऽजन ।
मामपे त कौेय पनज निवते ॥१६॥
åbrahma-bhuvanål lokå˙ punar åvartino’rjuna
måm upetya tu kaunteya punar janma na vidyate
O Arjuna, all planets up to the abode of Brahmå are
places of birth and rebirth, but those who reach Me never
take birth again.
VERSE 17
सहयगपयमहयणो िवः ।
रािं यगसहाां तेऽहोरािवदो जनाः ॥१७॥
sahasra-yuga-paryantam aharyad brahma√o vidu˙
råtriµ yuga-sahasråntåµ te’ho-råtra-vido janå˙
A day of Brahmå consists of one thousand yugas and his
night also lasts for the same period.
VERSE 18
अायः सवाः भवहरागमे ।
राागमे लीये तैवासंके ॥१८॥
avyaktåd vyaktaya˙ sarvå˙ prabhavanty-ahar-ågame
råtry-ågame pralîyante tatraivåvyakta-saµjñake
At the beginning of Brahmå’s day, all things become man-
ifest from the unmanifest state. When Brahmå’s night
begins, again they all become unmanifest.
VERSE 19
भूतामः स एवायं भूा भूा लीयते ।
राागमेऽवशः पाथ भवहरागमे ॥१९॥
215
Bhagavad-gita
bhüta-gråma˙ sa evåyaµ bhütvå bhütvå pralîyate

råtry-ågame’vaça˙ pårtha prabhavaty-ahar-ågame
O Pårtha, all living beings repeatedly take birth again and
again. When Brahmå’s night approaches they are absorbed
into Me once more and with the arrival of Brahmå’s day
they are born again.
VERSE 20
परा भावोऽोऽोऽानातनः ।
यः ससवष भूतेष नय न िवनयित ॥२०॥
paras tasmåt tu bhåvo’nyo’vyakto’vyaktåt sanåtana˙
ya˙ sa sarveßu bhüteßu naçyatsu na vinaçyati
However, beyond this state is another unmanifest state that
is eternal and cannot be destroyed when all other beings
are annihilated.
VERSE 21
अोऽर इमाः परमां गितम ् ।
यं ा न िनवते ताम परमं मम ॥२१॥
avyakto’kßara ity-uktas tam åhu˙ paramåµ gatim
yaµ pråpya na nivartante tad dhåma paramaµ mama
It is said to be unmanifest and eternal and is declared to be
the ultimate destination, upon attaining which, one never
returns. This is My Supreme Abode.
VERSE 22
पषः स परः पाथ भा लनया ।
याः ािन भूतािन येन सविमदं ततम ् ॥२२॥
216
Chapter 8
purußa˙ sa para˙ pårtha bhaktyå labhyas tv-ananyayå

yasyånta˙ sthåni bhütåni yena sarvam idaµ tatam
O Pårtha, that Supreme Person, within whom all living
beings are situated and who pervades the entire creation,
can only be attained by bhakti-yoga.
Anuv®tti
The topmost planet in the material universe is known as
Satya-loka, the abode of Brahmå. Life on that planet is very
long – one day in Satya-loka is equal to 4,260,000,000
years on planet Earth. Nonetheless death occurs there also.
Nowhere in the material universe is free from death.
At the end of each of Brahmå’s days there is a partial
annihilation in the universe and a total annihilation of the
universe at the end of Brahmå’s life. The partial annihila-
tions are called pralaya and the final annihilation is called
mahå-pralaya. Everything in the universe has a beginning
and an end. All things come into being and eventually
all things are destroyed. Creation, duration and annihila-
tion are the three basic phases of the universe, yet Bhaga-
vad-gîtå does not subscribe to an apocalyptic world view
or an ‘end times’ scenario in which we will all be judged.
The predominating Deities of creation, duration and
annihilation are the three gu√åvatåras, Brahmå, Mahå-
Viß√u and Çiva respectively. Brahmå manifests the second-
ary creation, Mahå-Viß√u maintains the creation and Çiva,
by producing a sound vibration from his ∂amaru drum,
brings about the annihilation. These gu√åvatåras are por-
tions of the plenary expansions of K®ß√a, the avatårî, or
origin of all avatåras. During the periods of annihilation,
both partial and complete, the living beings rest in a state
217
Bhagavad-gita
of slumber within the body of Mahå-Viß√u and are again

manifest at the arrival of Brahmå’s day. This is repeated
over and over again on a cosmic timescale until Brahmå
reaches the end of his life, at which point the entire universe
is again wound up in the body of Mahå-Viß√u. Everything
necessary for the manifestation of the material universe,
and indeed billions and trillions of universes, is provided
by Mahå-Viß√u in the form of the mahat-tattva (the aggre-
gate of material elements), and at the time of annihilation
that energy is again absorbed into Mahå-Viß√u.
Energy is neither created or destroyed as it exists
always as K®ß√a’s aparå-prak®ti, inferior material energy.
That energy is endlessly mutable, manifest and unman-
ifest, but ultimately it is never destroyed. K®ß√a and all
His energies are eternal.
Once again, the same point is being reiterated by
K®ß√a, that His Supreme Abode is beyond material
nature, eternally manifest, beyond birth and death and
once going there one does not return to saµsåra. That
Supreme Abode of K®ß√a is Goloka V®ndåvana, and it is
attainable only through the process of bhakti-yoga. This
Supreme Abode is mentioned in B®had-bhågavatåm®ta as
follows:
goloka-nåmopari sarva-sîma-go
vaiku√†hato deça-viçeßa-çekhara˙
sa ca tad vraja-lokånåµ çrîmat-premånuvartinå
k®ß√e çuddhatare√aiva bhåvenaikena labhyate
Far from this material universe is the beautiful abode
of Çrî K®ß√a that is known as Goloka V®ndåvana,
the topmost Vaiku√†ha planet. Goloka is only
218
Chapter 8
attained through bhakti-yoga by those who follow in

the footsteps of the people of Vraja who have pure
love for K®ß√a. (B®had-bhågavatåm®ta 2.5.78-79)
VERSE 23
य काले नावृिमावृिं चैव योिगनः।
याता याि तं कालं वािम भरतषभ ॥२३॥
yatra kåle tv-anåv®ttim åv®ttiµ caiva yogina˙
prayåtå yånti taµ kålaµ vakßyåmi bharatarßabha
O best of the descendants of Bharata, I shall now explain
to you those times that the yogîs attain either liberation or
rebirth at the moment of their departure.
VERSE 24
अि ितरहः शः षमासा उरायणम ्।
त याता गि  िवदो जनाः ॥२४॥
agnir-jyotir aha˙ çukla˙ ßa√-måså uttaråya√am
tatra prayåtå gacchanti brahma brahma-vido janå˙
Those who know Brahman pass from this world on the
path of fire and light, during the time of the waxing moon
or during the six months when the sun traverses the north-
ern hemisphere.
VERSE 25
धूमो रािथा कः षमासा दिणायनम ्।
त चामसं ोितयगी ा िनवतते ॥२५॥
dhümo råtris tathå k®ß√a˙ ßa√-måså dakßi√åyanam
tatra cåndramasaµ jyotir yogî pråpya nivartate
219
Bhagavad-gita
Departing on the path of darkness, during the night, during

the waning moon or during the six months when the sun
makes its course across the southern hemisphere – that yogî
attains the celestial lunar planet, but then returns.
VERSE 26
शके गती ेते जगतः शाते मते ।
एकया यानावृिमयावतते पनः ॥२६॥
çukla-k®ß√e gatî hy-ete jagata˙ çåçvate mate
ekayå yåty-anåv®ttim anyayåvartate puna˙
Both these paths of light and darkness are accepted as being
permanent in this world. By one path, one does not return, by
the other path, one returns.
VERSE 27
नैते सृती पाथ जानोगी मित कन।
तावष कालेष योगयो भवाजन ॥२७॥
naite s®tî pårtha jånan yogî muhyati kaçcana
tasmåt sarveßu kåleßu yoga-yukto bhavårjuna
The yogî who knows these two paths is never bewildered.
Therefore, O Arjuna, at all times be fixed in yoga.
VERSE 28
वेदेष येष तपः स चैव दानेष ययफलं िदम ्।
अेित तविमदं िविदा योगी परं ानमपैित चाम ्॥२८॥
vedeßu yajñeßu tapa˙su caiva
dåneßu yat pu√ya-phalaµ pradiß†am
atyeti tat sarvam idaµ viditvå
yogî paraµ sthånam upaiti cådyam
220
Chapter 8
Knowing this, a yogî surpasses all kinds of pious results

that are achieved through study of the Vedas, by offering
oblations in sacrifice, by penances and by philanthropy.
That yogî reaches the eternal abode.
Anuv®tti
To attain higher planets within the material universe
one must study the Vedas, offer sacrifice, perform pen-
ances and acts of charity. One who has performed these
activities is reborn on a higher planet and lives a long life,
enjoying great luxury for tens of thousands of years.
However, the bhakti-yogî has no desire to enjoy in
higher planets. He easily achieves all the benefits of sacri-
fice, penance etc. simply by surrendering to Çrî K®ß√a. The
bhakti-yogî does not have to choose an auspicious moment
to leave the material body because he is under the shelter of
K®ß√a. Everything is auspiciously ordained for those who
have surrendered to K®ß√a, enabling them to reach K®ß√a’s
eternal abode.
But the yogî who is not in bhakti-yoga does not achieve
the Supreme Abode of K®ß√a nor does he easily ascend to
higher planets at the time of death. Factually speaking, the
yogî has to choose the time of his death, so as to pass from
the body at the most opportune time. He must choose
wisely, otherwise he is born again on this Earth. Needless
to say, this is a near impossibility – especially for ordinary
people. Therefore, it is the yogî in bhakti-yoga that is most
assured of success.
221
Bhagavad-gita

तारकयोगो नामामोऽायः॥
tåraka-brahma-yogo nåmåß†amo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Eight entitled
Tåraka-Brahma Yoga from the conversation between
Çrî K®ß√a and Arjuna in the Upanißad known as Çrîmad
Bhagavad-gîtå, the yoga-çåstra of divine knowledge, from
the Bhîßma-parva of Mahåbhårata, the literature revealed
by Vyåsa in one hundred thousand verses.
222
Chapter 9
VERSE 1
इदं त ते गतमं वानसूयवे ।
ानं िवानसिहतं याा मोसेऽशभात ्॥१॥
idaµ tu te guhyatamaµ pravakßyåmy-anasüyave
jñånaµ vijñåna-sahitaµ yaj jñåtvå mokßyase’çubhåt
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: Because you are not envious I

shall now explain to you the greatest of all secrets. I shall
explain this knowledge and it’s realisation, knowing which
you shall become free from all inauspiciousness.
VERSE 2
राजिवा राजगं पिविमदममम ् ।
ावगमं ध ससखं कतमयम ्॥२॥
råja-vidyå råja-guhyaµ pavitram idam uttamam
pratyakßåvagamaµ dharmyaµ susukhaµ kartum avyayam
This is the greatest of all knowledge (råja-vidyå) and the

greatest of all secrets (råja-guhya). It is most purifying and
most excellent. This path of dharma is directly perceived;
it is simple to practice and imperishable.
VERSE 3
अधानाः पषा धमा परंतप ।
अा मां िनवते मृ संसारविन ॥३॥
açraddadhånå˙ purußå dharmasyåsya parantapa
apråpya måµ nivartante m®tyu-saµsåra-vartmani
225
Bhagavad-gita
O vanquisher of the enemy, those that lack faith in this

path of dharma can never attain Me and are forced to be
reborn in the continuous cycle of birth and death.
Anuv®tti
Now Çrî K®ß√a will emphasise to Arjuna what He con-
siders to be the greatest secret, or guhya, of the yoga system,
so that any remaining doubt that Arjuna may still harbour
might be dispelled. This has already been mentioned in
previous chapters, but now K®ß√a will make it definitive.
Çrî K®ß√a is the Absolute Truth, the Cause of creation,
the origin of all living beings, the Controller, the object of
knowledge, the mantra oµ and so forth. One who knows
this in his heart of hearts and lives solely by such a creed
will surely attain K®ß√a. This is the positive incentive. The
negative incentive is also explained by K®ß√a that those
who are not fixed in Him will be reborn in the cycle of
birth and death.
In verse 3 K®ß√a uses the word açraddadhånå˙. Çrad-
dhå means ‘faith’ and açraddhå means ‘without faith’. This
describes those who do not have the resolute determina-
tion to perform bhakti-yoga. Of such persons K®ß√a says
that they will continue in the cycle of saµsåra. That is
not to say that they are damned to some eternal hell, but
simply put, they cannot attain the platform of liberation.
First it is important to understand that çraddhå is not
to be confused with the belief or mundane faith that is
usually associated with a particular religion such as Juda-
ism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism or Hinduism. Christian
faith, Muslim faith, Hindu faith etc. implies a belief in
a particular set of moral ideals, myths, superstitions and
dogmas, but çraddhå is something entirely different.
226
Chapter 9
Çrat dadhåti iti çraddhå˙ – ‘That which leads to truth

and self-realisation is known as çraddhå.’ Çraddhå is devel-
oped by association with saintly persons who are self-real-
ised and free from the contamination of material nature. In
such association the conviction develops that by surrender
and taking shelter of K®ß√a all other purposes are served.
Without such çraddhå and fixed determination, one cannot
follow the path of bhakti-yoga.
VERSE 4
मया ततिमदं सव जगदमूितना ।
मािन सवभूतािन न चाहं तेवितः ॥४॥
mayå tatam idaµ sarvaµ jagad avyakta-mürtinå
mat-sthåni sarva-bhütåni na cåhaµ teßv-avasthita˙
I pervade the entire cosmos through My unmanifest form.
All living beings are supported by Me, but I am not sup-
ported by them.
VERSE 5
न च मािन भूतािन पय मे योगमैरम ्।
भूतभृ च भूतो ममाा भूतभावनः ॥५॥
na ca mat sthåni bhütåni paçya me yogam aiçvaram

bhüta-bh®n na ca bhüta-stho mamåtmå bhüta-bhåvana˙
Yet everything that is created does not rest in Me. Behold
My divine powers! Although I am the origin of all living
beings and I maintain them, I am not influenced by them
nor by My material nature.
227
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 6
यथाकाशितो िनं वायः सवगो महान ्।
तथा सवािण भूतािन मानीपधारय ॥६॥
yathåkåça-sthito nityaµ våyu˙ sarvatra-go mahån
tathå sarvå√i bhütåni mat-sthånîty-upadhåraya
Try to understand that just as the mighty wind rests
within the vast expanse of the sky, similarly all beings
rest within Me.
VERSE 7
सवभूतािन कौेय कितं याि मािमकाम ्।
कये पनािन कादौ िवसृजाहम ्॥७॥
sarva-bhütåni kaunteya prak®tiµ yånti måmikåm
kalpa-kßaye punas tåni kalpådau vis®jåmy-aham
O son of Kuntî, at the end of a day of Brahmå, all living
beings enter into Me. I manifest them again at the beginning
of a new creation.
VERSE 8
कितं ामव िवसृजािम पनः पनः ।
भूतामिममं कमवशं कतेवशात ्॥८॥
prak®tiµ svåm avaß†abhya vis®jåmi puna˙ puna˙
bhüta-gråmam imaµ k®tsnam avaçaµ prak®ter vaçåt
Because I control material nature, I continuously manifest the
living beings that are helplessly manipulated by their natures.
VERSE 9
न च मां तािन कमािण िनबि धनय ।
उदासीनवदासीनमसं तेष कमस ॥९॥
228
Chapter 9
na ca måµ tåni karmå√i nibadhnanti dhanañjaya

udåsînavad åsînam asaktaµ teßu karmasu
O Dhanañjaya, such actions cannot bind Me. I am detached
and indifferent to these activities.
VERSE 10
मयाेण कितः सूयते सचराचरम ्।
हेतनानेन कौेय जगिपिरवतते ॥१०॥
mayådhyakße√a prak®ti˙ süyate sa-caråcaram
hetunånena kaunteya jagad viparivartate
Under My command, material nature produces the uni-
verse with all its moving and non-moving beings. O son of
Kuntî, because of this the universe continually manifests.
Anuv®tti
Everyone acts in the material world and everyone is
held responsible for their actions by the laws of material
nature or the laws of karma. Newton’s Third Law of Phys-
ics states that for every action there is an equal and oppo-
site reaction. At a glance this sounds like a good definition
of karma, but karma is much more complicated than that.
The saying, ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’
also does not accurately define the laws of action and reac-
tion. Karma is far more intricate and complicated than a
simple one on one analogy can provide. Suffice to say that
when one performs an action he is held responsible and
thus liable for the reaction, whatever that may be. Material
nature may therefore be considered superior to the energy
of the living beings, in that the living beings have no con-
trol over material nature. People are expert in exploiting
229
Bhagavad-gita
nature, yet they cannot control the adverse reactions that

result from it. Çrî K®ß√a, on the other hand, does not incur
karma or a reaction when He acts because material nature
is always under His control – îçvara˙ parama˙ k®ß√a˙.
VERSE 11
अवजानि मां मूढा मानष तनमाितम ्।
परं भावमजानो मम भूतमहेरम ्॥११॥
avajånanti måµ mü∂hå månußîµ tanum åçritam
paraµ bhåvam ajånanto mama bhüta-maheçvaram
Because they do not know My divine nature as the Supreme
Controller of all living beings, those who are ignorant mock
Me when I assume a human form.
VERSE 12
मोघाशा मोघकमाणो मोघाना िवचेतसः ।
रासीमासर चैव कितं मोिहन िताः ॥१२॥
moghåçå mogha-karmå√o mogha-jñånå vicetasa˙
råkßasîm åsurîµ caiva prak®tiµ mohinîµ çritå˙
All their aspirations, activities and knowledge are futile and
senseless. Such persons adopt a contemptible, malicious
nature and become bewildered.
VERSE 13
महाान मां पाथ दैव कितमािताः ।
भजनमनसो ाा भूतािदमयम ्॥१३॥
mahåtmånas tu måµ pårtha daivîµ prak®tim åçritå˙
bhajanty-ananya-manaso jñåtvå bhütådim avyayam
230
Chapter 9
However, those great personalities who do take shelter of My

divine nature, worship Me with a steady mind and know Me
to be the imperishable origin of all beings.
VERSE 14
सततं कीतयो मां यत ढताः ।
नम मां भा िनया उपासते ॥१४॥
satataµ kîrtayanto måµ yatantaç ca d®∂ha-vratå˙
namasyantaç ca måµ bhaktyå nitya-yuktå upåsate
They are always glorifying Me, endeavouring with determina-
tion and firmly fixed in their vows. Offering their obeisance
to Me with devotion, such bhakti-yogîs always worship me.
VERSE 15
ानयेन चाे यजो मामपासते ।
एकेन पृथवेन बधा िवतोमखम ्॥१५॥
jñåna-yajñena cåpy-anye yajanto måm upåsate
ekatvena p®thaktvena bahudhå viçvato-mukham
Others worship Me with the sacrifice of knowledge, con-
sidering themselves to be non-different from Me. Others
worship Me in many different forms, while others venerate
Me as the universal form.
Anuv®tti
Those that deride the message of Bhagavad-gîtå are
referred to as mü∂hå or having a foolish mentality. Intel-
ligent persons, when confronted with the scope of knowl-
edge in Bhagavad-gîtå, will surely be in agreement, or at
least charmed. For this reason Bhagavad-gîtå is the most
widely read literature on theistic science in the world.
231
Bhagavad-gita
Atheism is certainly not a new phenomena as there have

always been such thinkers since ancient times. Yet atheism
in modern times seems driven more as a reaction to fanat-
ical religious dogma than by rational argument. Indeed,
often times the arguments of the atheist are as irrational as
those of religious fanatics. When presented with an intel-
ligent proposal, a rationalist should be willing to accept
it, regardless of where that proposal leads, even if it leads
to undermine his atheistic world view. Such would be the
mentality of a real seeker of truth or science.
For the most part, in the modern arena of debate between
theists and atheists, the student of Bhagavad-gîtå would not
side with either because both are predominately ignorant of
higher knowledge. Coming in contact with Bhagavad-gîtå,
both the atheists and religious fanatics are silenced because
within the Gîtå lies the most definitive knowledge of the
Absolute Truth ever revealed to the world.
VERSE 16
अहं तरहं यः धाहमहमौषधम ्।
मोऽहमहमेवा महमिरहं तम ् ॥१६॥
ahaµ kratur ahaµ yajña˙ svadhåham aham außadham
mantro’ham aham evåjyam aham agnir ahaµ hutam
I am the ritual, I am the sacrifice, I am the offering, I am
the sacred herbs, I am the mantra and I am the clarified
butter, I am the sacred fire and I am the act of offering.
VERSE 17
िपताहम जगतो माता धाता िपतामहः ।
वें पिवमोार ऋाम यजरेव च ॥१७॥
232
Chapter 9
pitåham asya jagato måtå dhåtå pitåmaha˙

vedyaµ pavitram oµkåra ®ksåma yajureva ca
I am both the father and the mother of the universe, I am
the Maintainer, the Grandsire, the object of all knowledge,
the purifier, the syllable oµ and I am the ‰g Veda, Såma
Veda and the Yajur Veda.
VERSE 18
गितभता भः साी िनवासः शरणं सत ्।
भवः लयः ानं िनधानं बीजमयम ्॥१८॥
gatir bhartå prabhu˙ såkßî nivåsa˙ çara√aµ suh®t
prabhava˙ pralaya˙ sthånaµ nidhånaµ bîjam avyayam
I am the supreme objective, the sustainer, the master, the
witness, the abode, the shelter, and the dear-most friend. I
am creation, maintenance and destruction, I am the great-
est wealth and the indestructible seed.
VERSE 19
तपाहमहं वष िनगृाृजािम च ।
अमृतं चैव मृ सदसाहमजन ॥१९॥
tapåmy-aham ahaµ varßaµ nig®h√åmy-uts®jåmi ca
am®taµ caiva m®tyuç ca sad asac cåham arjuna
I create heat and I bring forth the rain and also withdraw
it. I am eternality and I am death. I am reality and I am
illusion, O Arjuna.
Anuv®tti
If someone were to ask, “Where is K®ß√a?” one might
respond with another question: “Where isn’t K®ß√a?”
233
Bhagavad-gita
After turning over every stone and grain of sand in the

universe, one would be hard-pressed to find something
or somewhere that is not K®ß√a. Ultimately K®ß√a per-
vades everything in the entire universe and beyond. He is
uniquely an individual, our dearest friend, our well-wisher
and the speaker of Bhagavad-gîtå.
It may be interesting to note that in the history of the
world no literature other than Bhagavad-gîtå so clearly and
boldly proclaims the Absolute Truth. All other attempts
pale in comparison. The Absolute Truth is directly speak-
ing Bhagavad-gîtå to Arjuna.
VERSE 20
ैिवा मां सोमपाः पूतपापा यैिरा गितं ाथये ।
ते पयमासा सरेलोकम ्अि िदाििव देवभोगान ्॥२०॥
trai-vidyå måµ soma-på˙ püta-påpå
yajñair iß†vå svargatiµ prårthayante
te pu√yam åsådya surendra-lokam
açnanti divyån divi deva-bhogån
Those who are conversant with the three Vedas worship Me
indirectly, and by drinking soma they become purified and
attain the higher planets. By their pious activities they reach
the abode of Indra where they enjoy the celestial pleasures
of the demigods.
VERSE 21
ते तं भवा गलोकं िवशालं ीणे पये मलोकं िवशि ।
एवं यीधममनपा गतागतं कामकामा लभे॥२१॥
te taµ bhuktvå svarga-lokaµ viçålaµ
kßî√e pu√ye martya-lokaµ viçanti
234
Chapter 9
evaµ trayî-dharmam anuprapannå

gatågataµ kåma-kåmå labhante
After they have experienced the extensive pleasures of the
higher planets, their pious credits become exhausted and
they again enter the mortal plane. Therefore, the results of
those who perform Vedic rituals to obtain material enjoy-
ment are fleeting.
VERSE 22
अनाियो मां ये जनाः पयपासते ।
तेषां िनािभयानां योगेमं वहाहम ्॥२२॥
ananyåç cintayanto måµ ye janå˙ paryupåsate
teßåµ nityåbhiyuktånåµ yoga-kßemaµ vahåmy-aham
But for those who are always absorbed in thoughts of Me,
who worship Me and who are always associated with Me, I
carry what they lack and preserve what they have.
VERSE 23
येऽदेवता भा यजे यािताः ।
तेऽिप मामेव कौेय यजिविधपूवकम ्॥२३॥
ye’pyanya-devatå bhaktå yajante çraddhayånvitå˙
te’pi måm eva kaunteya yajanty-avidhi-pürvakam
O Kaunteya, those that worship other demigods with faith
actually worship Me, but they do so improperly.
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a has mentioned those that drink soma. In
ancient times, some 10,000 years ago, soma was a celestial
elixir taken by the performers of certain Vedic rituals that
was meant to elevate one to higher planets. Soma was not
235
Bhagavad-gita
simply an intoxicant, as some readers of the Bhagavad-gîtå

have surmised. Only those fully conversant in the three
Vedas who were expert in performing Vedic rituals were
allowed to drink soma. Due to the passage of time, we do
not know exactly how soma was made, but we do know
that it was an elixir and not simply an intoxicant like wine,
whisky or gañjå.
Those who are conversant in the Vedas reach the higher
planets and enjoy celestial pleasures. K®ß√a says that when
their pious credit is exhausted, they again enter the mortal
plane of Earth. Therefore, the understanding is that all
endeavours for material pleasure are temporary, even those
experienced in higher planets.
But for the bhakti-yogî there is no need to perform com-
plicated and costly Vedic rituals because all the purposes
of such ceremonies are fulfilled by acts of devotion and
surrender to K®ß√a. The intimacy of the bhakti-yogîs with
K®ß√a is such that He proclaims that He carries what they
lack and preserves what they have. This is the extension of
K®ß√a’s shelter (åçraya), for those who surrender to Him.
This theme is repeated throughout the Bhagavad-gîtå.
VERSE 24
अहं िह सवयानां भोा च भरेव च ।
न त मामिभजानि तेनातवि ते ॥२४॥
ahaµ hi sarva-yajñånåµ bhoktå ca prabhureva ca
na tu måm abhijånanti tattvenåtaç cyavanti te
It is I who am the enjoyer and object of all sacrifices. But
those who are ignorant of My true nature fall down from
the path of self-realisation.
236
Chapter 9
VERSE 25
याि देवता देवाितॄाि िपतृताः ।
भूतािन याि भूते ा याि मािजनोऽिप माम ्॥२५॥
yånti deva-vratå devån pit®n yånti pit®-vratå˙
bhütåni yånti bhütejyå yånti mad yåjino’pi måm
The worshippers of the demigods attain the realm of the
demigods. The worshippers of the ancestors reach the
domain of the ancestors. The worshippers of ghosts and
spirits go to the world of the ghosts and spirits. But those
who worship Me come to Me.
VERSE 26
पं पं फलं तोयं यो मे भा यित ।
तदहं भपतमािम यतानः ॥२६॥
patraµ pußpaµ phalaµ toyaµ yo me bhaktyå prayacchati
tad ahaµ bhakty-upah®tam açnåmi prayatåtmana˙
If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit
or some water, I will accept that offering from My pure-
hearted devotee.
VERSE 27
यरोिष यदािस यहोिष ददािस यत ्।
यपिस कौेय तु मदपणम ्॥२७॥
yat karoßi yad açnåsi yaj juhoßi dadåsi yat
yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurußva mad arpa√am
O Kaunteya, whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever
you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give in charity, whatever
penances you undertake, do that as an offering unto Me.
237
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 28
शभाशभ फलैरेवं मोसे कमबनैः ।
संासयोगयाा िवमो मामपैिस ॥२८॥
çubhåçubha-phalair evaµ mokßyase karma-bandhanai˙
sannyåsa-yoga-yuktåtmå vimukto måm upaißyasi
By doing so, you will become free from the bondage of

karma and it’s auspicious and inauspicious effects. By
renouncing the results of your actions and connecting
yourself with Me, you will become liberated and attain Me.
Anuv®tti
No one can live in this world without consuming
something. There are some yogîs in India that try to avoid
entanglement with this material world to the extreme. To
this end they give up clothing, food and even water. But
because they do not recognise K®ß√a as the proprietor and
enjoyer of all things, they eventually fall down from their
position of false renunciation. We say ‘false renunciation’
because real renunciation means to renounce the idea of
oneself being the proprietor and enjoyer and to recognise
K®ß√a as the proprietor and the enjoyer of everything.
In the stage of real renunciation, one offers everything
first to K®ß√a and accepts only the remnants of such offer-
ings for his maintenance. The process of offering food to
K®ß√a by chanting appropriate mantras is to be learned
from the guru. When food is offered to K®ß√a by mantra
the food becomes ‘K®ß√anised’. This is called prasådam, or
K®ß√a’s mercy.
Çrî K®ß√a says that if one offers Him with devotion
a leaf, flowers, fruits or some water He will accept that.
238
Chapter 9
This means that non-vegetarian foodstuff such as meat,

fish and eggs, as well as preparations containing such
things are not offerable to K®ß√a. Food offerable to K®ß√a
includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and milk products.
It should be noted that being Gopåla, the protector of the
cows, K®ß√a is very fond of milk products such as yogurt,
butter etc. A diet of such food offered to K®ß√a will make
one healthy and fit for the practice of yoga as well as free
from karmic reactions.
VERSE 29
समोऽहं सवभूतेष न मे ेोऽि न ियः ।
ये भजि त मां भा मिय ते तेष चाहम ्॥२९॥
samo’haµ sarva-bhüteßu na me dveßyo’sti na priya˙
ye bhajanti tu måµ bhaktyå mayi te teßu cåpy-aham
I am equal to all living beings. I neither hate nor favour
anyone. Yet whoever worships Me with devotion is with
Me and I am certainly with them.
VERSE 30
अिप चेराचारो भजते मामनभाक ्।
साधरेव स मः सविसतो िह सः ॥३०॥
api cet suduråcåro bhajate måm ananya-bhåk
sådhur eva sa mantavya˙ samyag vyavasito hi sa˙
Even if one is impious and has committed abominable
acts, if he worships Me with one-pointed devotion, such
a person should be considered saintly because his deter-
mination is perfect.
239
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 31
िं भवित धमाा शािं िनगित ।
कौेय ितजानीिह न मे भः णयित ॥३१॥
kßipraµ bhavati dharmåtmå çaçvac chåntiµ nigacchati
kaunteya pratijånîhi na me bhakta˙ pra√açyati
He quickly becomes virtuous again and attains everlast-
ing peace. O Kaunteya, declare it boldly that My devotee
never perishes.
VERSE 32
मां िह पाथ पाि येऽिप ः पापयोनयः ।
ियो वैयाथा शूाेऽिप याि परां गितम ्॥३२॥
måµ hi pårtha vyapåçritya ye’pi syu˙ påpa-yonaya˙
striyo vaiçyås tathå çüdrås te’pi yånti paråµ gatim
O Pårtha, even if persons of impious birth, women, merchants
(vaiçyas) and labourers (çüdras) take shelter of Me, they will
also reach the highest destination.
VERSE 33
िकं पनाणाः पया भा राजषयथा ।
अिनमसखं लोकिममं ा भज माम ्॥३३॥
kiµ punar bråhma√å˙ pu√yå bhaktå råjarßayas tathå
anityam asukhaµ lokam imaµ pråpya bhajasva måm
What to say of the pure bråhma√as and pious kings? Now,

having come into this temporary world of misery, devote
yourself to Me!
240
Chapter 9
VERSE 34
मना भव मो माजी मां नमु ।
मामेवैिस यवैवमाानं मरायणः ॥३४॥
man-manå bhava mad bhakto mad yåjî måµ namaskuru
måm evaißyasi yuktvaivam åtmånaµ mat-paråya√a˙
Always think of Me. Be My devotee. Worship Me. Offer
your respects unto Me. In this way, by dedicating yourself to
Me and surrendering to Me, you will come to Me.
Anuv®tti
It is important to note here that Çrî K®ß√a says that He
is equal to all living beings. That is to say that K®ß√a has
no ‘chosen people’. Everyone is equal in His eyes as His
eternal parts and parcels. K®ß√a does not arbitrarily cause
one person to enjoy life and another to suffer. Enjoyment
and suffering are the results of one’s own pious or impious
activities in this life and in past lives.
When one approaches K®ß√a, He reciprocates directly
with that person. One does not have to be born in a par-
ticular country, family, religion, caste, gender or race to
approach K®ß√a. Nor is one first required to perform
certain pious activities such as penances or charity before
one can approach Him. The door is open to everyone and
K®ß√a reciprocates with each individual accordingly.
But there is also no doubt that those who are deeply
devoted to K®ß√a and have taken shelter of Him com-
pletely, are very dear to Him and at the end of life they
will surely come to K®ß√a in His Supreme Abode.
241
Bhagavad-gita

राजगयोगो नाम नवमोऽायः॥
råja-guhya-yogo nåma navamo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Nine entitled Råja-
Guhya Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and
242
Chapter 10
VERSE 1
भूय एव महाबाहो ण मे परमं वचः ।
येऽहं ीयमाणाय वािम िहतकाया ॥१॥
bhüya eva mahå-båho ç®√u me paramaµ vaca˙
yat te’haµ prîyamå√åya vakßyåmi hita-kåmyayå
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: Listen to these supreme teach-
ings once more, O mighty-armed one. Because I desire
your welfare, I shall speak them to you because you are
very dear to Me.
VERSE 2
न मे िवः सरगणाः भवं न महषयः ।
अहमािदिह देवानां महषणां च सवशः ॥२॥
na me vidu˙ sura-ga√å˙ prabhavaµ na maharßaya˙
aham ådir hi devånåµ maharßî√åµ ca sarvaça˙
The demigods and great sages do not know My origin.
Indeed, I am the origin of the demigods and the great sages.
VERSE 3
यो मामजमनािदं च वेि लोकमहेरम ्।
असूढः स मष सवपापैः मते ॥३॥
yo måm ajam anådiµ ca vetti loka-maheçvaram
asammü∂ha˙ sa martyeßu sarva-påpai˙ pramucyate
One who knows Me as the birthless, beginningless Supreme
Controller of all worlds is not bewildered amongst mor-
tals, and is free from all karma.
245
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a is unknown and unknowable. He is adhokßaja
– beyond the reach of the senses, beyond the comprehen-
sion of the mind and intelligence. No amount of ascending
endeavours on the part of the living beings can reach K®ß√a,
but in an instant He can descend to reveal Himself. Though
K®ß√a is their origin, not even the demigods and the great
sages such as Brahmå, Indra, Sanaka, Durvåså, Marîci and
others know K®ß√a as He is. But one who is K®ß√a’s dev-
otee, the bhakti-yogî, knows K®ß√a as the Supreme Person
situated in the core of his heart.
sa vai puµsåµ paro dharmo yato bhaktir adhokßaje

ahaituky-apratihatå yayåtmå suprasîdati
The topmost dharma for mankind is that by which
they can attain devotion unto the Supreme Person,
who is adhokßaja and who cannot be known by the
material senses. Such bhakti-yoga must be unmo-
tivated and uninterrupted to fully satisfy the self.
K®ß√a gives birth to creation and to all things, but He

Himself is without birth. Still, when K®ß√a appears on
Earth, as He did some 5,000 years ago to speak Bhaga-
vad-gîtå, He accepts His devotees Vasudeva and Devakî
as His parents and appears as the sun seems to manifest
from the ocean at the beginning of each day. K®ß√a first
revealed Himself in the heart of Vasudeva and then trans-
ferred Himself to the heart of Devakî. From there He
appeared from her heart into the world. It is inconceivable,
but K®ß√a appears in the world without taking birth.
246
Chapter 10
The great Bhagavad-gîtå commentator Çrî Viçvanåtha

Cakravartî says that the power of K®ß√a to be eternally
unborn and at the same time take birth is due to K®ß√a’s
inconceivable energy (acintya-çakti). If K®ß√a were not
inconceivable (acintya) then He would not be the Supreme
Person. Viçvanåtha confirms that one who understands
this is never bewildered and is free from all karma.
VERSE 4-5
बिानमसंमोहः मा सं दमः शमः ।
सखं ःखं भवोऽभावो भयं चाभयमेव च ॥४॥
अिहंसा समता तिपो दानं यशोऽयशः ।
भवि भावा भूतानां म एव पृथिवधाः ॥५॥
buddhir jñånam asaµmoha˙ kßamå satyaµ dama˙ çama˙
sukhaµ du˙khaµ bhavo’bhåvo bhayaµ cåbhayam eva ca
ahiµså samatå tuß†is tapo dånaµ yaço’yaça˙
bhavanti bhåvå bhütånåµ matta eva p®thag-vidhå˙
Intelligence, knowledge, freedom from delusion, tolerance,
truthfulness, self-control, pleasure, misery, birth, death,
fear and fearlessness, non-violence, equanimity, satisfac-
tion, austerity, charity, fame and infamy – all these various
conditions of the living beings arise from Me alone.
VERSE 6
महषयः स पूव चारो मनवथा ।
मावा मानसा जाता येषां लोक इमाः जाः ॥६॥
maharßaya˙ sapta pürve catvåro manavas tathå
mad bhåvå månaså jåtå yeßåµ loka imå˙ prajå˙
247
Bhagavad-gita
The Seven Sages, the Four Kumåras and the Manus, from
whom all the living beings of this world have descended,
are all manifest from My mind.
VERSE 7
एतां िवभूितं योगं च मम यो वेि ततः ।
सोऽिवकेन योगेन य ते ना संशयः ॥७॥
etåµ vibhütiµ yogaµ ca mama yo vetti tattvata˙
so’vikampena yogena yujyate nåtra saµçaya˙
One who knows the truth of My splendour and the process

of yoga becomes resolutely united with Me. Of this there
is no doubt.
Anuv®tti
All things, good and bad, happiness and distress,
fame and infamy etc. arise from K®ß√a, but this is not to
encourage a fatalistic approach to life. The bhakti-yogî is
encouraged to use his intelligence to discriminate between
favourable and unfavourable situations, accepting that
which is favourable for bhakti-yoga and rejecting that
which is unfavourable.
ånukülyasya sa∫kalpa˙ pråtikülyasya varjanam

One should accept those things that are favourable
for bhakti and reject those things that are unfavour-
able. (Hari-bhakti-vilåsa 11.417)
The Seven Sages are Marîci, Bh®gu, Atri, Pulastya,

Pulaha, Kratu and Vasiß†ha. The Four Kumåras are Sanaka,
Sanåtana, Sanandana and Sanat-kumåra. There are fourteen
248
Chapter 10
Manus in one day of Brahmå. These Manus are progeni-

tors of mankind that populate life throughout the universe.
All these personalities manifest from the mind of K®ß√a
and appear in the material world as the sons of Brahmå.
These are all wonderful activities and cannot be under-
stood by ordinary people. Only K®ß√a’s most confiden-
tial devotee can understand His true nature. Such a yogî is
free from duality, is united with K®ß√a and sees Him in all
things as the Absolute Truth. K®ß√a assures us that of this,
there is no doubt.
VERSE 8
अहं सव भवो मः सव वतते ।
इित मा भजे मां बधा भावसमिताः ॥८॥
ahaµ sarvasya prabhavo matta˙ sarvaµ pravartate
iti matvå bhajante måµ budhå bhåva-samanvitå˙
I am the source of everything. All things emanate from Me.
Understanding this, the wise who are endowed with love,
worship Me with all their heart.
VERSE 9
मिा मताणा बोधयः पररम ्।
कथय मां िनं ति च रमि च ॥९॥
mac-cittå mad gata-prå√å bodhayanta˙ parasparam
kathayantaç ca måµ nityaµ tußyanti ca ramanti ca
Those who are always thinking of Me, who have dedicated
their lives to Me, enlighten each other and feel great satis-
faction and joy by always speaking about Me.
249
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 10
तेषां सततयानां भजतां ीितपूवकम ्।
ददािम बियोगं तं येन मामपयाि ते ॥१०॥
teßåµ satata-yuktånåµ bhajatåµ prîti-pürvakam
dadåmi buddhi-yogaµ taµ yena måm upayånti te
To those who are constantly devoted to Me and worship
Me with love, I continue to bestow upon them devotional
inspiration by which they may come to Me.
VERSE 11
तेषामेवानकाथमहमानजं तमः ।
नाशयााभावो ानदीपेन भाता ॥११॥
teßåm evånukampårtham aham ajñåna-jaµ tama˙
nåçayåmy-åtma-bhåvastho jñåna-dîpena bhåsvatå
Out of compassion for them, I appear in their hearts and

destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness
that is born from ignorance.
Anuv®tti
Verses eight to eleven of this chapter are said to con-
tain the ontological substance of Bhagavad-gîtå. Herein,
Çrî K®ß√a establishes Himself as the source of the mate-
rial and spiritual worlds, and the origin of Brahman and
Paramåtmå. By the use of the word sarvasya, meaning
‘everything’, He also establishes Himself as the origin of
Nåråya√a in Vaiku√†ha (the Master of all potencies).
In the pantheon of demigods we find that Brahmå
is master of Satya-loka, Çiva is the master of Çiva-loka,
Indra the master of Indra-loka, but nowhere do we find
250
Chapter 10
it said that anyone is master and origin of everyone and

everything except Çrî K®ß√a. The understanding that K®ß√a
is sarvasya compels the wise to worship K®ß√a in love with
all their hearts.
K®ß√a says, mac-cittå – always think of Me and med-
itate on Me; mad-gata-prå√å – dedicate your life to Me.
In association with the wise engage in discussions about
Me (kathayanta), enlivening and enlightening each other
(bodhayanta). This is the proper way of meditation and
engagement for the mind and senses.
Discussing about K®ß√a is called k®ß√a-kathå, or çrava√a
and kîrtana – hearing and chanting. This means to hear and
chant Bhagavad-gîtå, Çrîmad Bhågavatam and other such
literature and to perform sa∫kîrtana, the congregational
chanting of the mahå-mantra:

This hearing and chanting of the name and activities
of K®ß√a constitutes the topmost system of yoga. K®ß√a
verifies in the Padma Purå√a that He resides wherever His
name is chanted:
nåhaµ tiß†håmi vaiku√†he yoginåµ h®dayeßu vå

tatra tiß†håmi nårada yatra gåyanti mad bhaktå˙
I do not reside in Vaiku√†ha, nor in the hearts of
the lesser yogîs. I remain where My devotees engage
in glorifying My activities and chanting My name.
(Padma Purå√a)
251
Bhagavad-gita
Altogether, there are nine processes in bhakti-yoga to

fully engage oneself in devotion to K®ß√a. Of these, hearing
and chanting are the first and foremost:
çrava√aµ kîrtanaµ viß√o˙ smara√aµ påda-sevanam

arcanaµ vandanaµ dåsyaµ sakhyam åtma-nivedanam
iti puµsårpitå viß√au bhaktiç cen nava-lakßanå
Hearing and chanting the mahå-mantra and the
activities of Viß√u or K®ß√a, remembering Him,
serving His lotus feet, offering Him respectful wor-
ship, offering prayers to Him, becoming His servant,
considering Him as one’s dearest friend, and surren-
dering everything to Him. These nine processes are
accepted as bhakti-yoga. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 7.5.23)
In verse 10 we find the word prîti-pürvakam. Prîti

means love, but this love should not be confused with the
love and affections of this material world which are shared
between conditioned living beings. Prîti is the state of pure
affection wherein no expression of selfishness or mundane
lust can be found. Such love is the requirement for wor-
shipping K®ß√a and such love is the key to an eternal bond
with Him. Those who have attained such love for K®ß√a by
bhakti-yoga are continuously empowered by Him with the
inspiration of pure devotion (buddhi-yoga), by which they
may come to Him.
K®ß√a dwells in the hearts of all living beings as the
Paramåtmå, the Super Consciousness, and directs the wan-
derings of everyone. When one desires to know K®ß√a, to
serve K®ß√a and to enter into an eternal relationship with
Him, then out of compassion for them, K®ß√a personally
252
Chapter 10
manifests in their hearts and destroys with the shining

lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance. It is
said that K®ß√a is light and ignorance is darkness:
k®ß√a-sürya-sama måyå haya andhakåra
yåhå∫ k®ß√a tåhå∫ nåhi måyåra adhikåra
K®ß√a is compared to the sun and måyå (ignorance)
is like the darkness. Wherever there is K®ß√a there
can never be any darkness. (Caitanya-caritåm®ta,
Madhya-lîlå 22.31)
Wherever light appears darkness is vanquished. Thus,
when K®ß√a personally appears in the heart of the bhak-
ti-yogî, all darkness and despair vanish and one is supremely
enlightened. This is the quintessence of Bhagavad-gîtå.
VERSE 12-13
परं  परं धाम पिवं परमं भवान ्।
पषं शातं िदमािददेवमजं िवभम ् ॥१२॥
आामृषयः सव देविषनारदथा ।
अिसतो देवलो ासः यं चैव वीिष मे ॥१३॥
arjuna uvåca –
paraµ brahma paraµ dhåma pavitraµ paramaµ bhavån
purußaµ çåçvataµ divyam ådidevam ajaµ vibhum
åhus tvåm ®ßaya˙ sarve devarßir nåradas tathå
asito devalo vyåsa˙ svayaµ caiva bravîßi me
Arjuna said: You are the Supreme Brahman, the Supreme
refuge, and the most pure. You are the eternal Supreme
Person, the most effulgent, the original divinity, unborn
253
Bhagavad-gita
and all-pervading. All the sages such as Nårada, Asita,

Devala and Vyåsa have stated this, just as You have
declared this unto me.
VERSE 14
सवमेततं मे यां वदिस केशव ।
न िह ते भगविं िवदवा न दानवाः ॥१४॥
sarvam etad ®taµ manye yan måµ vadasi keçava
na hi te bhagavan vyaktiµ vidur devå na dånavå˙
O Keçava, everything You have told me I accept as truth.
O Master of all splendour, neither Demigods nor Dånavas
can fully understand Your personality.
VERSE 15
यमेवानाानं वे ं पषोम ।
भूतभावन भूतेश देवदेव जगते ॥१६॥
svayam evåtmanåtmånaµ vettha tvaµ purußottama
bhüta-bhåvana bhüteça deva-deva jagat-pate
O Supreme Person, O Creator of all creatures, O Controller
of all living beings, O Master of the demigods, O Master of
the universe – You alone truly know Yourself.
VERSE 16
वुमहशेषेण िदा ािवभूतयः ।
यािभिवभूितिभलकािनमांं ा ितिस ॥१६॥
vaktum arhasy-açeße√a divyå hy-åtma-vibhütaya˙
yåbhir vibhütibhir lokån imåµs tvaµ vyåpya tiß†hasi
Please describe to me completely Your divine powers by
which You pervade all the worlds.
254
Chapter 10
VERSE 17
कथं िवामहं योिगंां सदा पिरिचयन ्।
केष केष च भावेष िचोऽिस भगवया ॥१७॥
kathaµ vidyåm ahaµ yogiµs tvåµ sadå paricintayan
keßu keßu ca bhåveßu cintyo’si bhagavan mayå
How can I constantly be absorbed in thoughts of You, O
Master of all mystic powers, How can I know You and
how should I meditate upon You?
VERSE 18
िवरेणानो योगं िवभूितं च जनादन ।
भूयः कथय तृििह वतो नाि मेऽमृतम ्॥१८॥
vistare√åtmano yogaµ vibhütiµ ca janårdana
bhüya˙ kathaya t®ptir hi ç®√vato nåsti me’m®tam
O Janårdana, kindly explain to me again in detail Your
mystic powers and opulence. Hearing such nectar about
You, I am never satiated.
Anuv®tti
Arjuna accepts all that Çrî K®ß√a has said and says that
only K®ß√a actually knows Himself. The Absolute Truth
is infinite and the living beings, like Arjuna, are finite and
thus are inherently unable to fully comprehend the splen-
dour of K®ß√a. Yet for Arjuna to hear of such splendours
is spiritual food for meditation.
Arjuna addresses K®ß√a as yogî, the Master of mystic
powers, and asks how he should meditate upon Him. In
the remaining verses of this chapter K®ß√a outlines how
one should think of Him. But in the last verse He con-
cludes by saying that there is no necessity of thinking of
255
Bhagavad-gita
Him in an indirect or abstract way, because with just a

mere portion of His Self, He supports the entire universe.
Thus K®ß√a indicates to Arjuna that to meditate on His
personal form is the ultimate meditation.
VERSE 19
ह ते कथियािम िदा ािवभूतयः ।
ाधातः कुे नाो िवर मे ॥१९॥
hanta te kathayißyåmi divyå hy-åtma-vibhütaya˙
prådhånyata˙ kuru-çreß†ha nåsty-anto vistarasya me
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: Listen, O best of the Kuru
Dynasty, there is no end to the extent of My powers, but
I shall explain to you those divine opulences of Mine that
are most prominent.
VERSE 20
अहमाा गडाकेश सवभूताशयितः ।
अहमािद मं च भूतानाम एव च ॥२०॥
aham åtmå gu∂åkeça sarva-bhütåçaya-sthita˙
aham ådiç ca madhyaµ ca bhütånåm anta eva ca
O conqueror of sleep, I am the Super Consciousness that
resides in all living beings. I am the beginning, the middle
and the end of all creatures.
VERSE 21
आिदानामहं िव ितषां रिवरंशमान ्।
मरीिचमतामि नाणामहं शशी ॥२१॥
256
Chapter 10
ådityånåm ahaµ viß√ur jyotißåµ ravir aµçumån

marîcir marutåm asmi nakßatrå√åm ahaµ çaçî
Of the Ådityas I am Viß√u. Of lights I am the blazing
sun. Of the Marutas I am Marîci. Of celestial bodies I
am the moon.
VERSE 22
वेदानां सामवेदोऽि देवानामि वासवः ।
इियाणां मनाि भूतानामि चेतना ॥२२॥
vedånåµ såma-vedo’smi devånåm asmi våsava˙
indriyå√åµ manaç cåsmi bhütånåm asmi cetanå
Of the Vedas I am the Såma Veda. Of the demigods I am
Indra. Of the senses I am the mind. Of living beings I am
consciousness.
VERSE 23
ाणां शराि िवेशो यरसाम ्।
वसूनां पावकाि मेः िशखिरणामहम ्॥२३॥
rudrå√åµ ça∫karaç cåsmi vitteço yakßa-rakßasåm
vasünåµ påvakaç cåsmi meru˙ çikhari√åm aham
Of the Rudras I am Ça∫kara. Of the Yakßas and Råkßasas
I am Kuvera. Of the Vasus I am Agni and of mountains
I am Meru.
VERSE 24
परोधसां च मं मां िवि पाथ बृहितम ्।
सेनानीनामहं ः सरसामि सागरः ॥२४॥
purodhasåµ ca mukhyaµ måµ viddhi pårtha b®haspatim
senånînåm ahaµ skanda˙ sarasåm asmi sågara˙
257
Bhagavad-gita
O Pårtha, know Me to be B®haspati, the chief amongst

priests. Of military generals I am Skanda. Of bodies of
water I am the ocean.
VERSE 25
महषणां भृगरहं िगरामेकमरम ्।
यानां जपयोऽि ावराणां िहमालयः ॥२५॥
maharßî√åµ bh®gur ahaµ giråm asmy-ekam akßaram
yajñånåµ japa-yajño’smi sthåvarå√åµ himålaya˙
Of great sages I am Bh®gu. Of sounds I am the monosyllabic
mantra oµ. Of sacrifices I am japa. Of immovable things I am
the Himålayas.
VERSE 26
अः सववृाणां देवषणां च नारदः ।
गवाणां िचरथः िसानां किपलो मिनः ॥२६॥
açvattha˙ sarva-v®kßå√åµ devarßî√åµ ca nårada˙
gandharvå√åµ citraratha˙ siddhånåµ kapilo muni˙
Amongst all trees I am the banyan. Of celestial sages I
am Nårada. Amongst Gandharvas I am Citraratha and
amongst perfected beings I am Kapila Muni.
VERSE 27
उैःवसमानां िवि माममृतोवम ्।
ऐरावतं गजेाणां नराणां च नरािधपम ्॥२७॥
uccai˙çravasam açvånåµ viddhi måm am®todbhavam
airåvataµ gajendrå√åµ narå√åµ ca narådhipam
258
Chapter 10
Of horses I am known as Uccai˙çrava, who was born from

the ocean of nectar. I am Airåvata, the king of elephants
and I am the monarch amongst men.
VERSE 28
आयधानामहं वं धेनूनामि कामधक ्।
जनाि कपः सपाणामि वासिकः ॥२८॥
åyudhånåm ahaµ vajraµ dhenünåm asmi kåmadhuk
prajanaç cåsmi kandarpa˙ sarpå√åm asmi våsuki˙
Of weapons I am the thunderbolt. Of cows I am the Kåma-
dhenu. Of progenitors I am Kåma, and of snakes I am
Våsuki.
VERSE 29
अनाि नागानां वणो यादसामहम ्।
िपतॄणामयमा चाि यमः संयमतामहम ्॥२९॥
anantaç cåsmi någånåµ varu√o yådasåm aham
pit®√åm aryamå cåsmi yama˙ saµyamatåm aham
Amongst the celestial Någa-snakes I am Ananta. Amongst
the inhabitants of the water I am Varu√a. Amongst the
forefathers I am Aryamå. Of chastisers I am Yama.
VERSE 30
ादाि दैानां कालः कलयतामहम ्।
मृगाणां च मृगेोऽहं वैनतेय पिणाम ्॥३०॥
prahlådaç cåsmi daityånåµ kåla˙ kalayatåm aham
m®gå√åµ ca m®gendro’haµ vainateyaç ca pakßi√åm
Amongst the daityas I am Prahlåda. Of constraints I am
time. Of beasts I am the lion. Of birds I am Garu∂a.
259
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 31
पवनः पवतामि रामः शभृतामहम ्।
झषाणां मकराि ोतसामि जावी ॥३१॥
pavana˙ pavatåm asmi råma˙ çastra-bh®tåm aham
jhaßå√åµ makaraç cåsmi srotasåm asmi jåhnavî
Of purifiers I am the wind. Of the wielders of weapons I

am Råmacandra. Amongst aquatics I am the makara and of
rivers I am the Ga∫gå.
VERSE 32
सगाणामािदर मं चैवाहमजन ।
अािवा िवानां वादः वदतामहम ्॥३२॥
sargå√åm ådir antaç ca madhyaµ caivåham arjuna
adhyåtma-vidyå vidyånåµ våda˙ pravadatåm aham
O Arjuna, in creation I am the beginning, the middle and

the end. Of wisdom I am knowledge of the self and I am
the doctrine of philosophers.
VERSE 33
अराणामकारोऽि ः सामािसक च ।
अहमेवायः कालो धाताहं िवतोमखः ॥३३॥
akßarå√åm akåro’smi dvandva˙ såmåsikasya ca
aham evåkßaya˙ kålo dhåtåhaµ viçvato-mukha˙
Of letters I am the letter A. Amongst compound words I

am the dual. I alone am the eternal flow of the time factor
and I am the Creator, who gazes in all directions.
260
Chapter 10
VERSE 34
मृः सवहराहमव भिवताम ्।
कीितः ीवा नारीणां ृितमधा धृितः मा ॥३४॥
m®tyu˙ sarva-haraç cåham udbhavaç ca bhavißyatåm
kîrti˙ çrîr våk ca nårî√åµ sm®tir medhå dh®ti˙ kßamå
I am death, the destroyer of all things. I am the manifesta-

tion of all things yet to be. Of women I am Kîrtî, Çrî, Våk,
Sm®ti, Medhå, Dh®ti and Kßamå.
VERSE 35
बृहाम तथा साां गायी छसामहम ्।
मासानां मागशीषऽहमृतूनां कुसमाकरः ॥३५॥
b®hat-såma tathå såmnåµ gåyatrî chandasåm aham
måsånåµ mårga-çîrßo’ham ®tünåµ kusumåkara˙
Of the songs of the Såma Veda I am the B®hat-Såma. Of

Vedic rhythms I am the Gåyatrî. Of months I am Mår-
ga-çîrßa and amongst seasons I am the flower-bearing
spring.
VERSE 36
ूतं छलयतामि तेजेजिनामहम ्।
जयोऽि वसायोऽि सं सवतामहम ्॥३६॥
dyütaµ chalayatåm asmi tejas tejasvinåm aham
jayo’smi vyavasåyo’smi sattvaµ sattvavatåm aham
I am the gambling of cheaters and of the splendid I am

splendour. I am victory and determination. I am the might
of the mighty.
261
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 37
वृीनां वासदेवोऽि पाडवानां धनयः ।
मनीनामहं ासः कवीनामशना किवः ॥३७॥
v®ß√înåµ våsudevo’smi på√∂avånåµ dhanañjaya˙
munînåm apy-ahaµ vyåsa˙ kavînåm uçanå kavi˙
I am Våsudeva amongst the V®ß√i Dynasty. I am Arjuna
amongst the På√∂avas. Of philosophers I am Vyåsa and
amongst scholars I am Uçanå.
VERSE 38
दडो दमयतामि नीितरि िजगीषताम ्।
मौनं चैवाि गानां ानं ानवतामहम ्॥३८॥
da√∂o damayatåm asmi nîtir asmi jigîßatåm
maunaµ caivåsmi guhyånåµ jñånaµ jñånavatåm aham
I am the punishment enforced by those who chastise. I am
the conduct of those that desire victory. I am the silence of
secrets and I am the knowledge of the wise.
VERSE 39
यािप सवभूतानां बीजं तदहमजन ।
न तदि िवना याया भूतं चराचरम ्॥३९॥
yac cåpi sarva-bhütånåµ bîjaµ tad aham arjuna
na tad asti vinå yat syån mayå bhütaµ caråcaram
I am the seed of all living beings, O Arjuna. There is noth-
ing moving or non-moving, that can exist without Me.
VERSE 40
नाोऽि मम िदानां िवभूतीनां परंतप ।
एष तूेशतः ोो िवभूतेिवरो मया ॥४०॥
262
Chapter 10
nånto’sti mama divyånåµ vibhütînåµ parantapa

eßa tüddeçata˙ prokto vibhüter vistaro mayå
O conqueror of the enemy, My divine glories are unlimited.
Only a fraction of their extent has been explained by Me.
VERSE 41
यिभूितमं ीमिजतमेव वा ।
तदेवावग ं मम तेजशसंभवम ्॥४१॥
yad yad vibhütimat sattvaµ çrîmad ürjitam eva vå
tat tad evåvagaccha tvaµ mama tejo’µça sambhavam
Whatever exists that is wonderful, beautiful or glorious,
know that it has manifest from but a particle of My power.
VERSE 42
अथ वा बनैतेन िकं ातेन तवाजन ।
िवाहिमदं कमेकांशेन ितो जगत ्॥४२॥
athavå bahunaitena kiµ jñåtena tavårjuna
viß†abhyåham idaµ k®tsnam ekåµçena sthito jagat
But what is the necessity of knowing all this, O Arjuna? I
support the entire universe simply by a portion of Myself.
Anuv®tti
In the above verses Çrî K®ß√a has stated that all these
great and wonderful things of the world represent Him.
K®ß√a states this so that we will understand that whatever
is famous, beautiful and glorious in this world is manifest
from Him alone. The splendour of K®ß√a is unlimited, but
ultimately K®ß√a says that there is no necessity for Arjuna
to perform indirect meditation when the Absolute Truth
263
Bhagavad-gita
is standing in front of him. Therefore, K®ß√a suggests to

Arjuna that he simply meditate on that form.
There is no form of K®ß√a superior to that which was
standing in front of Arjuna at Kurukßetra, save and except
for the form of K®ß√a when He appeared as a youth in the
forest of V®ndåvana on the banks of the River Yamunå,
casting sidelong glances, His flute in hand and His tran-
scendental body bending in three places.
smeråµ bha∫gî-traya-paricitåµ såci-vistîr√a-d®ß†iµ

vaµçî-nyastådhara-kiçalayåm ujjvalåµ candrake√a
govindåkhyåµ hari-tanum ita˙ keçi-tîrthopaka√†he
må prekßiß†hås tava yadi sakhe bandhu-sa∫ge ‘sti ra∫ga˙
O friend, if you are attached to your companions
in this world, then do not gaze on the enchanting
smile of Govinda as He stands on the bank of the
Yamunå at Keçî-ghå†a. Casting sidelong glances, He
places His flute to His lips, which are compared to
newly blossomed buds. His divine body, bending in
three places, appears most effulgent in the light of
the moon. (Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu 1.2.239),
K®ß√a, appeared in V®ndåvana, India, 5,237 years ago

and performed His pastimes of love with His devotees and
with those who had reached perfection through bhakti-yoga.
The pastimes of K®ß√a in V®ndåvana are recorded in the
Tenth Canto of the Çrîmad Bhågavatam and have inspired
the students of bhakti-yoga for the past fifty centuries.
In the final chapter of Bhagavad-gîtå, K®ß√a will inform
Arjuna that whoever surrenders unto Him will attain the
Supreme Abode, Goloka V®ndåvana.
264
Chapter 10

िवभूितयोगो नाम दशमोऽायः॥
vibhüti-yogo nåma daçamo’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Ten entitled Vibhüti
265
Chapter 11
VERSE 1
मदनहाय परमं गमासंितम ्।
ययों वचेन मोहोऽयं िवगतो मम ॥१॥
arjuna uvåca –
mad anugrahåya paramaµ guhyam adhyåtma-saµjñitam
yat tvayoktaµ vacas tena moho’yaµ vigato mama
Arjuna said: By Your mercy, You have explained the
greatest secret about Your supreme nature – thus my
bewilderment is gone.
VERSE 2
भवायौ िह भूतानां तौ िवरशो मया ।
ः कमलपा माहामिप चायम ्॥२॥
bhavåpyayau hi bhütånåµ çrutau vistaraço mayå
tvatta˙ kamala-patråkßa måhåtmyam api cåvyayam
O lotus-eyed K®ß√a, I have heard Your detailed description
of the creation and destruction of all living beings, as well
as Your eternal glories.
VERSE 3
एवमेतथा माानं परमेर ।
िमािम ते पमैरं पषोम ॥३॥
evam etad yathåttha tvam åtmånaµ parameçvara
draß†um icchåmi te rüpam aiçvaraµ purußottama
O Supreme Controller, what You have described about
Yourself is true. O Supreme Person, I now desire to see
Your form of great splendour.
269
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 4
मसे यिद तं मया िमित भो ।
योगेर ततो मे ं दशयाानमयम ्॥४॥
manyase yadi tac chakyaµ mayå draß†um iti prabho
yogeçvara tato me tvaµ darçayåtmånam avyayam
O Master of all yogîs, if You think that it is possible, then

kindly show that immortal form to me.
Anuv®tti
By the end of Chapter Ten, Arjuna is completely
convinced that Çrî K®ß√a is the Supreme Person and that
all creation manifests from Him and remains in Him after
annihilation. But in order that future generations may not
mistake K®ß√a for an ordinary man or simply a philoso-
pher, Arjuna requests K®ß√a to reveal His universal form
(viçvarüpa) – the form of K®ß√a wherein everything in the
universe is contained. This form cannot be seen by any
independent endeavour, but completely depends on the
mercy of K®ß√a for Arjuna to behold.
Arjuna also knows that in the future unscrupulous men
will claim to be God and mislead ignorant people. There-
fore, Arjuna wants K®ß√a to show His universal form as the
benchmark so that anyone claiming to be God should be
able to show the universal form to confirm their position.
Indeed, Arjuna’s foresight was accurate. Since the time
of K®ß√a, and especially in modern times, many so-called
‘godmen’ have stepped forward in society and claimed to
be K®ß√a or God incarnate. Unfortunately, the masses of
people are so ignorant that they accept such impostors.
The greatest misfortune befalls a person when he or she
270
Chapter 11
claims to be God, or when a person accepts another human

as God. This is without a doubt the darkest ignorance. The
ˆçopanißad warns of this as follows:
andhaµ tama˙ praviçanti ye’vidyåm upåsate

tato bhüya iva te tamo ya u vidyåyåµ ratå˙
Those who engage in the worship of false things
enter into the darkest region of ignorance. But those
who have knowledge, yet do not correct others, enter
into even darker regions. (ˆçopanißad 9)
Çrî K®ß√a is addressed by Arjuna as the Supreme

Person (Parameçvara), and the Master of all yogic powers
(Yogeçvara) because Arjuna knows that K®ß√a will be able
to show him the universal form, thus distinguishing K®ß√a
once and for all as the Supreme Being.
VERSE 5
पय मे पाथ पािण शतशोऽथ सहशः ।
नानािवधािन िदािन नानावणाकतीिन च ॥५॥
paçya me pårtha rüpå√i çataço’tha sahasraça˙
nånå-vidhåni divyåni nånå-var√åk®tîni ca
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: Pårtha, behold My unlimited
divine forms of various hues and shapes.
VERSE 6
पयािदासूानिनौ मतथा ।
बपूवािण पयायािण भारत ॥६॥
271
Bhagavad-gita
paçyådityån vasün rudrån açvinau marutas tathå

bahüny-ad®ß†a-pürvå√i paçyåçcaryå√i bhårata
O descendant of Bharata, behold the Ådityas, Vasus,
Rudras, the Açvinî-kumåras and the Marutas. Behold the
multifarious amazing forms, never before seen.
VERSE 7
इहैकं जगृं पया सचराचरम ्।
मम देहे गडाकेश यािमिस ॥७॥
ihaikasthaµ jagat k®tsnaµ paçyådya sa-caråcaram
mama dehe gu∂åkeça yac cånyad draß†um icchasi
O conqueror of sleep, behold in this one place the entire
cosmos, including all moving and non-moving beings, all
within this form of Mine along with whatever else you
desire to see.
VERSE 8
न त मां शसे मनेनैव चुषा ।
िदं ददािम ते चुः पय मे योगमैरम ्॥८॥
na tu måµ çakyase draß†um anenaiva sva-cakßußå
divyaµ dadåmi te cakßu˙ paçya me yogam aiçvaram
Yet you are unable to perceive this with your present eyes,
therefore I will give you divine vision. Now behold My
mystic splendour!
Anuv®tti
If one gazes out into the universe with his eyes or even
with a modern telescope one should not expect to see the
universal form as was shown to Arjuna. The universal form
272
Chapter 11
is not possible to perceive with the eyes of this material

body. For such a vision as Arjuna was to receive, one needs
divine eyes. In other words, Arjuna’s vision of the universal
form was subjective and could only be revealed by K®ß√a.
Within that vision Arjuna was able to see in one place
all that is, all that was, all that will ever be, everything
moving and non-moving in an instant. As we will see in
this chapter, after seeing the universal form of K®ß√a which
Arjuna describes as wonderful, astonishing, fiery, terrible
and devastating, he becomes fearful and asks K®ß√a to once
again show him His charming and beautiful form as the
Supreme Person.
VERSE 9
एवमवा ततो राजहायोगेरो हिरः ।
दशयामास पाथाय परमं पमैरम ्॥९॥
sañjaya uvåca –
evam uktvå tato råjan mahå-yogeçvaro hari˙
darçayåmåsa pårthåya paramaµ rüpam aiçvaram
Sañjaya said: O Mahåråja Dh®taråß†ra, having spoken thus to
Pårtha, the Great Master of all mysticism, Çrî K®ß√a, revealed
the majesty of His universal form.
VERSE 10-11
अनेक वनयनमनेकात दशनम ्।
अनेक िदाभरणं िदानेकोतायधम ्॥१०॥
िदमाारधरं िदगानलेपनम ्।
सवायमयं देवमनं िवतोमखम ्॥११॥
273
Bhagavad-gita
aneka-vaktra-nayanam anekådbhuta-darçanam
aneka-divyåbhara√aµ divyånekodyatåyudham
divya-målyåmbara-dharaµ divya-gandhånulepanam
sarvåçcaryamayaµ devam anantaµ viçvato-mukham
Çrî K®ß√a revealed His form of infinite mouths and
eyes, adorned with many divine ornaments and raising
many celestial weapons. He was decorated with divine
garlands and garments and anointed with heavenly fra-
grances. He was most wonderful, splendorous, unlim-
ited and all-pervading.
VERSE 12
िदिव सूयसह भवेगपिता ।
यिद भाः सशी सा ाास महानः ॥१२॥
divi sürya-sahasrasya bhaved yugapad utthitå
yadi bhå˙ sad®çî så syåd bhåsas tasya mahåtmana˙
If an infinite number of suns were to appear in the sky
simultaneously, such effulgence might possibly resemble
the splendour of that Supreme Person.
VERSE 13
तैकं जगृं िवभमनेकधा ।
अपयेवदेव शरीरे पाडवदा ॥१३॥
tatraika-sthaµ jagat k®tsnaµ pravibhaktamanekadhå
apaçyad deva-devasya çarîre på√∂avas tadå
At that moment, Arjuna, the son of På√∂u, saw the entire
cosmos within the form of the Master of the demigods.
274
Chapter 11
VERSE 14
ततः स िवयािवो रोमा धनयः ।
ण िशरसा देवं कतािलरभाषत ॥१४॥
tata˙ sa vismayåviß†o h®ß†a-romå dhanañjaya˙
pra√amya çiraså devaµ k®tåñjalir abhåßata
Thus, being overwhelmed with astonishment, Arjuna’s hair
stood on end and placing his hands together in prayer, he
offered his obeisance to Çrî K®ß√a and spoke.
VERSE 15
पयािम देवांव देव देहे सवाथा भूतिवशेष सान ्।
ाणमीशं कमलासनम ्ऋष सवानरगां िदान ्॥१५॥
arjuna uvåca –
paçyåmi devåµs tava deva dehe
sarvåµs tathå bhüta-viçeßa-sa∫ghån
brahmå√am îçaµ kamalåsana stham
®ßîµç ca sarvån uragåµç ca divyån
Arjuna said: O Master, I see within Your body all the dem-
igods and all other forms of life. I see the sages, the celes-
tial serpents, as well as Brahmå and Çiva seated on a lotus.
VERSE 16
अनेक बादरवनें पयािम ां सवतोऽनपम ्।
नां न मं न पनवािदं पयािम िवेर िवप ॥१६॥
aneka-båhüdara-vaktra-netraµ
paçyåmi tvåµ sarvato’nanta-rüpam
nåntaµ na madhyaµ na punas tavådiµ
paçyåmi viçveçvara viçva-rüpa
275
Bhagavad-gita
O Master of the universe, I see Your unlimited form with

innumerable arms, bellies, mouths and eyes. I see that
there is no beginning, middle or end to this universal
form of Yours.
VERSE 17
िकरीिटनं गिदनं चिणं च तेजोरािशं सवतो दीिमम ्।
पयािम ां िनरीं समाद ्दीानलाकितममेयम ्॥१७॥
kirî†inaµ gadinaµ cakri√aµ ca
tejoråçiµ sarvato dîptimantam
paçyåmi tvåµ durnirîkßyaµ samantåd
dîptånalårka-dyutim aprameyam
I see You in all directions with crown, club and disc-weapon
– a mass of radiance illuminating all around You like the
brilliance of the sun, making You difficult to behold.
VERSE 18
मरं परमं वेिदतं म िव परं िनधानम ्।
मयः शातधमगोा सनातनं पषो मतो मे ॥१८॥
tvam akßaraµ paramaµ veditavyaµ
tvamasya viçvasya paraµ nidhånam
tvam avyaya˙ çåçvata-dharma-goptå
sanåtanas tvaµ purußo mato me
You are the eternal Absolute Truth known by the Vedas.
You are the ultimate shelter of the universe. You are the
imperishable protector of dharma. I understand You to be
the eternal Supreme Person.
276
Chapter 11
VERSE 19
अनािदमामनवीयम ्अनबां शिशसूयनेम ्।
पयािम ां दीताशवं तेजसा िविमदं तपम ्॥१९॥
anådi-madhyåntam ananta-vîryam
ananta-båhuµ çaçi-sürya-netram
paçyåmi tvåµ dîpta-hutåça-vaktraµ
sva-tejaså viçvam idaµ tapantam
I see that You are without beginning, middle or end. You
have unlimited power and innumerable arms. Your eyes
are the sun and the moon. This entire universe is scorched
by the rays emanating from Your mouth like blazing fire.
Anuv®tti
The universal form of Çrî K®ß√a is one that invokes
great awe, reverence and laudations from the beholder,
but factually speaking, a devotee of K®ß√a is not charmed
by such a display. Awe and reverence borders on fear and
as we shall see, Arjuna does indeed become fearful as he
continues to behold K®ß√a’s universal form. Fear does not
encourage a loving relationship with the Supreme. There-
fore, the universal form of K®ß√a is not very important for
students of bhakti-yoga, only in as much as it proves to
demonstrate that unless one can show the universal form,
one should not be accepted as God.
Factually, there are different avatåras of K®ß√a that
appear in the universe at scheduled times and these have
been mentioned by Jayadeva Gosvåmî as follows:
vedån uddharate jaganti vahate bhü-golam udbibhrate

daityaµ dårayate baliµ chalayate kßatra-kßayaµ kurvate
277
Bhagavad-gita
paulastyaµ jayate halaµ kalayate kåru√yam åtanvate

mlecchån mürchayate daçåk®ti-k®te k®ß√åya tubhyaµ nama˙
O K®ß√a, I offer my respects unto You, who appear
in the forms of these ten avatåras. As Matsya You
rescue the Vedas, and as Kürma You carry the Man-
dara Mountain on Your back. As Varåha You lift up
the Earth planet with Your tusks, and as Narasiµha
You tear open the chest of the daitya, Hira√yakaçipu.
In the form of Våmana You delude the daitya king
Bali by requesting only three steps of land from him,
and then You take the whole universe from him by
expanding Your strides. As Paraçuråma You slay all
the wicked warriors, and as Råmacandra You fight
the råkßasa king Råva√a. As Balaråma You carry a
plough with which You subdue the wicked and You
draw the River Yamunå towards You. As Buddha
You show compassion towards all the living beings
that are suffering in this world, and at the end of the
Kali-yuga You appear as Kalki in order to bewilder
the mlecchas. (Gîtå Govinda 1.12)
In reading the Bhagavad-gîtå one sees repetition in many

places. This however is not a flaw but an embellishment
due to ecstasy. The åcårya Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a con-
firms this (prasåde vismaye harße dvi-trîr-uktaµ na dußyati)
as does the famous commentator on Bhagavad-gîtå A.C.
Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda, who writes in his pur-
port to verse nineteen as follows:
There is no limit to the extent of the six opulences

of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Here and in
278
Chapter 11
many other places there is repetition, but according

to the scriptures, repetition of the glories of K®ß√a is
not a literary weakness. It is said that at a time of
bewilderment or wonder or of great ecstasy, statements
are repeated over and over. That is not a flaw.
VERSE 20
ावापृिथोिरदमरं िह ां यैकेन िदश सवाः ।
ातं पिमदं तवों लोकयं िथतं महान ्॥२०॥
dyåv-åp®thivyor idam antaraµ hi
vyåptaµ tvayaikena diçaç ca sarvå˙
d®ß†vådbhutaµ rüpam idaµ tavograµ
loka-trayaµ pravyathitaµ mahåtman
O Great One, You completely pervade all directions
including the space between the higher planets and the
Earth. Seeing this wonderful and terrifying form of Yours,
the three worlds tremble with fear.
VERSE 21
अमी िह ां सरसा िवशि केिचीताः ालयो गृणि ।
ीवा महिषिससाः वि ां ितिभः पलािभः ॥२१॥
amî hi tvåµ sura-sa∫ghå viçanti
kecid bhîtå˙ pråñjalayo g®√anti
svastîty-uktvå maharßi-siddha-sa∫ghå˙
stuvanti tvåµ stutibhi˙ pußkalåbhi˙
The demigods enter into You and fearfully offer prayers
to You with folded hands. The assembly of great sages and
perfected beings offer choice prayers unto You exclaiming,
“May there be auspiciousness!”
279
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 22
ािदा वसवो ये च साा िवेऽिनौ मतोपा ।
गवयासरिससा वीे ां िविताैव सव ॥२२॥
rudrådityå vasavo ye ca sådhyå
viçve’çvinau marutaç coßmapåç ca
gandharva-yakßåsura-siddha-sa∫ghå
vîkßante tvåµ vismitåç caiva sarve
The Rudras, Ådityas, Vasus, Sådhyas, Viçvadevas, Açvinî-
kumåras, Marutas, the forefathers, Gandharvas, Yakßas,
Asuras and Siddhas behold You and are struck with awe.
VERSE 23
पं महे बवनें महाबाहो बबापादम ्।
बदरं बदंाकरालं ा लोकाः िथताथाहम ्॥२३॥
rüpaµ mahat te bahu-vaktra-netraµ
mahå-båho bahu-båhüru-pådam
bahüdaraµ bahu-daµß†rå-karålaµ
d®ß†vå lokå˙ pravyathitås tathåham
Seeing this immense form of Yours with it’s unlimited
mouths, eyes, arms, legs, feet and bellies, dreadful with it’s
many teeth – all of mankind, and myself, are terrified.
VERSE 24
नभः ृशं दीमनेकवण ााननं दीिवशालनेम ्।
ा िह ां िथताराा धृितं न िवािम शमं च िवो ॥२४॥
nabha˙ sp®çaµ dîptam aneka-var√aµ
vyåttånanaµ dîpta-viçåla-netram
d®ß†vå hi tvåµ pravyathitåntaråtmå
dh®tiµ na vindåmi çamaµ ca viß√o
280
Chapter 11
O Viß√u, upon seeing Your brilliant form of many colours

touching the sky, with its huge open mouths and massive
blazing eyes, I shudder within and can no longer maintain
my mental equilibrium nor remain peaceful.
VERSE 25
दंाकरालािन च ते मखािन ैव कालानलसिभािन ।
िदशो न जाने न लभे च शम सीद देवेश जगिवास ॥२५॥
daµß†rå-karålåni ca te mukhåni
d®ß†vaiva kålånala-sannibhåni
diço na jåne na labhe ca çarma
prasîda deveça jagannivåsa
Seeing Your many mouths with their terrifying teeth, fiery
like the flames of the universal annihilation, I have lost all
sense of direction and composure. Be kind upon me, O
Master of the demigods, O supreme shelter of the universe.
VERSE 26-27
अमी च ां धृतरा पाः सव सहैवाविनपालसैः ।
भीो ोणः सूतपथासौ सहादीयैरिप योधमैः ॥२६॥
वािण ते रमाणा िवशि दंाकरालािन भयानकािन ।
केिचिला दशनारेष संये चूिणतैमाैः ॥२७॥
amî ca tvåµ dh®taråß†rasya putrå˙
sarve sahaivåvanipåla sa∫ghai˙
bhîßmo dro√a˙ süta-putras tathåsau
sahåsmadîyair api yodha-mukhyai˙
vaktrå√i te tvaramå√å viçanti
daµß†rå-karålåni bhayånakåni
kecid vilagnå daçanåntareßu
sand®çyante cür√itair uttamå∫gai˙
281
Bhagavad-gita
All the sons of Dh®taråß†ra, their royal allies, as well as

Bhîßma, Dro√a, Kar√a and also the best fighters in our
army, are all hurtling into Your terrible mouths with their
frightening teeth. Some I see with their heads caught and
pulverised between Your teeth.
VERSE 28
यथा नदीनां बहवोऽवेगाः सममेवािभमखा वि ।
तथा तवामी नरलोकवीरा िवशि वायिभिवलि ॥२८॥
yathå nadînåµ bahavo’mbu vegå˙
samudram evåbhimukhå dravanti
tathå tavåmî nara-loka-vîrå
viçanti vaktrå√y-abhivijvalanti
Just as rivers flow towards the ocean and finally enter
it, similarly all these famous heroes enter into Your
fiery mouths.
VERSE 29
यथा दीं लनं पता िवशि नाशाय समृवेगाः ।
तथैव नाशाय िवशि लोकास ्तवािप वािण समृवेगाः ॥२९॥
yathå pradîptaµ jvalanaµ pata∫gå
viçanti nåçåya sam®ddha-vegå˙
tathaiva nåçåya viçanti lokås
tavåpi vaktrå√i sam®ddha-vegå˙
Just as moths rush to their deaths by entering fire, all the
worlds rush into Your mouths to their destruction.
VERSE 30
लेिलसे समानः समाल ् लोकामादनैलिः ।
तेजोिभरापूय जगमं भासवोाः तपि िवो ॥३०॥
282
Chapter 11
lelihyase grasamåna˙ samantål

lokån-samagrån-vadanair jvaladbhi˙
tejobhir åpürya jagat samagraµ
bhåsas tavogrå˙ pratapanti viß√o
You repeatedly lick Your lips as You devour all around
You with Your fiery mouths. O Viß√u, pervading the
entire universe with Your brilliant rays, You incinerate it.
VERSE 31
आािह मे को भवानपो नमोऽ ते देववर सीद ।
िवातिमािम भवमां न िह जानािम तव वृिम ्॥३१॥
åkhyåhi me ko bhavån ugra-rüpo
namo’stu te deva-vara prasîda
vijñåtum icchåmi bhavantam ådyaµ
na hi prajånåmi tava prav®ttim
With such a terrifying form, please tell me who You are.
Of best of all divinities, be merciful unto me. O origin of
all, I desire to know You, for I cannot fully understand
Your activities.
Anuv®tti
Seeing the universal form, Arjuna has now become
anxious and is on the verge of forgetting who Çrî K®ß√a
actually is. Therefore, we can understand from Arjuna’s
situation that the great power, opulence, majesty, devasta-
tion and utter horror seen by him does not serve to draw
us closer to the Absolute Truth.
Nature worship is not included in bhakti-yoga. The
Truth is present in nature, but one must know what that
Truth is beforehand. One cannot achieve self-realisation
283
Bhagavad-gita
simply by contemplation on, or simple appreciation of

nature alone. Meditation on the Absolute Truth is not
impersonal or abstract as previously mentioned. The per-
sonal form of K®ß√a as a charming youth with a threefold
bending form as Çyåmasundara, adorned with forest flow-
ers, dressed in bright yellow garments, while playing His
flute under a tree on the banks of the River Yamunå is the
most cherished object of meditation for all great sages and
yogîs. This is described in the following verses:
sat-pu√∂arîka-nayanaµ meghåbhaµ vaidyutåmbaram

dvi-bhujaµ jñåna-mudrå∂hyaµ vana-målinam îçvaram
I meditate on Çrî K®ß√a, whose beautiful eyes are like
lotuses, whose hue is that of a new rain cloud, whose
clothes are as bright as lightning, who possesses two
arms, who is adorned by a beautiful forest garland,
and whose hand shows the jñåna-mudrå indicating
divine knowledge. (Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad 9)
pîtåmbaraµ ghana-çyåmaµ dvi-bhujaµ vana-målinam

barhi-barhåk®tå-pî∂aµ çaçi-ko†i-nibhånanam
ghür√åyamåna-nayanaµ kar√ikåråvataµsinam
abhitaç candanenåtha madhye kumkuma-bindunå
racitaµ tilakaµ bhåle vibhrataµ ma√∂alåk®tim
taru√åditya-ça∫kåçaµ ku√∂alåbhyåµ viråjitam
gharmåmbu-ka√ikå-råjad-darpa√åbha-kapolakam
priyå-mukha-nyaståpå∫gaµ lîlayå yonnata-bhruvam
agra-bhåganyasta-muktå-sphurad-uccha-su-nåsikam
daçana-jyotsnayå råjat-pakva-bimba-phalådharam
keyürå∫gada-sad-ratna-mudrikåbhir lasat-karam
vibhrataµ muralîµ våme pånau-padma tathetare
284
Chapter 11
kåñci-dåma sphuran-madhyaµ nüpuråbhyåµ lasat-padam

rati-keli-rasåveça-cåpalaµ capalekßa√am
hasantaµ priyayå sårdhaµ håsayantaµ ca tåµ muhu˙
itthaµ kalpa-taror müle ratna-siµhåsanopari
v®ndåra√ye smaret k®ß√aµ saµsthitaµ priyayå saha
I meditate on two-armed K®ß√a, who is dark like
a monsoon rain cloud, dressed in yellow garments,
garlanded with forest flowers, crowned with a pea-
cock feather and decorated with lotuses. His face
is as splendid as millions of moons and His eyes
move restlessly. His forehead is marked with tilaka
made of sandalwood paste and musk. He is adorned
with earrings that resemble two rising suns, and His
perspiration-anointed cheeks are like two glistening
mirrors. His eyes with raised eyebrows above them
playfully glance at His beloved’s face. The tip of His
graceful raised nose is decorated with a glistening
pearl. His lips are red like the bimba fruit and are
splendid in the moonlight of His teeth. His hands
are splendid with bracelets, armlets, and jewelled
rings. He holds a flute in His left lotus hand, His
waist is splendid with a graceful belt and His feet are
splendid with beautiful anklets. His eyes are rest-
less with the nectar of His divine activities and He
jokes with His friends, making them laugh again and
again. He sits on a jewelled throne under a desire
tree in the forest of V®ndåvana with His beloved.
In this way one should meditate on Çrî K®ß√a. (San-
at-kumåra Saµhitå 54-62)
285
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 32
कालोऽि लोकयकवृो लोकामाहतिमह वृः ।
ऋतेऽिप ां न भिवि सव येऽविताः नीकेष योधाः ॥३२॥
kålo’smi loka-kßaya-k®t prav®ddho
lokån samåhartum iha prav®tta˙
®te’pi tvåµ na bhavißyanti sarve
ye’vasthitå˙ pratyanîkeßu yodhå˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: Time I am, the mighty destroyer
of worlds, and I come to vanquish all living beings. Even
without your participation, all the warriors on the opposite
side of the battlefield will be killed.
VERSE 33
तामि यशो लभ िजा शू रा ं समृम ्।
मयैवैते िनहताः पूवमेव िनिममां भव ससािचन ्॥३३॥
tasmåt tvam uttiß†ha yaço labhasva
jitvå çatrün bhu∫kßva råjyaµ sam®ddham
mayaivaite nihatå˙ pürvam eva
nimitta-måtraµ bhava savyasåcin
Therefore, arise and achieve glory! Conquer your foes and
enjoy a prosperous empire! O best amongst archers, all
your enemies have already been killed by Me – you are but
an instrument.
VERSE 34
ोणं च भीं च जयथं च कण तथाानिप योधवीरान ्।
मया हतांं जिह मा िथा य जेतािस रणे सपान ्॥३४॥
286
Chapter 11
dro√aµ ca bhîßmaµ ca jayadrathaµ ca

kar√aµ tathånyån api yodha-vîrån
mayå hatåµs tvaµ jahi må vyathiß†hå
yudhyasva jetåsi ra√e sapatnån
Dro√a, Bhîßma, Jayadratha, Kar√a and other heroic sol-
diers have already been killed by Me. Fear not – fight! You
will certainly conquer your enemy in this battle.
Anuv®tti
The fate of the world is ultimately sealed, but the
opportunity for the conditioned living beings to attain
enlightenment and transcend the world of birth and
death is open to all. Çrî K®ß√a say, kålo’smi loka-kßaya-
k®t – “Time I am, the mighty destroyer of worlds.” This
is the fate of the world. Time is the great enemy and it
eventually devours all things. This insurmountable time
is the energy of K®ß√a.
måsartu-darvî-parigha††anena
süryågninå råtri-divendhanena
asmin mahå-mohamaye ka†åhe
bhütåni kåla˙ pacatîti vårtå
The twelve months and six seasons are like cooking
spoons. The sun is the fire for cooking. Day and
night are the fuel consumed by the sun. Ignorance is
the cooking pot and the living beings are within that
pot being cooked by time. That is the way of this
world! (Mahåbhårata, Vana-parva 313.118)
In 1945 when the first atomic bomb was detonated
at test facilities in New Mexico, atomic physicist Robert
287
Bhagavad-gita
Oppenheimer remembered verse 32 of this chapter as a just

assessment of the moment. Years later, when asked about
his feelings concerning the bomb, he made the following
statement:
We knew the world would not be the same. A few people

laughed, a few people cried, most people were silent.
I remembered the line from the Hindu scripture, the
Bhagavad-gîtå. Viß√u is trying to persuade the Prince
(Arjuna) that he should do his duty and to impress him
takes on his multi-armed form and says, “Now I am
Death, the destroyer of the worlds.”
Indeed, from then till now, the world seems to hang by

a thread and our imminent destruction (seemingly at our
own hands) could come at any moment. This, it appears, is
the ultimate fate of the world – certain annihilation.
VERSE 35
एता वचनं केशव कतािलवपमानः िकरीटी ।
नमृा भूय एवाह कं सगदं भीतभीतः ण ॥३५॥
sañjaya uvåca –
etac chrutvå vacanaµ keçavasya
k®tåñjalir vepamåna˙ kirî†î
namask®två bhüya evåha k®ß√aµ
sagadgadaµ bhîta-bhîta˙ pra√amya
Sañjaya said: Upon hearing Keçava’s words, the trembling
Arjuna offered his obeisance and, folding his hands in
prayer, spoke to Çrî K®ß√a in a faltering voice.
288
Chapter 11
VERSE 36
ाने षीकेश तव कीा जगनर ते च ।
रांिस भीतािन िदशो वि सव नमि च िससाः ॥३६॥
arjuna uvåca –
sthåne h®ßîkeça tava prakîrtyå
jagat prah®ßyaty-anurajyate ca
rakßåµsi bhîtåni diço dravanti
sarve namasyanti ca siddha-sa∫ghå˙
Arjuna said: O Master of the senses, it is only fitting
that the whole universe should blissfully praise You and
become attracted to You. Struck with terror, the wicked
flee in all directions and all perfected beings offer their
respects unto You.
VERSE 37
का ते न नमेरहान ् गरीयसे णोऽािदक ।
अन देवेश जगिवास मरं सदसरं यत ्॥३७॥
kasmåc ca te na nameran mahåtman
garîyase brahma√o’py-ådi-kartre
ananta deveça jagannivåsa
tvam akßaraµ sad-asat tat-paraµ yat
And, O Great One, why should they not bow down before
You? You are even more exalted than Brahmå, the creator
of this universe. O unlimited One, O Master of the demi-
gods, O Supreme shelter of the universe – You are eternal,
beyond that which is existent and non-existent.
289
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 38
मािददेवः पषः पराणस ् म िव परं िनधानम ्।
वेािस वें च परं च धाम या ततं िवमनप ॥३८॥
tvam ådideva˙ purußa˙ purå√as
tvam asya viçvasya paraµ nidhånam
vettåsi vedyaµ ca paraµ ca dhåma
tvayå tataµ viçvam-ananta-rüpa
You are the Original Supreme Divinity, the Supreme Pri-
meval Person, and the sole shelter of the whole universe.
You are the knower and that which is knowable. You are
the Supreme Refuge and Your infinite forms pervade the
entire cosmos.
VERSE 39
वाययमोऽिवणः शशाः जापितं िपतामह ।
नमो नमेऽ सहकः पन भूयोऽिप नमो नमे ॥३९॥
våyur yamo’gnir varu√a˙ çaçå∫ka˙
prajåpatis tvaµ prapitåmahaç ca
namo namaste’stu sahasra-k®tva˙
punaç ca bhüyo’pi namo namaste
You are the presiding deity of the air (Våyu), You are the
presiding deity of death (Yama), You are the presiding
deity of fire (Agni), You are the presiding deity of water
(Varu√a), You are the creator and the grandfather of all
living beings. I offer You my obeisance thousands of times,
again and again.
VERSE 40
नमः परादथ पृते नमोऽ ते सवत एव सव ।
अनवीयािमतिवमं सव समाोिष ततोऽिस सवः ॥४०॥
290
Chapter 11
nama˙ puraståd atha p®ß†hatas te

namo’stu te sarvata eva sarva
ananta-vîryåmita-vikramas tvaµ
sarvaµ samåpnoßi tato’si sarva˙
My obeisance unto You from the front and from behind.
My obeisance unto You from all directions. O Almighty
One of infinite strength, You pervade all things, therefore
You are all things.
VERSE 41-42
सखेित मा सभं यं हे क हे यादव हे सखेित ।
अजानता मिहमानं तवेदं मया मादाणयेन वािप ॥४१॥
यावहासाथमसृतोऽिस िवहारशासनभोजनेष ।
एकोऽथवात तमं तामये ामहममेयम ्॥४२॥
sakheti matvå prasabhaµ yad uktaµ
he k®ß√a he yådava he sakheti
ajånatå mahimånaµ tavedaµ
mayå pramådåt pra√ayena våpi
yac cåvahåsårtham asatk®to’si
vihåra-çayyåsana-bhojaneßu
eko’thavåpy-acyuta tat-samakßaµ
tat kßåmaye tvåm aham aprameyam
I was unaware of Your greatness and due to familiarity I
have ignorantly addressed You as a friend. For whatever I
have said casually such as, ‘O K®ß√a, O Yådava, O friend’
and for whatever disrespect I have shown to You even in
jest or while playing, relaxing, sitting together or eating,
alone or in the presence of others – O Infallible One, O
Inconceivable One, I beg Your forgiveness.
291
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 43
िपतािस लोक चराचर म पू  गगरीयान ्।
न मोऽिधकः कुतोऽो लोकयेऽितमभाव ॥४३॥
pitåsi lokasya caråcarasya
tvam asya püjyaç ca gurur garîyån
na tvat-samo’sty-abhyadhika˙ kuto’nyo
loka-traye’py-apratima-prabhåva
You are the father of all moving and non-moving beings in
the universe. You are the most venerable and most glorious
teacher. You have no equal within all the three worlds.
How can there be anyone greater than You, O Master of
incomparable power?
VERSE 44
ताण िणधाय कायं सादये ामहमीशमीम ्।
िपतेव प सखेव सः ियः ियायाहिस देव सोढुम ्॥४४॥
tasmåt pra√amya pra√idhåya kåyaµ
prasådaye tvåm aham îçam î∂yam
piteva putrasya sakheva sakhyu˙
priya˙ priyåyårhasi deva so∂hum
Therefore, O Master, I prostrate myself in front of You
and beg You to be merciful unto me. O K®ß√a, kindly for-
give me, as a father, friend or lover would forgive a son, a
friend or a beloved.
VERSE 45
अपूव िषतोऽि ा भयेन च िथतं मनो मे ।
तदेव मे दशय देव पं सीद देवेश जगिवास ॥४५॥
292
Chapter 11
ad®ß†a-pürvaµ h®ßito’smi d®ß†vå

bhayena ca pravyathitaµ mano me
tad eva me darçaya deva rüpaµ
prasîda deveça jagannivåsa
I am happy to have seen this universal form of Yours,
which has never been seen before. Yet my mind is over-
come by fear. Therefore, O Master of the demigods, kindly
show me that form of Nåråya√a, the refuge of the universe.
VERSE 46
िकरीिटनं गिदनं चहम ्इािम ां महं तथैव ।
तेनैव पेण चतभजेन सहबाहो भव िवमूते ॥४५॥
kirî†inaµ gadinaµ cakra-hastaµ
icchåmi tvåµ draß†um ahaµ tathaiva
tenaiva rüpe√a catur-bhujena
sahasra-båho bhava viçva-mürte
I wish to see that form of Yours wearing a crown and car-
rying the club and disc-weapon in Your hands. O one with
a thousand arms, O universal form, now kindly reveal to
me Your four-armed form.
Anuv®tti
Arjuna has been showering praises upon Çrî K®ß√a after
seeing His universal form of great wonder, but then he
regrets that in many instances he may have offended K®ß√a
by addressing Him as, “O K®ß√a,” “O friend,” or by play-
ing or relaxing with K®ß√a. Thus Arjuna requests K®ß√a’s
forgiveness for any transgressions that he might have made
and then earnestly requests K®ß√a to show him His four-
armed form as Nåråya√a.
293
Bhagavad-gita
Arjuna has an eternal relationship with K®ß√a in friend-

ship, (sakhya-rasa), and as such he is only momentarily
forgetful of that. Similarly, all living beings have an eternal
relationship with K®ß√a either as a friend, servant, parent or
lover and this relationship can be thus discovered through
the process of bhakti-yoga. That the living being’s relation-
ship with K®ß√a is eternal is confirmed as follows:
sa nityo 'nitya-sambandha˙ prak®tiç ca paraiva så

The living being is eternal and has an eternal rela-
tionship with K®ß√a from beginningless and endless
time. (Brahma-saµhitå 5.21)
VERSE 47
मया सेन तवाजनेदं पं परं दिशतमायोगात ्।
तेजोमयं िवमनमां ये देन न पूवम ्॥४७॥
mayå prasannena tavårjunedaµ
rüpaµ paraµ darçitam åtma-yogåt
tejomayaµ viçvam anantam ådyaµ
yan me tvad-anyena na d®ß†a-pürvam
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: Arjuna, being pleased with you
I have shown you, through My divine potency, this radiant,
infinite, primeval universal form. This form has never been
seen by anyone before.
VERSE 48
न वेद यायनैन दानैर ्न च ियािभन तपोिभैः ।
एवंपः श अहं नृलोके ं देन कुवीर ॥४८॥
294
Chapter 11
na veda-yajñådhyayanair na dånair
na ca kriyåbhir na tapobhir ugrai˙
evaµ rüpa˙ çakya ahaµ n®loke
draß†uµ tvad-anyena kuru-pravîra
O best of the Kuru Dynasty, no one in this world of
mortals can see this form that I have revealed to you
– neither by study of the Vedas, nor the performance of
Vedic sacrifices, nor by giving charity, nor by rituals, nor
by rigorous austerities.
VERSE 49
मा ते था मा च िवमूढभावो ा पं घोरमीमेदम ्।
पेतभीः ीतमनाः पनं तदेव मे पिमदं पय ॥४९॥
må te vyathå må ca vimü∂ha-bhåvo
d®ß†vå rüpaµ ghoram îd®∫ mamedam
vyapetabhî˙ prîta-manå˙ punas tvaµ
tad eva me rüpam idaµ prapaçya
Do not be fearful by seeing this terrifying form of Mine.
Do not be bewildered. With a tranquil mind, behold once
more the form you desire to see.
VERSE 50
इजनं वासदेवथोवा कंं पं दशयामास भूयः ।
आासयामास च भीतमेनं भूा पनः सौवपमहाा ॥५०॥
sañjaya uvåca –
ity-arjunaµ våsudevas tathoktvå
svakaµ rüpaµ darçayåmåsa bhüya˙
åçvåsayåmåsa ca bhîtam enaµ
bhütvå puna˙ saumya-vapur mahåtmå
295
Bhagavad-gita
Sañjaya said: Speaking thus, Våsudeva (Çrî K®ß√a) showed

His four-armed form and then resumed His beautiful two-
armed form, calming the frightened Arjuna.
VERSE 51
ेदं मानषं पं तव सौं जनादन ।
इदानीमि संवृः सचेताः कितं गतः ॥५१॥
arjuna uvåca –
d®ß†vedaµ månußaµ rüpaµ tava saumyaµ janårdana
idånîm asmi saµv®tta˙ sacetå˙ prak®tiµ gata˙
Arjuna said: Looking at Your sweet human-like form,
O Janårdana, my mind is peaceful once more and I have
regained my composure.
VERSE 52
सदशिमदं पं वानिस यम ।
देवा अ प िनं दशन कािणः ॥५२॥
sudurdarçam idaµ rüpaµ d®ß†avån asi yan mama
devå apy-asya rüpasya nityaµ darçana-kå∫kßi√a˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: This form of Mine that you now
see before you is most difficult to see. Even the demigods
constantly desire to attain but a glimpse of it.
VERSE 53
नाहं वेदैन तपसा न दानेन न चे या ।
श एवंिवधो ं वानिस मां यथा ॥५३॥
296
Chapter 11
nåhaµ vedair na tapaså na dånena na cejyayå

çakya evaµ vidho draß†uµ d®ß†avån asi måµ yathå
Not through the Vedas, not through penances, not through

philanthropic works, nor through sacrificial rituals, is it
possible to see Me as you have seen Me.
VERSE 54
भा नया श अहमेवंिवधोऽजन ।
ातं ं च तेन वेुं च परंतप ॥५४॥
bhaktyå tv-ananyayå çakya aham evaµ vidho’rjuna
jñåtuµ draß†uµ ca tattvena praveß†uµ ca parantapa
O Arjuna, I can only be fully known through bhakti-yoga.

By such devotion one can truly see Me and attain Me, O
conqueror of the enemy.
VERSE 55
ममकरमो मः सविजतः ।
िनवरः सवभूतेष यः स मामेित पाडव ॥५५॥
mat-karma-k®n mat-paramo mad-bhakta˙ sa∫ga-varjita˙
nirvaira˙ sarva-bhüteßu ya˙ sa måmeti på√∂ava
My devotee who serves Me, accepts Me as the Supreme,

rejects all material attachments, and who is free from
malice for all living beings can attain Me, O son of På√∂u.
Anuv®tti
Because Arjuna has an eternal relationship with Çrî
K®ß√a and not with Nåråya√a in Vaiku√†ha, K®ß√a could
see that he was not yet peaceful even after seeing His form
297
Bhagavad-gita
as Nåråya√a and thus K®ß√a resumed His original two-

armed form as Çyåmasundara. Those who have a direct
relationship with K®ß√a are most fortunate and are never
satisfied by seeing any other avatåra of K®ß√a besides that
of His original form. A similar situation is narrated in the
book B®had-bhågavatåm®ta, wherein Gopa Kumåra found
himself in Vaiku√†ha in the presence of Nåråya√a, but did
not feel comfortable or at home. Because Gopa Kumåra has
an eternal relationship with K®ß√a in Goloka V®ndåvana,
even being in the presence of the majestic Nåråya√a in
Vaiku√†ha could not pacify him. Thus he continued his
journey until at last, he reached the Supreme Abode and
the sweet embrace of K®ß√a. Such is the great fortune of
K®ß√a’s devotee, who is always guided by Him and ulti-
mately attains His sweet embrace.
298
Chapter 11

िवपदशनयोगो नामैकादशोऽायः॥
viçvarüpa-darçana-yogo nåmaikådaço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Eleven entitled
Viçvarüpa Darçana Yoga from the conversation between
299
Chapter 12
VERSE 1
एवं सततया ये भाां पयपासते ।
ये चारमं तेषां के योगिवमाः ॥१॥
arjuna uvåca –
evaµ satata-yuktå ye bhaktås tvåµ paryupåsate
ye cåpy-akßaram avyaktaµ teßåµ ke yoga-vittamå˙
Arjuna said: Who is best situated in yoga – those who
constantly glorify You or those who are situated in Your
impersonal, imperishable aspect?
VERSE 2
मावेय मनो ये मां िनया उपासते ।
या परयोपेताे मे यतमा मताः ॥२॥
mayy-åveçya mano ye måµ nitya-yuktå upåsate
çraddhayå parayopetås te me yuktatamå matå˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: Those who fix their minds
upon Me, who constantly glorify Me and possess great
faith – I consider them to be most perfect.
Anuv®tti
Up to this point in Bhagavad-gîtå, Çrî K®ß√a has
explained His personal, impersonal and universal aspects as
well as the various types of yogîs. Now Arjuna asks for spe-
cial clarification as to which is the better path – the path of
bhakti-yoga centred on K®ß√a directly and performed with
acts of devotion, or the impersonal path that tries to focus
on K®ß√a’s Brahman effulgence (brahma-jyoti).
303
Bhagavad-gita
This is a question for many persons starting on the

path of transcendence – which path is better, the personal
or the impersonal? Here, Çrî K®ß√a says that the personal
path is best. The bhakti-yogî, who is fixed in meditation on
K®ß√a’s form of beauty, who constantly glorifies Him with
great faith and determination is the best of yogîs.
The bhakti-yogîs that engage on the personal path of
self-realisation are called Vaiß√avas. Those on the imper-
sonal path are of three types – Brahmavådîs (Vedåntists),
Çünyavådîs (Buddhists) and Måyåvådîs (Ça∫karites).
Brahmavådîs are those who seek to merge the self (åtmå)
into the bodily effulgence of K®ß√a. Çünyavådîs seek to
annihilate everything and enter the void (çünya) and the
Måyåvådîs seek to become God themselves.
The Brahmavådîs seek to merge with the Brahman
effulgence, but they have little or no knowledge of the
personal form of K®ß√a. Thus they only reach K®ß√a after
many lifetimes as will be explained in verse 4. In the annals
of self-realisation, there are many instances of yogîs and
Brahmavådîs failing to achieve Brahman realisation and
even accounts of those such as the Four Kumåras, Vasiß†ha
Muni, Çukadeva Gosvåmî and others, who after achieving
Brahman realisation, abandoned that for the higher bliss
of bhakti-yoga. For the seekers of çünya there is never
success because there is no çünya. There is no void any-
where. There is nothing outside or beyond K®ß√a and so
the Çünyavådîs face great disappointment at the end of
life. The Måyåvådîs reject the personal form of K®ß√a as
a manifestation of måyå (illusion) and want to become
God themselves. Måyåvådîs are considered offenders and
return to the world of birth and death.
304
Chapter 12
Throughout the Bhagavad-gîtå, K®ß√a’s statements are

consistent in that He repeatedly confirms that of all paths,
bhakti-yoga is the best. Among all types of yogîs, jñånîs,
philosophers and philanthropists, the bhakti-yogî who is
fully absorbed in K®ß√a without any material desires or the
desire for liberation, is the best and is very dear to Him.
anyåbhilåßitå-çünyaµ jñåna-karmådy-anåv®tam
ånukülyena k®ß√ånu-çîlanaµ bhaktir-uttamå
In the highest plane of bhakti-yoga one is devoid of
all material desires, material activities and the desire
for liberation. Such bhakti-yoga must be favoura-
bly performed according to K®ß√a’s desire. (Bhak-
ti-rasåm®ta-sindhu 1.1.11)
It is further confirmed by the greatest impersonal phi-

losopher of all time, Çrîpåda Ådi Ça∫kara, who chastised
his disciples and told them that they should just worship
K®ß√a (Govinda). Nothing else is required.
bhaja govindaµ bhaja govindaµ bhaja govindaµ mü∂ha-mate

sampråpte sannihite kåle na hi na hi rakßati ∂uk®ñ kara√e
O foolish students, your repetition of grammatical
rules and your philosophical speculation will not
save you at the time of death. Just worship Govinda,
worship Govinda, worship Govinda! (Moha-mud-
gara 1)
305
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 3-4
ये रमिनदयमं पयपासते ।
सवगमिचं च कूटमचलं वम ्॥३॥
संिनयेियामं सव समबयः ।
ते ावि मामेव सवभूतिहते रताः ॥४॥
ye tv-akßaram anirdeçyam avyaktaµ paryupåsate
sarvatra-gam acintyaµ ca kü†astham acalaµ dhruvam
sanniyamyendriya-gråmaµ sarvatra sama-buddhaya˙
te pråpnuvanti måm eva sarva-bhüta-hite ratå˙
However, those that control their senses, who are mentally
composed in all situations, who are dedicated to helping all
living beings and who worship My unfathomable, imper-
sonal, inconceivable, unchanging, all-pervading aspect
which is fixed and immovable – they also reach Me.
VERSE 5
ेशोऽिधकतरेषामासचेतसाम ्।
अा िह गितःखं देहविरवाते ॥५॥
kleço’dhikataras teßåm avyaktåsakta-cetasåm
avyaktå hi gatir du˙khaµ dehavadbhir avåpyate
There is great difficulty for those whose minds are attached
to the impersonal aspect. To progress on that path is most
troublesome for embodied beings.
Anuv®tti
Brahman is the bodily effulgence of Çrî K®ß√a. As such,
it is eternal, unfathomable, inconceivable, unchanging,
all-pervading, immovable and all-powerful. This is stated
in the Viß√u Purå√a as follows:
306
Chapter 12
yat tad avyaktam ajaram acintyam ajam akßayam

anirdeçyam arüpaµ ca på√i-pådådy-asaµyutam
vibhuµ sarva-gataµ nityaµ bhüta-yonim akåra√am
vyåpya-vyåpta yata˙ sarvaµ tad vai paçyanti süraya˙
The Brahman feature of the Supreme is unmanifest,

unaffected by time, inconceivable, without material
origin, free from decay and diminution, indescrib-
able, formless, without hands, feet, or other limbs,
all-powerful, all-pervading, eternal, the origin of all
material elements, without any material cause, pres-
ent in everything, although nothing is situated in it,
the source of the material cosmos and the object of
vision for the demigods. (Viß√u Purå√a 6.5.66-67).
That effulgence of K®ß√a is non-different from Him

and shines like millions, and millions of suns.
våsudevåd abhinnas tu vahny-arkendu-çata-prabham

våsudevo ‘pi bhagavåµs tad-dharmå parameçvara˙
svåµ dîptiµ kßobhayaty eva tejaså tena vai yutam
prakåça-rüpo bhagavån acyutam cåsak®d dvija
The effulgence of the impersonal Brahman is

like unlimited fires, suns and moons. Brahman is
non-different from Våsudeva (K®ß√a). Våsudeva is
full of all auspicious qualities and His nature is that
He is the Supreme Controller. When He removes
the covering of His own Brahman effulgence, K®ß√a
reveals His original, eternal, transcendental form.
(Nårada-pañcaråtra)
307
Bhagavad-gita
The concept of liberation in the impersonal Brahman

is often sought by those who are frustrated with material
existence, but who have no knowledge of K®ß√a. Certainly a
sense of detachment and renunciation from material activ-
ities is laudable, but K®ß√a says that path is more trouble
than it is worth.
If one endeavours for the perfection of life by con-
trolling the senses, being equipoised in all circumstances,
cultivates the impersonal Brahman conception, and at the
same time is dedicated to helping all living beings, then
such a person may eventually reach K®ß√a consciousness.
The impersonal path, K®ß√a says, is very troublesome and
difficult to attain. Therefore, it is expected that ascending
such a path can extend over many lifetimes and there is also
the chance of total failure and loss.
The Brahmavådîs must cultivate sense-control etc. as
mentioned above with the study of Vedånta. After many
lifetimes, by cultivating such knowledge, when the Brah-
mavådî understands that K®ß√a is everything (våsudeva˙
sarvam iti), he at last reaches Him. The Çünyavådî and
the Måyåvådî never reach K®ß√a until they adopt the path
of bhakti-yoga. However, a Vaiß√ava may come to K®ß√a
consciousness in one lifetime.
VERSE 6-7
ये त सवािण कमािण मिय सं मराः ।
अनेनैव योगेन मां ाय उपासते ॥६॥
तेषामहं समता मृसंसारसागरात ्।
भवािम निचरााथ मावेिशतचेतसाम ्॥७॥
ye tu sarvå√i karmå√i mayi sannyasya mat-parå˙
ananyenaiva yogena måµ dhyåyanta upåsate
308
Chapter 12
teßåm ahaµ samuddhartå m®tyu-saµsåra-sågaråt

bhavåmi na ciråt pårtha mayy-åveçita-cetasåm
O Pårtha, those who renounce all actions and offer them
to Me, who take shelter in Me, who are fully absorbed in
meditating upon achieving My association and who always
worship Me – I swiftly deliver them from the ocean of
birth and death.
VERSE 8
मेव मन आध मिय बिं िनवेशय ।
िनविसिस मेव अत ऊ न संशयः ॥८॥
mayy-eva mana ådhatsva mayi buddhiµ niveçaya
nivasißyasi mayy eva ata ürdhvaµ na saµçaya˙
Fix your mind and intelligence on Me alone and ultimately
you will come to Me. Of this there is no doubt.
Anuv®tti
For those who are embodied, the ocean of material exist-
ence is difficult to cross because it is fraught with many dan-
gers. But if one takes shelter of the lotus feet of Çrî K®ß√a,
then He delivers one from the ocean of misery as easily as one
is ferried across the water in a boat.
k®cchro mahån iha bhavår√avam aplaveçåµ

ßa∂-varga-nakram asukhena titîrßanti
tat tvaµ harer bhagavato bhajanîyam a∫ghriµ
k®tvo∂upaµ vyasanam uttara dustarår√am
In this life, the ocean of ignorance is most trouble-
some to cross because it is infested with the sharks
of the six senses. Those who have not taken shelter
309
Bhagavad-gita
of Çrî K®ß√a, undergo severe austerities and penances

to cross that ocean. Yet you should cross that dif-
ficult ocean simply by making a boat of the lotus
feet of K®ß√a, which are most worthy of worship.
VERSE 9
अथ िचं समाधातं न शोिष मिय िरम ्।
अासयोगेन ततो मािमां धनय ॥९॥
atha cittaµ samådhåtuµ na çaknoßi mayi sthiram
abhyåsa-yogena tato måm icchåptuµ dhanañjaya
Dhanañjaya, if you cannot firmly fix your mind upon
Me, then try to reach Me by the constant practice of
bhakti-yoga.
VERSE 10
अासेऽसमथऽिस ममपरमो भव ।
मदथमिप कमािण कुवििमवािस ॥१०॥
abhyåse’pyasamartho’si mat-karma-paramo bhava
mad-artham api karmå√i kurvan siddhim avåpsyasi
If you cannot keep up the practices of bhakti-yoga, then
just try offering your work to Me. Thus, you will reach the
perfect stage.
VERSE 11
अथैतदशोऽिस कत मोगमाितः ।
सवकमफलागं ततः कु यतावान ्॥११॥
athaitad apy-açakto’si kartuµ mad-yogam åçrita˙
sarva-karma-phala-tyågaµ tata˙ kuru yatåtmavån
310
Chapter 12
If you are unable to do that, then do your work and offer

the results to Me. While controlling the mind, give up all
the results of your activities.
VERSE 12
ेयो िह ानमासाानाानं िविशते ।
ानामफलागागाािरनरम ्॥१२॥
çreyo hi jñånam abhyåsåj jñånåd dhyånaµ viçißyate
dhyånåt karma-phala-tyågas tyågåc cåntir anantaram
If you cannot follow this instruction then engage your-
self in the cultivation of knowledge. However, meditation
is superior to knowledge. Better than meditation is the
renunciation of material gain, for by such renunciation
one finds peace.
Anuv®tti
Bhakti-yoga has two approaches, the direct and the
indirect. Çrî K®ß√a tells Arjuna in verse 8 that the direct
approach is to, “Fix your mind and intelligence on Me
alone.” Such a stage is called rågånugå-bhakti, or sponta-
neous devotion which is independent of the support of
rules and regulations. However, this stage of rågånugå-
bhakti is not easily achieved, especially for beginners. In
that case K®ß√a recommends the indirect approach to
rågånugå-bhakti which is the constant practice of rules and
regulations known as sådhana-bhakti. If such a practice is
not possible then K®ß√a suggests that one should work for
Him. If one cannot do that, then He says that one should
renounce the results of one’s activities and offer them to
Him. If one cannot do that, then one should engage in the
cultivation of knowledge to understand what the body is,
311
Bhagavad-gita
what the åtmå is and who K®ß√a is. One will then gradually
advance from whatever stage they are at and progress to the
topmost stage of approaching K®ß√a directly in rågånugå-
bhakti. This is also stated in Çrî Brahma-saµhitå as follows:
prabuddhe jñåna-bhaktibhyåm åtmany ånanda-cinmayî

udety anuttamå bhaktir bhagavat-prema-lakßa√å
When transcendental experience awakens by means
of knowledge and devotion, the highest devotion
which is distinguished by the presence of pure love
for Çrî K®ß√a, the beloved of the åtmå, awakens in
one’s heart. (Brahma-saµhitå 5.58)
VERSE 13-14
अेा सवभूतानां मैः कण एव च ।
िनममो िनरहारः समःखसखः मी ॥१३॥
संतः सततं योगी यताा ढिनयः ।
मिपतमनोबिय मः स मे ियः ॥१४॥
adveß†å sarva-bhütånåµ maitra˙ karu√a eva ca
nirmamo niraha∫kåra˙ sama-du˙kha-sukha˙ kßamî
santuß†a˙ satataµ yogî yatåtmå d®∂ha-niçcaya˙
mayy-arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhakta˙ sa me priya˙
One who is devoid of hatred, who is friendly and com-
passionate to all living beings, who is devoid of any sense
of possessiveness, free of egotism, objective in all circum-
stances, forgiving, a self-satisfied practitioner of yoga,
self-controlled, of strong determination, and whose mind
and intelligence is engaged in thinking of Me – that person
is My devotee and is thus very dear to Me.
312
Chapter 12
VERSE 15
याोिजते लोको लोकाोिजते च यः ।
हषामषभयोेगैमो यः स च मे ियः ॥१५॥
yasmån nodvijate loko lokån nodvijate ca ya˙
harßåmarßa-bhayodvegair mukto ya˙ sa ca me priya˙
One who does not cause distress to anyone and who is
never distressed by anyone, who is free from happiness,
anger, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me.
VERSE 16
अनपेः शिचद उदासीनो गतथः ।
सवारपिरागी यो मः स मे ियः ॥१६॥
anapekßa˙ çuchir dakßa udåsîno gata-vyatha˙
sarvårambha-parityågî yo mad-bhakta˙ sa me priya˙
One who is indifferent, pure, expert, dispassionate, free
from distress, and who renounces all selfish desires is very
dear to Me.
VERSE 17
यो न ित न ेि न शोचित न काित ।
शभाशभ पिरागी भिमाः स मे ियः ॥१७॥
yo na h®ßyati na dveß†i na çocati na kå∫kßati
çubhåçubha-parityågî bhaktimån ya˙ sa me priya˙
One who neither rejoices nor envies, who feels neither
sorrow nor desire, who rejects both auspiciousness and
inauspiciousness – that person has devotion and is very
dear to Me.
313
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 18-19
समः शौ च िमे च तथा मानापमानयोः ।
शीतोसखःखेष समः सिवविजतः ॥१८॥
तिनाितमनी संतो येन केन िचत ्।
अिनकेतः िरमितभिमाे ियो नरः ॥१९॥
sama˙ çatrau ca mitre ca tathå månåpamånayo˙
çîtoß√a-sukha-du˙kheßu sama˙ sa∫ga-vivarjita˙
tulya-nindå-stutir maunî santuß†o yena kenacit
aniketa˙ sthira-matir bhaktimån me priyo nara˙
One who is equal to both friends and enemies, equipoised
in fame and infamy, heat and cold, pleasure and pain,
who is detached, equal to insult and praise, of controlled
speech, satisfied in all circumstances, who has no attach-
ment to any residence and of steady mind – that person has
devotion and is very dear to Me.
VERSE 20
ये त धामृतिमदं यथों पयपासते ।
धाना मरमा भाेऽतीव मे ियाः ॥२०॥
ye tu dharmyåm®tam idaµ yathoktaµ paryupåsate
çraddadhånå mat-paramå bhaktås te’tîva me priyå˙
Those who are faithful and who follow this eternal path of
dharma that has been described by Me, considering Me to
be Supreme – such persons are very dear to Me.
Anuv®tti
Everyone in the world would like to see peace and
harmony, but what prevails is quite the opposite. Verses
thirteen to twenty offer a simple solution to most of the
problems in today’s world, and that is the self-improve-
314
Chapter 12
ment of the individual. In other words, if people were to

cultivate the qualities that Çrî K®ß√a has mentioned here,
the world would be a far better place. As it is now, the
world is no place for a gentleman. Being devoid of hatred,
being friendly and compassionate to all living beings, being
devoid of any sense of possessiveness, free from egotism,
objective in all circumstances, forgiving, self-controlled,
and being of strong determination etc. are indeed noble
qualities. But how are people to develop them?
Independently these qualities, and other desirable qual-
ities of the human being mentioned throughout Bhaga-
vad-gîtå are difficult to develop. It is seen that sometimes a
person may possess one, two or three of such qualities, but
where is that person who has all these qualities?
K®ß√a gives the answer in Bhagavad-gîtå – become a
bhakti-yogî, take shelter of K®ß√a and surrender everything
to Him. The åtmå is naturally complete with all good
qualities as could ever be desired by a human being. When
one’s mind, intelligence, and consciousness are purified
by being in association with K®ß√a through the process
of bhakti-yoga, all desirable qualities develop. Therefore,
the open secret to life is that everyone should become a
yogî in bhakti-yoga. Then the world would become a much
better place.
Above all good qualities is the quality of devotion to
the Supreme Person, from which all other good qualities
manifest in great abundance. One does not become dear to
K®ß√a simply by independently developing good qualities.
All such qualities must be dovetailed with the quality of
devotion. One who approaches life in that way is a true
bhakti-yogî and is very dear to K®ß√a.
315
Bhagavad-gita

भियोगो नाम ादशोऽायः॥
bhakti-yogo nåma dvådaço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Twelve entitled
Bhakti Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and
316
Chapter 13
VERSE 1
कितं पषं चैव ें ेमेव च ।
एतेिदतिमािम ानं ेयं च केशव ॥१॥
arjuna uvåca –
prak®tiµ purußam caiva kßetraµ kßetrajñameva ca
etad veditum icchåmi jñånaµ jñeyaµ ca keçava
Arjuna said: O Keçava, I wish to know about material
nature (prak®ti), the enjoyer (purußa), the field, the knower
of the field, knowledge and the object of knowledge.
VERSE 2
इदं शरीरं कौेय ेिमिभधीयते ।
एतो वेि तं ाः े इित तिदः ॥२॥
idaµ çarîraµ kaunteya kßetram ity-abhidhîyate
etad yo vetti taµ pråhu˙ kßetrajña iti tad-vida˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: O son of Kuntî, this body is
known as the field and one who knows this field is said by
the wise to be the knower of the field.
VERSE 3
ें चािप मां िवि सवेेष भारत ।
ेेयोानं यानं मतं मम ॥३॥
kßetrajñaµ cåpi måµ viddhi sarva-kßetreßu bhårata
kßetra-kßetrajñayor jñånaµ yat taj jñånaµ mataµ mama
319
Bhagavad-gita
You should know that I am the knower of all fields, O

descendant of Bharata. I consider the knowledge of the
field and its knower to be real knowledge.
Anuv®tti
The basis of knowledge, namely the ability to differen-
tiate between matter, consciousness and Super Conscious-
ness will further be explained in this chapter. In the last
few centuries western scientific understanding suggests that
consciousness arises out of an inexplicable combination of
material elements. In other words, they conclude that the
body is the self. Bhagavad-gîtå however, considers such an
understanding to be ignorance. Without understanding the
difference between material nature (prak®ti) and the self
(kßetrajña) who is the conscious knower of the body, there
is no basis of real knowledge. Both are distinct from one
another and one who understands this is truly learned.
The material body composed of the three subtle ele-
ments (mind, intelligence and false ego) and the five gross
elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) is known as
the field. The indwelling consciousness is known as the
knower of the field, and the Super Consciousness situated
within all bodies and within the individual consciousness
is the knower of all fields of activity. This is the subject of
this chapter, upon knowing which one becomes liberated
from material bondage.
VERSE 4
तें य या यिकािर यत यत ्।
स च यो यभाव तमासेन मे ण ॥४॥
tat kßetraµ yac ca yåd®k ca yad vikåri yataç ca yat
sa ca yo yat prabhåvaç ca tat samåsena me ç®√u
320
Chapter 13
Now hear from Me in brief about what that field is, what
constitutes it, what are its transformations, its origin and
who is the knower of the field and what is his influence.
VERSE 5
ऋिषिभबधा गीतं छोिभिविवधैः पृथक ्।
सूपदैैव हेतमििविनितैः ॥५॥
®ßibhir bahudhå gîtaµ chandobhir vividhai˙ p®thak
brahma-sütra-padaiç caiva hetumadbhir viniçcitai˙
This knowledge has been sung of in many different ways
by different sages, by the Vedas, and is found in the logi-
cally conclusive chapters of the Vedånta-sütras.
VERSE 6-7
महाभूताहारो बिरमेव च ।
इियािण दशैकं च प चेियगोचराः ॥६॥
इा ेषः सखं ःखं सातेतना धृितः ।
एतें समासेन सिवकारमदातम ्॥७॥
mahå-bhütåny-aha∫kåro buddhir avyaktam eva ca
indriyå√i daçaikaµ ca pañca cendriya-gocarå˙
icchå dveßa˙ sukhaµ du˙khaµ sa∫ghåtaç cetanå dh®ti˙
etat kßetraµ samåsena sa-vikåram udåh®tam
The main elements are the false ego, intelligence, the
unmanifest material nature, the ten senses, the mind, the
five sense-objects, desire, hate, pleasure, pain, the gross
body, consciousness and determination. All these elements
that are described here are considered to be the field.
321
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 8-12
अमािनमदिमिहंसा ािराजवम ्।
आचायपासनं शौचं ैयमािविनहः ॥८॥
इियाथष वैरायमनहार एव च ।
जमृजराािधःखदोषानदशनम ्॥९॥
असिरनिभः पदारगृहािदष ।
िनं च समिचिमािनोपपिष ॥१०॥
मिय चानयोगेन भिरिभचािरणी ।
िविवदेशसेिवमरितजनसंसिद ॥११॥
अाानिनं तानाथदशनम ् ।
एतानिमित ोमानं यदतोऽथा ॥१२॥
amånitvam adambhitvam ahiµså kßåntir årjavam
åcåryopåsanaµ çaucaµ sthairyam åtma-vinigraha˙
indriyårtheßu vairågyam anaha∫kåra eva ca
janma-m®tyu-jarå-vyådhi-du˙kha-doßånudarçanam
asaktir anabhißva∫ga˙ putra-dåra-g®hådißu
nityaµ ca sama-cittatvam iß†åniß†opapattißu
mayi cånanya-yogena bhaktir avyabhicåri√î
vivikta-deça-sevitvam aratir jana-saµsadi
adhyåtma-jñåna-nityatvaµ tattva-jñånårtha-darçanam
etaj jñånam iti proktam ajñånaµ yad ato’nyathå
Desirelessness, humility, non-violence, tolerance, sim-

plicity, service to the spiritual master, purity, steadiness,
self-control, detachment from sense gratification, absence
of false ego, perception of the miseries of birth, death, old
age and disease, detachment, freedom from attachment
to wife, children and household life, perpetual equanim-
ity in both happy and distressful circumstances, constant
322
Chapter 13
and firm devotion unto Me, dwelling in a solitary place,

free from the desire to socialise with the masses, constant
determination in achieving self-realisation and a desire to
gain knowledge of the Absolute Truth – all these qualities
have been declared to be knowledge. Anything contrary to
this is ignorance.
Anuv®tti
Here, the greater wealth of knowledge by which a human
being can achieve the perfection of life has been described.
This detailed explanation by Çrî K®ß√a leads one to an under-
standing that promotes self-realisation and frees one from
ignorance. Unfortunately, this knowledge is completely
lacking in modern societies, both eastern and western. All
contemporary fields of knowledge i.e. biology, physics, math-
ematics and philosophy lead one to accept the body as the
self and to accept gratification of one’s mind, intelligence,
ego and senses as the goal of life. Such an understanding is
utterly devoid of the real purpose of life, considering that this
one life is the all in all and that after death there is nothing.
The material world is a place of birth, death, old age
and disease and is sometimes referred to as m®tyu-loka or
the planet of death. Birth, death, old age and disease are
indeed the real problems facing all living beings regardless
of race, nationality or belief. Any knowledge that does not
aim to put an end to these miseries is certainly incomplete
at best. There are, of course, medicines, drugs, surgery and
medical machines to ease the pain of birth, slow the old
age process, cure some diseases and prolong the process of
dying, but these are only stopgaps or temporary solutions.
One should recognise these problems of life and be
inquisitive as to where the real solution is to be found.
323
Bhagavad-gita
Contrary to modern scientific and philosophical under-

standing, the Bhagavad-gîtå says that this one life is not the
all in all, and that there is life after death. There was life
before coming to this material world and that life contin-
ues eternally. All that really changes is the type of body
one has. For the pious there is future life in higher plan-
ets enjoying celestial pleasures, for the ignorant there are
future sojourns within the bodies of lower species such as
animals or plants, and for the yogî and for those who culti-
vate knowledge of consciousness and Super Consciousness,
there is future existence beyond the material universes in
the Vaiku√†ha planets. There, life is eternal and all bodies
are of the substance known as sac-cid-ånanda (eternity,
knowledge and bliss).
VERSE 13
ेयं यवािम याामृतमते ।
अनािदमरं  न सासते ॥१३॥
jñeyaµ yat tat pravakßyåmi yaj jñåtvå’m®tam açnute
anådimat paraµ brahma na sat tan nåsad ucyate
I shall now explain the object of knowledge, knowing
which one attains immortality. It is subordinate to Me and
is the eternal Supreme Brahman that is beyond material
cause and effect.
VERSE 14
सवतःपािणपादं तवतोििशरोमखम ्।
सवतःितमोके सवमावृ ितित ॥१४॥
sarvata˙ på√i-pådaµ tat sarvato’kßi-çiro-mukham
sarvata˙ çrutimal loke sarvam åv®tya tiß†hati
324
Chapter 13
His hands and feet are everywhere. His eyes, heads and
mouths are everywhere. His ears are everywhere. Thus He
exists, pervading all things.
VERSE 15
सवियगणाभासं सवियिवविजतम ्।
असं सवभृैव िनगणं गणभोृ च ॥१५॥
sarvendriya-gu√åbhåsaµ sarvendriya-vivarjitam
asaktaµ sarva-bh®c caiva nirgu√aµ gu√a-bhokt® ca
He illuminates all the senses and their functions, however
He is devoid of any material senses Himself. He remains
detached and He is the Maintainer of all. Although He
is devoid of all material qualities, He is the Master of
all qualities.
VERSE 16
बिहर भूतानामचरं चरमेव च ।
सूादिवेयं रं चािके च तत ्॥१६॥
bahir antaç ca bhütånåm acaraµ carameva ca
sükßmatvåt tad avijñeyaµ dürasthaµ cåntike ca tat
He is situated in all moving and non-moving beings. He is
near yet simultaneously He is far away. Thus, He is most
subtle and difficult to fully understand.
VERSE 17
अिवभं च भूतेष िवभिमव च ितम ्।
भूतभतृ च तेयं िस भिव च ॥१७॥
avibhaktaµ ca bhüteßu vibhaktam iva ca sthitam
bhüta-bhart® ca taj jñeyaµ grasiß√u prabhaviß√u ca
325
Bhagavad-gita
Although it seems that He is divided amongst all living

beings, He is in fact undivided. He is to be known as the
Creator, Maintainer and Destroyer.
VERSE 18
ोितषामिप तोितमसः परमते ।
ानं ेयं ानगं िद सव िवितम ्॥१८॥
jyotißåm api taj jyotis tamasa˙ paramucyate
jñånaµ jñeyaµ jñåna-gamyaµ h®di sarvasya viß†hitam
He is said to be the most brilliant of all luminaries, beyond
darkness. He is knowledge, the object of knowledge and
the aim of all knowledge.
VERSE 19
इित ें तथा ानं ेयं चों समासतः ।
म एतिाय मावायोपपते ॥१९॥
iti kßetraµ tathå jñånaµ jñeyaµ coktaµ samåsata˙
mad-bhakta etad vijñåya mad-bhåvåyopapadyate
Thus the field of activities, knowledge and the object of
knowledge have been briefly explained. By understanding
these, My devotee attains love for Me.
Anuv®tti
As previously mentioned, the Absolute Truth is known
in three phases of realisation – Brahman, Paramåtmå and
Bhagavån. The ‘He’ of whom K®ß√a speaks of in these
verses as being subordinate to Him, yet being the Supreme
Brahman refers to the Paramåtmå. His hands, feet, eyes and
ears are everywhere and He is situated in the hearts of all
living beings. He is all-pervasive throughout the universe,
326
Chapter 13
He divides Himself to be within all things, yet He Himself

is not divided or diminished – He remains the Complete
Person. This is stated in the invocation of the ˆçopanißad
as follows:
oµ pür√am ada˙ pür√am idaµ pür√åt pür√am udacyate

pür√asya pür√am ådåya pür√am evåvaçißyate
The Supreme Person is perfect and complete, and
because He is completely perfect, all emanations
from Him, such as this material world, are also
perfect and complete. Whatever emanates from the
Complete Person is also complete in itself. Because
He is the Complete Person, even though so many
complete units emanate from Him, He remains the
complete balance.
It would seem that the discourse between the theist and

the atheist is perpetually in a gridlock. But as mentioned
in a previous Anuv®tti, the student of Bhagavad-gîtå does
not consider either the so-called theist or the atheist to
have complete knowledge. It may even be that sometimes
the atheist is more correct in his opinion than the so-called
theist. The theist establishes his God, and the atheist, upon
examining the statements of the so-called theist, discovers
that the God in question is wrathful, vindictive, jealous,
vengeful, sadomasochistic etc. In this instance we would
have to agree with the atheist – there is no such God.
However, the atheist then concludes that in the absence
of God, the universe and all life within it has come from
nothing – yet he has no experience or proof that something
can arise from nothing. His proposal is thus self-defeating.
327
Bhagavad-gita
Both ‘God’ and His non-existence are but misconcep-

tions in the minds of the so-called theist and the atheist.
However, the student of Bhagavad-gîtå knows that the sub-
ject matter is not a thesis about ‘God’. Bhagavad-gîtå is a
discourse aimed at enlightenment in the Absolute Truth.
The Absolute Truth contains all things known, knowable
and unknown – before the universe, within the universe,
after the universe and beyond the universe.
VERSE 20
कितं पषं चैव िवनादी उभाविप ।
िवकारां गणांैव िवि कितसंभवान ्॥२०॥
prak®tiµ purußaµ caiva viddhyanådî ubhåv api
vikåråµç ca gu√ånç caiva viddhi prak®ti-sambhavån
You should know that both material nature and the living
beings are without beginning. Try to understand that all
transformations and the modes of nature originate from
material nature.
VERSE 21
कायकारणकतृे हेतः कितते ।
पषः सखःखानां भोृे हेतते ॥२१॥
kårya-kåra√a-kart®tve hetu˙ prak®tir ucyate
purußa˙ sukha-du˙khånåµ bhokt®tve hetur ucyate
It is said that material nature is the source of all causes and
effects. The living beings are said to be the cause of their
own happiness and distress.
328
Chapter 13
VERSE 22
पषः कितो िह भे कितजाणान ्।
कारणं गणसोऽ सदसोिनजस ॥२२॥
purußa˙ prak®tistho hi bhu∫kte prak®ti-jån gu√ån
kåra√aµ gu√a-sa∫go’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu
Situated within material nature, the living beings enjoy the
modes that are born of material nature. Due to the indi-
viduals association with these modes, the living beings take
birth repeatedly within higher and lower species of life.
VERSE 23
उपानमा च भता भोा महेरः ।
परमाेित चाो देहेऽिषः परः ॥२३॥
upadraß†ånumantå ca bhartå bhoktå maheçvara˙
paramåtmeti cåpy-ukto dehe’smin purußa˙ para˙
The Supreme Person, who is known as the Super Con-
sciousness (Paramåtmå), resides within this body. He is
the Witness of all things, the Supreme Authority, the Pro-
vider, the Maintainer and the Ultimate Controller.
VERSE 24
य एवं वेि पषं कितं च गणैः सह ।
सवथा वतमानोऽिप न स भूयोऽिभजायते ॥२४॥
ya evaµ vetti purußaµ prak®tiµ ca gu√ai˙ saha
sarvathå vartamåno’pi na sa bhüyo’bhijåyate
Therefore, one who fully understands the Supreme Person,
material nature and the modes of material nature, never
takes birth again under any circumstances.
329
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 25
ानेनािन पयि केिचदाानमाना ।
अे सांेन योगेन कमयोगेन चापरे ॥२५॥
dhyånenåtmani paçyanti kecid åtmånam åtmanå
anye så∫khyena yogena karma-yogena cåpare
Through meditation, some yogîs glimpse the Supreme
within the heart. Others see Him through the process of
analysis (så∫khya), while others perceive Him through kar-
ma-yoga.
VERSE 26
अे ेवमजानः ाे उपासते ।
तेऽिप चािततरेव मृं ितपरायणाः ॥२६॥
anye tv-evam ajånanta˙ çrutvånyebhya upåsate
te’pi cåtitaranty eva m®tyuµ çruti-paråya√å˙
There are also those that do not know these methods, but
simply by hearing about Him from others, they engage in
His worship. Because they have faith in what they have
heard, they too transcend death.
Anuv®tti
It is described that both material nature (prak®ti) and
the living beings (jîvåtmå or purußa) are without beginning
(anådi). This means that material nature and the living
beings exist as eternal energies of Çrî K®ß√a before the
process of creation takes place. The living being’s origin
is in the ta†asthå, or marginal plane, before the onslaught
of time. In this regard, the origin of the living beings and
material nature are both anådi, or having no first cause.
330
Chapter 13
They are without a first cause because they are çaktis, or

potencies of the Absolute Truth who is Himself without
origin. In other words, the cause of all causes is Çrî K®ß√a.
Thus, He is known as sarva-kåra√a-kåra√am.
Though material nature and the living beings are eter-
nal and without beginning, they nonetheless have distinctly
different qualities and characteristics. They are not the
same. Material nature is described as the body, senses and
other elements as well as the transformations of qualities
such as happiness, distress, lamentation and illusion. The
living beings are part and parcel of the Supreme Person.
They are sac-cid-ånanda – having the constitution of eter-
nity, knowledge and bliss. When the living beings identify
the self as the material body, they suffer under the miser-
ies of happiness and distress and perpetually transmigrate
from one body to the next in the cycle of birth and death.
One of the greatest questions in life, namely, “Where
do we come from?” is certainly answered in Bhagavad-gîtå.
Yet the use of the word anådi in verse 20 has encouraged
some thinkers to conclude that the living beings have
always been in the material world. In other words, that
although the living beings are eternal, they begin in the
material universe and have always been in the material
universe. This conclusion however is not supported by
previous åcåryas of the Bhagavad-gîtå such as Viçvanåtha
Cakravartî, Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a and others. To them,
anådi means beginningless, before time began.
Regarding the origin of the living beings and their
beginning as anådi, the Vaiß√ava åcårya Svåmî B. R.
Çrîdhara Mahåråja says as follows:
331
Bhagavad-gita
Since time immemorial, man has inquired about the

origin of the living being. Who am I? Where have I
come from? How does the living being first appear in
this world? From what stage of spiritual existence does
he fall into the material world?
There are two classes of living beings who come
into this world. One class comes from the spiritual
Vaiku√†ha planets by the necessity of nitya-lîlå,
the eternal pastimes of K®ß√a. Another comes by
constitutional necessity. The brahma-jyoti, the non-
differentiated marginal plane, is the source of infinite
living beings (jîvåtmås), atomic spiritual particles of
non-differentiated character.
The rays of the transcendental body of the Supreme
Person are known as the brahma-jyoti, and a ray
of the brahma-jyoti is the jîvåtmå. The jîvåtmå is
an atom in that effulgence, and the brahma-jyoti is
a product of an infinite number of jîvåtmå atoms.
Generally, jîvåtmås emanate from the brahma-jyoti
which is living and growing. Within the brahma-jyoti,
their equilibrium is somehow disturbed and movement
begins. From non-differentiation, differentiation
begins. From a plain sheet of uniform consciousness,
individual conscious units grow. And because the
jîvåtmå is conscious it is endowed with free will.
From the marginal position (ta†asthå-çakti) they

choose either the side of exploitation (material world)
or the side of dedication (Vaiku√†ha). K®ß√a bhuli
sei jîva anådi bahirmukha. Anådi means that which
has no beginning. When we enter the land of exploita-
332
Chapter 13
tion, we come within the factor of time, space and

thought. And when we come to exploit, action and
reaction begins in the negative land of loan.
When the jîvåtmå, by exercise of his free will and out

of curiosity, first enters into this land – from then he
becomes a factor of this limited world. But his partic-
ipation is beyond the beginning of this limited world.
That is why it is said to be anådi. Anådi means that
it does not come from within the jurisdiction of this
limited world.
Once subject to contact with material nature, the living

beings are then subject to karma, the laws of action and
reaction. Under these laws the living beings enjoy and suffer
in various species of life. During their material sojourn,
the Paramåtmå accompanies the living beings and is ever
watchful for when they will turn their head towards the
Absolute Truth. The Paramåtmå directs the wanderings of
the living beings, and when one desires to know the Truth,
the Paramåtmå manifests before the living beings as the
spiritual master who teaches Bhagavad-gîtå as it is. Hence
the living being transcends the world of birth and death.
brahmå√∂a brahmite kona bhågyavån jîva

guru-k®ß√a prasåde påya bhakti-latå-bîja
According to their karma, the jîvåtmås are wandering
throughout the universe. Some jîvåtmås who are most
fortunate receive the mercy of guru and K®ß√a, and
by such mercy they receive the seed of the creeper of
devotion. (Caitanya-caritåm®ta, Madhya-lîlå 19.151)
333
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 27
यावायते िकिं ावरजमम ्।
े ेसंयोगािि भरतषभ ॥२७॥
yåvat saµjåyate kiñcit sattvaµ sthåvara-ja∫gamam
kßetra-kßetrajña-saµyogåt tad viddhi bharatarßabha
You should understand that whatever exists, whether
moving or non-moving, is simply manifest from the com-
bination of the field and the knower of the field, O best of
the Bharata Dynasty.
VERSE 28
समं सवष भूतेष ितं परमेरम ्।
िवनयिवनयं यः पयित स पयित ॥२८॥
samaµ sarveßu bhüteßu tiß†hantaµ parameçvaram
vinaçyatsv-avinaçyantaµ ya˙ paçyati sa paçyati
One actually sees when he perceives the Supreme Control-
ler as being situated in all living beings, and realises that
neither the Super Consciousness nor the individual unit of
consciousness is perishable.
VERSE 29
समं पयि सव समवितमीरम ्।
न िहनानाानं ततो याित परां गितम ्॥२९॥
samaµ paçyan hi sarvatra samavasthitam îçvaram
na hinasty-åtmanåtmånaµ tato yåti paråµ gatim
By seeing the Supreme Person situated in all places equally,
one does not become degraded. Thus he attains the
Supreme Abode.
334
Chapter 13
VERSE 30
कैव च कमािण ियमाणािन सवशः ।
यः पयित तथाानमकतारं स पयित ॥३०॥
prak®tyaiva ca karmå√i kriyamå√åni sarvaça˙
ya˙ paçyati tathåtmånam akartåraµ sa paçyati
One who realises that all activities are performed by mate-
rial nature, understands that he is not the doer.
VERSE 31
यदा भूतपृथावमेकमनपयित ।
तत एव च िवारं  संपते तदा ॥३१॥
yadå bhüta-p®thag-bhåvam eka-stham anupaçyati
tata eva ca viståraµ brahma sampadyate tadå
When one truly sees, he ceases to identify the body as the
self. Realising that all living beings are equal, he attains the
Brahman conception and sees them expanded everywhere.
Anuv®tti
The world is composed of moving and non-moving
things. Moving species consist of humans, animals, fish
etc. Non-moving objects include trees, mountains, miner-
als etc. Çrî K®ß√a says that all these moving and non-mov-
ing things are a combination of material nature and the
living beings. One who has deeper vision sees that the
Super Consciousness is the Controller of all things and is
situated in the hearts of all living beings, within every atom
and in between every atom. Such a seer is a true knower
and realises that consciousness and Super Consciousness
are both eternal and imperishable.
335
Bhagavad-gita
A seer of the truth is never degraded by the influences

of material nature. He gradually rises to perfection and
attains the Supreme Abode of K®ß√a. Those who are con-
ditioned by material nature and who have no knowledge
of Super Consciousness wrongly conceive that they are the
doer of activities, or that they are the overlords of material
nature. This however is a foolish idea since they themselves
are helplessly suffering at the hands of death.
For those that have the eyes to see, all forms of life
indicate the presence of a conscious living being. That
is to say that not just humans are conscious or that only
human consciousness is eternal. All things that manifest
birth, growth, maintenance, reproduction, dwindling and
death, regardless of higher birth (human) or lower birth
(animal), are known as eternal beings transmigrating in
the material world. Thus, one who is friendly, kind and
compassionate must be so to all forms of life. It is not that
humans are spared but animals and others can be killed
or exploited for our pleasure. This idea falls short of the
vision of Bhagavad-gîtå which sees all living beings as part
and parcel of the Supreme Person, K®ß√a. Thus, all living
beings have a right to life.
VERSE 32
अनािदािगणारमाायमयः ।
शरीरोऽिप कौेय न करोित न िलते ॥३२॥
anåditvån nirgu√atvåt paramåtmåyam avyaya˙
çarîra-stho’pi kaunteya na karoti na lipyate
O Son of Kuntî, the Super Consciousness has no begin-
ning, He is transcendental to the modes of nature and He
336
Chapter 13
is unlimited. Although He is situated within each individ-

ual body, He neither acts nor is He affected by any action.
VERSE 33
यथा सवगतं सौादाकाशं नोपिलते ।
सवावितो देहे तथाा नोपिलते ॥३३॥
yathå sarva-gataµ saukßmyåd åkåçaµ nopalipyate
sarvatråvasthito dehe tathåtmå nopalipyate
Just as the subtle element of all-pervading space does not
mix with anything, similarly, the individual unit of con-
sciousness does not mix with the material body, although
it is situated within.
VERSE 34
यथा काशयेकः कं लोकिममं रिवः ।
ें ेी तथा कं काशयित भारत ॥३४॥
yathå prakåçayaty-eka˙ k®tsnaµ lokam imaµ ravi˙
kßetraµ kßetrî tathå k®tsnaµ prakåçayati bhårata
O Bhårata, just as one sun illuminates the entire universe,
the occupier of the field illuminates the whole field.
VERSE 35
ेेयोरेवमरं ानचुषा ।
भूतकितमों च ये िवयाि ते परम ्॥३५॥
kßetra-kßetrajñayor evam antaraµ jñåna-cakßußå
bhüta-prak®ti-mokßaµ ca ye vidur yånti te param
One who knows and sees the difference between the body
and the self and who understands the process of liberation
from material bondage, also attains the supreme goal.
337
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
The Paramåtmå enters the material nature and makes
all things possible within that nature, but He Himself is
never contaminated. He is never in illusion, never under the
influence of time, never subject to death or the reactions to
work and the laws of material nature. Super Consciousness
is always the Master of material nature and material nature
is always subservient.
Although the living beings are situated within the mate-
rial body, they do not actually mix or become one with
it. The living beings are always distinct from the material
body even when the living beings are conditioned by it.
One who knows this in relation to Çrî K®ß√a, attains the
supreme goal of life.
338
Chapter 13

कितपषिववेकयोगो नाम योदशोऽायः॥
prak®ti-purußa-viveka-yogo nåma trayodaço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Thirteen entitled
Prak®ti-Purußa Viveka Yoga from the conversation between
339
Chapter 14
VERSE 1
परं भूयः वािम ानानां ानममम ्।
याा मनयः सव परां िसििमतो गताः ॥१॥
çrî-bhagavån uvåca –
paraµ bhüya˙ pravakßyåmi jñånånåµ jñånam uttamam
yaj jñåtvå munaya˙ sarve paråµ siddhim ito gatå˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: I will now describe to you that
knowledge which is the greatest of all types of knowledge.
By knowing this, all the sages were able to attain perfection
and reach the highest destination.
VERSE 2
इदं ानमपाि मम साधमागताः ।
सगऽिप नोपजाये लये न थि च ॥२॥
idaµ jñånam upåçritya mama sådharmyam ågatå˙
sarge’pi nopajåyante pralaye na vyathanti ca
By taking shelter of this knowledge, one attains My nature.
He is neither born during creation nor does he suffer
during universal annihilation.
Anuv®tti
In previous chapters the modes of material nature,
goodness, passion and ignorance (sattva-gu√a, raja-gu√a
and tama-gu√a) have been mentioned and in this chap-
ter they will be described in greater detail. It will also be
described how one can cross beyond the material modes
and become free from the cycle of birth and death.
343
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 3
मम योिनमह तिभ दधाहम ्।
संभवः सवभूतानां ततो भवित भारत ॥३॥
mama yonir mahadbrahma tasmin garbhaµ dadhåmyaham
sambhava˙ sarva-bhütånåµ tato bhavati bhårata
O Bhårata, the vast expanse of material nature is My
womb which I impregnate and wherefrom all living
beings manifest.
VERSE 4
सवयोिनष कौेय मूतयः संभवि याः ।
तासां  महोिनरहं बीजदः िपता ॥४॥
sarva-yonißu kaunteya mürtaya˙ sambhavanti yå˙
tåsåµ brahma mahad yonir ahaµ bîja-prada˙ pitå
O son of Kuntî, all forms of life that are born in this
world are ultimately born from the great womb of material
nature, and I am the seed-giving father.
VERSE 5
सं रजम इित गणाः कितसंभवाः ।
िनबि महाबाहो देहे देिहनमयम ्॥५॥
sattvaµ rajas tama iti gu√å˙ prak®ti-sambhavå˙
nibadhnanti mahå-båho dehe dehinam avyayam
Goodness, passion and ignorance are the modes born of
material nature. These modes bind the immutable individ-
ual being to the material body, O mighty-armed hero.
344
Chapter 14
VERSE 6
त सं िनमलाकाशकमनामयम ्।
सखसेन बाित ानसेन चानघ ॥६॥
tatra sattvaµ nirmalatvåt prakåçakam anåmayam
sukha-sa∫gena badhnåti jñåna-sa∫gena cånagha
O virtuous Arjuna, amongst these modes, goodness is free
from impurities. It gives knowledge and frees one from
distress. It conditions one to pleasure and knowledge.
VERSE 7
रजो रागाकं िवि तृाससमवम ्।
तिबाित कौेय कमसेन देिहनम ्॥७॥
rajo rågåtmakaµ viddhi t®ß√å-sa∫ga-samudbhavam
tan nibadhnåti kaunteya karma-sa∫gena dehinam
O son of Kuntî, you should know that the mode of passion
manifests desire, hankering and attachment. It binds the
embodied living beings to their actions.
VERSE 8
तमानजं िवि मोहनं सवदेिहनाम ्।
मादालिनािभिबाित भारत ॥८॥
tamas tv-ajñånajaµ viddhi mohanaµ sarva-dehinåm
pramådålasya nidråbhis tan nibadhnåti bhårata
You should know that the mode of ignorance bewilders all
embodied beings, O Bhårata. It binds them through confu-
sion, laziness and excessive sleep.
345
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 9
सं सखे सयित रजः कमिण भारत ।
ानमावृ त तमः मादे सयत ॥९॥
sattvaµ sukhe sañjayati raja˙ karma√i bhårata
jñånam åv®tya tu tama˙ pramåde sañjayaty-uta
O Bhårata, the mode of goodness conditions one to hap-
piness, the mode of passion creates attachment to perform
action, and the mode of ignorance covers knowledge and
creates bewilderment.
VERSE 10
रजमािभभूय सं भवित भारत ।
रजः सं तमैव तमः सं रजथा ॥१०॥
rajas tamaç cåbhibhüya sattvaµ bhavati bhårata
raja˙ sattvaµ tamaç caiva tama˙ sattvaµ rajas tathå
Goodness overpowers passion and ignorance, passion
defeats goodness and ignorance, and ignorance overcomes
goodness and passion. Thus the modes continually fight
for supremacy.
Anuv®tti
Material nature is compared to a womb and Çrî K®ß√a
says that He is the seed-giving father (ahaµ bîja-prada˙
pitå). The combination of material nature and the living
beings thus gives rise to the multitude of life forms which
are in turn bound by the modes of material nature and
forced to act under their influence.
The mode of goodness is characterised by freedom from
impurities, that which gives knowledge, frees one from dis-
tress and conditions one to pleasure and accomplishment.
346
Chapter 14
Passion manifests intense desire, hankering and attachment

and binds the embodied being to his actions. Ignorance is
that which bewilders all embodied beings and constrains
one through confusion, laziness and excessive sleep.
The three modes of material nature thus condition one
to the illusion of happiness, the attachment to perform
action, and bewilderment due to an insufficient fund of
knowledge. The combinations of the modes of nature are
endless, each fighting with the other for supremacy. Due to
this, the embodied living beings are in a constant state of
confusion as to the purpose of life and the consequence is
the suffering of birth, death, old age and disease.
VERSE 11
सवारेष देहेऽिकाश उपजायते ।
ानं यदा तदा िवािवृं सिमत ॥११॥
sarva-dvåreßu dehe’smin prakåça upajåyate
jñånaµ yadå tadå vidyåd viv®ddhaµ sattvam ityuta
When the light of knowledge illuminates all the senses of
the body, it should be understood that the mode of good-
ness is most prevalent.
VERSE 12
लोभः वृिरारः कमणामशमः ृहा ।
रजेतािन जाये िववृे भरतषभ ॥१२॥
lobha˙ prav®ttir årambha˙ karma√åm açama˙ sp®hå
rajasy-etåni jåyante viv®ddhe bharatarßabha
O best of the Bhårata Dynasty, when the mode of passion
is most predominant one is under the influence of greed,
selfish activities, ambition, restlessness and hankering.
347
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 13
अकाशोऽवृि मादो मोह एव च ।
तमेतािन जाये िववृे कुनन ॥१३॥
aprakåço’prav®ttiç ca pramådo moha eva ca
tamasy-etåni jåyante viv®ddhe kuru-nandana
O descendant of Kuru, by the influence of the mode of
ignorance, then darkness, laziness, confusion and delu-
sion are manifest.
VERSE 14
यदा से वृे त लयं याित देहभृत ्।
तदोमिवदां लोकानमलाितपते ॥१४॥
yadå sattve prav®ddhe tu pralayaµ yåti deha-bh®t
tadottama vidåµ lokån amalån pratipadyate
When an embodied being dies under the influence of the
mode of goodness, he reaches the higher planets wherein
those of great intellect reside.
VERSE 15
रजिस लयं गा कमसिष जायते ।
तथा लीनमिस मूढयोिनष जायते ॥१५॥
rajasi pralayaµ gatvå karma-sa∫gißu jåyate
tathå pralînas tamasi mü∂ha-yonißu jåyate
When one dies in the mode of passion, he is reborn
amongst those who are attached to worldly activities. If
one dies in the mode of ignorance, he takes birth again in
the womb of unintelligent people.
348
Chapter 14
Anuv®tti
In the above five verses the characteristics of the three
modes of nature are further described as well as their influ-
ence over the embodied living being at the time of death.
When one dies in the mode of goodness, illuminated by
knowledge, he reaches the higher planets where those of
great intellect reside. When one dies in the mode of pas-
sion, characterised by greed, selfish activities, ambition,
restlessness and hankering, he is reborn amongst those
who are attached to worldly activities. And when the most
unfortunate amongst men die in the mode of ignorance,
characterised by darkness, laziness, confusion and delusion,
they take birth again in the womb of uncivilised people or
even worse, descend into the animal kingdom to become
dogs, cats and beasts of burden.
VERSE 16
कमणः सकताः सािकं िनमलं फलम ्।
रजस फलं ःखमानं तमसः फलम ्॥१६॥
karma√a˙ suk®tasyåhu˙ såttvikaµ nirmalaµ phalam
rajasas tu phalaµ du˙kham ajñånaµ tamasa˙ phalam
It has been said that the result of good deeds is purity, the
results of passionate activities is misery, and the result of
actions in ignorance is bewilderment.
VERSE 17
साायते ानं रजसो लोभ एव च ।
मादमोहौ तमसो भवतोऽानमेव च ॥१७॥
sattvåt sañjåyate jñånaµ rajaso lobha eva ca
pramåda-mohau tamaso bhavato’jñånam eva ca
349
Bhagavad-gita
Goodness gives birth to knowledge, passion gives rise to

greed and ignorance breeds illusion, confusion and a lack
of knowledge.
VERSE 18
ऊ गि सा मे िति राजसाः ।
जघगणवृिा अधो गि तामसाः ॥१८॥
ürdhvaµ gacchanti sattva-sthå madhye tiß†hanti råjaså˙
jaghanya-gu√a-v®tti-sthå adho gacchanti tåmaså˙
Those in goodness attain the higher realms, those in pas-
sion remain in the middle (the Earth planet) and those in
ignorance descend to the lower planes of life.
VERSE 19
नां गणेः कतारं यदा ानपयित ।
गणे परं वेि मावं सोऽिधगित ॥१९॥
nånyaµ gu√ebhya˙ kartåraµ yadå draß†ånupaçyati
gu√ebhyaç ca paraµ vetti mad-bhåvaµ so’dhigacchati
When one perceives that there is no other active agent
except the modes of nature, and he knows the Supreme, he
attains My nature.
VERSE 20
गणानेतानती ीेही देहसमवान ्।
जमृजराःखैिवमोऽमृतमते ॥२०॥
gu√ån etån atîtya trîn dehî deha-samudbhavån
janma-m®tyu-jarå-du˙khair vimukto’m®tam açnute
By transcending these three modes that appear within the
body, one becomes liberated from the miseries of birth,
350
Chapter 14
death, old age and other miseries. Then one tastes the
nectar of immortality.
Anuv®tti
Bewilderment and conditioning under the modes of
material nature is difficult to overcome, but it is possible
when one cultivates the knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå and
applies oneself sincerely to the process of bhakti-yoga. The
knowledge attained through the study of Bhagavad-gîtå
enables one to transcend the modes of nature because such
knowledge is in itself transcendental and free from the
defects of mistakes (bhrama), illusion (pramåda), cheating
(vipralipså) and false perception (kara√åpå†ava). In other
words, the knowledge contained in Bhagavad-gîtå is perfect
and complete. By transcending the modes of nature, Çrî
K®ß√a promises that one will be liberated from the miseries
of birth, death, old age and disease and one will taste the
nectar of immortality. This is also confirmed in the ˆço-
panißad as follows:
vidyåµ cåvidyåµ ca yas tad vedobhayaµ saha
avidyayå m®tyuµ tîrtvå vidyayåm®tam açnute
One who transcends ignorance (avidyå) and attains
transcendental knowledge certainly rises above the
influence of repeated birth and death and tastes the
nectar of immortality. (ˆçopanißad 11)
The contemporary world view of advancement of
knowledge is that knowledge is attained through direct
evidence, experiment, hypothesis and speculation. This
process of acquiring knowledge is called åroha-panthå, or
the ascending process. However, the ascending process
351
Bhagavad-gita
of knowledge relies completely on the mind, intelligence

and senses and is thus subject to the four material defects
of mistakes, illusion, cheating and false perception.
Accordingly, no scientific knowledge is perfect, nor can
it be perfect. Truly, by the admission of many scientists,
they never really attain the end of knowledge. The more
they learn, the more there is to learn, or the more they
learn, the more they discover that their predecessors were
wrong. In any case, scientists admit that they do not have
perfect knowledge – death comes and another generation
of scientists is reduced to dust.
Knowledge that is descending from Çrî K®ß√a and
through the guru-disciple paramparå is known as avaroha-
panthå and is free from material defects. Bhagavad-gîtå
means the words of Çrî K®ß√a – hearing which enables one
to achieve the perfection of life before death comes.
VERSE 21
कैिलैीणानेतानतीतो भवित भो ।
िकमाचारः कथं चैतांीणानितवतते ॥२१॥
arjuna uvåca –
kair li∫gais trîn gu√ån etån atîto bhavati prabho
kim åcåra˙ kathaµ caitåµs trîn gu√ån ativartate
Arjuna inquired: O K®ß√a, by what symptoms can one who
has transcended these three modes be known? How does he
act and how does he transcend these three modes?
352
Chapter 14
VERSE 22-25
काशं च वृिं च मोहमेव च पाडव ।
न ेि संवृािन न िनवृािन काित ॥२२॥
उदासीनवदासीनो गणैय न िवचाते ।
गणा वत इेवं योऽवितित नेते ॥२३॥
समःखसखः ः समलोामकानः ।
तियाियो धीरिनासंितः ॥२४॥
मानापमानयोो िमािरपयोः ।
सवारपिरागी गणातीतः स उते ॥२५॥
prakåçaµ ca prav®ttiµ ca moham eva ca på√∂ava
na dveß†i samprav®ttåni na niv®ttåni kå∫kßati
udåsînavad åsîno gu√airyo na vicålyate
gu√å vartanta ity-evaµ yo’vatiß†hati ne∫gate
sama-du˙kha-sukha˙ svastha˙ sama-loß†åçma-kåñcana˙
tulya-priyåpriyo dhîras tulya-nindåtma-saµstuti˙
månåpamånayos tulyas tulyo mitråri-pakßayo˙
sarvårambha-parityågî gu√åtîta˙ sa ucyate
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: One who does not like or dis-
like the presence of illumination, attachment or delusion
or laments their absence, who remains dispassionate and is
not affected by the modes, who remains unwavering, who
is equal in both happiness and distress, who remains con-
tent in the self, who sees no intrinsic difference between a
lump of earth, a stone and gold, who remains undisturbed
in both favourable and unfavourable circumstances, who
is wise, to whom insult and praise are equal, who con-
siders honour and infamy to be the same, who is impar-
353
Bhagavad-gita
tial towards both friend and enemy, and who renounces

all mundane activities – such a person is considered to be
beyond the modes of material nature.
VERSE 26
मां च योऽिभचारेण भियोगेन सेवते ।
स गणामतीैताभूयाय कते ॥२६॥
måµ ca yo’vyabhicåre√a bhakti-yogena sevate
sa gu√ån samatîtyaitån brahma-bhüyåya kalpate
One who performs service to Me in bhakti-yoga without
deviation, transcends these modes of material nature and is
qualified for liberation.
VERSE 27
णो िह िताहममृताय च ।
शात च धम सखैकािक च ॥२७॥
brahma√o hi pratiß†håham am®tasyåvyayasya ca
çåçvatasya ca dharmasya sukhasyaikåntikasya ca
I am the foundation of the immortal, imperishable Brah-
man, who is the basis of eternal dharma and supreme bliss.
Anuv®tti
The symptoms of one who is free from the modes of
nature are herein described. Such a person is equally dis-
posed to the dualities of the material world. Such a person
is not affected by happiness and distress because he knows
the temporary nature of both. The liberated person is con-
tent in the cultivation of the self and is not motivated by
wealth or distressed by poverty. He sees gold, dirt or a
simple stone as the same (sama-loß†åçma-kåñcana˙). He is
354
Chapter 14
wise, considering infamy and honour the same and has no

enemies, as he is impartial to both friends and foes. These
are the characteristics of one who is transcendentally sit-
uated above the three modes of material nature. Çrîmad
Bhågavatam confirms this in the following way:
såttvika˙ kårako ‘sa∫gî rågåndho råjasa˙ sm®ta˙

tåmasa˙ sm®ti-vibhraß†o nirgu√o mad-apåçraya˙
One who works free of attachment is in the mode
of goodness. One who works with personal desire
is in the mode of passion. One who works without
discrimination of right and wrong is in the mode
of ignorance. But one who takes shelter of K®ß√a
is understood to be transcendental to the modes of
material nature. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 11.25.26)
The liberated person is always situated in bhakti-yoga

without deviation because he knows Çrî K®ß√a as the
immortal, imperishable Brahman, the giver of eternal
wisdom in the form of Bhagavad-gîtå and the fountainhead
of supreme bliss.
355
Bhagavad-gita

गणयिवभागयोगो नाम चतदशोऽायः॥

gu√a-traya-vibhåga-yogo nåma caturdaço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Fourteen entitled
Gu√a-Traya Vibhåga Yoga from the conversation between
356
Chapter 15
VERSE 1
ऊमूलमधःशाखमं ारयम ्।
छांिस य पणािन यं वेद स वेद िवत ्॥१॥
ürdhva-mülam adha˙ çåkham açvatthaµ pråhur avyayam
chandåµsi yasya par√åni yas taµ veda sa vedavit
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: It has been told that there is
an imperishable banyan tree that has its roots above, its
branches below and its leaves are the Vedic mantras. One
who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas.
VERSE 2
अधो सृता शाखा गणवृा िवषयवालाः ।
अध मूलानसंततािन कमानबीिन मनलोके ॥२॥
adhaç cordhvaµ pras®tås tasya çåkhå
gu√a-prav®ddhå vißaya-pravålå˙
adhaç ca mülåny-anusantatåni
karmånubandhîni manußya-loke
Some branches of this tree spread upwards and others grow
downwards, nourished by the modes of nature. The twigs
on the tree are the sense-objects, and the roots that extend
downwards reach the human plane and are the cause of the
binding activities of human society.
VERSE 3-4
न पमेह तथोपलते नाो न चािदन च संिता ।
अमेनं सिवढमूलम ्असशेण ढेन िछा ॥३॥
359
Bhagavad-gita
ततः पदं तिरमािगतं यिता न िनवति भूयः ।

तमेव चां पषं पे यतः वृिः सृता पराणी ॥४॥
na rüpam asyeha tathopalabhyate
nånto na cådir na ca sampratiß†hå
açvattham enaµ suvirü∂ha-mülaµ
asa∫ga-çastre√a d®∂hena chittvå
tata˙ padaµ tat parimårgitavyaµ
yasmin gatå na nivartanti bhüya˙
tam eva cådyaµ purußaµ prapadye
yata˙ prav®tti˙ pras®tå purå√î
The form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world.
Indeed, none can fully comprehend where the tree begins,
where it ends, or where its foundation lies. One must cut
down this strong-rooted banyan tree with the weapon of
detachment and search out that place from which, once
having gone, one never returns. One must take shelter of
the Supreme Person, from whom all things have originated
from time immemorial.
Anuv®tti
Herein, the material world is compared to a great
banyan tree whose roots are above and branches below and
whose leaves are the Vedic hymns etc. This is an analogy of
the material world as a reflection of reality, whose origin,
foundation and end are fully indiscernible to conditioned
living beings in the grasp of material illusion. One must cut
through this illusion with the weapon of detachment and
search out knowledge of the Supreme Abode of K®ß√a. The
Taittirîya Åra√yaka says the following:
360
Chapter 15
ürdhva-mülam avåk-chåkhaµ v®kßaµ yo veda samprati

na sa jåtu jana˙ çraddhadhyåt m®tyur må mårayåd iti˙
He who knows this banyan tree with roots upwards
and branches downward acquires the faith (çrad-
dhå) that death will not conquer him. (Taittirîya
Åra√yaka 1.11.5.52)
VERSE 5
िनमानमोहा िजतसदोषा अािना िविनवृकामाः ।
ैिवमाः सखःखसंैर ्गमूढाः पदमयं तत ्॥५॥
nirmåna-mohå jita-sa∫ga-doßå
adhyåtma-nityå viniv®tta-kåmå˙
dvandvair vimuktå˙ sukha-du˙kha-saµjñair
gacchanty-amü∂hå˙ padam avyayaµ tat
Free from pride, illusion and bad association, dedicated to
spiritual pursuits, forsaking lust, unburdened by the dual-
ities of happiness and distress – such wise persons attain
the eternal realm.
VERSE 6
न तासयते सूय न शशाो न पावकः ।
या न िनवते ताम परमं मम ॥६॥
na tad bhåsayate süryo na çaçå∫ko na påvaka˙
yad gatvå na nivartante tad dhåma paramaµ mama
My Supreme Abode is not illumined by sun, moon or fire.
Once attaining that abode, one never returns.
361
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 7
ममैवांशो जीवलोके जीवभूतः सनातनः ।
मनःषानीियािण कितािन कषित ॥७॥
mamaivåµço jîva-loke jîva-bhüta˙ sanåtana˙
mana˙ ßaß†hånîndriyå√i prak®tisthåni karßati
The living beings of this world are My eternal particles.
These living beings struggle with the five senses and the
mind, which is the sixth sense within.
VERSE 8
शरीरं यदवाोित याामतीरः ।
गृहीैतािन संयाित वायगािनवाशयात ्॥८॥
çarîraµ yad avåpnoti yac cåpy-utkråmatîçvara˙
g®hîtvaitåni saµyåti våyur gandhån ivåçayåt
Whenever the individual being, the master of the body,
accepts or gives up a material body, his senses and mind
follow him to the next birth, just as the wind carries a fra-
grance from its source.
Anuv®tti
Perfection in bhakti-yoga, or K®ß√a consciousness, is not
achieved without striving to be free from false pride and
illusion. To achieve this one should keep company with
like-minded persons in pursuit of the Absolute Truth. In
other words one should give up bad association.
asat-sa∫ga tyåga – ei vaiß√ava-åcåra
strî sa∫gî – eka asådhu k®ß√åbhakta åra
A Vaiß√ava (bhakti-yogî) should always avoid bad
association, those who are materially attached, who
362
Chapter 15
are addicted to illicit sex and who are not interested

in the cultivation of the Absolute Truth. (Caitan-
ya-caritåm®ta, Madhya-lîlå 22.87)
The Supreme Abode of Çrî K®ß√a is the final destina-

tion of the bhakti-yogî and K®ß√a says that His abode is not
illuminated by sun, moon or fire. Not illuminated by sun,
moon or fire means that the Supreme Abode is beyond the
reach of the darkness that exists in the material world. In
the Supreme Abode of K®ß√a, known by great self-realised
yogîs as Goloka V®ndåvana, everything is filled with the
self-effulgence of K®ß√a.
na tatra süryo bhåti na candra-tårakaµ

nemå vidyuto bhånti kuto’yam agni˙
tam eva bhåntam anubhåti sarvaµ
tasya bhåså sarvam idaµ vibhåti
The sun does not shine there, nor the moon, nor the
stars, nor does lightning shine. How then can fire
burn? When The Supreme Being shines, all these
shine. Through His effulgence He illuminates all
things. (Ka†ha Upanißad 2.2.15)
K®ß√a also says that once attaining that Supreme Abode,

one never returns to this world of birth and death. The
material world is filled with unlimited fallibilities, but the
Supreme Abode is infallible. The fallibility of the material
world includes envy, greed, lust, hate, vengefulness etc. but
these material qualities cannot enter the abode of K®ß√a.
Some thinkers have postulated that the living beings in
this material world have originally fallen from their eternal
363
Bhagavad-gita
position in the Supreme Abode. Such persons are known

as ‘Fall-vådîs’. According to the thinking of the ‘Fall-
vådîs’, the Supreme Abode is fallible and subject to envy,
dissatisfaction, greed, hate and so on. The word ‘fallible’
comes from the Latin word fallere that means ‘to deceive’.
In order to deceive there must be ignorance, forgetfulness
and suspicion etc. However, considering that no material
qualities exist in the Supreme Abode, it is not possible for
any liberated living being there to become contaminated
by material qualities.
K®ß√a says that once going to that abode one never
returns to the material world (yad gatvå na nivartante).
K®ß√a does not say that going again to that Supreme Abode
one never returns. Therefore, it is understood by K®ß√a’s
own words that no one falls from the Supreme Abode.
All living beings in the spiritual and material worlds are
eternally K®ß√a’s parts and particles – mamaivåµço jîva-
loke jîva-bhüta˙ sanåtana˙. However, the living beings who
are conditioned by material nature and who have no con-
trol of their senses or knowledge of the Supreme Abode,
are again and again reborn within the world of birth and
death. At the time of death they are carried away to their
next body by material desires and the mind, just as a fra-
grance is carried by the wind.
VERSE 9
ों चुः शनं च रसनं ाणमेव च ।
अिधाय मनायं िवषयानपसेवते ॥९॥
çrotraµ cakßu˙ sparçanaµ ca rasanaµ ghrå√am eva ca
adhiß†håya manaç cåyaµ vißayån upasevate
364
Chapter 15
The living beings enjoy the objects of the senses and pre-
side over the ears, eyes, skin, tongue, nose and the mind.
VERSE 10
उामं ितं वािप भानं वा गणाितम ्।
िवमूढा नानपयि पयि ानचुषः ॥१०॥
utkråmantaµ sthitaµ våpi bhuñjånaµ vå gu√ånvitam
vimü∂hå nånupaçyanti paçyanti jñåna-cakßußa˙
Those who are ignorant can neither understand when the
individual unit of consciousness is leaving the body, when
it is residing within the body, or when it is enjoying the
objects of the senses. Only those with the eyes of knowl-
edge can perceive this.
VERSE 11
यतो योिगनैनं पयावितम ्।
यतोऽकताानो नैनं पयचेतसः ॥११॥
yatanto yoginaç cainaµ paçyanty-åtmany-avasthitam
yatanto’py ak®tåtmåno nainaµ paçyanty-acetasa˙
The sincere yogî sees the åtmå situated within, but those
who lack true understanding and self-control cannot per-
ceive the åtmå no matter how hard they try.
Anuv®tti
The åtmå is not perceivable by the material senses, nor
can it be perceived by the aid of a microscope or any such
scientific technology because it is transcendental, being
composed of sac-cid-ånanda.
However, the presence of the åtmå can be understood
by one’s intelligence when one hears from K®ß√a in Bhaga-
365
Bhagavad-gita
vad-gîtå. Those with misguided intelligence and who are

without knowledge cannot understand the åtmå by any
endeavour, either when it is residing in the body or when
it is leaving the body at the time of death. Only those with
actual knowledge, who use their intelligence properly, can
understand the åtmå.
VERSE 12
यदािदगतं तेजो जगासयतेऽिखलम ्।
यमिस याौ तेजो िवि मामकम ्॥१२॥
yad åditya-gataµ tejo jagad bhåsayate’khilam
yac candramasi yac cågnau tat tejo viddhi måmakam
Know that I am the light of the sun, the moon and fire that
illuminates the entire world.
VERSE 13
गामािवय च भूतािन धारयाहमोजसा ।
पािम चौषधीः सवाः सोमो भूा रसाकः ॥१३॥
gåm åviçya ca bhütåni dhårayåmy-aham ojaså
puß√åmi caußadhî˙ sarvå˙ somo bhütvå rasåtmaka˙
By My potency I enter the earth and maintain all living
beings. I nourish all plants by becoming the moon, and
provide them with the essence of life.
VERSE 14
अहं वैानरो भूा ािणनां देहमाितः ।
ाणापानसमायः पचां चतिवधम ्॥१४॥
ahaµ vaiçvånaro bhütvå prå√inåµ deham åçrita˙
prå√åpåna-samåyukta˙ pachåmy-annaµ catur-vidham
366
Chapter 15
I am the fire of digestion that resides in all beings, and I

unite with the incoming and outgoing life-airs to digest all
types of food.
VERSE 15
सव चाहं िद सििवो मः ृितानमपोहनं च ।
वेदै सवरहमेव वेो वेदाकेद िवदेव चाहम ्॥१५॥
sarvasya cåhaµ h®di sanniviß†o
matta˙ sm®tir jñånam apohanaµ ca
vedaiç ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
vedånta-k®d veda-vid eva cåham
I am situated in the hearts of all living beings, and from Me
arises remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. I alone
am to be known through all the Vedas. I reveal the Vedånta
and am the knower of the Vedas.
Anuv®tti
By nature the material world is a dark and lifeless place.
Without luminaries like the sun, moon and stars, the world
would be dark indeed. Çrî K®ß√a says that the light of these
celestial bodies emanates from Him and that He is also the
potency that digests food and nourishes all life.
tat padaµ paramaµ brahma sarvaµ vibhajate jagat

mamaiva tad-dhanaµ tejo jñåtum arhasi bhårata
O Bhårata, The Supreme Brahman illuminates the
entire universe. You should know that this great
effulgence belongs to Me. (Hari-vaµça 2.114.11)
To think that matter alone is the source of life is cer-

tainly a less intelligent proposal. The only example we
367
Bhagavad-gita
have is that which we see all around us – that life comes

from life. We also see that life is intelligently designed.
Therefore, the rational conclusion should be that all life
arises from an intelligent life source. Everything comes
from K®ß√a.
oµ janmådy asya yata˙
The Supreme is He from whom the creation, sus-
tenance and annihilation of the manifested universe
arises. (Vedånta-sütra 1.1.2)
K®ß√a also says that He is situated in the hearts of all

living beings as the Paramåtmå and from Him all remem-
brance, knowledge and forgetfulness arises. He says it is He
alone who is to be known through the Vedas. He reveals
the Vedånta, the end of knowledge, and it is He who is the
knower of the Vedas. This is also confirmed in the Hari-
vaµça as follows:
vede råmåya√e caiva purå√e bhårate tathå

ådåv-cånte ca madhye ca hari˙ sarvatra gîyate
In the beginning, the middle and the end, all the
Vedas, the Råmåya√a, the Purå√as and the Mahåb-
hårata only glorify K®ß√a. (Hari-vaµça 3.132.35)
The Vedas are divided into four main divisions – ‰g,

Yajur, Såma and Atharva Vedas. Then comes the Upanißads
and supplementary literature such as the eighteen Purå√as
(including the Çrîmad Bhågavatam), Mahåbhårata (Bhaga-
vad-gîtå), Råmåya√a and Vedånta-sütra. In all these it is
Hari (Çrî K®ß√a) who is to be known.
368
Chapter 15
VERSE 16
ािवमौ पषौ लोके रार एव च ।
रः सवािण भूतािन कूटोऽर उते ॥१६॥
dvåv-imau purußau loke kßaraç cåkßara eva ca
kßara˙ sarvå√i bhütåni kü†astho’kßara ucyate
There are two types of beings – those in the material
world and those in the spiritual world (Vaiku√†ha). In the
material world all living beings are fallible. In the spiritual
world, all living beings are said to be infallible.
VERSE 17
उमः पषः परमाेदातः ।
यो लोकयमािवय िबभय ईरः ॥१७॥
uttama˙ purußas tv-anya˙ paramåtmety-udhåh®ta˙
yo loka-trayam åviçya bibharty-avyaya îçvara˙
Yet there is another Being – the Supreme Person, the
imperishable Super Consciousness, who enters the upper,
middle and lower planetary systems and maintains them.
VERSE 18
यारमतीतोऽहमरादिप चोमः ।
अतोऽि लोके वेदे च िथतः पषोमः ॥१८॥
yasmåt kßaram atîto’ham akßarådapi cottama˙
ato’smi loke vede ca prathita˙ purußottama˙
I am superior to all fallible beings and I transcend even
those who are infallible. Thus I am glorified through-
out the universe and in the Vedas as the Supreme Person
(Purußottama).
369
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 19
यो मामेवमसूढो जानाित पषोमम ्।
स सविवजित मां सवभावेन भारत ॥१९॥
yo måm evam asammü∂ho jånåti purußottamam
sa sarva-vid bhajati måµ sarva-bhåvena bhårata
O Bhårata, whoever is free from bewilderment knows Me
as the Supreme Person. Such a person knows everything
and worships Me with all his heart.
VERSE 20
इित गतमं शािमदमं मयानघ ।
एतुा बिमााृतक भारत ॥२०॥
iti guhyatamaµ çåstram idam uktaµ mayånagha
etad buddhvå buddhimån syåt k®ta-k®tyaç ca bhårata
O faultless one, I have thus explained to you the greatest
secret of the çåstra. By understanding this, O Bhårata, one
finds wisdom and all his activities become perfect.
Anuv®tti
The fallible beings in this world are those under the
three modes of material nature and the infallible beings are
those engaged in the pursuit of transcendental knowledge
through the cultivation of K®ß√a consciousness. The infal-
lible living beings are known as liberated. Çrî K®ß√a says
that He is superior to the fallible living beings and He is
also transcendental to those who are infallible because He
is the Supreme Person.
This means that at no time do the liberated living beings
become the Supreme or one with K®ß√a. He is, and always
370
Chapter 15
will be, the Supreme Person. This is the declaration found

in Bhagavad-gîtå and throughout the Vedic literature.
ekale îçvara k®ß√a åra saba bh®tya
yåre yaiche nåcåya se taiche kare n®tya
K®ß√a alone is the Supreme Controller. All others
are His servants. They dance as He makes them do
so. (Caitanya-caritåm®ta, Ådi-lîlå 5.142)
satyaµ satyaµ puna˙ satyam uddh®tya bhujam-ucyate
vedåc chåstraµ paraµ nåsti na deva˙ keçavåt para˙
Raising my arms in the air, I loudly declare that
there is no text greater than the Vedas, and no Deity
superior to Keçava (K®ß√a). Again and again I say
this is true, this is true, this is true. (Hari-vaµça,
Çeßa-dharma-parva 2.15)
Perfection of life in the material world means the culti-
vation of social structure, (dharma), economic development
(artha), material enjoyment (kåma) and salvation (mokßa).
History shows us that seldom ever does a civilisation pro-
gress beyond social structure, economic development and
material enjoyment. Salvation is the fourth goal of life and
is rarely sought by those absorbed in material consciousness.
Such hedonistic societies are easily satisfied by the fulfilment
of eating, sleeping, mating and defending. Even more rare
than salvation however is the fifth goal of life, prema-bhakti,
or bhakti-yoga, the yoga of love.
årådhyo bhagavån vrajeça-tanayas

tad-dhåma v®ndåvanaµ
371
Bhagavad-gita
ramyå kåcid upåsanå vraja-vadhü

varge√a yå kalpitå
çrîmad-bhågavataµ pramå√am amalaµ
premå pumartho mahån
çrî-caitanya-mahåprabhor matam idaµ
tatrådaro na˙ para˙
The Supreme Person, Çrî K®ß√a and His transcen-
dental realm of V®ndåvana are the most worship-
pable objects. The supreme method of worshipping
Him is that adopted by the beautiful gopîs, the young
wives of Vraja. Çrîmad Bhågavatam is the most pure
and most authoritative çåstra, and divine love is the
fifth and highest achievement of human life beyond
dharma, artha, kåma and mokßa. It is thus known as
pañcama-purußårtha. This is the verdict of Çrî Cait-
anya Mahåprabhu and we have the highest regard
for this conclusion. (Caitanya-mata-mañjußa)
Thus, the student of Bhagavad-gîtå has little interest

in the first four goals of human society because all such
achievements are temporary and do not lead to union
(yoga) with the Supreme Person. Only that which leads
one to Çrî K®ß√a should be the goal of one’s life.
372
Chapter 15

पषोमयोगो नाम पदशोऽायः॥

purußottama-yogo nåma pañcadaço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Fifteen entitled
Purußottama Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a
373
Chapter 16
VERSE 1-3
अभयं ससंशिानयोगविितः ।
दानं दम य ाायप आजवम ्॥१॥
अिहंसा समोधागः शािरपैशनम ्।
दया भूतेलों मादवं ीरचापलम ्॥२॥
तेजः मा धृितः शौचमोहो नाितमािनता ।
भवि सदं दैवीमिभजात भारत ॥३॥
abhayaµ sattva-saµçuddhir jñåna-yoga-vyavasthiti˙
dånaµ damaç ca yajñaç ca svådhyåyas tapa årjavam
ahiµså satyam akrodhas tyåga˙ çåntir apaiçunam
dayå bhüteßv-aloluptvaµ mårdavaµ hrîr acåpalam
teja˙ kßamå dh®ti˙ çaucam adroho nåtimånitå
bhavanti sampadaµ daivîm abhijåtasya bhårata
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a said: O Bhårata, these are the var-
ious qualities of one who is born with a divine nature
(deva) – fearlessness, pure-heartedness, absorption in
spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study
of the Vedas, austerity, sincerity, non-violence, truthful-
ness, freedom from anger, renunciation, serenity, aver-
sion to finding faults in others, compassion for all crea-
tures, absence of avarice, gentleness, modesty, steadiness,
valour, forgiveness, patience, cleanliness, freedom from
envy and the desire for prestige.
VERSE 4
दो दपऽिभमान ोधः पामेव च ।
अानं चािभजात पाथ संपदमासरीम ्॥४॥
377
Bhagavad-gita
dambho darpo’bhimånaç ca krodha˙ pårußyameva ca

ajñånaµ cåbhijåtasya pårtha sampadam åsurîm
Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, cruelty and ignorance
– these are the qualities manifest in one born of an impi-
ous nature (asura).
VERSE 5
दैवी संपिमोाय िनबायासरी मता ।
मा शचः संपदं दैवीमिभजातोऽिस पाडव ॥५॥
daivî sampad vimokßåya nibandhåyåsurî matå
må çuca˙ sampadaµ daivîm abhijåto’si på√∂ava
The qualities of a deva lead one to liberation, while the

qualities of an asura cause bondage. Fear not, O På√∂ava,
for you are born of the nature of a deva.
VERSE 6
ौ भूतसग लोकेऽिैव आसर एव च ।
दैवो िवरशः ो आसरं पाथ मे ण ॥६॥
dvau bhüta-sargau loke’smin daiva åsura eva ca
daivo vistaraça˙ prokta åsuraµ pårtha me ç®√u
Pårtha, there are two types of people born into this world
– the deva and the asura. I have described devas in detail.
Now listen to Me as I describe the asuras.
Anuv®tti
In this chapter Çrî K®ß√a describes to Arjuna the two
general categories of human beings, devas and asuras, or
the pious and impious. Up to this point, throughout the
Gîtå, K®ß√a has mentioned many of the qualities and char-
378
Chapter 16
acteristics of a deva. These are the qualities of what we

would call a ‘good human being’ and these qualities are
also conducive for self-realisation. These are described in
verses 1 to 3 of this chapter.
Now K®ß√a begins to detail the qualities of the asura
so that Arjuna can decide upon the path that he must take
in life and the association he must choose. Ultimately,
being able to discern between pious and impious natures,
Arjuna will be able to perform the duties that lie ahead of
him at Kurukßetra.
VERSE 7
वृिं च िनवृिं च जना न िवरासराः ।
न शौचं नािप चाचारो न सं तेष िवते ॥७॥
prav®ttiµ ca niv®ttiµ ca janå na vidur åsurå˙
na çaucaµ nåpi cåcåro na satyaµ teßu vidyate
Those who are asuras by nature cannot discriminate as to
what actions should be done and what actions should not
be done. No purity, proper behaviour or truthfulness can
be found in them.
VERSE 8
असमितं ते जगदारनीरम ्।
अपररसंभूतं िकमामहैतकम ्॥८॥
asatyam apratiß†haµ te jagad åhur anîçvaram
aparaspara-sambhütaµ kim anyat kåma-haitukam
They claim that the world is false, without any basis and
without any divinity. They believe that the source of
everything is the union between male and female and that
life has no purpose besides lust.
379
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 9
एतां िमव नाानोऽबयः ।
भवकमाणः याय जगतोऽिहताः ॥९॥
etåµ d®ß†im avaß†abhya naß†åtmåno’lpa buddhaya˙
prabhavanty-ugra-karmå√a˙ kßayåya jagato’hitå˙
With this view, such people with depraved and small
intellect flourish and engage in malicious activities for the
destruction of the world.
VERSE 10
काममाि ूरं दमानमदािताः ।
मोहा󡎎हीासाहावतेऽशिचताः ॥१०॥
kåmam åçritya dußpüraµ dambha-måna-madånvitå˙
mohåd g®hîtvåsad gråhån pravartante’çuci-vratå˙
Attached to their insatiable lusty desires and absorbed
in pride and arrogance, such people become bewildered
and embrace deceitful ideologies, pledging themselves to
impure activities.
VERSE 11-12
िचामपिरमेयां च लयाामपािताः ।
कामोपभोगपरमा एताविदित िनिताः ॥११॥
आशापाशशतैबाः कामोधपरायणाः ।
ईहे कामभोगाथमायेनाथसयान ्॥१२॥
cintåm aparimeyåµ ca pralayåntåm upåçritå˙
kåmopabhoga-paramå etåvad iti niçcitå˙
åçå-påça-çatair baddhå˙ kåma-krodha-paråya√å˙
îhante kåma-bhogårtham anyåyenårtha-sañcayån
380
Chapter 16
Believing that slaking their greed and fulfilling their lusty

desires is the ultimate goal of life, they undergo unlim-
ited anxieties until the time of death. Bound by hundreds
of ambitions and absorbed in lust and anger, they try to
amass wealth by any unlawful means in order to satisfy
their desires.
VERSE 13-15
इदम मया लिममं ाे मनोरथम ्।
इदमीदमिप मे भिवित पनधनम ्॥१३॥
असौ मया हतः शहिने चापरानिप ।
ईरोऽहमहं भोगी िसोऽहं बलवाखी ॥१४॥
आोऽिभजनवानि कोऽोऽि सशो मया ।
ये दाािम मोिद इानिवमोिहताः ॥१५॥
idam adya mayå labdham imaµ pråpsye manoratham
idam astîdam api me bhavißyati punar dhanam
asau mayå hata˙ çatrur hanißye cåparån api
îçvaro’ham ahaµ bhogî siddho’haµ balavån sukhî
å∂hyo’bhijanavån asmi ko’nyo’sti sad®ço mayå
yakßye dåsyåmi modißya ity-ajñåna-vimohitå˙
They say: “I have gained this today, now I shall fulfil my
other desires. This wealth belongs to me and in the future
it will increase. This enemy has been slain by me and in the
future I will slay others. I am in control! I am the enjoyer!
I am perfect! I am powerful! I am happy! I am wealthy
and aristocratic. Is there anyone equal to me? I shall per-
form sacrifices, give in charity and enjoy!” Thus they are
deluded by ignorance.
381
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
The inability to discriminate between proper and
improper actions is the first recognisable characteristic of
an asura. Additionally, Çrî K®ß√a says, they do not know
what is purity, proper behaviour or truthfulness. Truth-
fulness, cleanliness, austerity and mercy are most desirable
qualities for a human being, but these are totally lacking in
one who has acquired the nature of an asura.
Çrî K®ß√a continues to describe in detail the qualities
and characteristics of the asura mentality and if one takes
careful note of what K®ß√a is saying, then one is faced with
the stark realisation that the world we live in today is dom-
inated by the thinking and activities of the asuras.
The structure of our world is now based on rampant
consumerism, the ‘shop till you drop’ mentality. Enjoy,
enjoy, enjoy! The ‘if it feels good, do it’ mentality is every-
where. We are led to believe that there is no ultimate reality,
that this one life is the all in all, and therefore we should
enjoy it while it lasts – the fulfilment of the sexual lust of
men and women being at the forefront of such enjoyment.
The epitome of this is represented worldwide by the casual
and legal acceptance of contraception and abortion.
With the present mentality of the human being, it seems
that the world is set on a path of destruction – with dev-
astation of the environment, economic collapse, extinction
of species and even genocide of certain races of humans.
Have we no eyes to see what is happening? Has the human
race become so proud and arrogant of it’s achievements
that it has become blind?
Good government is essential in a civilised world. Such
a government is for the purpose of safeguarding society
382
Chapter 16
from danger – not just from the danger of an invading

army, but also from the threat of unwholesome ideolo-
gies that may destroy a civilisation from within. Unfor-
tunately, it seems as though governments worldwide have
abandoned all sense of proper behaviour and they them-
selves have become the leading plunderers of the people.
Amassing wealth by any means and depriving the people
from even the most basic necessities of life, such despots
know no shame. Indeed, the world is in a period of great
darkness at the hands of the asura mentality.
From their high pulpits the heads of state declare, “Our
enemies must be killed. The evildoers must be defeated.
We shall be victorious, we shall rule the world, we shall
enjoy, we are the chosen people, we are powerful, we are
happy and none are our equals!” And while the hysteria of
the masses runs wild, the innocent are sent to their graves
and the Earth weeps for her children. Yet it seems we are
unfazed. Such, K®ß√a says, is our ignorance.
VERSE 16
अनेकिचिवाा मोहजालसमावृताः ।
साः कामभोगेष पति नरकेऽशचौ ॥१६॥
aneka-citta-vibhråntå moha-jåla-samåv®tå˙
prasaktå˙ kåma-bhogeßu patanti narake’çucau
The minds of the asuras are full of various bewildering

thoughts and thus they are ensnared in a network of illu-
sion. As they become absorbed in fulfilling their mundane
desires, they descend into a foul abyss.
383
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 17
आसंभािवताः ा धनमानमदािताः ।
यजे नामयैे देनािविधपूवकम ्॥१७॥
åtma-sambhåvitå˙ stabdhå dhana-måna-madånvitå˙
yajante nåma-yajñais te dambhenåvidhi-pürvakam
Full of self-importance, stubborn and intoxicated with
their wealth, they perform sacrifices in name only that are
against the rules of dharma.
VERSE 18
अहारं बलं दप कामं ोधं च संिताः ।
मामापरदेहेष िषोऽसूयकाः ॥१८॥
aha∫kåraµ balaµ darpaµ kåmaµ krodhaµ ca saµçritå˙
måm åtma-para-deheßu pradvißanto’bhyasüyakå˙
Surrendering to egotism, power, pride, lust and anger, such
people hate Me, who is situated in their own bodies and
the bodies of others.
VERSE 19
तानहं िषतः ूरांसारेष नराधमान ्।
िपाजमशभानासरीेव योिनष ॥१९॥
tån ahaµ dvißata˙ krurån saµsåreßu narådhamån
kßipåmy-ajasram açubhån åsurîßv-eva yonißu
Such envious and cruel persons are perpetually born among
the impious and unrighteous where they suffer in the
repeated cycle of birth and death, for they are the lowest
of all mankind.
384
Chapter 16
VERSE 20
आसर योिनमापा मूढा जिन जिन ।
मामाैव कौेय ततो याधमां गितम ्॥२०॥
åsurîµ yonim åpannå mü∂hå janmani janmani
måm apråpyaiva kaunteya tato yånty-adhamåµ gatim
O Kaunteya, continually taking birth amongst the impious,
such foolish persons never attain Me. Rather, they fall to
the most abominable destinations.
VERSE 21
ििवधं नरकेदं ारं नाशनमानः ।
कामः ोधथा लोभादेतयं जेत ्॥२१॥
tri-vidhaµ narakasyedaµ dvåraµ nåçanam åtmana˙
kåma˙ krodhas tathå lobhas tasmåd etat trayaµ tyajet
There are three paths leading to the lower planets and
self-destruction – lust, anger and greed. Thus, these three
must be abandoned because they are the great destroyers
of self-realisation.
VERSE 22
एतैिवमः कौेय तमोारैििभनरः ।
आचरानः ेयतो याित परां गितम ्॥२२॥
etair vimukta˙ kaunteya tamo-dvårais tribhir nara˙
åcaraty-åtmana˙ çreyas tato yåti paråµ gatim
O Kaunteya, one who is free from these three paths of
darkness acts in his best interest. He gradually reaches the
Supreme Abode.
385
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 23
यः शािविधमृ वतते कामकारतः ।
न स िसिमवाोित न सखं न परां गितम ्॥२३॥
ya˙ çåstra-vidhim uts®jya vartate kåma-kårata˙
na sa siddhim avåpnoti na sukhaµ na paråµ gatim
He that neglects the rules of the Vedas in order to satisfy

his material desires, never attains perfection, happiness, or
the Supreme Abode.
VERSE 24
ताां माणं ते कायाकायवितौ ।
ाा शािवधानों कम कतिमहाहिस ॥२४॥
tasmåc-chåstraµ pramå√aµ te kåryåkårya-vyavasthitau
jñåtvå çåstra-vidhånoktaµ karma kartum ihårhasi
The Vedic injunctions are your authority pertaining to

what is to be done and what is not to be done. Thus, real-
ising your duty in this world, you should act accordingly.
Anuv®tti
Ultimately, there is no happiness, no success, no
well-being nor advancement in self-realisation when one
follows the path of the asura. What then should be done?
Çrî K®ß√a identifies the three main characteristics of
the asura mentality in verse 21 as kåma, krodha and lobha
– lust, anger and greed. These are indeed the cause of
great misfortune amongst all living beings and such are
the destroyers of self-realisation. Therefore, lust, anger and
greed must be conquered by one who wants to make pro-
gress in human life. To triumph over the great enemies of
386
Chapter 16
lust, anger and greed, one must apply oneself diligently to

controlling the senses and perform the prescribed activities
in bhakti-yoga known as sådhana. The practice of sådhana
is learned from the guru, a tattva-darçî who has seen the
truth, and the guru instructs the student according to their
ability and present stage of advancement. To this end,
the guru will advise all students in bhakti-yoga to chant
the mahå-mantra and fix the mind upon Çrî K®ß√a. This
process is purifying and beneficial to everyone, regardless
of one’s being a novice or being very advanced. Everyone
should engage in chanting the mahå-mantra to defeat the
enemies of lust, anger and greed, and to dispel the igno-
rance and darkness of the age of Kali-yuga.
nåma-sa∫kîrtanaµ-yasya sarva-påpa-pra√åçanam
pra√åmo du˙kha-çamanas taµ namåmi hariµ param
The chanting of the mahå-mantra can relieve us

from all undesirable habits, all unwanted charac-
teristics and all miseries. Chant the mahå-mantra!
Nothing else is necessary. Chant the mahå-mantra
and begin your real life in this dark age of Kali-
yuga with the most broad and wide theistic con-
ception. Let us all bow down to Çrî K®ß√a. (Çrîmad
Bhågavatam 12.13.23)
387
Bhagavad-gita

दैवासरसंपिभागयोगो नाम षोडशोऽायः॥
daivåsura-sampad-vibhåga-yogo nåma ßo∂aço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Sixteen entitled
Daivåsura Sampad Vibhåga Yoga from the conversation
between Çrî K®ß√a and Arjuna in the Upanißad known as
Çrîmad Bhagavad-gîtå, the yoga-çåstra of divine knowledge,
from the Bhîßma-parva of Mahåbhårata, the literature
revealed by Vyåsa in one hundred thousand verses.
388
Chapter 17
VERSE 1
ये शािविधमृ यजे यािताः ।
तेषां िना त का क समाहो रजमः ॥१॥
arjuna uvåca –
ye çåstra-vidhim uts®jya yajante çraddhayånvitå˙
teßåµ niß†hå tu kå k®ß√a sattvam åho rajas tama˙
Arjuna said: O K®ß√a, what is the position of those that
neglect the rules of the Vedas, yet worship with faith. Is
such worship considered to be in the mode of goodness,
passion or ignorance?
VERSE 2
ििवधा भवित ा देिहनां सा भावजा ।
सािकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेित तां ण ॥२॥
tri-vidhå bhavati çraddhå dehinåµ så svabhåva-jå
såttvikî råjasî caiva tåmasî ceti tåµ ç®√u
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: The faith of the embodied
living beings is of three types – goodness, passion and
ignorance. That faith arises from their own nature from
impressions of previous lives. Please hear about this.
VERSE 3
सानपा सव ा भवित भारत ।
ामयोऽयं पषो यो यः स एव सः ॥३॥
sattvånurüpå sarvasya çraddhå bhavati bhårata
çraddhåmayo’yaµ purußo yo yac chraddha˙ sa eva sa˙
391
Bhagavad-gita
O Bhårata, according to their consciousness, all living

beings develop a particular type of faith. Indeed, a person
is made of his faith.
VERSE 4
यजे सािका देवारांिस राजसाः ।
ेताूतगणांाे यजे तामसा जनाः ॥४॥
yajante såttvikå devån yakßa-rakßåµsi råjaså˙
pretån bhüta-ga√åµç cånye yajante tåmaså janå˙
Those in goodness worship the demigods; those in pas-
sion worship the ancestors and demoniac forces and those
in ignorance worship ghosts.
VERSE 5-6
अशािविहतं घोरं ते ये तपो जनाः ।
दाहारसंयाः कामरागबलािताः ॥५॥
कषयः शरीरं भूताममचेतसः ।
मां चैवाःशरीरं तािासरिनयान ्॥६॥
açåstra-vihitaµ ghoraµ tapyante ye tapo janå˙
dambhåha∫kåra-saµyuktå˙ kåma-råga-balånvitå˙
karßayanta˙ çarîra-sthaµ bhüta-gråmam acetasa˙
måµ caivånta˙ çarîra-sthaµ tån viddhy-åsura-niçcayån
Out of pride and egotism, those who are ignorant undergo
severe austerities that have no basis in the Vedas. Driven by
lust, ambition and the desire for power, they torture the
body and thus they also torture Me who resides within the
body – know that such persons are of the nature of asuras.
392
Chapter 17
Anuv®tti
In this chapter Çrî K®ß√a answers the question of Arjuna
regarding those who reject the Vedas, but perform worship
with some faith. Arjuna wants to know to which mode of
material nature they belong. The first lesson to learn here
is that by not following the Vedic injunctions one auto-
matically acts as one likes, but is henceforth always under
the modes of material nature – goodness, passion and
ignorance. Thus, one is never situated in transcendence.
Çrî K®ß√a then further describes food, sacrifice, austerity
and charity as they are influenced by, or born of, the three
modes of material nature.
First faith (çraddhå) is discussed. Çrî K®ß√a tells Arjuna
that çraddhå arises in this life due to one’s own nature and
from impressions in the mind from previous lives. All
activities in life depend on faith to one degree or another.
It does not matter what one’s creed may be – theist or
atheist, one must have faith. The theist has faith that there
is a God, and the atheist has faith that there is no God. If
one states a particular doctrine or philosophy, but says he
has no ‘faith’ then that is pure hypocrisy.
K®ß√a says that when one’s faith is in the mode of
goodness, one worships the demigods such as Ga√eça,
Çiva, Sürya, Indra and Sarasvatî etc. When one’s faith is in
the mode of passion, one worships the spirits in nature or
the ancestors – this also includes humanists and atheists.
When one’s faith is in the mode of ignorance, one is found
to worship ghosts and spirits. All these types of worship
are current in the world today.
In India, many people worship the demigods by building
big temples and offering fire sacrifices known as yajñas. In
393
Bhagavad-gita
the Far East, ancestor worship is very popular amongst the

Buddhists, Shintoists and Taoists. Similarly, in Europe and
America, great monuments are erected to revere scientists,
politicians, soldiers, movie stars, rock stars etc. In Africa,
Tibet, Mexico and South America, the worship of ghosts
and spirits is popular. All these forms of worship are con-
ducted in the three modes of material nature. Therefore,
having rejected the Vedas, it is to be concluded that the
worshippers of demigods, ancestors, famous personalities,
ghosts and spirits are not transcendentally situated.
To be transcendental to material nature means to
accept the Vedas and thus be situated beyond the modes
of nature in the realm of viçuddha-sattva, pure goodness.
When one’s faith is situated in pure goodness, one wor-
ships the Supreme Person, K®ß√a. This is the highest stage
of monotheism – the acceptance of one Supreme Being.
Pure-goodness is described by Çiva as follows:
sattvaµ viçuddhaµ vasudeva-çabditaµ

yad îyate tatra pumån apåv®ta˙
sattve ca tasmin bhagavån våsudevo
hy adhokßajo me namaså vidhîyate
One should always worship K®ß√a in pure goodness.
Pure goodness is always pure consciousness in which
the Absolute Truth, known as Våsudeva, is revealed
without any covering. (Çrîmad Bhågavatam 4.3.23)
In the stage of pure consciousness, one is guided by

the highest type of faith called nirgu√a-çraddhå, transcen-
dental faith that is uncontaminated by the modes of mate-
rial nature. After many lifetimes of following the Vedas
394
Chapter 17
and associating with the virtuous and pious, one develops

suk®ti, accumulated merit. This suk®ti then leads one to the
association of sådhus (self-realised yogîs) and under their
guidance nirgu√a-çraddhå develops and progresses through
various stages – ultimately reaching the highest stage of
self-realisation, prema-bhakti.
Nirgu√a-çraddhå awakens in the heart of the bhakti-yogî
and enables one to see, hear and feel the subjective world,
the Absolute Truth. Nirgu√a-çraddhå is that which reveals
K®ß√a just as a flash of lightning reveals the shape of a
monsoon rain cloud in the dead of night. In the darkness
of night, the cloud cannot be seen, but when lightning
appears, the form of the cloud becomes visible. Similarly,
when nirgu√a-çraddhå appears in the heart of the yogî, one
can perceive the ultimate form of beauty that is Çrî K®ß√a.
Guided by nirgu√a-çraddhå, the student of bhakti-yoga
will feel that one is meant for K®ß√a – that he is not an
independent being. One must feel completely dependent on
K®ß√a. Such is the process of understanding the Supreme
Person, who is beyond the modes of material nature.
K®ß√a says that one who is driven by lust, ambition,
power, pride and egotism often undergoes severe austerities
that are not prescribed in the Vedas or in the process of
bhakti-yoga – such austerities parch the senses of the body.
These may include austerities such as prolonged periods
of fasting, self-flagellation, self-crucifixion, wearing cilice
chains, piercing the body, walking on hot coals and so on.
Because these austerities are performed in the mode of
ignorance they neglect the Paramåtmå within – thus lead-
ing to no good result. K®ß√a says the performers of such
austerities are to be known as asuras.
395
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 7
आहारिप सव ििवधो भवित ियः ।
यपथा दानं तेषां भेदिममं ण ॥७॥
åhåras tv-api sarvasya tri-vidho bhavati priya˙
yajñas tapas tathå dånaµ teßåµ bhedam imaµ ç®√u
The food that people enjoy as well as the methods of sac-
rifice, austerity and charity are also of three types. Listen
now about the distinctions between them.
VERSE 8
आयः सबलारोयसखीितिववधनाः ।
राः िधाः िरा ा आहाराः सािकियाः ॥८॥
åyu˙ sattva-balårogya-sukha-prîti-vivardhanå˙
rasyå˙ snigdhå˙ sthirå h®dyå åhårå˙ såttvika-priyå˙
Food that increase one’s life, energy, strength, health, hap-
piness and satisfaction, that is succulent, fatty, wholesome
and appealing is dear to those in the mode of goodness.
VERSE 9
कलवणातीिवदािहनः ।
आहारा राजसेा ःखशोकामयदाः ॥९॥
ka†v-amla-lava√åty-uß√a-tîkß√a-rükßa-vidåhina˙
åhårå råjasasyeß†å du˙kha-çokåmaya-pradå˙
Food that is too bitter, too sour, too salty, too hot, too
pungent, too dry and creates a burning sensation within,
causes pain, sorrow and disease. Such food is dear to those
in the mode of passion.
396
Chapter 17
VERSE 10
यातयामं गतरसं पूित पयिषतं च यत ्।
उिमिप चामें भोजनं तामसियम ्॥१०॥
yåta-yåmaµ gata-rasaµ püti paryußitaµ ca yat
ucchiß†am api cåmedhyaµ bhojanaµ tåmasa-priyam
Food that is stale, tasteless, foul-smelling, rotten, left by
others and unfit for sacrifice is dear to those in the mode
of ignorance.
Anuv®tti
As Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, the French politician,
lawyer and connoisseur wrote in 1826, “Dis-moi ce que
tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es – Tell me what you eat
and I will tell you what you are.” In other words, you are
what you eat. But in ancient times this was better under-
stood than in today’s world. Çrî K®ß√a says that all food is
divided into three groups and is dear to one according to
the acquired mode of nature.
Food that increases life, gives energy, strength, health,
happiness and satisfaction is in the mode of goodness.
This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, sugar, salt, spices
and milk products. These are basically known as vegetarian
foods and are dear to those in the mode of goodness.
Food that is too bitter, too sour, too sweet, too salty,
too spicy, too pungent and too dry, that creates excessive
heat in the stomach, causes pain, creates gas and disease is
to be known as food in the mode of passion. Such food
may be vegetarian, but it is usually over-salted, and over-
spiced. Too much salt and spice creates mucus in the body
and leads to such diseases as high blood pressure, heart
failure, diabetes and cancer. Such food should be avoided.
397
Bhagavad-gita
K®ß√a says that food that is stale, tasteless, foul smell-

ing, rotten, left behind by others or unfit for sacrifice, is
food in the mode of ignorance. Food left behind by others
means the scraps left behind on someone’s plate, that in
western countries, are usually fed to dogs and cats. Food
not fit for sacrifice means that food contaminated by an
animal, or that has come in contact with something filthy
and impure.
Food in the mode of ignorance may include some veg-
etarian food that has become contaminated. Food in the
mode of ignorance generally pertains to all varieties of
non-vegetarian foodstuff such as meat, fish and eggs. These
include beef, mutton, goat, pig, chicken, venison, turkey,
duck, turtle, prawn, crab, frog, insect, snake, clam, oyster,
shark, whale, caviar, horse and dog, just to name a few.
Absurd as it may sound to the student of bhakti-yoga, all
the food mentioned above is very popular in various parts
of the world. Such food is to be avoided by all classes of
yogîs, as well as by progressive human beings in general.
All types of yogîs prefer food in the mode of goodness,
but the bhakti-yogîs prefer to eat only the remnants of food
in the mode of goodness that has first been offered to Çrî
K®ß√a with love and devotion (yo me bhaktyå prayacchati).
Such remnants are called prasådam or mahå-prasådam.
Even eating food in the mode of goodness carries a
karmic reaction if it is not first offered to K®ß√a. This
has also been mentioned in Bhagavad-gîtå, Chapter Three,
verse 13 as follows:
yajña-çiß†åçina˙ santo mucyante sarva-kilbißai˙

bhuñjate te tvaghaµ påpå ye pacanty-åtma-kåra√åt
398
Chapter 17
Saintly persons are liberated from all types of impi-

ety by accepting the remnants of foodstuffs offered
in sacrifice (to K®ß√a). However, those who only
cook for themselves perpetuate their own bondage.
Food that is to be offered to K®ß√a must be prepared
with love and devotion, and in a kitchen that is clean and
where domestic pets such as cats and dogs do not enter.
Everyone loves their pets – indeed, Çrî K®ß√a Himself
loves His two pet dogs, Vyåghra and Bhramaraka, as well
as other animals. However, pets should not be allowed in
the kitchen where offerings are prepared.
The student of bhakti-yoga should not be a fanatic, but
should practice moderation in all things. However, the
yogî should be diligent to avoid food in the modes of pas-
sion and ignorance.
VERSE 11
अफलाकाििभयो िविधो य इ ते ।
यमेवेित मनः समाधाय स सािकः ॥११॥
aphalåkå∫kßibhir yajño vidhid®ß†o ya ijyate
yaß†avyam eveti mana˙ samådhåya sa såttvika˙
Sacrifices that are resolutely performed according to Vedic
injunctions, by those who have no desire for any personal
gain are said to be in the mode of goodness.
VERSE 12
अिभसंधाय त फलं दाथमिप चैव यत ्।
इ ते भरते तं यं िवि राजसम ्॥१२॥
abhisandhåya tu phalaµ dambhårtham api caiva yat
ijyate bharata-çreß†ha taµ yajñaµ viddhi råjasam
399
Bhagavad-gita
However, O best of the Bharata Dynasty, those sacrifices

that are performed out of pride and with selfish intent
should be considered to be in the mode of passion.
VERSE 13
िविधहीनमसृां महीनमदिणम ्।
ािवरिहतं यं तामसं पिरचते ॥१३॥
vidhi-hînam as®ß†ånnaµ mantra-hînam adakßi√am
çraddhå-virahitaµ yajñaµ tåmasaµ paricakßate
That sacrifice which disregards Vedic rules, where no food

is given in charity, which is without the chanting of proper
mantras and without charity to the bråhma√as – such a
sacrifice is faithless and in the mode of ignorance.
Anuv®tti
For every age the Vedic literature recommends a par-
ticular sacrifice for those desiring self-realisation. It should
be noted that those sacrifices are never in the category of
blood sacrifice. In other words, those seeking self-realisa-
tion never perform animal or human sacrifice. Both animal
and human sacrifice have been practiced in many parts of
the world since ancient times, but at no time in history
have there been animal or human sacrifices performed by
those seeking self-realisation in bhakti-yoga.
In today’s world, some religious sects sacrifice animals
before eating them. Similar rituals are performed in other
sects wherein a symbolic representation of the blood and
body of a saint are eaten. However, one should know that
all such barbaric activities are completely absent in the
practice of bhakti-yoga.
400
Chapter 17
In the modern age, the Vedic literature gives recom-

mendation for only one sacrifice and that is k®ß√a-sa∫kîr-
tana in which one chants the mahå-mantra, preceded by
the pañca-tattva mantra:
jaya çrî k®ß√a caitanya, prabhu nityånanda

jaya advaita gadådhara çrîvåsådi gaura-bhakta-v®nda
The chanting of the pañca-tattva mantra is to precede

the mahå-mantra and frees the chanter from any previous
offences that may have been committed knowingly or
unknowingly. When the performance of k®ß√a-sa∫kîrtana
is done alongside the distribution of K®ß√a mahå-prasådam
it is considered perfect and complete. In the age of Kali-
yuga no other sacrifice is necessary.
VERSE 14
देविजग ापूजनं शौचमाजवम ्।
चयमिहंसा च शारीरं तप उते ॥१४॥
deva-dvija-guru-pråjña-püjanaµ çaucam årjavam
brahmacaryam ahiµså ca çårîraµ tapa ucyate
Proper physical austerity consists of worshipping the
Supreme, the bråhma√as, the spiritual master and the wise,
as well as purity, sincerity, celibacy and non-violence.
VERSE 15
अनेगकरं वां सं ियिहतं च यत ्।
ाायासनं चैव वायं तप उते ॥१५॥
401
Bhagavad-gita
anudvega-karaµ våkyaµ satyaµ priyahitaµ ca yat

svådhyåyåbhyasanaµ caiva vå∫mayaµ tapa ucyate
Truthful speech that does not disturb others, which is
pleasing and beneficial as well as the recitation of the Vedas
– this is known as verbal austerity.
VERSE 16
मनःसादः सौं मौनमािविनहः ।
भावसंशििरेतपो मानसमते ॥१६॥
mana˙ prasåda˙ saumyatvaµ maunam åtma-vinigraha˙
bhåva-saµçuddhir ity-etat tapo månasam ucyate
Mental austerity is said to be peace of mind, gentleness,
silence, self-control and purity of heart.
VERSE 17
या परया तं तपििवधं नरैः ।
अफलाकाििभयैः सािकं पिरचते ॥१७॥
çraddhayå parayå taptaµ tapas tat tri-vidhaµ narai˙
aphalåkå∫kßibhir yuktai˙ såttvikaµ paricakßate
When these three types of austerity are taken up with
strong faith by one who is strict and who is without selfish
motivation, they are said to be in the mode of goodness.
VERSE 18
सारमानपूजाथ तपो देन चैव यत ्।
ियते तिदह ों राजसं चलमवम ्॥१८॥
satkåra-måna-püjårthaµ tapo dambhena caiva yat
kriyate tadiha proktaµ råjasaµ calam adhruvam
402
Chapter 17
Austerities that are performed with pride in order to

achieve prestige, name and fame are said to be in the mode
of passion. The results of such austerities are unstable
and temporary.
VERSE 19
मूढाहेणानो यीडया ियते तपः ।
परोादनाथ वा तामसमदातम ्॥१९॥
mü∂ha-gråhe√åtmano yat pî∂ayå kriyate tapa˙
parasyotsådanårthaµ vå tat tåmasam udåh®tam
Austerities performed out of foolishness that inflict pain on

oneself and others, are said to be in the mode of ignorance.
Anuv®tti
Austerity is called tapasya, or the undertaking of some
measure of practice that diminishes material activities and
promotes a conscious awareness of the Absolute Truth.
These austerities are described in verses 14, 15 and 16.
Physical austerities are described as maintaining purity
(cleanliness), sincerity, celibacy and non-violence. Celibacy
means not to engage in acts of illicit sex (sex outside of
marriage). Physical austerity also includes the worship of
the Supreme Person and honouring the guru and saintly
persons.
Austerities that are performed out of pride and for the
purpose of prestige, name and fame are to be rejected. This
may also include fasting for political, social or economic
advantages. Austerities performed out of foolishness that
cause pain and suffering should also be rejected. All such
austerities are thus abandoned because they are performed
403
Bhagavad-gita
in the modes of passion and ignorance – the results of

which are temporary and do not promote self-realisation.
Speaking truthfully, but not in such a way as to offend
others, is known as verbal austerity. The saying is, ‘the
truth hurts’, but this does not apply to Bhagavad-gîtå. The
truth should be presented in such a way that it is attractive
and pleasing to hear.
satyaµ brüyåt priyaµ brüyånna brüyåt satyam-apriyaµ

priyaµ ca nån®taµ brüyåd eßa dharma˙ sanåtana˙
One should only speak the truth, and one’s speech
should be pleasing. One should not speak any truth
that offends and one should not speak any lie even
if it is pleasing – such is eternal dharma. (Manu-
saµhitå 4.138)
Çrî K®ß√a is the friend and well-wisher of all living

beings and His message should be presented in that way.
Bhagavad-gîtå does not condemn – it simply points to that
which should be done and that which should not be done.
VERSE 20
दातिमित यानं दीयतेऽनपकािरणे ।
देशे काले च पाे च तानं सािकं ृतम ्॥२०॥
dåtavyam iti yad dånaµ dîyate’nupakåri√e
deçe kåle ca påtre ca tad dånaµ såttvikaµ sm®tam
Charity that is given without any expectation of reward, at
a proper place, at an auspicious time, to a qualified recip-
ient with the mentality that it should be given, is in the
mode of goodness.
404
Chapter 17
VERSE 21
य पकाराथ फलमिय वा पनः ।
दीयते च पिरिं तानं राजसंृतम ्॥२१॥
yat tu pratyupakårårthaµ phalam uddiçya vå puna˙
dîyate ca parikliß†aµ tad dånaµ råjasaµ sm®tam
However, charity that is given reluctantly, with the expec-
tation of return and with a selfish desire for results, is in
the mode of passion.
VERSE 22
अदेशकाले यानमपाे दीयते ।
असृतमवातं तामसमदातम ्॥२२॥
adeça-kåle yad dånam apåtrebhyaç ca dîyate
asatk®tam avajñåtaµ tat tåmasam udåh®tam
Charity that is given with disdain, at the wrong time and
place, to an unworthy beneficiary, is said to be in the mode
of ignorance.
Anuv®tti
Now the ideal of charity is being discussed – what types
of charity should be performed, to whom and for what pur-
pose. It is certainly the duty of every person to look out for
his fellow human being. As such, no one should go hungry
in this world, be without clothing, proper shelter, educa-
tion or sufficient medical care. That is the ideal for human
society. But our present reality is quite different – there
are shortages of food, inadequate clothing, shelter, educa-
tion and medical treatment in many places in the world,
causing millions of human beings to suffer unnecessarily.
This suffering, however, is not due to a lack of commodi-
405
Bhagavad-gita
ties as much as it is due to mismanagement and hoarding.

There are sufficient facilities to maintain everyone on this
Earth in a proper state of health and well-being, but the
facilities are simply mismanaged. And more to blame than
the mismanagement between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’
of this world, is hoarding. There is enough wealth in the
world to easily solve the problems facing humanity, par-
ticularly that of hunger – but that wealth is being hoarded
by a very small minority of people. They have amassed
so much that no individual could spend or use that much
wealth within one or even a dozen lifetimes. Corporate
giants receive millions of dollars in annual bonuses while
millions of children die each year due to malnutrition. Is
this not shameful?
Charity, like other things discussed in this chapter, is
also in the different modes of nature according to how it is
given and whom it is given to. There is charity in goodness,
passion and ignorance as stated by Çrî K®ß√a above, but
ultimately the highest charity is to give that which helps
the human being bring an end to all material miseries and
even to death itself. Such charity is the distribution of the
spiritual wealth found in Bhagavad-gîtå.
The root cause of all suffering in the world is a lack of
understanding of who we are, where we have come from,
what the purpose of life is and where we will go at the
time of death. One who understands these things from the
perspective of Bhagavad-gîtå becomes full in knowledge,
free from the illusion of the body as the self and ultimately
defeats death. This is the highest gift and greatest charity
that one can give a fellow human being.
406
Chapter 17
VERSE 23
ॐ तिदित िनदशो णििवधः ृतः ।
ाणाेन वेदा या िविहताः परा ॥२३॥
oµ-tat-sad iti nirdeço brahma√as tri-vidha˙ sm®ta˙
bråhma√ås tena vedåç ca yajñåç ca vihitå˙ purå
The three words oµ tat sat are described by the Vedas to

represent the Absolute Truth. In ancient times, the bråh-
ma√as, the Vedas and the process of sacrifice were mani-
fested from these three words.
VERSE 24
ताद ्ॐ इदा यदानतपःियाः ।
वते िवधानोाः सततं वािदनाम ्॥२४॥
tasmåd oµ ity-udåh®tya yajña-dåna tapa˙ kriyå˙
pravartante vidhånoktå˙ satataµ brahma-vådinåm
Thus, those that seek the Supreme always chant the syl-
lable oµ when they commence sacrifices, give in charity,
perform austerities and undertake other activities pre-
scribed in the Vedas.
VERSE 25
तिदनिभसंधाय फलं यतपःियाः ।
दानिया िविवधाः िये मोकाििभः ॥२५॥
tad ity-anabhisandhåya phalaµ yajña-tapa˙-kriyå˙
dåna-kriyåç ca vividhå˙ kriyante mokßa-kå∫kßibhi˙
By uttering the word tat, those that aspire for liberation
perform various types of sacrifices, austerities and charity
without the selfish desire to enjoy the results.
407
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 26
सावे साधभावे च सिदेतय ते ।
शे कमिण तथा सः पाथ य ते ॥२६॥
sad-bhåve sådhu-bhåve ca sad ity-etat prayujyate
praçaste karma√i tathå sac-chabda˙ pårtha yujyate
The word sat indicates the nature of the Absolute as well
as the sådhus that seek Him. Therefore, O Pårtha, the word
sat is uttered during all virtuous activities.
VERSE 27
ये तपिस दाने च िितः सिदित चोते ।
कम चैव तदथयं सिदेवािभधीयते ॥२७॥
yajñe tapasi dåne ca sthiti˙ sad iti cocyate
karma caiva tad-arthîyaµ sad ity-evåbhidhîyate
Steadiness in the performance of sacrifices, austerities and
charity is known as sat. Any activity that is performed for
the Supreme is known as sat.
VERSE 28
अया तं दं तपं कतं च यत ्।
असिदते पाथ न च ते नो इह ॥२८॥
açraddhayå hutaµ dattaµ tapas taptaµ k®taµ ca yat
asad ity-ucyate pårtha na ca tat pretya no iha
O Pårtha, any sacrifice, austerity, charity or activity that
is performed without faith is known as asat – false. Such
activities bear no auspicious results in this world or the next.
408
Chapter 17
Anuv®tti
One who acts whimsically never achieves happiness
or perfection in this life or the next. One should there-
fore perform all austerities, sacrifice and acts of charity in
the mode of goodness as prescribed in Bhagavad-gîtå, for
passion and ignorance simply drag one down to the lower
stages of consciousness.
Herein, it is stated that in ancient times all acts and
injunctions of the Vedas were accompanied with the words,
oµ tat sat, indicating the Absolute Truth, the Supreme
Person, Çrî K®ß√a. This practice however is no longer in
vogue in Kali-yuga. To the contrary, the real purpose of
human life is all but forgotten and people regrettably live
their lives aimlessly, eating, drinking and merrymaking.
K®ß√a has already said in Bhagavad-gîtå that what a
great man does, the common men will follow (yad yad
åcarati çreß†has tat tad evetaro jana˙). Therefore, we call
upon all good-hearted men and women of the world
to hasten to the message of Bhagavad-gîtå and accept
Çrî K®ß√a as the Supreme Person. Such a movement
in the world, under the banner of Bhagavad-gîtå, will
surely bring about the greatest fortune and well-being
of humanity. No greater good can be done than this and
there is no greater time for this than the present.
ekaµ çåstraµ devakî-putra-gîtam
eko devo devakî-putra eva
eko mantras tasya nåmåni yåni
karmåpy ekaµ tasya devasya sevå
The most ideal literature is Bhagavad-gîtå, which
was sung by Çrî K®ß√a, the son of Devakî. The
409
Bhagavad-gita
Absolute Truth is Çrî K®ß√a. The topmost mantra

to be chanted is the mahå-mantra and the ultimate
duty of everyone is the service of that one Supreme
Person, Çrî K®ß√a. (Gîtå-måhåtmya 7)

ायिवभागयोगो नाम सदशोऽायः॥

çraddhåtraya-vibhåga-yogo nåma saptadaço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Seventeen entitled
Çraddhå Traya Vibhåga Yoga from the conversation between
410
Chapter 18
VERSE 1
संास महाबाहो तिमािम वेिदतम ्।
ाग च षीकेश पृथेिशिनषूदन ॥१॥
arjuna uvåca –
sannyåsasya mahå-båho tattvam icchåmi veditum
tyågasya ca h®ßîkeça p®thak keçi-nißüdana
Arjuna said: O Mighty-armed one, O H®ßîkeça, O Killer of
the Keçî demon – I wish to understand the true meaning of
renunciation (sannyåsa) and detachment (tyåga) as well as
the difference between them.
VERSE 2
काानां कमणां ासं संासं कवयो िवः ।
सवकमफलागं ाागं िवचणाः ॥२॥
kåmyånåµ karma√åµ nyåsaµ sannyåsaµ kavayo vidu˙
sarva-karma-phala-tyågaµ pråhus tyågaµ vicakßa√å˙
Bhagavån Çrî K®ß√a replied: Those who are intelligent
realise that sannyåsa means the renunciation of activities
performed for personal benefit. Tyåga refers to the renun-
ciation of all activities.
Anuv®tti
The final chapter of Bhagavad-gîtå begins with an
inquiry about sannyåsa and tyåga. Çrî K®ß√a says that san-
nyåsa means to renounce activities performed for one’s
own personal benefit, and tyåga means the renunciation
of all activities. One at the stage of sannyåsa is called a
413
Bhagavad-gita
sannyåsî. To be a sannyåsî means to act for the benefit

of the complete whole, the Absolute Good, Çrî K®ß√a. A
sannyåsî performs all types of actions, but does so only in
bhakti-yoga, in the service of K®ß√a.
The social structure of the bhakti-yoga community is
divided into four spiritual orders – brahmacårî, g®hastha,
vånaprastha and sannyåsa. All these are to study the Vedic
literature. Additionally, their duties are as follows: the
brahmacårîs are the students, whose duties are service to the
spiritual master and the observance of celibacy. G®hasthas
are the householders, whose duties are to earn an honest
living, to give in charity and to raise children. Vånaprasthas
are those who have completed household affairs and whose
duties are to relinquish their wealth, visit holy places and
cultivate detachment. The sannyåsîs are the spiritual mas-
ters in the bhakti-yoga community and they are to give
lessons to the brahmacårîs, g®hasthas and vånaprasthas, to
be renounced from worldly pleasure, to be detached from
politics and to always be engaged in bhakti-yoga with kaya,
mana, våkya, jîva – by body, mind, words and the full sur-
render of the self. Sannyåsa and tyåga are further described
in the coming verses.
VERSE 3
ा ं दोषविदेके कम ामनीिषणः ।
यदानतपःकम न ा िमित चापरे ॥३॥
tyåjyaµ doßavad ity-eke karma pråhur manîßi√a˙
yajña-dåna-tapa˙-karma na tyåjyam iti cåpare
Some scholars claim that all actions should be rejected
because they are inherently imperfect. Others maintain
414
Chapter 18
that actions such as sacrifice, charity and austerity should

never be given up.
VERSE 4
िनयं ण मे त ागे भरतसम ।
ागो िह पषा ििवधः संकीिततः ॥४॥
niçcayaµ ç®√u me tatra tyåge bharata-sattama
tyågo hi purußa-vyåghra tri-vidha˙ samprakîrtita˙
O best of the Bharata Dynasty, O tiger amongst men,
please listen to My conclusion concerning the three kinds
of renunciation.
VERSE 5
यदानतपःकम न ा ं कायमेव तत ्।
यो दानं तपैव पावनािन मनीिषणाम ्॥५॥
yajña-dåna-tapa˙-karma na tyåjyaµ kåryam eva tat
yajño dånaµ tapaç caiva påvanåni manîßi√åm
The three types of renunciation – sacrifice, charity and
austerity should never be given up. Sacrifice, charity and
austerity purify even the wise.
VERSE 6
एतािप त कमािण सं वा फलािन च ।
कतानीित मे पाथ िनितं मतममम ्॥६॥
etåny-api tu karmå√i sa∫gaµ tyaktvå phalåni ca
kartavyånîti me pårtha niçcitaµ matam uttamam
However, O Pårtha, even these activities must be per-
formed without attachment to the results. This is My defi-
nite and supreme conclusion on this matter.
415
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
There is a certain class of philosophers and spiritual
seekers in India that say that the world is false and that
all activities should be given up if one wants to achieve
perfection in human life – but this is not the conclusion
of Çrî K®ß√a in Bhagavad-gîtå. K®ß√a says that one must act
according to one’s nature and that beneficial works such as
sacrifice, charity and austerity should never be abandoned
for they are purifying even for the wise.
VERSE 7
िनयत त संासः कमणो नोपपते ।
मोहा पिरागामसः पिरकीिततः ॥७॥
niyatasya tu sannyåsa˙ karma√o nopapadyate
mohåt tasya parityågas tåmasa˙ parikîrtita˙
The renunciation of one’s prescribed duties is improper.
Giving them up out of bewilderment is said to be in the
mode of ignorance.
VERSE 8
ःखिमेव यम कायेशभयाजेत ्।
स का राजसंागं नैव ागफलं लभेत ्॥८॥
du˙kham ity-eva yat karma kåya-kleça-bhayåt tyajet
sa k®två råjasaµ tyågaµ naiva tyåga-phalaµ labhet
Those who give up prescribed duties because they are dif-
ficult, or through fear that they may be physically taxing,
engage in renunciation in the mode of passion. Such per-
sons never attain the benefits of true detachment.
416
Chapter 18
VERSE 9
कायिमेव यम िनयतं ियतेऽजन ।
सं वा फलं चैव स ागः सािको मतः ॥९॥
kåryam ity-eva yat karma niyataµ kriyate’rjuna
sa∫gaµ tyaktvå phalaµ caiva sa tyåga˙ såttviko mata˙
O Arjuna, when prescribed activities are performed out of
duty, while abandoning attachment to the results, such renun-
ciation is considered to be in the mode of goodness.
VERSE 10
न ेकुशलं कम कुशले नानषते ।
ागी ससमािवो मेधावी िछसंशयः ॥१०॥
na dveß†y-akuçalaµ karma kuçale nånußajjate
tyågî sattva-samåviß†o medhåvî chinna-saµçaya˙
The wise tyågî, who is absorbed in the mode of goodness,
having destroyed all doubts, neither resents difficult duties
nor becomes attached to pleasant ones.
VERSE 11
न िह देहभृता शं ंु कमायशेषतः ।
य कमफलागी स ागीिभधीयते ॥११॥
na hi deha-bh®tå çakyaµ tyaktuµ karmå√y-açeßata˙
yastu karma-phala-tyågî sa tyågîty-abhidhîyate
It is impossible for those who have accepted a mate-
rial body to totally renounce all activities. However, one
who renounces the results of his actions is known as a
true renunciate.
417
Bhagavad-gita
Anuv®tti
If one gives up activities out of bewilderment, consid-
ering them to be troublesome, physically taxing or gives
up activities out of laziness, then such renunciation is con-
sidered false and in the modes of passion and ignorance.
Those who are embodied can never give up action. In
ancient times as well as in our own, there are many exam-
ples of those who have abandoned everything, ran to the
Himålayas or to the deserts to escape the world, but again
returned to resume a life of sense enjoyment or to perform
philanthropic activities.
When one gives up attachment to the results of one’s
actions and acts with a detached heart – remembering
always that Çrî K®ß√a is the only enjoyer and proprietor of
everything – then such a person is a true tyågî or sanny-
åsî. Thus, the renunciation of a tyågî and a sannyåsî are the
same.
VERSE 12
अिनिमं िमं च ििवधं कमणः फलम ्।
भवािगनां े न त संािसनां िचत ्॥१२॥
aniß†am iß†aµ miçraµ ca tri-vidhaµ karma√a˙ phalam
bhavaty-atyåginåµ pretya na tu sannyåsinåµ kvacit
Those who do not accept renunciation accept three kinds
of results after death – good, bad and mixed. But these
results never come to one who is a true sannyåsî.
VERSE 13
पैतािन महाबाहो कारणािन िनबोध मे ।
सांे कताे ोािन िसये सवकमणाम ्॥१३॥
418
Chapter 18
pañcaitåni mahå-båho kåra√åni nibodha me

så∫khye k®tånte proktåni siddhaye sarva-karma√åm
O mighty-armed warrior, learn from Me the five factors that
accomplish all actions that are explained in the Vedånta.
VERSE 14
अिधानं तथा कता करणं च पृथिवधम ्।
िविवधा पृथेा दैवं चैवा पमम ्॥१४॥
adhiß†hånaµ tathå kartå kara√aµ ca p®thag-vidham
vividhåç ca p®thak ceß†å daivaµ caivåtra pañcamam
The basis (the body), the performer of activities (the false
ego), the instrument (the senses), the different types of
endeavours and the Supreme Person – these are the five
factors that accomplish all actions.
VERSE 15
शरीरवानोिभयम ारभते नरः ।
ां वा िवपरीतं वा पैते त हेतवः ॥१५॥
çarîra-vå∫manobhir yat karma prårabhate nara˙
nyåyyaµ vå viparîtaµ vå pañcaite tasya hetava˙
These five factors are the source of all actions, both good
and bad, that an embodied being experiences in this world.
VERSE 16
तैवं सित कतारमाानं केवलं त यः ।
पयकतबिा स पयित मितः ॥१६॥
tatraivaµ sati kartåram åtmånaµ kevalaµ tu ya˙
paçyaty ak®ta-buddhitvån na sa paçyati durmati˙
419
Bhagavad-gita
Yet the fool that believes only the self is the doer, cannot
understand this subject due to meagre intelligence.
VERSE 17
य नाहंकतो भावो बिय न िलते ।
हािप स इमाँोका हि न िनबते ॥१७॥
yasya nåha∫k®to bhåvo buddhir yasya na lipyate
hatvå’pi sa imål-lokån na hanti na nibadhyate
Those who have no false ego and whose minds are detached
– even if they kill everyone on this battlefield, they actually
do not kill and are not bound by their actions.
Anuv®tti
Arjuna is a kßatriya, a warrior, and he stands with Çrî
K®ß√a on the battlefield of Kurukßetra between two great
armies. Seeing friends and well-wishers on both sides,
Arjuna initially resolved not to fight, but to throw down
his weapons and renounce his duty. Çrî K®ß√a herein brings
our attention back to the battlefield when He says, hatvå’pi
sa imål-lokån na hanti na nibadhyate – he who kills does
not actually kill and does not incur any reaction.
If Arjuna abandons his duty as a warrior, then certainly
he will incur a karmic reaction for avoiding his duty. How-
ever, Arjuna will not actually ‘kill’ anyone in the truest
sense of the word, because the living beings arrayed before
him ready for battle are eternal parts and parcels of the
Supreme Person and thus eternal. The åtmå can never be
‘killed’. And lastly, Arjuna will not incur any karmic reac-
tion for doing his duty.
If one avoids one’s prescribed duties and renounces
them out of fear, bewilderment and so forth, then one
420
Chapter 18
incurs a karmic reaction and has to suffer in this life or the

next. Therefore, K®ß√a wants Arjuna to give up his weak-
ness of heart and perform his duty.
VERSE 18
ानं ेयं पिराता ििवधा कमचोदना ।
करणं कम कतित ििवधः कमसहः ॥१८॥
jñånaµ jñeyaµ parijñåtå tri-vidhå karma-codanå
kara√aµ karma karteti tri-vidha˙ karma-sa∫graha˙
Knowledge, the object of knowledge and the knower are the
three elements that stimulate action. The senses, the activ-
ity and the performer are the three constituents of action.
VERSE 19
ानं कम च कता च िधैव गणभेदतः ।
ोते गणसंाने यथावण तािप ॥१९॥
jñånaµ karma ca kartåca tri-dhaiva gu√a-bhedata˙
procyate gu√a-sa∫khyåne yathåvac ch®√u tånyapi
According to the så∫khya texts, knowledge, action and
the performer of action have been classified in three ways
according to the modes of nature. Now hear about these.
VERSE 20
सवभूतेष येनैकं भावमयमीते ।
अिवभं िवभेष तानं िवि सािकम ्॥२०॥
sarva-bhüteßu yenaikaµ bhåvam avyayam îkßate
avibhaktaµ vibhakteßu taj jñånaµ viddhi såttvikam
421
Bhagavad-gita
Knowledge in which the one undivided, imperishable ele-

ment is perceived in all variegated species of life is consid-
ered to be knowledge in the mode of goodness.
VERSE 21
पृथवेन त यानं नानाभावाृथिवधान ्।
वेि सवष भूतेष तानं िवि राजसम ्॥२१॥
p®thaktvena tu yaj jñånaµ nånå-bhåvån p®thag-vidhån
vetti sarveßu bhüteßu taj jñånaµ viddhi råjasam
However, that knowledge by which one perceives that
within different bodies there is a different kind of living
being, is known to be in the mode of passion.
VERSE 22
य कवदेकिाय समहैतकम ्।
अताथवदं च तामसमदातम ्॥२२॥
yat tu k®tsnavad ekasmin kårye saktam ahaitukam
atattvårthavad alpaµ ca tat tåmasam udåh®tam
That knowledge by which one is attached to one kind of
activity, that is without any truth and based upon trivial
pursuits is known as knowledge in the mode of ignorance.
Anuv®tti
Knowledge, as previously explained, means to under-
stand the difference between matter and consciousness.
Those whose knowledge is pure and uncontaminated see
individual consciousness as parts and parcels of the undi-
vided Super Consciousness, as present in all species and as
transmigrating from one body to the next, life after life. In
other words, the same åtmå may be present in one life in
422
Chapter 18
the body of an elephant or a tiger, and in the next life in

the body of a human being. There are no elephant, tiger or
animal åtmås as distinguished from human åtmås. One who
says that the åtmå of an animal and that of a human or a
demigod are different åtmås has knowledge influenced by
the mode of passion.
One who has no proper understanding of the åtmå,
who is attached to the body, the actions of the body, who
is absorbed in the trivial pursuits of economic develop-
ment and sense enjoyment, is said to have knowledge in
the mode of ignorance.
VERSE 23
िनयतं सरिहतमरागेषतः कतम ्।
अफलेना कम यािकमते ॥२३॥
niyataµ sa∫ga-rahitam aråga-dveßata˙ k®tam
aphala-prepsunå karma yat tat såttvikam ucyate
Regulated actions performed without attachment or aver-
sion and with no desire for results are said to be in the
mode of goodness.
VERSE 24
य कामेना कम साहारेण वा पनः ।
ियते बलायासं ताजसमदातम ्॥२४॥
yat tu kåmepsunå karma såha∫kåre√a vå puna˙
kriyate bahulåyåsaµ tad råjasam udåh®tam
Actions undertaken out of pride, to reap some benefit and
with great endeavour are said to be in the mode of passion.
423
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 25
अनबं यं िहंसामनपे च पौषम ्।
मोहादारते कम यामसमते ॥२५॥
anubandhaµ kßayaµ hiµsåm anapekßya ca paurußam
mohåd årabhyate karma yat tat tåmasam ucyate
Actions performed out of bewilderment, without consid-
eration of consequences, loss, injury and one’s personal
capacity, are said to be in the mode of ignorance.
VERSE 26
मसोऽनहंवादी धृाहसमितः ।
िसिसोिनिवकारः कता सािक उते ॥२६॥
mukta-sa∫go’nahaµvådî dh®ty-utsåha-samanvita˙
siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikåra˙ kartå såttvika ucyate
Those who perform activities without attachment, devoid
of egotism, who are tolerant, enthusiastic and unaffected
by loss or gain, are said to be in the mode of goodness.
VERSE 27
रागी कमफलेो िहंसाकोऽशिचः ।
हषशोकाितः कता राजसः पिरकीिततः ॥२७॥
rågî karma-phala-prepsur lubdho hiµsåtmako’çuci˙
harßa-çokånvita˙ kartå råjasa˙ parikîrtita˙
Those who perform work desiring to enjoy the results of
their actions, who are greedy, violent by nature, impure
and affected by happiness and distress are said to be in the
mode of passion.
424
Chapter 18
VERSE 28
अयः ाकतः ः शठो नैृितकोऽलसः ।
िवषादी दीघसूी च कता तामस उते ॥२८॥
ayukta˙ pråk®ta˙ stabdha˙ ça†ho naißk®tiko’lasa˙
vißådî dîrgha-sütrî ca kartå tåmasa ucyate
Those who perform work in an undisciplined manner,
those who are coarse, stubborn, unscrupulous, offensive,
lazy, bad-tempered and procrastinate are said to be in the
mode of ignorance.
Anuv®tti
Herein, actions in goodness, passion and ignorance are
described. When one looks at the world today, bearing
in mind the different modes of action and their charac-
teristics, then it is no wonder that the planet is in such a
state of conflict, inflation, depression, economic despair,
confusion and denial.
When people are busy exercising their over-inflated
egos, acting unscrupulously and violently toward their
fellow human beings and animals, how are we to expect
any improvement in the world? How can there be peace?
Therefore, it is the duty of every sane human being to
cultivate knowledge and actions in the mode of goodness
that are without attachment or aversion and are free from
desire and egotism. Life is a science, and Çrî K®ß√a says
that through our actions we reap the harvest of our good
or bad karma.
425
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 29
बेभदं धृतेैव गणतििवधं ण ।
ोमानमशेषेण पृथवेन धनय ॥२९॥
buddher bhedaµ dh®teç caiva gu√atas tri-vidhaµ ç®√u
procyamånam açeße√a p®thaktvena dhanañjaya
O Dhanañjaya, please hear as I now describe to you in
detail the various mentalities and determination according
to the three modes of nature.
VERSE 30
वृिं च िनवृिं च कायाकाय भयाभये ।
बं मों च या वेि बिः सा पाथ सािकी ॥३०॥
prav®ttiµ ca niv®ttiµ ca kåryåkårye bhayåbhaye
bandhaµ mokßaµ ca yå vetti buddhi˙ så pårtha såttvikî
O Pårtha, the mentality in the mode of goodness is that
which can distinguish what should be done and what should
not be done, duty and non-duty, what is to be feared and
what is not to be feared and the nature of material bondage
and liberation.
VERSE 31
यया धममधम च काय चाकायमेव च ।
अयथावजानाित बिः सा पाथ राजसी ॥३१॥
yayå dharmam adharmaµ ca kåryaµ cåkåryam eva ca
ayathåvat prajånåti buddhi˙ så pårtha råjasî
O Pårtha, the mentality in the mode of passion cannot
distinguish between dharma and adharma, cannot discern
what is right and what is wrong, and cannot decide what is
duty and what is not duty.
426
Chapter 18
VERSE 32
अधम धमिमित या मते तमसावृता ।
सवाथािपरीतां बिः सा पाथ तामसी ॥३२॥
adharmaµ dharmam iti yå manyate tamasåv®tå
sarvårthån viparîtåµç ca buddhi˙ så pårtha tåmasî
O Pårtha, the mentality in the mode of ignorance regards
that which is adharma to be dharma and that which is
dharma to be adharma. It regards everything to be the
opposite of reality.
VERSE 33
धृा यया धारयते मनः ाणेियियाः ।
योगेनािभचािरया धृितः सा पाथ सािकी ॥३३॥
dh®tyå yayå dhårayate mana˙ prå√endriya-kriyå˙
yogenåvyabhichåri√yå dh®ti˙ så pårtha såttvikî
O Pårtha, that determination by which one strictly con-
trols the mind, life-airs and the senses through the process
of yoga is in the mode of goodness.
VERSE 34
यया त धमकामाथाृा धारयतेऽजन ।
सेन फलाकाी धृितः सा पाथ राजसी ॥३४॥
yayå tu dharma-kåmårthån dh®tyå dhårayate’rjuna
prasa∫gena phalåkå∫kßî dh®ti˙ så pårtha råjasî
O Pårtha, that determination by which one maintains a
sense of dharma in order to accrue wealth and fulfil mate-
rial desires is in the mode of passion.
427
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 35
यया ं भयं शोकं िवषादं मदमेव च ।
न िवमित मधा धृितः सा पाथ तामसी ॥३५॥
yayå svapnaµ bhayaµ çokaµ vißådaµ madameva ca
na vimuñcati durmedhå dh®ti˙ så pårtha tåmasî
O Pårtha, the determination of those who cannot con-
quer sleep, fear, lamentation, misery and pride is in the
mode of ignorance.
Anuv®tti
Throughout the Bhagavad-gîtå, Çrî K®ß√a addresses
Arjuna as Pårtha, the son of Kuntî. K®ß√a also addresses
him as Bhårata (best of the Bharata Dynasty), På√∂ava
(son of På√∂u), Kuru-nandana (descendant of the Kurus),
Parantapa (conqueror of the enemy), Gu∂åkeça (con-
queror of sleep) and Dhanañjaya, (winner of wealth).
K®ß√a addresses Arjuna thusly to remind him of his posi-
tion as a great warrior in a dynasty of warriors and to
encourage him to stand and fight.
Sometimes fighting is necessary if it is for the right
cause, but the problem lies herein. Who is to say which
cause is just, who is right and who is wrong, what should
be done and what should not be done? In the above verses,
K®ß√a gives some indication as to who is of the right men-
tality and right determination. Clearly, those in the modes
of passion and ignorance are always mistaken – not being
able to distinguish right from wrong, what is to be done
from what is not to be done, or proper duty from derelic-
tion of duty.
428
Chapter 18
VERSE 36-37
सखं िदान ििवधं ण मे भरतषभ ।
अासामते य ःखां च िनगित ॥३६॥
यदे िवषिमव पिरणामेऽमृतोपमम ्।
तखं सािकं ोमाबिसादजम ्॥३७॥
sukhaµ tvidånîµ tri-vidhaµ ç®√u me bharatarßabha
abhyåsåd ramate yatra du˙khåntaµ ca nigacchati
yat tad agre vißam iva pari√åme’m®topamam
tat sukhaµ såttvikaµ proktam åtma-buddhi-prasåda-jam
O best of the Bharata Dynasty, now hear from Me about
the three types of happiness. Happiness that leads to the
end of all suffering is in the mode of goodness. Such hap-
piness tastes bitter in the beginning, but is nectar at the end
because it awakens one to self-realisation.
VERSE 38
िवषयेियसंयोगादेऽमृतोपमम ्।
पिरणामे िवषिमव तखं राजसंृतम ्॥३८॥
vißayendriya saµyogåd yat tad agre’m®topamam
pari√åme vißamiva tat sukhaµ råjasaµ sm®tam
Happiness that is born from contact between the senses
and sense-objects and is like nectar in the beginning, but
bitter in the end, is known to be in the mode of passion.
VERSE 39
यदे चानबे च सखं मोहनमानः ।
िनालमादों तामसमदातम ्॥३९॥
yad agre cånubandhe ca sukhaµ mohanam åtmana˙
nidrålasya-pramådotthaµ tat tåmasam udåh®tam
429
Bhagavad-gita
Happiness that arises from sleep, laziness and delusion and

is self-deceptive in both the beginning and the end is con-
sidered to be happiness in the mode of ignorance.
VERSE 40
न तदि पृिथां वा िदिव देवेष वा पनः ।
सं कितजैमं यदेिभः ाििभगणैः ॥४०॥
na tad asti p®thivyåµ vådivi deveßu vå puna˙
sattvaµ prak®ti-jair muktaµ yad ebhi˙ syåt tri-bhir gu√ai˙
There is no living being, neither on Earth nor amongst
the celestial beings, that is free from these three modes of
material nature.
Anuv®tti
Everyone and everything in the material world is gov-
erned by the three modes of material nature. In the truest
sense of the word, there is no meaning of freedom or inde-
pendence unless one is free from the modes of nature. All
such celebrations in the name of political emancipation
are merely another form of self-deception. Where is the
question of freedom when our every action is controlled by
nature and we are being pushed down the highway of life
to face ultimate death?
Independence from the three modes of material nature
is only afforded to those who have taken shelter of a bona-
fide guru, who have understood the knowledge of Bhaga-
vad-gîtå and have applied themselves to bhakti-yoga. Only
the bhakti-yogî can truly celebrate freedom.
Çrî K®ß√a says that happiness in the mode of good-
ness is bitter in the beginning, but nectar in the end. This
430
Chapter 18
means that to control the senses and perform austerities

(tapasya) in the beginning may be distasteful for the
novice, but in the end such austerities lead to the nectar
of self-realisation.
Happiness derived from enjoying one’s senses in the
mode of passion may be like nectar in the beginning, but
it is bitter in the end because sense gratification ultimately
ends in frustration, hatred and anger. Happiness that arises
from sleep, laziness and delusion and is self-deceptive is
in the mode of ignorance because it is miserable in the
beginning and miserable in the end.
Real happiness only comes when one awakens to the
eternal self and lives a life with one’s body, mind and
senses absorbed in a higher conscious plane.
VERSE 41
ाणियिवशां शूाणां च परंतप ।
कमािण िवभािन भावभवैगणैः ॥४१॥
bråhma√a-kßatriya-viçåµ çüdrå√åµ ca parantapa
karmå√i pravibhaktåni svabhåva-prabhavair gu√ai˙
O conqueror of the enemy, O Arjuna, know that bråhma√as,
kßatriyas, vaiçyas and çüdras are classified according to the
quality of their work in the three modes of material nature.
VERSE 42
शमो दमपः शौचं ािराजवमेव च ।
ानं िवानमािं कम भावजम ्॥४२॥
çamo damas tapa˙ çaucaµ kßåntir årjavam eva ca
jñånaµ vijñånam åstikyaµ brahma-karma svabhåva-jam
431
Bhagavad-gita
Calmness, self-control, austerity, cleanliness, clemency,

honesty, knowledge, wisdom and faith in the Supreme
– these are the natural activities of a bråhma√a.
VERSE 43
शौय तेजो धृितदां ये चापलायनम ्।
दानमीरभाव ां कम भावजम ्॥४३॥
çauryaµ tejo dh®tir dåkßyaµ yuddhe cåpy-apalåyanam
dånam îçvara-bhåvaç ca kßåtraµ karma svabhåva-jam
Heroism, power, steadfastness, dexterity, never fleeing
from battle, generosity and social administration – these
are the natural activities of a kßatriya.
VERSE 44
किषगोरवािण ं वैयकम भावजम ्।
पिरचयाकं कम शूािप भावजम ्॥४४॥
k®ßi-gorakßya-vå√ijyaµ vaiçya-karma svabhåva-jam
paricaryåtmakaµ karma çüdrasyåpi svabhåva-jam
Farming, cow protection and business are the natural activ-
ities of a vaiçya. For the çüdra there is service to others.
Anuv®tti
Herein, the status of the bråhma√as, kßatriyas, vaiçyas
and çüdras are described according to the qualities of their
work. These are the four social orders of life and they are
present in all civilised cultures in the world. Everywhere
we find those that resemble the bråhma√as, the intellectual
class. Everywhere there are those that resemble kßatriyas,
administrators and warriors, and everywhere we find the
mercantile and labour class, the vaiçyas and çüdras. These
432
Chapter 18
are the natural divisions in society and they are determined

by the quality of their work.
Unfortunately, in modern India, this social system
described by Çrî K®ß√a in the Bhagavad-gîtå has become
corrupted and is now known as the caste system which
determines one’s social status by birth. The caste system
is not actually the social system described in Bhagavad-gîtå
known as var√åçrama-dharma.
The caste system in India is certainly deplorable, hardly
better than that of slavery, because it limits a person’s
potential according to one’s birth. K®ß√a clearly states that
a person is to be known by his actions and not his pedigree.
Although social systems having intellectuals, adminis-
trators, mercantile and labour classes are found around the
world, they are also not the same as the var√åçrama system
mentioned in Bhagavad-gîtå.
In addition to being an intellectual, a bråhma√a must
know what is Brahman. A kßatriya must do more than just
administrate and fight battles – he must be above corrup-
tion, give protection to the people and protect the prin-
ciples of dharma found in Bhagavad-gîtå. And above all, a
kßatriya is never to be an aggressor – he is never to invade
a sovereign country.
The duty of a vaiçya, in addition to business, is farm-
ing and cow protection. Naturally, the purpose of busi-
ness is to earn a living, but nowadays this has gone far
beyond actual necessity as per the advice of Bhagavad-gîtå.
Simple business has turned into massive industry – the
establishing of mega multi-national corporations, money
hoarding and fractional banking. These in turn have led to
the corruption of government officials around the world
433
Bhagavad-gita
and ultimately to the destruction of the environment,

increased poverty, and war.
Cow protection (k®ßi-gorakßya) is especially mentioned
in verse 44 because of all animals it is the cow that is most
necessary for the survival of the human being. Human
bodies thrive on animal fat and the cow is the animal that
provides human beings with the most milk, yogurt, butter,
cheese etc. Milk and milk products, when taken in appro-
priate quantities, provide the human being all the necessary
fat required for healthy living, thus enabling the suspen-
sion of animal slaughter. In other words, killing animals
and eating meat is not necessary to obtain fat. When cows
are protected then there will be plenty of whole milk avail-
able for everyone to maintain a healthy diet. The value of
the cow for human society is indisputable and therefore
in Vedic culture the cow is considered one of the seven
natural mothers. These seven mothers are as follows:
åtma-måtå guro˙ patnî bråhma√î råja-patnikå

dhenur dhåtrî tathå p®thvî saptaitå måtara˙ sm®tå˙
One’s own mother, the wife of the guru, the wife of
a bråhma√a, the king’s wife, the cow, the nurse and
the Earth – these should be considered as our seven
mothers. (Cå√akya Nîti-çåstra 5.23)
Unfortunately, the business community has turned to

corporate farming and mass slaughter of cows and other
animals in the name of delivering health and prosperity to
the people. In actuality, the people have lost their lands
and the family farm that was once the backbone of socie-
ties everywhere has ceased to exist. Industrial farming has
434
Chapter 18
replaced organic fertilisers with chemical fertilisers that

render the soil lifeless and produce food that is low in
nutrition and high in toxic content. The meat from the
slaughterhouse is also toxic and far less healthy than a
vegetarian diet.
Society cries for the return of the vaiçya worldwide, but
governments turn a deaf ear and a blind eye and it is the
çüdra, the labourer class, at the tail end of the food chain
who suffers the most. But change is in the air as people
worldwide wake up from the nightmare that has become
their reality and seek genuine answers to their problems.
For such sincere persons, Bhagavad-gîtå will provide much
insight and guidance.
VERSE 45
े े कमयिभरतः संिसिं लभते नरः ।
कमिनरतः िसिं यथा िवित तण ॥४५॥
sve sve karma√y-abhirata˙ saµsiddhiµ labhate nara˙
svakarma-nirata˙ siddhiµ yathå vindati tacch®√u
Now please hear from Me how those who perform their
prescribed duties attain all perfection.
VERSE 46
यतः वृिभूतानां येन सविमदं ततम ्।
कमणा तम िसिं िवित मानवः ॥४६॥
yata˙ prav®ttir bhütånåµ yena sarvam idaµ tatam
svakarma√å tam abhyarcya siddhiµ vindati månava˙
Human beings achieve perfection through prescribed
duties by worshipping the Supreme Person, from whom all
things originate and who is omnipresent.
435
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 47
ेयाधम िवगणः परधमानितात ्।
भाविनयतं कम कुवाोित िकिषम ्॥४७॥
çreyån sva-dharmo vigu√a˙ para-dharmåt svanuß†hitåt
svabhåva-niyataµ karma kurvan nåpnoti kilbißam
It is better to perform one’s own duty (dharma) imper-
fectly than to perform another’s duty perfectly. One is
never subject to bad karma by performing one’s prescribed
duties according to one’s own nature.
VERSE 48
सहजं कम कौेय सदोषमिप न जेत ्।
सवारा िह दोषेण धूमेनाििरवावृताः ॥४८॥
saha-jaµ karma kaunteya sa-doßam api na tyajet
sarvårambhå hi doße√a dhümenågnir ivåv®tå˙
O son of Kuntî, one’s prescribed duties must never be
abandoned. All activities are covered with some fault, just
as smoke covers fire.
VERSE 49
असबिः सव िजताा िवगतृहः ।
नैिसिं परमां संासेनािधगित ॥४९॥
asakta-buddhi˙ sarvatra jitåtmå vigata-sp®ha˙
naißkarmya-siddhiµ paramåµ sannyåsenådhigacchati
The stage of perfect renunciation is attained by becom-
ing unattached to material objects, disregarding material
enjoyment, by doing one’s duty and being unattached to
the results.
436
Chapter 18
Anuv®tti
In the above verses, Çrî K®ß√a stresses to Arjuna
that one’s duties or prescribed dharma according to the
var√åçrama system should never be abandoned. One may
think that they are not performing their duty perfectly, but
K®ß√a says that one should remain steadfast and not yield
to abandonment.
At the beginning of Bhagavad-gîtå, Arjuna showed
an inclination to abandon his duty as a kßatriya. Arjuna
was disinclined to fight and was thinking that it might be
better to take up the plough or the staff of renunciation,
but K®ß√a did not agree.
Now the dialogue between Çrî K®ß√a and Arjuna is
drawing to a close and we will soon see that K®ß√a has
revived Arjuna and with a regained heart, he will resume
his duty with full enthusiasm.
VERSE 50
िसिं ाो यथा  तथाोित िनबोध मे ।
समासेनैव कौेय िना ान या परा ॥५०॥
siddhiµ pråpto yathå brahma tathåpnoti nibodha me
samåsenaiva kaunteya niß†hå jñånasya yå parå
O son of Kuntî, now learn from Me how one can attain
perfection by acting in the way that I shall now briefly
describe to you.
VERSE 51-53
बा िवशया यो धृाानं िनय च ।
शादीिषयांवा रागेषौ द च ॥५१॥
437
Bhagavad-gita
िविवसेवी लाशी यतवाायमानसः ।

ानयोगपरो िनं वैरायं समपाितः ॥५२॥
अहारं बलं दप कामं ोधं पिरहम ्।
िवम िनममः शाो भूयाय कते ॥५३॥
buddhyå viçuddhayå yukto dh®tyåtmånaµ niyamya ca
çabdådîn vißayåµs tyaktvå råga-dveßau vyudasya ca
vivikta-sevî laghv-åçî yata-våk-kåya-månasa˙
dhyåna-yoga-paro nityaµ vairågyaµ samupåçrita˙
aha∫kåraµ balaµ darpaµ kåmaµ krodhaµ parigraham
vimucya nirmama˙ çånto brahma-bhüyåya kalpate
With pure intelligence, controlling the mind with deter-
mination, abandoning attachment to sense-objects, being
devoid of both attachment and hatred, residing in a
secluded place, eating little, controlling speech, body
and mind, being constantly engaged in meditating on the
Supreme Person, being renounced, free from egotism, the
misuse of power, conceit, lust, anger, covetousness and
being unselfish and peaceful – such a person is qualified
for realisation of the Absolute Truth.
VERSE 54
भूतः साा न शोचित न काित ।
समः सवष भूतेष मिं लभते पराम ्॥५४॥
brahma-bhüta˙ prasannåtmå na çocati na kå∫kßati
sama˙ sarveßu bhüteßu mad-bhaktiµ labhate paråm
When such a self-satisfied person realises the Absolute
Truth, he neither rejoices nor laments. Seeing all beings
equally, he attains transcendental devotion unto Me.
438
Chapter 18
VERSE 55
भा मामिभजानाित यावााि ततः ।
ततो मां ततो ाा िवशते तदनरम ्॥५५॥
bhaktyå måm abhijånåti yåvån yaç cåsmi tattvata˙
tato måµ tattvato jñåtvå viçate tad-anantaram
Through such devotion that person knows Me in truth.
Thus, knowing Me in truth he enters My realm.
VERSE 56
सवकमायिप सदा कुवाणो मपायः ।
मसादादवाोित शातं पदमयम ्॥५६॥
sarva-karmå√y-api sadå kurvå√o mad-vyapåçraya˙
mat-prasådåd avåpnoti çåçvataµ padam avyayam
Although one may constantly engage in various activities,
by My mercy, those who take shelter of Me reach My
eternal abode.
VERSE 57
चेतसा सवकमािण मिय सं मरः ।
बियोगमपाि मिः सततं भव ॥५७॥
cetaså sarva-karmå√i mayi sannyasya mat-para˙
buddhi-yogam upåçritya mac-citta˙ satataµ bhava
Consciously renouncing all activities unto Me, considering
Me to be the supreme goal and taking shelter of the pro-
cess of devotion, always think of Me.
VERSE 58
मिः सवगािण मसादािरिस ।
अथ चेमहारा ोिस िवनिस ॥५८॥
439
Bhagavad-gita
mac-citta˙ sarva-durgå√i mat-prasådåt tarißyasi

atha cet tvam aha∫kårån na çroßyasi vina∫kßyasi
By My mercy, all your troubles will be overcome if you
think of Me. However, if out of false ego you ignore Me,
you will perish.
VERSE 59
यदारमाि न यो इित मसे ।
िमैष वसाये कितां िनयोित ॥५९॥
yad aha∫kåram åçritya na yotsya iti manyase
mithyaißa vyavasåyas te prak®tis tvåµ niyokßyati
If due to false ego you think, “I will not fight,” your deci-
sion will be useless because your very nature will urge you
to do so.
VERSE 60
भावजेन कौेय िनबः ेन कमणा ।
कत नेिस योहािरवशोऽिप तत ्॥६०॥
svabhåva-jena kaunteya nibaddha˙ svena karma√å
kartuµ necchasi yan mohåt karißyasy-avaçopi tat
Being bound by your intrinsic nature, the very activity that
you now refuse to perform due to bewilderment will inev-
itably be carried out by you, O son of Kuntî.
VERSE 61
ईरः सवभूतानां ेशेऽजन ितित ।
ामयवभूतािन याढािन मायया ॥६१॥
îçvara˙ sarva-bhütånåµ h®d-deçe’rjuna tiß†hati
bhråmayan sarva-bhütåni yantrårü∂håni måyayå
440
Chapter 18
O Arjuna, the Supreme Controller resides in the hearts of

all living beings. By His illusory energy He directs all their
activities as if they were mounted on a machine.
VERSE 62
तमेव शरणं ग सवभावेन भारत ।
तसादारां शािं ानं ािस शातम ्॥६२॥
tam eva çara√aµ gaccha sarva-bhåvena bhårata
tat prasådåt paråµ çåntiµ sthånaµ pråpsyasi çåçvatam
O Bhårata, take shelter in Him with all your heart and
by His mercy you will achieve everlasting peace and the
Supreme Abode.
Anuv®tti
Çrî K®ß√a now gives Arjuna an infusion of encourage-
ment by stating that by following His instructions Arjuna
will realise the Absolute Truth and will enter His Supreme
Abode. By consciously offering the results of all his actions
unto K®ß√a, by devoting himself to K®ß√a and always think-
ing about K®ß√a, Arjuna will achieve all perfection.
The alternative, K®ß√a says, is that by neglecting His
instructions, Arjuna will surely perish. This is the open
secret of Bhagavad-gîtå – one who adheres to its message,
that is free from all material defects and is delivered by
the Supreme Person, Çrî K®ß√a, becomes perfect in knowl-
edge and self-realisation. Neglecting K®ß√a’s instructions is
however tantamount to spiritual suicide and K®ß√a warns
Arjuna that if he takes that path he will surely perish into
the world of bewilderment, illusion and death.
441
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 63
इित ते ानमाातं गा󡎋तरं मया ।
िवमृयैतदशेषेण यथेिस तथा कु ॥६३॥
iti te jñånam åkhyåtaµ guhyåd guhyataraµ mayå
vim®çyaitad açeße√a yathecchasi tathå kuru
I have thus disclosed to you that knowledge which is the
most confidential. Deliberate upon it and do as you wish.
VERSE 64
सवगतमं भूयः ण मे परमं वचः ।
इोऽिस मे ढिमित ततो वािम ते िहतम ्॥६४॥
sarva-guhyatamaµ bhüya˙ ç®√u me paramaµ vaca˙
iß†o’si me d®∂ham iti tato vakßyåmi te hitam
Listen once again to the most confidential secret of all, My
supreme instruction. Because you are very dear to Me, I am
telling you this for your ultimate benefit.
VERSE 65
मना भव मो माजी मां नमु ।
मामेवैिस सं ते ितजाने ियोऽिस मे ॥६५॥
manmanå bhava mad-bhakto mad-yåjî måµ namaskuru
måm evaißyasi satyaµ te pratijåne priyo’si me
Fix your mind upon Me, devote yourself to Me, worship
Me and offer your respects unto Me. By doing so you will
certainly come to Me. I promise you this because you are
very dear to Me.
442
Chapter 18
VERSE 66
सवधमािर मामेकं शरणं ज ।
अहं ां सवपापेो मोियािम मा शचः ॥६६॥
sarva-dharmån parityajya måm ekaµ çara√aµ vraja
ahaµ tvåµ sarva-påpebhyo mokßayißyåmi må çuca˙
Abandon all types of dharma – come and surrender unto
Me alone! Do not fear, for I will surely deliver you from
all reactions.
Anuv®tti
In verse 63 Çrî K®ß√a says that He has disclosed to
Arjuna the most confidential knowledge and tells Arjuna
to deliberate upon it and then do as he wishes. But because
Arjuna is very dear to K®ß√a and because K®ß√a is Arju-
na’s guru and well-wisher, K®ß√a again gives him one last
instruction and assurance.
K®ß√a’s final instruction is that Arjuna should always
fix his mind upon Him, he should devote himself fully to
Him, worship Him and offer his respects unto Him. This
is the essence of K®ß√a consciousness. K®ß√a says that by
doing this Arjuna will surely come to Him. The ultimate
instruction to always remember K®ß√a is also stated in
Padma Purå√a as follows:
smartavya˙ satataµ viß√ur vismartavyo na jåtucit

sarve vidhi-nißedhå˙ syur etayor eva ki∫karå˙
Çrî K®ß√a (Viß√u) should always be remembered and
never be forgotten at anytime. All rules and regula-
tions mentioned in the çåstra should be subservient
to these two principles. (Padma Purå√a 6.71.100)
443
Bhagavad-gita
In verse sixty-six, we find the climax of Bhagavad-gîtå,

wherein the ultimate dharma of surrendering oneself fully
to K®ß√a is stated. Çrî K®ß√a tells Arjuna that giving up
everything to follow His instructions need not be a cause
of fear because K®ß√a will protect him. By such self-sur-
render Arjuna will come to K®ß√a in His Supreme Abode.
The Supreme Abode lies beyond the material universe
and is known by those who are learned as Vaiku√†ha.
Those who worship the Viß√u avatåras, or forms of
Nåråya√a, will attain to the Vaiku√†ha realm. But superior
to Vaiku√†ha are the realms of K®ß√a’s avatåras such as Çrî
Råmacandra in Ayodhyå and Våsudeva K®ß√a in Dvårakå.
Those who worship Çrî Råmacandra and K®ß√a’s expan-
sion as Våsudeva, will attain to Ayodhyå, Dvårakå and
Mathurå respectively.
Superior to Dvårakå is Mathurå. Superior to Mathurå
is V®ndåvana. Govardhana is superior to V®ndåvana and
Rådhå-ku√∂a is superior to Govardhana. Only those who
worship K®ß√a’s human-like form known as Çyåmasundara
(Govinda) will attain to the topmost realm.
vaiku√†håj janito varå madhu-purî tatråpi råsotsavåd

v®ndåra√yam udåra-på√i-rama√åt tatråpi govardhana˙
rådhå-ku√∂am ihåpi gokula-pate˙ premåm®tåplåvanåt
kuryåd asya viråjato giri-ta†e sevåµ vivekî na ka˙
Because Çrî K®ß√a appeared there, Mathurå is consid-

ered to be spiritually superior to Vaiku√†ha. Greater
than Mathurå is the forest of V®ndåvana because
this was where the råsa-lîlå pastimes of K®ß√a took
place. Govardhana Hill is considered to be superior
444
Chapter 18
to V®ndåvana because K®ß√a performed wonder-

ful pastimes there and raised it with His left hand.
However, Rådhå-ku√∂a is superior to Govardhana
because it is brimming with the nectar of divine love
for the Master of Gokula. Which intelligent person
will not render service to this place that is situated at
the feet of Govardhana? (Upadeçåm®ta 9)
The Supreme Abode of K®ß√a is the land of Vraja,
which includes V®ndåvana, Govardhana and Rådhå-ku√∂a.
In verse 66, Çrî K®ß√a indicates to Arjuna by the use of
the verb ‘vraja’ (meaning ‘to go’) that Arjuna will come
to K®ß√a in the topmost realm of the spiritual world. This
superior realm is also known as Goloka V®ndåvana and is
described in Brahma-saµhitå as follows:
cintåma√i-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-v®kßa-
lakßåv®teßu surabhîr abhipålayantam
lakßmî-sahasra-çata-sambhrama-sevyamånaµ
govindam ådi-purußaµ tam ahaµ bhajåmi
I worship Govinda, the Original Person, who is tend-
ing the cows, in that divine realm where the abodes
are built with touchstone. He is surrounded by mil-
lions of desire trees and is constantly served with
great care and attention by hundreds of thousands
of goddesses of fortune. (Brahma-saµhitå 5.29)
ve√uµ kva√antam aravinda-dalåyatåkßam-
barhåvataµsam asitåmbuda-sundarå∫gam
kandarpa-ko†i-kamanîya-viçeßa-çobhaµ
445
Bhagavad-gita
I worship Govinda, the Original Person, who is

playing His flute and has beautiful eyes like bloom-
ing lotus petals. His head is decorated with peacock
feathers, and His charming form, tinged with the
hue of rain clouds, is so alluring that it enchants
millions of Cupids. (Brahma-saµhitå 5.30)
ålola-candraka-lasad-vanamålya-vaµçî-
ratnå∫gadaµ pra√aya-keli-kalå-vilåsam
çyåmaµ tri-bha∫ga-lalitaµ niyata-prakåçaµ
I worship Govinda, the Original Person, whose neck
is decorated with a garland of forest flowers that
swings to and fro. His hands, that hold His flute,
are adorned with jewelled bracelets. His threefold
bending form as Çyåmasundara is eternally manifest
as He enjoys His various pastimes of divine love.
(Brahma-saµhitå 5.31)
premåñjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena
santa˙ sadaiva h®dayeßu vilokayanti
yaµ çyåmasundaram acintya-gu√a-svarüpaµ
I worship the Original Person, Govinda, who is
always meditated upon by those whose eyes are
anointed with the salve of divine love. His eternal
form as Çyåmasundara is eternally endowed with
inconceivable qualities and He is always situated
within the hearts of His beloved devotees. (Brah-
ma-saµhitå 5.38)
446
Chapter 18
çriya˙ kåntå˙ kånta˙ parama-purußa˙ kalpa-taravo

drumå bhümiç cintåma√i-ga√a-mayi toyam am®tam
kathå gånaµ nå†yaµ gamanam api vaµçî priya-sakhi
cid-ånandaµ jyoti˙ param api tad åsvådyam api ca
sa yatra kßîråbdhi˙ sravati surabhîbhyaç ca su-mahån
nimeßårdhåkhyo vå vrajati na hi yatråpi samaya˙
bhaje çvetadvîpaµ tam aham iha golokam iti yaµ
vidantas te santa˙ kßiti-virala-cårå˙ katipaye
I worship the divine abode of Çvetadvîpa, where the
goddesses of fortune are the loving consorts to the
Supreme Person Çrî K®ß√a. In that place, every tree
is a desire tree; the land is made of touchstone; all
water is nectar; every word is a song; every step is a
dance; the flute is the dearest friend; the light is full
of spiritual bliss and all things there are most relish-
able; where vast oceans of milk continuously flow
from millions of cows; where time does not pass
away even for half a moment. That realm, Goloka
V®ndåvana, is only known to a very few self-realised
yogîs in this world. (Brahma-saµhitå 5.56)
VERSE 67
इदं ते नातपाय नाभाय कदाचन ।
न चाशूषवे वां न च मां योऽसूयित ॥६७॥
idaµ te nåtapaskåya nåbhaktåya kadåcana
na cåçuçrüßave våcyaµ na ca måµ yo’bhyasüyati
This knowledge should never be disclosed to those who
are not self-controlled, who do not perform bhakti-yoga or
who are envious of Me.
447
Bhagavad-gita
VERSE 68
य इदं परमं गं म󡎏िभधाित ।
भिं मिय परां का मामेवैसंशयः ॥६८॥
ya idaµ paramaµ guhyaµ mad-bhakteßv-abhidhåsyati
bhaktiµ mayi paråµ k®två måm evaißyaty-asaµçaya˙
One who teaches this supreme secret of bhakti-yoga to

others, advances to the highest platform of devotion and
attains full consciousness of Me. Of this there is no doubt.
VERSE 69
न च तानेष किे ियकमः ।
भिवता न च मे तादः ियतरो भिव ॥६९॥
na ca tasmån manußyeßu kaçcin me priya-k®ttama˙
bhavitå na ca me tasmåd anya˙ priyataro bhuvi
There is no one dearer to Me in this world than such a

devotee. Nor will there ever be anyone dearer to Me than
one who teaches this supreme secret.
VERSE 70
अेते च य इमं ध संवादमावयोः ।
ानयेन तेनाहिमः ािमित मे मितः ॥७०॥
adhyeßyate ca ya imaµ dharmyaµ saµvådam åvayo˙
jñåna-yajñena tenåham iß†a˙ syåm iti me mati˙
Those that study this sacred conversation of ours wor-

ship Me through the sacrifice of knowledge. This is
My conclusion.
448
Chapter 18
VERSE 71
ावाननसूय णयादिप यो नरः ।
सोऽिप मः शभांोकाायायकमणाम ्॥७१॥
çraddhåvån anasüyaç ca ç®√uyåd api yo nara˙
so’pi mukta˙ çubhå√l-lokån pråpnuyåt pu√ya-karma√åm
Those who hear this sacred conversation with transcenden-

tal faith and without envy will achieve perfection and reach
My auspicious Abode.
Anuv®tti
Herein, Çrî K®ß√a says that those who are envious
cannot be taught the science of the Absolute Truth. How-
ever, those with the fortitude of K®ß√a consciousness, who
study this sacred conversation between K®ß√a and Arjuna
and who teach this knowledge to the non-envious are dear
to K®ß√a and will achieve perfection and attain K®ß√a’s
abode. This is confirmed in the following verses of the
Gîtå-måhåtmya and the Vaiß√avîya-tantra-såra:
gîtå-çåstram idaµ pu√yaµ ya˙ pa†het prayata˙ pumån

viß√o˙ padam avåpnoti bhaya çokådi varjita˙
One who recites the Bhagavad-gîtå, which bestows

all virtue, with resolute devotion will attain to the
Supreme Abode of Viß√u/K®ß√a, which is always
free from the mundane qualities based on fear and
lamentation. (Gîtå-måhåtmya 1)
saµsåra-sågaraµ ghoraµ tartum icchati yo nara˙

gîtå-nåvaµ samåsådya påraµ yåti sukhena sa˙
449
Bhagavad-gita
A person who desires to cross over the terrible

ocean of material suffering can do so very easily
by taking shelter of the boat of the Bhagavad-gîtå.
(Vaiß√avîya-tantra-såra, Gîtå-måhåtmya 7)
çålagråma-çilåyåµ vå devågåre çivålaye

tîrthe nadyåµ pa†hed gîtåµ saubhågyaµ labhate dhruvam
One who recites the Bhagavad-gîtå in the presence

of the Deity, çålågråma-çîla, or in a temple of the
Supreme Person, or in a temple of Çiva, at a place
of pilgrimage or on a bank of a sacred river – such a
person becomes qualified to receive all good fortune.
etån måhåtmya-saµyuktaµ gîtå-på†haµ karoti ya˙

çraddhayå ya˙ çr√oty-eva paramåµ gatim åpnuyåt
One endowed with faith, who studies and glorifies

the Gîtå, certainly reaches the Supreme Abode.
VERSE 72
किदेततं पाथ यैकाेण चेतसा ।
किदानसंमोहः णे धनय ॥७२॥
kacchid etac chrutaµ pårtha tvayaikågre√a cetaså
kaccid ajñåna-saµmoha˙ pra√aß†as te dhanañjaya
O Pårtha, O Dhanañjaya, have you heard this carefully
with undivided attention? Has your ignorance and bewil-
derment been destroyed?
450
Chapter 18
VERSE 73
नो मोहः ृितला सादायात ।
ितोऽि गतसंदेहः किरे वचनं तव ॥७३॥
arjuna uvåca –
naß†o moha˙ sm®tir labdhå tvat prasådån mayåcyuta
sthito’smi gata-sandeha˙ karißye vacanaµ tava
Arjuna replied: O infallible one, O K®ß√a, by Your mercy
my delusion has been dispelled and my mental equilibrium
has been restored. Now that my doubts have been removed
I am steady once more and will follow Your advice.
VERSE 74
इहं वासदेव पाथ च महानः ।
संवादिमममौषमतं रोमहषणम ्॥७४॥
sañjaya uvåca –
ityahaµ våsudevasya pårthasya ca mahåtmana˙
saµvådam imam açraußam adbhutaµ roma-harßa√am
Sañjaya said: Thus I heard this conversation between
Våsudeva and the great Arjuna that is so glorious that my
hairs stand on end.
VERSE 75
ाससादातवानेत󡎋महं परम ्।
योगं योगेराृाााथयतः यम ्॥७५॥
vyåsa-prasådåc chrutavån etad guhyam ahaµ param
yogaµ yogeçvaråt k®ß√åt såkßåt kathayata˙ svayam
451
Bhagavad-gita
By the grace of Vyåsa, I have heard this most confidential

secret concerning the topmost system of yoga spoken by
Çrî K®ß√a, the Master of all yoga.
VERSE 76-77
राजंृ संृ संवादिममम󡎍तम ्।
केशवाजनयोः पयं ािम च ममः ॥७६॥
त संृ संृ पम󡎍तं हरेः ।
िवयो मे महााजािम च पनः पनः ॥७७॥
råjan saµsm®tya saµsm®tya saµvådam imam adbhutam
keçavårjunayo˙ pu√yaµ h®ßyåmi ca muhur muhu˙
tac ca saµsm®tya saµsm®tya rüpam atyadbhutaµ hare˙
vismayo me mahån råjan h®ßyåmi ca puna˙ puna˙
O Emperor, continuously remembering this most pro-
found conversation between Çrî K®ß√a, the killer of the
Keçî demon, and Arjuna, I rejoice again and again. When
I remember the beautiful form of the Supreme Person Çrî
K®ß√a, I am struck with wonder.
VERSE 78
य योगेरः को य पाथ धनधरः ।
त ीिवजयो भूितवा नीितमितमम ॥७८॥
yatra yogeçvara˙ k®ß√o yatra pårtho dhanur-dhara˙
tatra çrîr vijayo bhütir dhruvå nîtir matir mama
Where there is Çrî K®ß√a, the Master of yoga, and where
there is Arjuna, the mighty archer, there will always be
prosperity, victory, opulence and righteousness – this is
my firm conviction.
452
Chapter 18
Anuv®tti
The sacred conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and Arjuna
ends with verse seventy-three wherein Arjuna says that his
delusion and doubts have all been dispelled. Thus Arjuna
agrees to follow K®ß√a’s instructions. This is the ideal
relationship between guru and disciple. The guru must
dispel the delusion and doubts of a disciple by delivering
the message of Çrî K®ß√a found in Bhagavad-gîtå, without
change or adulteration, and the disciple must be willing to
follow such instructions.
The potency of hearing K®ß√a’s message is also con-
firmed in Çrîmad Bhågavatam as follows:
ç®√vatåµ sva-kathå˙ k®ß√a˙ pu√ya-çrava√a-kîrtana˙

h®dy-anta˙ stho hy-abhadrå√i vidhunoti suh®t satåm
Çrî K®ß√a is the friend of the pious. He removes all
inauspiciousness from the heart of those who have
developed the desire to hear His message, which is
virtuous when properly heard and chanted. (Çrîmad
Bhågavatam 1.2.17)
Sañjaya has been narrating the conversation between

Çrî K®ß√a and Arjuna to Emperor Dh®taråß†ra and now he
expresses his own satisfaction and ecstasy. He says that
by remembering the words of Çrî K®ß√a and by seeing His
beautiful form, he feels great ecstasy (h®ßya) and great
wonder (vismaya). Sañjaya then concludes with the bene-
diction that wherever there is Çrî K®ß√a, the Master of yoga,
and wherever there is Arjuna, the sincere disciple, there will
always be prosperity, victory, opulence and righteousness.
453
Bhagavad-gita
Thus ends the Anuv®tti of Çrîmad Bhagavad-gîtå.

मोयोगो नामाादशोऽायः॥

mokßa-yogo nåmåß†ådaço’dhyåya˙
OÂ TAT SAT – Thus ends Chapter Eighteen entitled
Mokßa Yoga from the conversation between Çrî K®ß√a and
| इित ीमगवीता संपूणम ् |
iti çrîmad bhagavad-gîtå saµpür√am
Thus ends the Çrîmad Bhagavad-gîtå.
454
Sri Guru Paramparå
(The Disciplic Succession)
1. Çrî K®ß√a 22. Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu

2. Brahmå 23. Rüpa Gosvåmî (Sanåtana,
3. Nårada Raghunåtha Dåsa)
4. Vyåsa 24. K®ß√a Dåsa Kaviråja
5. Madhvåcårya 25. Narottama Dåsa ˇhåkura
6. Padmanåbha Tîrtha 26. Viçvanåtha Cakravartî
7. Narahari Tîrtha ˇhåkura
8. Mådhava Tîrtha 27. Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a
9. Akßobhya Tîrtha 28. Jagannåtha Dåsa Båbåjî
10. Jaya Tîrtha 29. Bhaktivinoda ˇhåkura
11. Jñåna-sindhu Tîrtha 30. Gaura-kiçora Dåsa Båbåjî
12. Dayå-nidhi Tîrtha 31. Bhaktisiddhånta Sarasvatî
13. Vidyå-nidhi Tîrtha ˇhåkura
14. Råjendra Tîrtha 32. A.C Bhaktivedånta Swami
15. Jaya-dharma Tîrtha Prabhupåda
16. Purußottama Tîrtha Bhakti Rakßaka Çrîdhara Deva
17. Brahma√ya Tîrtha Gosvåmî
18. Vyåsa Tîrtha Bhakti Pramoda Purî Gosvåmî
19. Lakßmî-pati Tîrtha 33. Swami Bhakti Gaurava
20. Mådhavendra Purî Narasi∫gha
21. ˆçvara Purî
Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide
The Vowels are as Follows:
a – as in but or cup ® – as in rim (slightly rolled)
å – as in far or calm e – as in they or save
i – as in sit or pick ai – as in aisle or pie
î – as in pique or clean o – as in go or coat
au – as in how or town
u – as in push or pull
ü – as in rule or mood
The Consonants are as Follows:

Gutterals Labials
(pronounced from the throat) (pronounced with the lips)
k– as in kite p – as in pine
kh – as in Ekhhart ph – as in haphazard
g – as in give (not f )
gh – as in aghast b – as in bird
∫– as in sing bh – as in abhor
m – as in mother
Cerebrals Palatals
(pronounced with tongue (pronounced with middle of
against roof of mouth) tongue against palate)
†– as in tub c– as in chair
†h – as in light-heart ch – as in staunch-heart
∂ – as in dove j – as in joy
∂h – as in adhere jh – as in hedgehog
√– as in sing ñ– as in canyon
456
Dentals Semivowels
(pronounced with tongue
y– as in yes
against teeth)
r – as in run
t– as in talk l – as in light
th – as in quiet-home v– as in vine
d – as in dark
dh – as in kindhearted Sibilants
n– as in nothing ç – as in the German
word sprechen
Aspirate ß – as in shine
h – as in home s – as in sun
Anusvara Visarga
µ – a resonant nasal ˙ – a final h-sound
sound as in numb pronounced like
aha
457
Glossary of Names
Including names of persons, places and literature found in this book
Abhimanyu – The son of Arjuna.

A.C. Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda – One of the foremost åcåryas and
commentators on the Bhagavad-gîtå in the 20th Century, who propagated the
message of bhakti-yoga throughout the world.
Acyuta – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘Infallible’.
Ådityas – The twelve sons of Aditi and the sage Kaçyapa. The Ådityas are solar
deities who represent the twelve months of the year.
Ådi Ça∫kara – A 9th Century philosopher who founded the monist school of
impersonalism known as advaita.
Agni – The predominating demigod of fire.
Airåvata – The elephant of Indra, king of the demigods.
Ananta – The cosmic serpent who supports the universe.
Ananta-vijaya – The name of the conch shell belonging to Yudhiß†hira.
Artha-çåstra – Books of law pertaining to rules of conduct in Vedic society.
Aryamå – The demigod who presides over the planet of the forefathers.
Asita – An ancient sage from Vedic times.
Açvatthåmå – The son of Dro√a who fought against the På√∂avas in the
Mahåbhårata War.
Açvinî-kumåras – Twin demigods that preside over sunrise and sunset. They
are the physicians of the demigods.
Asura – Unrighteous beings.
Atri – A great sage from Vedic times.
Ayodhyå – The spiritual realm of Råma, the avatåra of K®ß√a.
Badarînåtha – An ancient holy town in the Himålayas, sacred to Viß√u.
Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a – An 18th Century Vaiß√ava åcårya who wrote
commentaries on the Bhagavad-gîtå and Vedånta-sütras.
Balaråma – The older brother and first expansion of Çrî K®ß√a.
Bhagavån – A name for K®ß√a or Viß√u that literally means ‘One who possesses
all good qualities.’
Bhågavatam – (See Çrîmad Bhågavatam)
Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu – ‘The Ambrosial Ocean of Devotional Mellows’ – a
book on the science of bhakti written by Rüpa Gosvåmî.
Bhaktivinoda ˇhåkura – An 19th Century Vaiß√ava åcårya from Bengal, who
wrote a vast number of works on the subject of bhakti-yoga.
458
Bhårata – An epithet of Arjuna meaning ‘descendant of the Bharata Dynasty.’
Bhîma – One of the five sons of På√∂u, brother of Arjuna
Bhîßma – The grandsire of the På√∂avas and the Kauravas.
Bhramaraka – One of K®ß√a’s pet dogs in V®ndåvana.
Bh®gu – One of the Seven Sages, the son of Brahmå and the father of Vedic
astrology.
Bhüriçrava – A powerful warrior of the Balhika Province who fought against
the På√∂avas.
Brahmå – The first living being in the universe. The demigod in charge of
creation.
Brahma-saµhitå – An ancient Sanskrit text composed of verses spoken by
Brahmå glorifying K®ß√a.
B®han-Nåradîya Purå√a – An ancient Sanskrit text in the form of a dialogue
between the two sages Nårada and Sanat-kumåra that extols devotion to K®ß√a.
B®haspati – The guru of the demigods.
B®had-bhågavatåm®ta – A work written in two parts by the Vaiß√ava åcårya
Sanåtana Gosvåmî. The first part deals with ontological hierarchy. The second
part delineates the devotional process from initiation to the attainment of
Goloka V®ndåvana.
B®hat-Såma – A series of prayers found in the Såma Veda that is chanted at the
end of Vedic rituals.
Buddha – The avatåra of K®ß√a who descended in order to teach non-violence
and put an end to animal slaughter.
Caitanya-caritåm®ta – A 15th Century biography of Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu
written in Bengali by K®ß√a Dåsa Kaviråja Gosvåmî. It describes the life and
philosophy of Çrî Caitanya in great detail.
Caitanya Mahåprabhu – The 15th Century avatåra of Çrî K®ß√a and inaugurator
of the sa∫kîrtana movement, who appeared in West Bengal in 1486.
Caitanya-mata-mañjußa – A commentary on the Çrîmad Bhågavatam written by
Çrînåtha Cakravartî ˇhåkura.
Cå√akya Nîti-çåstra – A social treatise, written by the wise bråhma√a advisor
to King Candragupta Maurya (340-293 BCE).
Cåra-dhåma – Four major holy places found in the four directions of India –
Badarînåtha in the north, Råmeçvaram in the south, Jagannåtha Purî in the east
and Dvårakå in the west.
Cårvåka – An atheistic philosopher of Ancient India, circa 500 BCE.
Cekitåna – Prince of the Kekayas and an ally of the På√∂avas.
Citraratha – The king of the Gandharvas.
Daitya – A powerful race of demons that are the enemies of the demigods.
Dånava – (see Daitya)
459
Deva – The Sanskrit word for Demigod.
Devadatta – The name of Arjuna’s conch shell.
Devakî – The mother of K®ß√a and wife of Vasudeva.
Devala – A famous sage from Vedic times.
Dhanañjaya – An epithet for Arjuna meaning ‘the winner of wealth’.
Dharma-çåstra – Texts dealing with the dharma of various classes found in
Vedic society.
Dh®ß†adyumna – The commander of the På√∂ava army and the brother of
Draupadî.
Dh®ß†aketu – King of the Kekayas and an ally of the På√∂avas.
Dh®taråß†ra – The blind uncle of the På√∂avas, father of Duryodhana.
Dh®ti – The personification of the quality of conviction.
Draupadî – The daughter of King Drupada and wife of the På√∂avas.
Dro√a – The military teacher of both the På√∂avas and the Kauravas.
Drupada – The king of Pañcåla (modern day Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh)
and father of Draupadî. Drupada fought for the På√∂avas at Kurukßetra.
Durvåså – A famous Vedic sage.
Duryodhana – The corrupt son of Dh®taråß†ra and main antagonist of the
Mahåbhårata.
Dvårakå – The spiritual realm of Våsudeva, the expansion of Çrî K®ß√a. It’s
earthly facsimile is found in Gujarat, western India.
Four Kumåras – (Skt. Catu˙-sana) The four mind-born sons of Brahmå,
namely, Sanaka, Sanåtana, Sanandana and Sanat-kumåra.
Gadådhara Pa√∂ita – An eternal associate of Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
Gandharva – Male demigods who are skilled singers and dancers.
Gå√∂îva – Arjuna’s bow that was handed down by Brahmå.
Ga∫gå – The river Ganges.
Ga√eça – The demigod who removes material obstacles.
Garu∂a – The bird-carrier of Viß√u.
Gaura-Gadådhara – Caitanya Mahåprabhu (known also as Gaura) and His
eternal associate Gadådhara Pa√∂ita.
Gaura-Nitåi – Caitanya Mahåprabhu and His eternal associate Nityånanda
(known also as Nitåi).
Gåyatrî – A famous mantra found in the Vedas, chanted three times a day by
the advanced students of bhakti-yoga.
Godåvarî – A holy river that runs through Andhra Pradesh in South India.
Goloka (Goloka V®ndåvana) – The eternal abode of K®ß√a where He sports
with His most intimate associates.
460
Gopa Kumåra – The main protagonist in the second part of B®had-
bhågavatåm®ta.
Gopåla – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘Protector of the Cows’.
Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad – An ancient text connected to the Atharva Veda
which glorifies Çrî K®ß√a.
Gopîs – The cowherd damsels of V®ndåvana; the topmost devotees of Çrî
K®ß√a.
Govardhana – The name of a hill in V®ndåvana where K®ß√a performed many
of His pastimes.
Govinda – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘One who gives pleasure to the cows
and the senses.’
Gu∂åkeça – A name for Arjuna meaning ‘conqueror of sleep.’
Haµsa – An avatåra of K®ß√a who descends to speak transcendental knowledge
to Brahmå and the Kumåras.
Hanumån – The foremost devotee of Råma.
Hari – A name for K®ß√a which means ‘One who removes all inauspiciousness.’
Hari-bhakti-vilåsa – A book written by Sanåtana Gosvåmî that deals with the
rituals and conduct of Vaiß√avas.
Haridvåra – A holy city in India, also written as Hardwar or Haridwar.
Hari-vaµça – A supplement to the Mahåbhårata that narrates the pastimes of
K®ß√a.
H®ßîkeça – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘Master of the senses.’
H®ßîkeça – A famous holy place situated in North India.
Ikßvåku – A pious king from Vedic times.
Indra – The king of the demigods.
Indraloka – The abode of Indra; the celestial planet of the demigods.
ˆçvara – The Supreme Controller.
ˆçopanißad – One of the principle Upanißads of the Yajur Veda that describes
the nature of the Supreme Person.
Jagannåtha – A form of K®ß√a who is generally worshipped along with His
brother, Balaråma and His sister Subhadrå.
Jagannåtha Purî – A famous temple town in Orissa, East India, where K®ß√a
resides as Jagannåtha, the Lord of the Universe.
Janaka – A great virtuous king of Vedic times.
Janårdana – A name for K®ß√a meaning, ‘Maintainer of all living beings.’
Jayadeva Gosvåmî – A 12th Century Vaiß√ava poet who wrote on the pastimes
of Çrî K®ß√a.
Jayadratha – The mighty king of the Sindhu kingdom who fought against the
461
På√∂avas.
Jîva Gosvåmî – A 15th Century Vaiß√ava åcårya and philosopher. He was the
nephew of Rüpa Gosvåmî and wrote extensively on Vaiß√ava philosophy.
Kålî – The consort of Çiva.
Kali-santara√a Upanißad – An Upanißad narrating a conversation between
Brahmå and Nårada about the Hare K®ß√a mahå-mantra.
Kalki – The avatåra of K®ß√a who is scheduled to appear at the end of Kali-
yuga.
Kåma – The demigod of sensual pleasure.
Kåma-dhenu – A celestial cow.
Kapila Muni – An avatåra of K®ß√a and the founder of the theistic Så∫khya
philosophy.
Kar√a – The king of the A∫ga region (part of modern day Bihar) and half-
brother of the På√∂avas. He fought for Duryodhana at Kurukßetra.
Kårtikeya – The son of Çiva, commander of the armies of the demigods.
Kåçî – Modern day Benares, or Varanasi.
Ka†ha Upanißad – One of the primary Upanißads wherein Yama discusses the
science of the åtmå with the bråhma√a, Naciketå.
Kaunteya – A name for Arjuna meaning ‘son of Kuntî.’
Kåverî – A holy river in South India.
Keçava – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘Killer of the demon Keçî.’
Keçî – A demon who took the form of a horse and was killed by K®ß√a.
Keçî-ghå†a – A place in V®ndåvana where K®ß√a killed the Keçî demon.
Kîrtî – The personification of fame.
Kratu – A great sage from Vedic times.
K®pa – Uncle of Açvatthåmå and brother-in-law of Dro√a.
Kßamå – The personification of patience.
Kulaçekhara Ålvår – A famous Vaiß√ava king of South India who ruled during
the 7th Century CE.
Kuntî – Mother of the På√∂avas and aunt of Çrî K®ß√a.
Kuntibhoja – The foster-father of Kuntî, the mother of the På√∂avas.
Kürma – An avatåra of K®ß√a who appears in order to help the demigods.
Kuru – A virtuous king who performed great penances on the land which was
later named after him as Kurukßetra.
Kurukßetra – A holy place 160 km north of Delhi in the state of Harayana in
India. Kurukßetra was the place where the great Mahåbhårata war was fought
between the På√∂avas and the Kauravas, and the place where Çrî K®ß√a spoke
the Bhagavad-gîtå to His devotee, Arjuna.
462
Kuru-nandana – A name for Arjuna meaning ‘descendant of Kuru.’
Kuça – A perennial grass that is considered sacred by the followers of the
Vedas. Its botanical name is Desmostachya bipinnata.
Kuvera – The demigod of wealth and the king of the Yakßas.
Lalitå – One of the eternal gopî-friends of Çrîmatî Rådhåra√î.
Mådhava – A name of K®ß√a that has two meanings – ‘Killer of the Madhu
demon’ and ‘Husband of the Goddess of Fortune.’
Madhu – The name of a demon killed by K®ß√a.
Madhusüdana – A name of K®ß√a meaning ‘Killer of the Madhu demon.’
Madhvå – A 13th Century Vaiß√ava philosopher from Karnataka, South
India. Madhva established the philosophy of dvaita that emphasises the eternal
distinction between the living beings and Viß√u.
Mahåbhårata – Mahåbhårata refers to both Greater India which comprised of
much of the civilised world five thousand years ago, and also the epic written
by Vyåsa telling the history of the På√∂avas and the Kauravas.
Mahåjanas – (Skt. ‘great personality’) A title denoting those who have attained
the favour of Çrî K®ß√a.
Makara – A fantastic aquatic creature mentioned in the Vedic literature.
Ma√ipußpaka – The conch shell of Sahadeva.
Manus – The fourteen sons of Brahmå and the progenitors of mankind.
Manu-saµhitå – A Vedic law book for those following var√åçrama-dharma.
Mårga-çîrßa – The ninth month of the Vedic calendar that is considered to
be very auspicious. This month begins in mid November and ends in mid
December.
Marîci – One of the mind-born sons of Brahmå and one of the Seven Sages.
Marutas – Minor demigods that preside over storms.
Mathurå – The greater area where Çrî K®ß√a performs His divine pastimes of
His youth.
Matsya – An avatåra of K®ß√a who appears in order to save the Vedas.
Måyåpura – A holy place in West Bengal, India on the banks of the Ganges,
the birth place of Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
Medhå – The personification of intelligence.
Meru – A celestial mountain.
Moha-mudgara – (Skt. ‘The hammer that smashes illusion’) A Sanskrit
composition by Ådi Ça∫kara that emphasises devotion to K®ß√a.
Mukti-pada – ‘The giver of liberation’ – a name for K®ß√a.
Mukunda – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘The giver of liberation.’
Mukunda-målå Stotram – A Sanskrit text written by King Kulaçekhara
463
glorifying Çrî K®ß√a.
Mu√∂aka Upanißad – One of the principle Upanißads, which is associated with
the Atharva Veda. The Mu√∂aka Upanißad explains Brahman, åtmå, as well as
material and spiritual knowledge.
Nakula – Son of På√∂u and younger brother of Arjuna.
Nårada – A great sage amongst the demigods and one of the sons of Brahmå.
Nårada-pañcaråtra – An ancient Sanskrit text that is divided into five parts.
It is a conversation between the sage Nårada and Çiva wherein the glories and
nature of Çrî K®ß√a are explained.
Narasiµha – An avatåra of K®ß√a who appears in order to save His devotee
Prahlåda from the murderous clutches of his demonic father, Hira√yakaçipu.
Nåråya√a – The four-armed avatåra of K®ß√a in Vaiku√†ha.
Nimbåditya – An ancient Vaiß√ava åcårya from Tailangana, South India.
Nimbårka – (See Nimbåditya)
Padma Purå√a – One of the eighteen Purå√as that glorify K®ß√a and Viß√u.
Påñcajanya – The conch shell of K®ß√a.
Pañca-tattva – Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu, worshipped along with His four
principle associates, Nityånanda, Advaita Åcårya, Gadådhara and Çrîvåsa.
På√∂avas – The five sons of På√∂u, Yudhiß†hira, Arjuna, Bhîma, Nakula and
Sahadeva.
På√∂u – Brother of Dh®taråß†ra and father to the five På√∂avas.
Paramåtmå – Super Consciousness. The localised aspect of K®ß√a which enters
every living being and every atom in the universe.
Parantapa – A name for Arjuna meaning ‘conqueror of the enemy.’
Paråçara Muni – A great sage and father of Vyåsa.
Paraçuråma – An avatåra of K®ß√a who appeared in order to admonish corrupt
administration.
Pårtha – A name of Arjuna meaning ‘Son of P®thå’.
Pårtha-sårathi – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘the charioteer of Arjuna.’
Patañjali – The famous compiler of the Yoga-sütras.
Pau√∂ra – The conch shell of Bhîma.
Prahlåda – A famous child-devotee of Viß√u born in a family of daityas.
Prajåpatis – The sons of Brahmå and progenitors of mankind.
Prakåçånanda Sarasvatî – A 15th Century expounder of impersonalism who
later became a follower of Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
Prameya-ratnåvalî – A book written by Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a delineating the
main teachings of Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
P®thå – A name for Kuntî, the mother of Arjuna.
464
Pulaha – A famous sage of Vedic India.
Pulastya – A famous sage of Vedic India.
Purå√a – Ancient texts narrating the creation and destruction of the universe,
genealogies of kings, sages, and demigods, and descriptions of cosmology,
philosophy, and geography.
Purujit – Arjuna’s maternal uncle.
Purußottama – A name for K®ß√a meaning ‘The Supreme Person.’
Rådhå-K®ß√a – K®ß√a, along with His eternal consort, Rådhårå√î.
Rådhå-ku√∂a – The topmost place of Çrî K®ß√a’s intimate pastimes found in
V®ndåvana.
Raghunåtha Dåsa Gosvåmî – An associate of Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
Råkßasa – A malevolent man-eating creature.
Råma (Råmacandra) – An avatåra of K®ß√a who shows the example of an ideal
ruler. He is the hero of the Råmåya√a.
Råmånuja – A 12th Century Vaiß√ava philosopher who founded the school of
viçiß†hådvaita, or qualified oneness.
Råmåya√a – A famous book written by the sage Vålmîki detailing the life of
Råma, the avatåra of K®ß√a.
Råmeçvaram – A holy city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
‰g Veda – One of the four Vedas.
Rudras – The eleven expansions of Çiva that destroy the universe at the time
of annihilation.
Rüpa Gosvåmî – A 15th Century Vaiß√ava åcårya and the foremost follower
of Caitanya Mahåprabhu. Rüpa Gosvåmî wrote many books of the science of
bhakti.
Çacî Måtå – The mother of Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
Sådhya – The personified rites and prayers of the Vedas.
Sahadeva – Son of På√∂u and younger brother of Arjuna.
Çaibya – A king of the Çibi Dynasty who fought alongside the På√∂avas.
Çålågråma-çîlå – A stone-like object revered as non-different from K®ß√a/
Viß√u and found in the Gå√∂åkî River in Nepal.
Såma Veda – One of the four Vedas.
Sanaka – One of the Four Kumåras.
Sanåtana Gosvåmî – The elder brother of Rüpa Gosvåmî.
Ça∫kara – (see Çiva)
Sañjaya – The loyal retainer of Dh®taråß†ra and disciple of Vyåsa.
Sarasvatî – The demigoddess of knowledge and learning.
Sarasvatî ˇhåkura – A famous Vaiß√ava åcårya of early 20th Century, who
465
spread the message of bhakti-yoga throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Sårvabhauma Bha††åcårya – A famous 15th Century scholar of rhetoric and
logic who later became a follower of Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
Såtyaki – A valiant warrior of the V®ß√i Dynasty who was devoted to K®ß√a.
He fought for the På√∂avas during the Mahåbhårata War.
Satya-loka – The planet of Brahmå, the highest material planet in the universe.
Seven Sages – (Skt. Sapta-®ßis) The sons of Brahmå. The seven are Marîci,
Bh®gu, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vasiß†ha.
Siddhas – Sages who have mastered all yogic perfections.
Çikha√∂i – The son of Drupada who fought at Kurukßetra on the side of the
På√∂avas.
Çikßåß†aka – Eight prayers composed by Caitanya Mahåprabhu extolling the
glories of the name of K®ß√a.
Çiva – The powerful demigod who destroys the material cosmos at the time of
universal destruction.
Çiva-loka – The abode of Çiva.
Skanda – (See Kårtikeya)
Sm®ti – The personification of remembrance.
Soma – A celestial beverage that is taken by the demigods.
Çrî – The personification of beauty.
Çrîdhara Svåmî – An ancient Vaiß√ava åcårya who wrote a commentary, known
as the Subodhinî-†îka on the Bhagavad-gîtå.
Çrîmad Bhågavatam – The essence of all Vedic literatures that specifically
focuses upon devotion to Çrî K®ß√a. The most important section amongst all
twelve divisions is the Tenth Canto which narrates the pastimes of K®ß√a in
V®ndåvana.
Çrîmatî Rådhårå√î – Çrî K®ß√a’s eternal consort; the female aspect of the
Absolute Truth.
Çrînåtha Cakravartî – A famous åcårya in the paramparå of Caitanya
Mahåprabhu.
Subhadrå – The daughter of Vasudeva and sister of K®ß√a.
Sughoßa – The conch shell of Nakula.
Çukadeva Gosvåmî – The son of Vyåsa and the famous narrator of the Çrîmad
Bhågavatam.
Süta – A disciple of Vyåsa. Süta heard the Mahåbhårata from Vaiçampåyana
and repeated it to the sages of Naimißåra√ya forest.
Sürya – The demigod of the sun planet.
Svåmî B. R. Çrîdhara – One of the foremost Vaiß√ava philosophers and åcåryas
of the 20th Century.
466
Svarüpa Dåmodara – An eternal associate of Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu.
Çvetadvîpa – The spiritual world where K®ß√a resides.
Çvetåçvatara Upanißad – An ancient Sanskrit text associated with the Yajur
Veda. It explicitly explains the science of bhakti.
Çyåmasundara – The most charming form of K®ß√a in V®ndåvana.
Taittirîya Åra√yaka – A supplement to the Vedas describing various Vedic
rituals.
Tulasî-devî – (See V®ndå)
Uccai˙çrava – The horse of Indra.
Upadeçåm®ta – A short work of eleven verses written by Rüpa Gosvåmî on the
science of bhakti.
Upanißads – Ancient philosophical texts that mostly explain the aspect of
impersonal Brahman.
Uçanå – The guru of the daityas.
Uttamauja – A prince of the Pañcala province.
Vaiku√†ha – The eternal spiritual abode of Viß√u.
Vaiçampåyana – A disciple of Vyåsa. Vaiçampåyana learned the verses of
Mahåbhårata from Vyåsa and repeated them to the king Janamajaya. He was
the first narrator of Mahåbhårata.
Vaiß√avîya-tantra-såra – An ancient Sanskrit text that includes an elaborate
glorification of the Bhagavad-gîtå.
Vaivasvata Manu – The seventh Manu and the progenitor of the current age.
Våk – The personification of speech.
Våmana – An avatåra of K®ß√a who appears as a young bråhma√a boy in order
to chastise the demon-king, Baliråja.
Vaµçi-va†a – A place in V®ndåvana where K®ß√a danced with the gopîs.
Varåha – An avatåra of K®ß√a who descends to save the Earth planet from the
demon, Hira√yåkßa.
Varåha Purå√a – One of the eighteen major Purå√as that glorifies K®ß√a in
His avatåra as Varåha.
Vårß√eya – A name of K®ß√a meaning ‘descendant of the V®ß√i dynasty.’
Varu√a – The demigod of water.
Vasiß†ha – A famous sage of ancient times.
Vasiß†ha-sm®ti – A Sanskrit text by Vasiß†ha on social laws.
Våsuki – The king of the celestial serpents.
Vasus – The eight minor demigods that represent the eight elements.
Vasudeva – The father of K®ß√a.
Våsudeva – A name of K®ß√a meaning ‘the son of Vasudeva’ or ‘ One who
467
pervades all things.’
Våyu – The demigod of the air.
Vedånta-sütra – (Skt. ‘The end of knowledge’) A philosophical treatise written
by Vyåsa concerning self-realisation and the nature of the Absolute.
Vedas – An extensive body of spiritual literature from more than 10,000 BCE,
from a time before monotheism religious principles found their way to the
western hemisphere.
Vidura – The wise brother of På√∂u and Dh®taråß†ra, and uncle to the
På√∂avas and the Kauravas.
Vikar√a – One of the sons of Dh®taråß†ra.
Virå†a – A king who fought for the På√∂avas at Kurukßetra.
Viçåkhå – One of the eternal gopî-friends of Çrîmatî Rådhåra√î.
Viß√u – (see Nåråya√a)
Viß√u-dharmottara Purå√a – An appendix to the Viß√u Purå√a.
Viß√u Purå√a – One of the eighteen Purå√as that glorify K®ß√a and Viß√u.
Viß√u Svåmî – An ancient Vaiß√ava åcårya who wrote a commentary on the
Vedånta-sütras.
Viçvadeva – A class of demigods that collect the offerings made in sacrifice.
Viçvanåtha Cakravartî – An 18th Century Vaiß√ava åcårya who wrote many
books on the philosophy of bhakti and the pastimes of Çrî K®ß√a.
Vivasvån – The presiding demigod of the sun planet.
Vraja – (See V®ndåvana)
V®ndå – One of the gopî friends of Rådhå and K®ß√a in V®ndåvana.
V®ndåvana – The holy town in modern day Uttar Pradesh where Çrî K®ß√a
appeared five thousand years ago.
V®ßabhånu – The father of Çrîmatî Rådhårå√î.
V®ß√is – An ancient dynasty in India. K®ß√a appeared in this family.
Vyåghra – One of K®ß√a’s pet dogs in V®ndåvana.
Vyåsa – The literary avatåra of K®ß√a, compiler of the Vedic literature and
guru of Sañjaya.
Yådava – A name of K®ß√a meaning ‘descendant of the Yadu Dynasty.’
Yakßa – Nature spirits that guard hidden treasure.
Yama – The demigod of death.
Yamunå – A holy river that flows through V®ndåvana.
Yogeçvara – A name for K®ß√a meaning, ‘The Master of yoga’
Yudhåmanyu – A prince of the Pañcala province.
Yudhiß†hira – One of the sons of På√∂u and oldest brother of Arjuna.
468
Glossary of Terms
Including Sanskrit terminology found in this book
Åcårya – A spiritual master who teaches others by his perfect example.
Acintya – Inconceivable.
Acintya-bhedåbheda-tattva – The philosophy taught by Caitanya
Mahåprabhu that expounds that K®ß√a and His potencies are simultaneously
and inconceivably one and different.
Acintya-çakti – K®ß√a’s potency of inconceivability.
Adharma – Unlawful activities that cloud the living beings consciousness and
separate them from the Absolute Truth.
Adhokßaja – That which is beyond the reach of the material senses.
Advaita – The philosophy of monism propagated by Ådi Ça∫kara. Advaita
identifies the individual consciousness as being the same as the Super
Consciousness. It postulates that all beings are essentially the Supreme but
that they are temporarily covered by måyå.
Aha∫kåra – The false ego that makes the living being identify with the
material body and its environment.
Åjñå-cakra – The cakra situated in the pineal gland. This is also known as
the ‘third eye’.
Akarma – Activities performed exclusively for the pleasure of K®ß√a.
Anådi – Without beginning.
Anåhata-cakra – The cakra situated in the heart.
Anala – The element of fire.
Ånanda – Spiritual bliss or perfection.
Ånandamaya – The last of the pañca-koça: cultivating and entering into a
relationship with K®ß√a and experiencing eternal bliss.
Anartha-niv®tti – Clearing the heart of unwanted desires and assorted
contaminations.
A√imå-siddhi – The yogic perfection of becoming very small.
Annamaya – The first of the pañca-koça: the most external plane of
consciousness primarily based upon nourishment.
Anu – The finite consciousness of the living beings.
Åpa – The element of water.
Aparå-prak®ti – K®ß√a’s inferior material energy.
Aparå-vidyå – Knowledge of matter.
Arcana – The process of Deity worship.
Arca-vigraha – The authorised form of K®ß√a worshipped by His devotees.
469
Åroha-panthå – The path of ascending knowledge.
Artha – Economic development.
Åryan – One who carries out one’s duties in accordance with the Vedic
injunctions.
Åsakti – Great attachment to the Absolute Truth.
Åsana – Systematic bodily exercises and postures aimed at toning and
bringing into balance one’s entire physical organism.
Åçrama – The four stages of life within the Vedic social system.
Åçraya – Spiritual shelter.
Aß†å∫ga-yoga – The eightfold process of yoga: yama, niyama, asana,
prå√åyåma, pratyåhåra, dhåra√å, dhyåna and samådhi.
Aß†a-siddhis – The eight yogic perfections: a√ima, laghimå, pråpti, mahimå,
îçitva, vaçitva, pråkåmya and kåmåvasåyitå.
Åtmå – The individual consciousness.
Avaroha-panthå – Transcendental knowledge descending through the
disciplic succession.
Avatåra – The manifestation or descent of Çrî K®ß√a in various forms to
perform pastimes on Earth.
Avatårî – K®ß√a, the origin of all avatåras.
Bhajana-kriyå – Spiritual practices in relation to K®ß√a performed under the
guidance of a guru.
Bhakti – Devotion to K®ß√a. The inherent dharma of all living beings.
Bhakti-yoga – The yogic process of devotion to K®ß√a.
Bhåva – The stage of deep spiritual affection for K®ß√a.
Bhrama – The tendency to make mistakes.
Bhümi – The element of earth.
Brahmacårî – A celibate student of the Vedas within the Vedic social system.
Brahma-jyoti (Brahman) – The glaring effulgence of Çrî K®ß√a’s body.
Bråhma√a – A member of the intellectual class in Vedic society.
Brahmavådî – Those who desire to merge into the effulgence of Brahman.
Buddhi – Material intelligence.
Cakras – Points of energy within the subtle body.
Dhåra√å – Concentrating the mind without distractions from external
sources.
Dharma – The quintessential duty or knowledge that elevates our
consciousness to a direct connection with the Absolute Truth.
Dhyåna – The process of meditation.
Dîkßå – The process of initiation.
470
Dîkßå-guru – The guru who initiates the disciple into the chanting of the
mahå-mantra and the gåyatrî.
Dvåpara-yuga – The third age within a cosmic time cycle which lasts for
864,000 years. In Dvåpara-yuga, virtuous qualities are reduced by 50%.
Dvaita – The system of Vaiß√ava philosophy propounded by Madhva.
Dvaita stresses the distinction between the Absolute and the living beings
and posits that the material world is real, as opposed to the monist belief that
the world is an illusion.
Dvaitådvaita – The Vaiß√ava philosophy of difference and non-difference
proposed by Nimbårka. Dvaitådvaita considers cit (spiritual substance) and
acit (matter) to be different from the Absolute as they both exist separately
from the Him with distinct qualities and capacities. Simultaneously they are
considered as non-different because they have no independent existence from
Him.
Fall-vådî – A hybrid compound word describing those who mistakenly
believe that the living being originally fell from the Supreme Abode to the
material world.
G®hastha – A Vedic householder within the Vedic social system.
Gu√a – (1) The material qualities of goodness, passion and ignorance.
(2) The inherent qualities of an individual.
Gu√åvatåra – The three personalities of Brahmå, Viß√u, and Çiva, who
preside over the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance respectively.
Guru-paramparå – The disciplic succession of guru-disciple stretching back
to Çrî K®ß√a Himself.
Hlådinî-çakti – The pleasure potency of Çrî K®ß√a.
ˆçitva-siddhi – The yogic perfection of being able to create something
wonderful or to destroy anything at will.
Jagad-guru – A title for a great åcårya, meaning ‘Universal Teacher’.
Japa – The silent chanting of the mahå-mantra on beads.
Jîva – The living being; the self (See åtmå).
Jñåna – Knowledge of the consciousness and the Super Consciousness.
Jñånî – One who tries to achieve the Absolute by intellectual pursuits
Kåla – Time.
Kali-yuga – The fourth and present age of the cosmic time cycle. According
to the Sürya-siddhånta, an ancient Vedic treatise on astronomy, Kali-yuga
commenced in 3102 BCE. This is the age of quarrel and hypocrisy that lasts
for 432,000 years, virtuous qualities are reduced to 25%.
Kåma – Sensual pleasure.
Kåmåvasåyitå-siddhi – The yogic perfection of being able to assume any
form one wishes.
Kara√åpå†ava – The tendency to have defective sensory perception.
471
Karma – (1) Actions performed according to Vedic injunctions that produce
good results.
(2) The laws of material nature pertaining to action and reaction.
(3) Activities performed by an individual.
Karma-yoga – The path of selfless action.
Karma-yogî – One who follows the path of karma-yoga.
Karmî – One who tries to attain salvation by performing Vedic rituals.
Kaya – The material body.
Khaµ – The element of accommodating space for existence.
Krodha – Anger.
Kßatriya – A member of the administrative warrior class in Vedic society.
Ku√∂alinî-yoga – A system of yoga based on the concept of raising the
consciousness through the cakras.
Laghimå-siddhi – The yogic perfection of becoming lighter than air.
Lobha – Greed.
Mahå-mantra – The ‘great mantra’ to be chanted in Kali-yuga, consisting of
the names of K®ß√a.
Mahå-måyå – (See måyå)
Mahå-pralaya – The cyclic annihilation of the entire material universe.
Mahå-prasådam – (See prasåda)
Mahimå-siddhi – The yogic perfection of becoming heavier than the heaviest.
Mana – The mind.
Ma√ipüra-cakra – The cakra situated in the solar plexus.
Manomaya – The third pañca-koça – the stage of mental awareness.
Måyå – The external illusory potency of K®ß√a that bewilders the living
beings in the material world.
Måyåvådî – Those who consider the form of K®ß√a as illusory and believe
that they can become the Absolute.
Mokßa – Salvation, perfection.
Mülådhåra-cakra – The base cakra situated in the prostate gland.
Muni – A yogî.
Nåbhas – (See khaµ)
Nirgu√a-çraddhå – Faith that is uncontaminated by the modes of material
nature.
Nirvå√a – Freedom from material bondage through attaining the spiritual
abode of K®ß√a.
Niß†ha – Steadiness in service to K®ß√a.
Niyama – The observance of regulations during the process of yoga.
472
Oµ – The supreme combination of letters denoting the Absolute Truth, Çrî
K®ß√a.
Pañca-koça – The five stages of consciousness: annamaya, prå√amaya,
manomaya, vijñånamaya and ånandamaya.
Pañcama-purußårtha – Divine love for K®ß√a, the fifth goal of life.
Pa√∂ita – A wise man.
Paramparå – The unbroken disciplic succession of guru and disciple that
reaches back to the time of K®ß√a.
Paripraçna – Submissive inquiry by the disciple to the guru.
Pråkåmya-siddhi – The yogic perfection of being able to fulfil all of one’s
desires.
Pråk®ti – Material nature.
Pralaya – The partial annihilation of the material universe.
Pramåda – The tendency to fall prey to illusion.
Prå√amaya – The second of the pañca-koça, consciousness of the preservation
of one’s body.
Prå√åyåma – The yogic system of controlling the inward and outward breath
by systematic breathing exercises.
Pråpti-siddhi – The yogic perfection of being able to retrieve anything from
anywhere.
Prasådam – The mercy of K®ß√a. The remnants of foodstuffs offered to
K®ß√a.
Pratyåhåra – Withdrawing the senses from the sense objects and training the
mind to become introspective and intuitively orientated.
Prîti – (See prema)
Prema (or prema-bhakti) – Divine love for the Supreme Person, Çrî K®ß√a.
Püjå – Vedic rituals to worship the Supreme.
Rågånugå-bhakti – Direct spontaneous loving service to K®ß√a.
Raja-gu√a – The mode of passion.
Ruci – Tasting the pure sweetness of realisation in the Absolute Truth.
Sådhana (or sådhana-bhakti) – Devotional activities supported by the rules
and regulations of the çåstra.
Sådhu – A self-realised yogî.
Sådhu-sa∫ga – Association with sådhus.
Sahasråra-cakra – The highest cakra situated on the top of the head. Those
who are adept at yoga leave the material body from this cakra.
Sakhya-rasa – The eternal relationship with K®ß√a in the mood of friendship.
Çakti – Potency.
473
Samådhi – Being fully absorbed in pure spiritual consciousness or conscious
of K®ß√a as the Supreme Person.
Saµsåra – The cycle of birth and death within the material world.
Sanåtana-dharma – The occupational duty of all living beings.
Sa∫kîrtana (or nåma-sa∫kîrtana) – The congregational chanting of the mahå-
mantra.
Sannyåsa – The path of renouncing all material things that re unrelated to
K®ß√a.
Sannyåsî – The highest order of renunciates in the Vedic social order. One
who renounces all activities for their own benefit.
Çåstra – The Vedic literature.
Sac-cid-ånanda – The spiritual qualities of eternity, knowledge and bliss.
Sattva-gu√a – The mode of goodness.
Satya-yuga – The first age of the cosmic time cycle lasting for 1,728,000
years. During Satya-yuga the majority of the population is in the mode of
goodness.
Sevå – Service to one’s spiritual superiors.
Çikßå – Instructions on how to approach the Absolute Truth.
Çikßå-guru – The guru who imparts practical instructions to the disciple for
progressive advancement in self-realisation.
Çraddhå – Faith. That which leads to truth and self-realisation.
Çuddhådvaita – The Vaiß√ava philosophy of purified monism established by
Viß√u Svåmî. Çuddhådvaita considers the individual åtmås and the Supreme
as both one in nature, but in quantity they are distinct. Thus the åtmå is
eternally minute and finite whereas the Absolute is always all-pervading and
infinite.
Çüdra – A member of the labourer class in Vedic society.
Suk®ti – Spiritual merits derived from previous lifetimes.
Çünya – Void.
Çünyavådî – Those who reject the existence of the åtmå and wish to annihilate
their existence.
Sußumnå-nadi – The subtle channel that connecting the mülådhåra-cakra to
the sahasråra-cakra.
Svådhiß†håna-cakra – The cakra situated at the base of the spinal cord.
Tama-gu√a – The mode of ignorance.
Tapasvî – One who tries to attain the Absolute by the performance of severe
penances.
Tapasya – Austerities that decrease material consciousness and promote a
conscious awareness of the Absolute truth.
Ta†asthå – The marginal position between the spiritual and mundane planes.
474
Tattva-darçî – One who understands the Absolute Truth.
Treta-yuga – The second age of the cosmic time cycle which lasts for
1,296,000 years. In Treta-yuga, virtuous qualities decrease by one fourth
compared to Satya-yuga.
Tyåga – The renunciation of all activities.
Tyågî – One who renounces all actions.
Vaiß√ava – A practitioner of bhakti-yoga, who worships K®ß√a/Viß√u as the
Supreme Truth.
Vaiçya – A member of the mercantile class in Vedic society.
Våkya – Speech.
Vånaprastha – Householders who have retired from family life to dedicate
themselves to the Absolute.
Var√a – The four social orders in Vedic society.
Var√åçrama (or var√åçrama-dharma) – (See Var√a and Åçrama)
Vaçitva-siddhi – The yogic perfection of being able to control the material
elements.
Våyu – The element of air.
Vibhu – The all-pervading infinite consciousness of K®ß√a.
Vijñåna – Realised knowledge of the Absolute.
Vijñånamaya – The fourth pañca-koça – the cultivation of consciousness
based on higher knowledge.
Vikarma – Forbidden activities, contrary to Vedic injunctions that produce
bad karmic reactions.
Vipralipså – The tendency to cheat and be cheated.
Viçiß†hådvaita – The Vaiß√ava philosophy of qualified non-dualism
propounded by Råmånuja. In viçiß†hådvaita the Absolute Truth and the living
beings are eternally individual, but simultaneously the Absolute and the living
beings are considered to be an inseparable organic whole.
Viçuddha-cakra – The cakra situated in the throat.
Viçuddha-sattva – Pure goodness. The spiritual platform beyond the three
modes of material nature.
Yajña – The process of sacrifice.
Yama – The rules of the yoga process.
Yoga-måyå – K®ß√a’s transcendental internal energy.
Yuga – Cosmic time cycle.
Yuga-dharma – The main dharma for each of the four yugas that awards
spiritual perfection.
475
Index of Quoted Verses
This Index constitutes a list of the first line of each Sanskrit verse
quoted in the Anuv®tti commentary, arranged in alphabetical order.
A
åcåryaµ måµ vijånîyån 127 etån måhåtmya-saµyuktaµ 450
adau çraddhå tata˙ sådhu 112 ete caµça kalå˙ puµsa˙ 31, 80
agnido garadaç caiva 33
akåma˙ sarva-kåmo vå 192 G
aiçvaryasya samågrasya 30 gîtå-çåstram idaµ pu√yaµ 449
ålola-candraka-lasad 446 goloka-nåmopari sarvam 218
andhaµ tama˙ praviçanti 271 guravo bahava˙ santi 129
ånukülyasya sa∫kalpa˙ 248 guru-pådåçrayast tasmåt 126
anyåbhilåßitå-çünyaµ 305
årådhyo bhagavån vrajeça 371 H
asat-sa∫ga tyåga 362 harer-nåma harer nåma 107
ata˙ pumbhir dvija-çreß†hå 115 harir eva sadårådhyam 31
åtatåyinam åyåntaµ 33
åtma måtå guro˙ patnî 434 I
îçvara˙ parama˙ k®ß√a˙ 31, 230
B iti ßo∂açakaµ nåmnåµ 88
bålågra-çata bhågasya 46
bhaja govindaµ 305 J
bhütånåµ chidra-dåt®tvaµ 184 jalaja nava-lakßå√i 144
brahmå√∂a bhramite kona 114 jaya çrî k®ß√a caitanya 401
jîvo-jîvasya-jîvånåµ 7
C jñånam parama guhyaµ me 180
ceto-darpa√a-mårjanaµ 108
cintåma√i-prakara-sadmasu 445 K
kaler doßa nidhe råjan 107
D k®cchro mahån iha 309
dharmaµ tu såkßåd 88 k®pålu, ak®ta-droha 195
k®ßir bhu-våcaka˙ çabdo 32
E k®ß√a bhuli sei jîva 332
ekale îçvara k®ß√a 371 k®ß√a–sürya-sama 253
ekaµ çåstraµ devakî-putra 409 k®ß√a tvadîya-pada-pa∫kaja 208
eßo’√urå†må cetaså 47 k®te yad dhyåyato viß√uµ 108
476
M
mahåjano yena gata˙ 113
må hiµsyåt sarva-bhütåni 33 sa vai puµsåµ paro dharmo 246
måsartu-darvî 287 smartavya˙ satatam viß√or 443
mukti-pradåtå sarveßåµ 197 smeråµ bha∫gî-traya 264
çrat dadhåti iti çraddha˙ 227
N çrava√aµ kîrtanaµ viß√o˙ 252
nåma cintåma√i˙ k®ß√aç 89 çrî brahma rudra sanakå˙ 128
nåma-sa∫kîrtanaµ-yasya 190, 387 çriya˙ kåntå˙ kånta˙ 447
na tatra süryo bhåti 363
nityo ’nityånåµ cetanaç 128 T
tad viß√o˙ paramaµ padaµ 80
O tasmåt k®ß√a eva paro 32
oµ athåto brahma-jijñåså 203 tat padaµ paramaµ brahma 367
oµ ity etad brahma√o 189
oµ janmådy asya yata˙ 368 U
oµ pür√am ada˙ 327 ürdhva-mülam arvåk-cåkhaµ 361
P V
pîtåmbaraµ ghana-çyåmaµ 284 vadanti tat tattva-vidas 67
prabuddhe jñåna-bhaktibhyåm 312 vaiku√†åj janito varå 444
prasåde vismaye harße 278 våsudevåd abhinnå tu 307
premåñjana-cchurita 446 vedån uddharate jaganti 277
vede råmåya√e caiva 368
R ve√uµ kva√antam 445
råmånujaµ çrî˙ svicakre 128 vidyåµ cåvidyåµ ca 351
S Y
sa hånis tan mahåcchidraµ 207 yajña-çiß†åçina˙ santo 398
çålågråma-çîlåyåµ vå 450 yat tad avyaktam ajaram 307
sampradåya vihinå ye 128 yatråvatîr√aµ k®ß√åkhyaµ 32
saµsåra-sågaraµ ghoraµ 449
sa nityo nitya-sambandha˙ 294
sat-pu√∂arîka-nayanaµ 284
sattvaµ viçuddhaµ våsudeva 394
sattvika˙ kårako ‘sa∫gî 355
satyaµ brüyåt priyaµ 404
satyam satyam puna˙ satyam 371
477
Index of Gita Verses
This index constitutes a complete listing of the first and second lines
of each of the Sanskrit verses of the Bhagavad-gîtå in alphabetical
order, along with the chapter and verse reference.
A
abhayaµ sattva-saµçuddhir 16.1 ådityånåm ahaµ viß√ur 10.21
abhisandhåya tu phalaµ 17.12 ad®ß†a-pürvaµ h®ßito’smi 11.45
abhito brahma-nirvå√aµ 5.26 adveß†å sarva-bhütånåµ 12.13
abhyåsåd ramate yatra 18.36 ådy-antavanta˙ kaunteya 5.22
abhyåsa-yoga-yuktena 8.8 ågamåpåyino’nityås 2.14
abhyåsa-yogena tato måm 12.9 aghåyur indriyåråmo 3.16
abhyåsena tu kaunteya 6.35 agnir-jyotir aha˙ çukla˙ 8.24
abhyåse’pyasamartho’si 12.10 aham ådir hi devånåµ 10.2
abhyutthånam adharmasya 4.7 aham ådiç ca madhyaµ ca 10.20
åbrahma-bhuvanål lokå˙ 8.16 aham åtmå gu∂åkeça 10.20
åcåraty-åtmana˙ çreyas 16.22 aham evåkßaya˙ kålo 10.33
åcåryå˙ pitara˙ putrås 1.33 ahaµ hi sarva-yajñånåµ 9.24
åcåryam upasa∫gamya 1.2 ahaµ kratur ahaµ yajña˙ 9.16
åcåryån måtulån bhråt®n 1.26 ahaµ k®tsnasya jagata˙ 7.6
åcåryopåsanaµ çaucaµ 13.8 ahaµ sarvasya prabhavo 10.8
acchedyo’yam adåhyo’yam 2.24 ahaµ tvåµ sarva-påpebhyo 18.66
adeça-kåle yad dånam 17.22 ahaµ vaiçvånaro bhütvå 15.14
adharmåbhibhavåt k®ß√a 1.40 aha∫kåra itîyaµ me 7.4
adharmaµ dharmam iti yå 18.32 aha∫kåraµ balaµ darpaµ 16.18
adhaç ca mülåny-anusantatåni 15.2 aha∫kåraµ balaµ darpaµ 18.53
adhaç cordhvaµ pras®tås tasya 15.2 aha∫kåra-vimü∂håtmå 3.27
adhibhütaµ ca kiµ proktam 8.1 åhårå råjasasyeß†å 17.9
adhibhütaµ kßaro bhåva˙ 8.4 åhåras tv-api sarvasya 17.7
adhiß†hånaµ tathå kartå 18.14 ahiµså samatå tuß†is 10.5
adhiß†håya manaç cåyaµ 15.9 ahiµså satyam akrodhas 16.2
adhiyajña˙ kathaµ ko’tra 8.2 aho bata mahat-påpaµ 1.44
adhiyajño’ham evåtra 8.4 åhus tvåm ®ßaya˙ sarve 10.13
adhyåtma-jñåna-nityatvaµ 13.12 airåvataµ gajendrå√åµ 10.27
adhyåtma-vidyå vidyånåµ 10.32 ajånatå mahimånaµ 11.41
adhyeßyate ca ya imaµ 18.70 ajñånan cåbhijåtasya 16.4
å∂hyo’bhijanavån asmi 16.15 ajñånenåv®taµ jñånaµ 5.15
478
ajñaç cåçraddadhånaç ca 4.40 annåd bhavanti bhütåni 3.14
ajo nitya˙ çåçvato’yaµ 2.20 anta-kåle ca måmeva 8.5
ajo’pi sann avyayåtmå 4.6 antavanta ime dehå 2.18
akarma√aç ca boddhavyaµ 4.17 antavat tu phalaµ teßåµ 7.23
åkhyåhi me ko bhavån 11.31 anubandhaµ kßayaµ hiµsåm 18.25
akîrtiµ cåpi bhütåni 2.34 anudvega-karaµ våkyaµ 17.15
akßaraµ brahma paramaµ 8.3 anye ca bahava˙ çürå 1.9
akßarå√åm akåro’smi 10.33 anye så∫khyena yogena 13.25
amånitvam adambhitvam 13.8 anye tv-evam ajånanta˙ 13.26
amî ca tvåµ dh®taråß†rasya 11.26 apåne juhvati prå√aµ 4.29
amî hi tvåµ sura-sa∫ghå 11.21 aparaµ bhavato janma 4.4
am®taµ caiva m®tyuç ca 9.19 aparaspara-sambhütaµ 16.8
anådi-madhyåntam ananta 11.19 apare niyatåhårå˙ prå√ån 4.30
anådimat paraµ brahma 13.13 apareyam itas tvanyåµ 7.5
anåditvån nirgu√atvåt 13.32 aparyåptaµ tad asmåkaµ 1.10
ananta deveça jagannivåsa 11.37 apaçyad deva-devasya 11.13
anantaç cåsmi någånåµ 10.29 aphalå∫kßibhir yajño 17.11
ananta-vijayaµ raja 1.16 aphalåkå∫kßibhir yuktai˙ 17.17
ananta-vîryåmita-vikramas 11.40 aphala-prepsunå karma 18.23
ananya-cetå˙ satataµ 8.14 api ced asi påpebhya˙ 4.36
ananyåç cintayanto måµ 9.22 api cet suduråcåro 9.30
ananyenaiva yogena 12.6 api trailokya-råjyasya 1.35
anapekßa˙ çuchir dakßa 12.16 aprakåço’prav®ttiç ca 14.13
anårya-juß†am asvargyam 2.2 apråpya måµ nivartante 9.3
anåçino’prameyasya 2.18 apråpya yoga-saµsiddhiµ 6.37
anåçrita˙ karma-phalaµ 6.1 apratiß†ho mahå-båho 6.38
anåtmanastu çatrutve 6.6 åpüryamå√am acala 2.70
aneka-båhüdara-vaktra 11.16 årto jijñåsur arthårthî 7.16
aneka-citta-vibhråntå 16.16 årurukßor muner yogaµ 6.3
aneka-divyåbhara√aµ 11.10 asad ity-ucyate pårtha 17.28
aneka-janma-saµsiddhas 6.45 asakta-buddhi˙ sarvatra 18.49
aneka-vaktra-nayanam 11.10 asaktaµ sarva-bh®c caiva 13.15
anena prasavißyadhvam 3.10 asaktir anabhißva∫ga˙ 13.10
anicchann api vårß√eya 3.36 asakto hyåcaran karma 3.19
aniketa˙ sthira-matir 12.19 asammü∂ha˙ sa martyeßu 10.3
aniß†am iß†aµ miçraµ ca 18.12 asaµçayaµ mahå-båho 6.35
anityam asukhaµ lokam 9.33 asaµçayaµ samagraµ måµ 7.1
479
asaµyatåtmanå yogo 6.36 åtma-vaçyair vidheyåtmå 2.64
åçå-påça-çatair baddhå˙ 16.12 ato’smi loke vede ca 15.18
açåstra-vihitaµ ghoraµ 17.5 atra çürå maheßvåså 1.4
asatk®tam avajñåtaµ tat 17.22 atyeti tat sarvam idaµ 8.28
asatyam apratiß†haµ te 16.8 avåcya-vådånç ca bahün 2.36
asau mayå hata˙ çatrur 16.14 avajånanti måµ mü∂hå 9.11
åçcaryavac-cainam anya˙ 2.29 avåpya bhümåv-asapatnam 2.8
åçcaryavat paçyati kaçcidenam 2.29 avibhaktaµ ca bhüteßu 13.17
asito devalo vyåsa˙ 10.13 avibhaktaµ vibhakteßu 18.20
asmåkaµ tu viçiß†å ye 1.7 avinåçi tu tad viddhi 2.17
açocyån anvaçocas tvaµ 2.11 åv®taµ jñånam etena 3.39
açraddadhånå˙ purußå 9.3 avyaktådîni bhütåni 2.28
açraddhayå hutaµ dattaµ 17.28 avyaktåd vyaktaya˙ sarvå˙ 8.18
åsthita˙ sa hi yuktåtmå 7.18 avyaktå hi gatir du˙khaµ 12.5
åsurîµ yonim åpannå 16.20 avyaktaµ vyaktim åpannaµ 7.24
åçvåsayåmåsa ca bhîtam 11.50 avyakta-nidhanåny-eva 2.28
açvattha˙ sarva-v®kßå√åµ 10.26 avyakto’kßara ity-uktas 8.21
açvatthåmå vikar√aç ca 1.8 avyakto’yam acintyo’yam 2.25
açvattham enaµ suvirü∂ha 15.3 ayaneßu ca sarveßu 1.11
atattvårthavad alpaµ ca 18.22 ayathåvat prajånåti 18.31
atha cainaµ nitya-jåtaµ 2.26 ayati˙ çraddhayopeto 6.37
atha cet tvam aha∫kårån 18.58 åyudhånåm ahaµ vajraµ 10.28
atha cet tvam imaµ 2.33 åyu˙ sattva-balårogya 17.8
atha cittaµ samådhåtuµ 12.9 ayukta˙ kåma-kåre√a 5.12
athaitad apy-açakto’si 12.11 ayukta˙ pråk®ta˙ stabdha˙ 18.28
atha kena prayukto’yaµ 3.36
athavå bahunaitena 10.42 B
athavå yoginåm eva 6.42 bahavo jñåna tapaså 4.10
atha vyavasthitån d®ß†vå 1.20 bahir antaç ca bhütånåm 13.16
åtmaiva hy-åtmano bandhur 6.5 bahüdaraµ bahu-daµß†rå 11.23
åtmany-eva ca santuß†as 3.17 bahünåµ janmanåm ante 7.19
åtmany-evåtmanå tuß†a˙ 2.55 bahüni me vyatîtåni 4.5
åtma-sambhåvitå˙ stabdhå 16.17 bahüny-ad®ß†a-pürvå√I 11.6
åtma-saµsthaµ mana˙ k®två 6.25 bahu-çåkhå hy-anantåç 2.41
åtma-saµyama-yogågnau 4.27 balaµ balavatåµ cåhaµ 7.11
åtmaupamyena sarvatra 6.32 bandhaµ mokßaµ ca yå vetti 18.30
åtma-vantaµ na karmå√i 4.41 bandhur åtmåtmanas tasya 6.6
480
båhya-sparçeßv-asaktåtmå 5.21 brahmacaryam ahiµså ca 17.14
bhajanty-ananya-manaso 9.13 brahmågnåv-apare yajñaµ 4.25
bhaktiµ mayi paråµ k®två 18.68 brahmaiva tena gantavyaµ 4.24
bhakto’si me sakhå ceti 4.3 bråhma√a-kßatriya-viçåµ 18.41
bhaktyå måm abhijånåti 18.55 brahmå√am îçaµ kamalåsana 11.15
bhaktyå tv-ananyayå 11.54 bråhma√ås tena vedåç ca 17.23
bhavåmi na ciråt pårtha 12.7 brahma√o hi pratiß†håham 14.27
bhavån bhîßmaç ca kar√aç 1.8 brahma√y-ådhåya karmå√i 5.10
bhavanti bhåvå bhütånåµ 10.5 brahmårpa√aµ brahma havir 4.24
bhavanti sampadaµ daivîm 16.3 brahma-sütra-padaiç caiva 13.5
bhavåpyayau hi bhütånåµ 11.2 b®hat-såma tathå såmnåµ 10.35
bhåva-saµçuddhir ity-etat 17.16 buddhau çara√am anviccha 2.49
bhavaty-atyåginåµ pretya 18.12 buddher bhedaµ dh®teç caiva 18.29
bhavißyå√i ca bhütåni 7.26 buddhir buddhimatåm asmi 7.10
bhavitå na ca me tasmåd 18.69 buddhir jñånam asaµmoha˙ 10.4
bhayåd ra√åd uparataµ 2.35 buddhi-yogam upåçritya 18.57
bhîßma dro√a pramukhata˙ 1.25 buddhi-yukto jahåtîha 2.50
bhîßmam evåbhirakßantu 1.11 buddhyå viçuddhayå yukto 18.51
bhîßmo dro√a˙ süta-putras 11.26 buddhyå yukto yayå pårtha 2.39
bhogaiçvarya-prasaktånåµ 2.44
bhoktåraµ yajña-tapasåµ 5.29 C
bhråmayan sarva-bhütåni 18.61 cañcalaµ hi mana˙ k®ß√a 6.34
bhruvor madhye prå√am 8.10 cåtur-var√yaµ mayå s®ß†aµ 4.13
bhümir åpo’nalo våyu˙ 7.4 catur-vidhå bhajante måµ 7.16
bhuñjate te tvaghaµ papa 3.13 cetaså sarva-karmå√i 18.57
bhüta-bhart® ca taj jñeyaµ 13.17 chandåµsi yasya par√åni 15.1
bhüta-bhåvana bhüteça 10.15 chinna-dvaidhå yatåtmåna˙ 5.25
bhüta-bhåvodbhava karo 8.3 chittvainaµ saµçayaµ yogam 4.42
bhüta-bh®n na ca bhüta-stho 9.5 cintåm aparimeyåµ ca 16.11
bhüta-gråma˙ sa evåyaµ 8.19
bhüta-gråmam imaµ k®tsnam 9.8 D
bhüta-prak®ti-mokßaµ ca 13.35 dadåmi buddhi-yogaµ taµ 10.10
bhütåni yånti bhütejyå 9.25 daivam evåpare yajñaµ 4.25
bhüya eva mahå-båho 10.1 daivî hy-eßå gu√amayî 7.14
bhüya˙ kathaya t®ptir hi 10.18 daivî sampad vimokßåya 16.5
bîjaµ måµ sarva-bhütånån 7.10 daivo vistaraça˙ prokta 16.6
brahma-bhüta˙ prasannåtmå 18.54 dambhåha∫kåra-saµyuktå˙ 17.5
481
dambho darpo’bhimånaç ca 16.4 doßair etai˙ kula-ghnånåµ 1.42
daµß†rå-karålåni ca te 11.25 draß†um icchåmi te rüpam 11.3
dåna-kriyåç ca vividhå˙ 17.25 dravya-yajñås tapo-yajñå 4.28
dånaµ damaç ca yajñaç ca 16.1 dro√aµ ca bhîßmaµ ca 11.34
dånam îçvara-bhåvaç ca 18.43 d®ß†vådbhutaµ rüpam ugraµ 11.20
da√∂o damayatåm asmi 10.38 d®ß†vå hi tvåµ pravyathita 11.24
darçayåmåsa pårthåya 11.9 d®ß†vå tu på√∂avånîkaµ 1.2
dåtavyam iti yad dånaµ 17.20 d®ß†vedaµ månußaµ rüpaµ 11.51
dayå bhüteßv-aloluptvaµ 16.2 d®ß†vemaµ svajanaµ k®ß√a 1.28
dehî nityam avadhyo’yaµ 2.30 drupado draupadeyåç ca 1.18
dehino’smin yathå dehe 2.13 du˙kham ity-eva yat karma 18.8
deçe kåle ca påtre ca 17.20 du˙kheßv-anudvigna manå˙ 2.56
devå apy-asya rüpasya 11.52 düre√a hy-avaran karma 2.49
deva-dvija-guru-pråjña 17.14 dvandvair vimuktå˙ sukha 15.5
devån bhåvayatånena te 3.11 dvau bhüta-sargau loke’smin 16.6
devån deva-yajo yånti 7.23 dvåv-imau purußau loke 15.16
dharma-kßetre kuru-kßetre 1.1 dyåv-åp®thivyor idam 11.20
dharma-saµsthåpanårthåya 4.8 dyütaµ chalayatåm asmi 10.36
dharmåviruddho bhüteßu 7.11
dharme naß†e kulaµ k®tsnam 1.39 E
dharmyåddhi yuddhåc chreyo 2.31 ekåkî yata-cittåtmå 6.10
dhårtaråß†rå ra√e hanyus 1.45 ekam apy-åsthita˙ samyag 5.4
dhårtaråß†rasya durbuddher 1.23 ekaµ så∫khyaµ ca yogaµ ca 5.5
dh®ß†adyumno virå†aç ca 1.17 ekatvena p®thaktvena 9.15
dh®ß†aketuç cekitåna˙ 1.5 ekayå yåty-anåv®ttim 8.26
dh®tyå yayå dhårayate 18.33 eko’thavåpy-acyuta tat 11.42
dhümenåvriyate vahnir 3.38 eßå bråhmî sthiti˙ pårtha 2.72
dhümo råtris tathå k®ß√a˙ 8.25 eßå te’bhihitå så∫khye 2.39
dhyånåt karma-phala-tyågas 12.12 eßa tüddeçata˙ prokto 10.40
dhyåna-yoga-paro nityaµ 18.52 etac chrutvå vacanaµ 11.35
dhyånenåtmani paçyanti 13.25 etad buddhvå buddhimån syåt 15.20
dhyåyato vißayån puµsa˙ 2.62 etaddhi durlabhataraµ loke 6.42
diço na jåne na labhe 11.25 etad veditum icchåmi 13.1
divi sürya-sahasrasya 11.12 etad yonîni bhütåni 7.6
divya-målyåmbara-dharaµ 11.11 etad yo vetti taµ pråhu˙ 13.2
divyaµ dadåmi te cakßu˙ 11.8 etair vimohayaty eßa 3.40
dîyate ca parikliß†aµ tad 17.21 etair vimukta˙ kaunteya 16.22
482
etaj jñånam iti proktam 13.12 H
etåµ d®ß†im avaß†abhya 16.9 hanta te kathayißyåmi 10.19
etåµ vibhütiµ yogaµ ca 10.7 harßåmarßa-bhayodvegair 12.15
etan me saµçayaµ k®ß√a 6.39 harßa-çokånvita˙ kartå 18.27
etån na hantum icchåmi 1.34 hato vå pråpsyasi svargaµ 2.37
etåny-api tu karmå√i 18.6 hatvå’pi sa imål-lokån 18.17
etasyåhaµ na paçyåmi 6.33 hatvårtha kåmåµstu gurün 2.5
etat kßetraµ samåsena 13.7 hetunånena kaunteya 9.10
evaµ bahu-vidhå yajñå 4.32 h®ßîkeçaµ tadå våkyam 1.20
evaµ buddhe˙ paraµ buddhvå 3.43
evam etad yathåttha 11.3 I
evaµ jñåtvå k®taµ karma 4.15 icchå dveßa˙ sukhaµ du˙khaµ 13.7
evaµ paramparå pråptam 4.2 icchå-dveßa samutthena 7.27
evaµ pravartitan cakraµ 3.16 idam adya mayå labdham 16.13
evaµ rüpa˙ çakya ahaµ 11.48 idam astîdam api me 16.13
evaµ satata-yuktå ye 12.1 idaµ jñånam upåçritya 14.2
evaµ trayî-dharmam 9.21 idaµ çarîraµ kaunteya 13.2
evam ukto h®ßîkeço 1.24 idaµ te nåtapaskåya 18.67
evam uktvå h®ßîkeçaµ 2.9 idaµ tu te guhyatamaµn 9.1
evam uktvårjuna˙ sa∫khye 1.46 idånîm asmi saµv®tta˙ 11.51
evam uktvå tato råjan 11.9 ihaikasthaµ jagat k®tsnaµ 11.7
ihaiva tair jita˙ sargo yeßåµ 5.19
G îhante kåma-bhogårtham 16.12
gacchanty-apunar-åv®ttiµ 5.17 ijyate bharata-çreß†ha 17.12
gåm åviçya ca bhütåni 15.13 îkßate yoga-yuktåtmå 6.29
gandharvå√åµ citraratha˙ 10.26 imaµ vivasvate yogaµ 4.1
gandharva-yakßåsura-siddha 11.22 indriyå√åµ hi caratåµ 2.67
gå√∂îvaµ sraµsate haståt 1.29 indriyå√åµ manaç cåsmi 10.22
gata-sa∫gasya muktasya 4.23 indriyå√i daçaikaµ ca 13.6
gatåsün agatåsüµç ca 2.11 indriyå√i mano buddhir 3.40
gatir bhartå prabhu˙ såkßî 9.18 indriyå√îndriyårthebhyas 2.58
g®hîtvaitåni saµyåti 15.8 indriyå√îndriyårthebhyas 2.68
gu√å gu√eßu vartanta 3.28 indriyå√îndriyårtheßu 5.9
gu√ån etån atîtya trîn 14.20 indriyå√i parå√y-åhur 3.42
gu√å vartanta ity-evaµ 14.23 indriyå√i pramåthîni 2.60
gu√ebhyaç ca paraµ vetti 14.19 indriyårthån vimü∂håtmå 3.6
gurün ahatvå hi mahånubhåvån 2.5 indriyårtheßu vairågyam 13.9
483
indriyasyendriyasyårthe 3.34 jñånaµ te’haµ sa-vijñånam 7.2
iß†ån bhogån hi vo devå 3.12 jñånaµ vijñånam åstikyaµ 18.42
iß†o’si me d®∂ham 18.64 jñånaµ vijñåna-sahitaµ 9.1
ißubhi˙ pratiyotsyåmi 2.4 jñånaµ yadå tadå vidyåd 14.11
îçvara˙ sarva-bhütånåµ 18.61 jñåna-vijñåna-t®ptåtmå 6.8
îçvaro’ham ahaµ bhogî 16.14 jñåna-yajñena cåpy-anye 9.15
iti guhyatamaµ çåstram 15.20 jñåna-yajñena tenåham 18.70
iti kßetraµ tathå jñånaµ 13.19 jñåna-yogena så∫khyånåµ 3.3
iti måµ yo’bhijånåti 4.14 jñånena tu tad ajñånaµ 5.16
iti matvå bhajante måµ 10.8 jñåtuµ draß†uµ ca tattvena 11.54
iti te jñånam åkhyåtaµ 18.63 jñåtvå çåstra-vidhånoktaµ 16.24
ityahaµ våsudevasya 18.74 jñeya˙ sa nitya-sannyåsî 5.3
ity-arjunaµ våsudevas 11.50 jñeyaµ yat tat pravakßyåmi 13.13
joßayet sarva-karmå√i 3.26
jyåyasî cet karma√as te 3.1
J jyotißåm api taj jyotis 13.18
jaghanya-gu√a-v®tti-sthå 14.18
jahi çatruµ mahå-båho 3.43 K
janma-bandha-vinirmuktå˙ 2.51 kaccid ajñåna-saµmoha˙ 18.72
janma karma ca me divyam 4.9 kacchid etac chrutaµ pårtha 18.72
janma-m®tyu-jarå-du˙khair 14.20 kaccin nobhaya-vibhraß†aç 6.38
janma-m®tyu-jarå-vyådhi 13.9 kair li∫gais trîn gu√ån 14.21
jarå-mara√a-mokßåya 7.29 kairmayå saha yoddhavyam 1.22
jåtasya hi dhruvo m®tyur 2.27 kålo’smi loka-kßaya-k®t 11.32
jayo’smi vyavasåyo’smi 10.36 kalpa-kßaye punas tåni 9.7
jhaßå√åµ makaraç cåsmi 10.31 kåma eßa krodha eßa 3.37
jijñåsur api yogasya 6.44 kåma˙ krodhas tathå lobhas 16.21
jitåtmana˙ praçåntasya 6.7 kåmais tais tair h®ta-jñånå˙ 7.20
jîva-bhütåµ mahå-båho 7.5 kåma-krodha-vimuktånån 5.26
jîvanaµ sarva-bhüteßu 7.9 kåma-krodhodbhavaµ vegaµ 5.23
jñånågni-dagdha-karmå√aµ 4.19 kåmam åçritya dußpüraµ 16.10
jñånågni˙ sarva-karmå√i 4.37 kåma-rüpe√a kaunteya 3.39
jñånam åv®tya tu tama˙ 14.9 kåmåtmåna˙ svarga-parå 2.43
jñånaµ jñeyaµ jñåna-gamyaµ 13.18 kåmopabhoga-paramå 16.11
jñånaµ jñeyaµ parijñåtå 18.18 kåmyånåµ karma√åµ nyåsaµ 18.2
jñånaµ karma ca kartåca 18.19 kå∫kßanta˙ karma√ån siddhiµ 4.12
jñånaµ labdhvå paråµ çåntim 4.39 kåra√aµ gu√a-sa∫go’sya 13.22
484
kara√aµ karma karteti 18.18 kim åcåra˙ kathaµ caitåµs 14.21
karma brahmodbhavan viddhi 3.15 kiµ karma kim akarmeti 4.16
karma caiva tad-arthîyam 17.27 kiµ no råjyena govinda 1.32
karma-jaµ buddhi yuktå hi 2.15 kiµ punar bråhma√å˙ pu√yå 9.33
karma-jån-viddhi tån sarvån 4.32 kiµ tad-brahma kim adhyåtmaµ 8.1
karma√a˙ suk®tasyåhu˙ 14.16 kîrti˙ çrîr våk ca nårî√åµ 10.34
karma√aiva hi saµsiddhim 3.20 kirî†inaµ gadinaµ cakra 11.46
karmå√i pravibhaktåni 18.41 kirî†inaµ gadinaµ cakri√aµ ca 11.17
karma√o hy-api boddhavyaµ 4.17 klaibyaµ må sma gama˙ 2.3
karma√y-abhiprav®tto’pi 4.20 kleço’dhikataras teßåm 12.5
karma√y-akarma ya˙ paçyed 4.18 kriyate bahulåyåsaµ 18.24
karma√y-evådhikåraste 2.47 kriyate tadiha proktaµ 17.18
karmendriyai˙ karma-yogam 3.7 kriyå-viçeßa-bahulåµ 2.43
karmendriyå√i saµyamya 3.6 krodhåd bhavati sammoha˙ 2.63
karmibhyaç cådhiko yogi 6.46 k®payå parayåviß†o 1.27
kårpa√ya-doßopahata-svabhåva˙ 2.7 k®ßi-gorakßya-vå√ijyaµ 18.44
karßayanta˙ çarîra-sthaµ 17.6 kßara˙ sarvå√i bhütåni 15.16
kartavyånîti me pårtha 18.6 kßetrajñaµ cåpi måµ viddhi 13.3
kartuµ necchasi yan mohåt 18.60 kßetra-kßetrajña-saµyogåt 13.27
kårya-kåra√a-kart®tve 13.21 kßetra-kßetrajñayor evam 13.35
kåryam ity-eva yat karma 18.9 kßetra-kßetrajñayor jñånaµ 13.3
kåryate hy-avaça˙ karma 3.5 kßetraµ kßetrî tathå k®tsnaµ 13.34
kasmåc ca te na nameran 11.37 kßipåmy-ajasram açubhån 16.19
kåçyaç ca parameßvåsa˙ 1.17 kßipraµ bhavati dharmåtmå 9.31
kathaµ bhîßmam ahaµ sa∫khye 2.4 kßipraµ hi månuße loke 4.12
katham etad vijånîyån 4.4 kßudraµ h®daya-daurbalyaµ 2.3
kathaµ na jñeyam asmåbhi˙ 1.38 kula-kßayak®taµ doßaµ 1.37
kathaµ sa purußa˙ pårtha 2.21 kula-kßayak®taµ doßaµ 1.38
kathaµ vidyåm ahaµ yogiµs 10.17 kula-kßaye pra√açyanti 1.39
kathayantaç ca måµ nityaµ 10.9 kuru karmaiva tasmåt tvaµ 4.15
ka†v-amla-lava√åty-uß√a 17.9 kuryåd vidvåµs tathåsaktaç 3.25
kaunteya pratijånîhi na 9.31 kutas två kaçmalam idaµ 2.2
kaviµ purå√am anuçåsitåram 8.9
kåyena manaså buddhyå 5.11 L
kecid vilagnå daçanåntareßu 11.27 labhante brahma-nirvå√am 5.25
keçavårjunayo˙ pu√yaµ 18.76 labhate ca tata˙ kåmån 7.22
keßu keßu ca bhåveßu 10.17 lelihyase grasamåna˙ 11.30
485
lipyate na sa påpena 5.10 mana˙ ßaß†hånîndriyå√i 15.7
lobha˙ prav®ttir årambha˙ 14.12 månåpamånayos tulyas 14.25
loka-sa∫graham evåpi 3.20 manasaivendriya-gråmaµ 6.24
loke’smin dvi-vidhå niß†hå 3.3 manasas tu parå buddhir 3.42
manmanå bhava mad-bhakto 18.65
M man-manå bhava mad bhakto 9.34
mac-citta˙ sarva-durgå√i 18.58 mantro’ham aham evåjyam 9.16
mac-cittå mad gata-prå√å 10.9 manußyå√åµ sahasreßu 7.3
mad anugrahåya paramaµ 11.1 manyase yadi tac chakyaµ 11.4
mad-artham api karmå√i 12.10 marîcir marutåm asmi 10.21
mad-bhakta etad vijñåya 13.19 måsånåµ mårga-çîrßo’ham 10.35
mad bhåvå månaså jåtå 10.6 må çuca˙ sampadaµ daivîm 16.5
mådhava˙ på√∂avaç caiva 1.14 må te vyathå må ca vimü∂ha 11.49
mahå-bhütåny-aha∫kåro 13.6 mat-karma-k®n mat-paramo 11.55
maharßaya˙ sapta pürve 10.6 mat-prasådåd avåpnoti 18.56
maharßî√åµ bh®gur ahaµ 10.25 måtrå-sparçås tu kaunteya 2.14
mahå-çano mahå-påpmå 3.37 mat-sthåni sarva-bhütåni 9.4
mahåtmånas tu måµ pårtha 9.13 matta eveti tån viddhi 7.12
må karma-phala-hetur bhür 2.47 matta˙ parataraµ nånyat 7.7
mama dehe gu∂åkeça 11.7 måtulå˙ çvaçurå˙ pautrå˙ 1.34
mamaivåµço jîva-loke 15.7 maunaµ caivåsmi guhyånåµ 10.38
måmaka˙ på√∂avåç caiva 1.1 mayådhyakße√a prak®ti˙ 9.10
måm apråpyaiva kaunteya 16.20 mayå hatåµs tvaµ jahi må 11.34
måm åtma-para-deheßu 16.18 mayaivaite nihatå˙ pürvam 11.33
mama vartmånuvartante 3.23 mayå prasannena tavårjunedaµ 11.47
mama vartmånuvartante 4.11 mayå tatam idaµ sarvaµ 9.4
mama yonir mahad-brahma 14.3 måyayåpah®ta jñånå 7.15
måµ caivånta˙ çarîra-sthaµ 17.6 mayi cånanya-yogena 13.11
måµ ca yo’vyabhicåre√a 14.26 mayi sarvam idaµ protaµ 7.7
måm evaißyasi satyaµ te 18.65 mayi sarvå√i karmå√i 3.30
måm evaißyasi yuktvaivam 9.34 mayy-arpita-mano-buddhir 12.14
måmeva ye prapadyante 7.14 mayy-arpita-mano buddhir 8.7
måµ hi pårtha vyapåçritya 9.32 mayy-åsakta-manå˙ pårtha 7.1
måm upetya punar janma 8.15 mayy-åveçya mano ye 12.2
måm upetya tu kaunteya 8.16 mayy-eva mana ådhatsva 12.8
mana˙ prasåda˙ saumyatvaµ 17.16 mithyaißa vyavasåyas te 18.59
mana˙ saµyamya mac-citto 6.14 moghåçå mogha-karmå√o 9.12
486
mohåd årabhyate karma 18.25 na hi kalyå√a-k®t kaçcid 6.40
mohåd g®hîtvåsad gråhån 16.10 na hi kaçcit kßa√am api 3.5
mohåt tasya parityågas 18.7 na hinasty-åtmanåtmånaµ 13.29
mohitaµ nåbhijånåti måm 7.13 na hi prapaçyåmi mamåpanudyåd 2.8
m®gå√åµ ca m®gendro’haµ 10.30 na hi te bhagavan vyaktiµ 10.14
m®tyu˙ sarva-haraç cåham 10.34 na hy-asannyasta-sa∫kalpo 6.2
mü∂ha-gråhe√åtmano yat 17.19 nainaµ chindanti çastrå√i 2.23
mü∂ho’yaµ nåbhijånåti 7.25 naißkarmya-siddhiµ paramåµ 18.49
mukta-sa∫go’nahanvådî 18.26 naite s®tî pårtha jånan 8.27
munînåm apy-ahaµ vyåsa˙ 10.37 naiva kiñcit karomîti 5.8
müdhny-årdhåyåtmana˙ 8.12 naiva tasya k®tenårtho 3.18
na jåyate mriyate vå kadåcin 2.20
N na kå∫kße vijayaµ k®ß√a 1.31
nabha˙ sp®çaµ dîptam aneka 11.24 na karma√åm anårambhån 3.4
nabhaç ca p®thivîµ caiva 1.19 na karma-phala-saµyogaµ 5.14
nåbhinandati na dveß†i 2.57 na kart®tvaµ na karmå√I 5.14
na buddhi-bhedaµ janayed 3.26 nakula˙ sahadevaç ca 1.16
na cåbhåvayata˙ çåntir 2.66 nama˙ puraståd atha 11.40
na cainaµ kledayanty-åpo 2.23 na måµ dußk®tino mü∂hå˙ 7.15
na caitad vidma˙ kataranno 2.6 na måµ karmå√i limpanti 4.14
na caiva na bhavißyåma˙ 2.12 namask®två bhüya evåha 11.35
na ca måµ tåni karmå√i 9.9 namasyantaç ca måµ bhaktyå 9.14
na ca mat sthåni bhütåni 9.5 na me pårthåsti kartavyaµ 3.22
na ca çaknomy-avasthåtuµ 1.30 na me vidu˙ sura-ga√å˙ 10.2
na ca sannyasanåd eva 3.4 namo namaste’stu sahasra 11.39
na ca çreyo’nupaçyåmi 1.31 nånå-çastra-prahara√å˙ 1.9
na cåçuçrüßave våcyaµ 18.67 nånavåptam avåptavyaµ 3.22
na cåsya sarva-bhüteßu 3.18 nånå-vidhåni divyåni 11.5
na ca tasmån manußyeßu 18.69 nåntaµ na madhyaµ na punas 11.16
na cåti svapna-çîlasya 6.16 nånto’sti mama divyånåµ 10.40
nådatte kasyacit påpaµ 5.15 nånyaµ gu√ebhya˙ kartåraµ 14.19
na dveß†i samprav®ttåni 14.22 nåpnuvanti mahåtmåna˙ 8.15
na dveß†y-akuçalaµ karma 18.10 na prah®ßyet priyaµ pråpya 5.20
nåhaµ prakåça˙ sarvasya 7.25 narake niyataµ våso 1.43
nåhaµ vedair na tapaså 11.53 na rüpam asyeha tathopalabhyate 15.3
na hi deha-bh®tå çakyaµ 18.11 na sa siddhim avåpnoti 16.23
na hi jñånena sad®çaµ 4.38 nåsato vidyate bhåvo 2.16
487
na çaucaµ nåpi cåcåro 16.7 nitya˙ sarva-gata˙ sthå√ur 2.24
nåçayåmy-åtma-bhåvastho 10.11 nityaµ ca sama-cittatvam 13.10
nåsti buddhir ayuktasya 2.66 nivasißyasi mayy eva 12.8
naß†o moha˙ sm®tir labdhå 18.73 niyataµ kuru karma tvaµ 3.8
na tad asti p®thivyåµ vå 18.40 niyataµ sa∫ga-rahitam 18.23
na tad asti vinå yat syån 10.39 niyatasya tu sannyåsa˙ 18.7
na tad bhåsayate süryo 15.6 nyåyyaµ vå viparîtaµ vå 18.15
na tu måm abhijånanti 9.24
na tu måµ çakyase draß†um 11.8 O
na tvat-samo’sty-abhyadhika˙ 11.43 oµ ity-ekåkßaraµ brahma 8.13
na tv-evåhaµ jåtu nåsaµ 2.12 oµ-tat-sad iti nirdeço 17.23
nåtyaçnata stu yogo’sti 6.16
nåty-ucchritaµ nåtinîcan 6.11 P
nava-dvåre pure dehî 5.13 pañcaitåni mahå-båho 18.13
na veda-yajñådhyayanair 11.48 påñcajanyaµ h®ßîkeço 1.15
na vimuñcati durmedhå 18.35 påpam evåçrayed asmån 1.36
nåyakå mama sainyasya 1.7 påpmånaµ prajahi hy-enaµ 3.41
nåyaµ loko’sti na paro na 4.40 paramaµ purußaµ divyaµ 8.8
nåyaµ loko’sty-ayajñasya 4.31 paramåtmeti cåpy-ukto 13.23
na yotsya iti govindam 2.9 paraµ bhåvam ajånanto 9.11
nehåbhikrama nåço’sti 2.40 paraµ bhåvam ajånanto 7.24
nibadhnanti mahå-båho 14.5 paraµ bhüya˙ pravakßyåmi 14.1
nidrålasya-pramådotthaµ 18.39 paraµ brahma paraµ dhåma 10.12
nihatya dhårtaråß†rån na˙ 1.35 parasparaµ bhåvayanta˙ 3.11
nimittåni ca paçyåmi 1.31 paras tasmåt tu bhåvo’nyo 8.20
nindantas tava såmarthyaµ 2.36 parasyotsådanårthaµ vå 17.19
niråçîr nirmamo bhütvå 3.30 paricaryåtmakaµ karma 18.44
niråçîr yata cittåtmå 4.21 pari√åme vißamiva tat 18.38
nirdoßaµ hi samaµ brahma 5.19 paritrå√åya sådhünåµ 4.8
nirdvandvo hi mahå-båho 5.3 pårtha naiveha nåmutra 6.40
nirdvandvo nitya-sattva-stho 2.45 paryåptaµ tv idam eteßåµ 1.10
nirmamo niraha∫kåra˙ 12.13 paçyådityån vasün rudrån 11.6
nirmamo niraha∫kåra˙ 2.71 paçyaitåµ på√∂u-putrå√åm 1.3
nirmån-mohå jita-sa∫ga-doßå 15.5 paçya me pårtha rüpå√i 11.5
nirvaira˙ sarva-bhüteßu 11.55 paçyåmi devåµs tava deva dehe 11.15
niçcayaµ ç®√u me tatra 18.4 paçyåmi tvåµ dîpta-hutåça 11.19
nisp®ha˙ sarva-kåmebhyo 6.18 paçyåmi tvåµ durnirîkßyaµ 11.17
488
paçyañ ç®√van sp®çañ jighrann 5.8 prasanna-cetaso hy-åçu 2.65
paçyat-ak®ta buddhitvån 18.16 praçånta-manasaµ hy-enaµ 6.27
patanti pitaro hyeßåµ 1.41 praçåntåtmå vigata-bhîr 6.14
patraµ pußpaµ phalaµ toyaµ 9.26 praçaste karma√i tathå 17.26
pau√∂raµ dadhmau 1.15 pratyakßåvagamaµ dharmyaµ 9.2
pavana˙ pavatåm asmi 10.31 pravartante vidhånoktå˙ 17.24
pitåham asya jagato 9.17 prav®tte çastra-sampåte 1.20
pitåsi lokasya caråcarasya 11.43 prav®ttiµ ca niv®ttiµ ca 16.7
piteva putrasya sakheva 11.44 prav®ttiµ ca niv®ttiµ ca 18.30
pit®√åm aryamå cåsmi 10.29 prayå√a-kåle ca kathaµ 8.2
prabhava˙ pralaya˙ sthånaµ 9.18 prayå√a-kåle manaså’calena 8.10
prabhavanty-ugra-karmå√a˙ 16.9 prayå√a-kåle’pi ca måµ 7.30
prådhånyata˙ kuru-çreß†ha 10.19 prayåtå yånti taµ kålaµ 8.23
prahlådaç cåsmi daityånåµ 10.30 prayatnåd yatamånas tu 6.45
prajahåti yadå kåmån 2.55 pretån bhüta-ga√åµç cånye 17.4
prajanaç cåsmi kandarpa˙ 10.28 priyo hi jñånino’tyartham 7.17
prakåçaµ ca prav®ttiµ ca 14.22 procyamånam açeße√a 18.29
prak®te˙ kriyamå√åni 3.27 procyate gu√a-sa∫khyåne 18.19
prak®ter gu√a-sammü∂hå˙ 3.29 p®thaktvena tu yaj jñånaµ 18.21
prak®tiµ purußam caiva 13.1 pu√yo gandha˙ p®thivyåµ ca 7.9
prak®tiµ purußaµ caiva 13.20 purodhasåµ ca mukhyaµ måµ 10.24
prak®tiµ svåm adhiß†håya 4.6 purujit kuntibhojaç ca 1.5
prak®tiµ svåm avaß†abhya 9.8 purußa˙ prak®tistho hi 13.22
prak®tiµ yånti bhütåni 3.33 purußa˙ sa para˙ pårtha 8.22
prak®tyaiva ca karmå√i 13.30 purußa˙ sukha-du˙khånåµ 13.21
pralapan vis®jan g®h√ann 5.9 purußaµ çåçvataµ divyam 10.12
pramådålasya nidråbhis 14.8 pürvåbhyåsena tenaiva 6.44
pramåda-mohau tamaso 14.17 puß√åmi caußadhî˙ sarvå˙ 15.13
pra√amya çiraså devaµ 11.14
prå√åpåna-gatî ruddhvå 4.29 R
prå√åpåna-samåyukta˙ 15.14 råga-dveßa-vimuktais tu 2.64
prå√åpånau samau k®två 5.27 rågî karma-phala-prepsur 18.27
pra√ava˙ sarva-vedeßu 7.8 raja˙ sattvaµ tamaç caiva 14.10
pråpya pu√ya-k®tåµ lokån 6.41 råjan saµsm®tya saµsm®tya 18.76
prasåde sarva-du˙khånåµ 2.65 rajasas tu phalaµ du˙kham 14.16
prasaktå˙ kåma-bhogeßu 16.16 rajasi pralayaµ gatvå 14.15
prasa∫gena phalåkå∫kßî 18.34 rajas tamaç cåbhibhüya 14.10
489
rajasy-etåni jåyante 14.12 çaknotîhaiva ya˙ so∂huµ 5.23
råja-vidyå råja-guhyaµ 9.2 sa k®två råjasaµ tyågaµ 18.8
rajo rågåtmakaµ viddhi 14.7 saktå˙ karma√y-avidvåµso 3.25
rakßåµsi bhîtåni diço 11.36 çakya evaµ vidho draß†uµ 11.53
råkßasîm åsurîµ caiva 9.12 samådhåv-achalå buddhis 2.53
rasa-varjaµ raso’pyasya 2.59 sama-du˙kha-sukha˙ svastha˙ 14.24
raso’ham apsu kaunteya 7.8 sama-du˙kha-sukhaµ 2.15
rasyå˙ snigdhå˙ sthirå h®dyå 17.8 sama˙ sarveßu bhüteßu 18.54
råtriµ yuga-sahasråntåµ te 8.17 sama˙ çatrau ca mitre 12.18
råtry-ågame pralîyante 8.18 sama˙ siddhåv-asiddhau ca 4.22
råtry-ågame’vaça˙ pårtha 8.19 samaµ kåya-çiro-grîvaµ 6.13
®ßibhir bahudhå gîtaµ 13.5 samaµ paçyan hi sarvatra 13.29
®te’pi tvåµ na bhavißyanti 11.32 samaµ sarveßu bhüteßu 13.28
rudrådityå vasavo ye ca 11.22 samåsenaiva kaunteya 18.50
rudrå√åµ ça∫karaç cåsmi 10.23 sambhava˙ sarva-bhütånåµ 14.3
rüpaµ mahat te bahu 11.23 sambhåvitasya cåkîrtir 2.34
çamo damas tapa˙ çaucaµ 18.42
S samo’haµ sarva-bhüteßu 9.29
çabdådîn vißayåµs tyaktvå 18.51 samprekßya nåsikågraµ 6.13
çabdådîn vißayån anya 4.26 saµvådam imam açraußam 18.74
sa brahma-yoga-yuktåtmå 5.21 çanai˙ çanair uparamed 6.25
sa buddhimån manußyeßu 4.18 sa∫gaµ tyaktvå phalaµ caiva 18.9
sa ca yo yat prabhåvaç ca 13.4 sa∫gåt sañjåyate kåma˙ 2.62
sad-bhåve sådhu-bhåve ca 17.26 sa niçcayena yoktavyo 6.23
sådhibhütådhidaivaµ måµ 7.30 sa∫kalpa-prabhavån kåmåns 6.24
sådhur eva sa mantavya˙ 9.30 sa∫karasya ca kartå syåm 3.24
sådhuß-vapi ca påpeßu 6.9 sa∫karo narakåyaiva 1.41
sad®çaµ ceß†ate svasyå˙ 3.33 så∫khya-yogau p®thag bålå˙ 5.4
sa evåyaµ mayå te’dya 4.3 så∫khye k®tånte proktåni 18.13
sa ghoßo dhårtaråß†rå√åµ 1.19 sanniyamyendriya-gråmaµ 12.4
sa gu√ån samatîtyaitån 14.26 sannyåsa˙ karma-yogaç ca 5.2
saha-jaµ karma kaunteya 18.48 sannyåsaµ karma√åµ k®ß√a 5.1
sahasaivåbhyahanyanta 1.13 sannyåsas tu mahå-båho 5.6
sahasra-yuga-paryantam 8.17 sannyåsasya mahå-båho 18.1
saha-yajñå˙ prajå˙ s®ß†vå 3.10 sannyåsa-yoga-yuktåtmå 9.28
sa kåleneha mahatå 4.2 çåntiµ nirvå√a-paramåµ 6.15
sakheti matvå prasabhaµ 11.41 santuß†a˙ satataµ yogi 12.14
490
sargå√åm ådir antaç ca 10.32 sarvathå vartamåno’pi 13.24
sarge’pi nopajåyante 14.2 sarvatra-gam acintyaµ ca 12.3
çårîraµ kevalaµ karma 4.21 sarvatråvasthito dehe 13.33
çarîraµ yad avåpnoti 15.8 sarva-yonißu kaunteya 14.4
çarîra-stho’pi kaunteya 13.32 sarvendriya-gu√åbhåsaµ 13.15
çarîra-vå∫manobhir yat 18.15 sarve’py-ete yajña-vido 4.30
çarîra-yåtråpi ca te na 3.8 sa sannyåsî ca yogî ca 6.1
sarva-bhütåni kaunteya 9.7 sa sarva-vid bhajati måµ 15.19
sarva-bhütåni sammohaµ 7.27 çåçvatasya ca dharmasya 14.27
sarva-bhüta-stham åtmånaµ 6.29 satataµ kîrtayanto måµ 9.14
sarva-bhüta-sthitaµ yo måµ 6.31 sa tayå çraddhayå yuktas 7.22
sarva-bhütåtmabhütåtmå 5.7 satkåra-måna-püjårthan 17.18
sarva-bhüteßu yenaikaµ 18.20 sattvaµ prak®ti-jair muktaµ 18.40
sarva-dharmån parityajya 18.66 sattvaµ rajas tama iti 14.5
sarva-dvårå√i saµyamya 8.12 sattvaµ sukhe sañjayati 14.9
sarva-dvåreßu dehe’smin 14.11 sattvånurüpå sarvasya 17.3
sarva-guhyatamaµ bhüya˙ 18.64 sattvåt sañjåyate jñånaµ 14.17
sarva-jñåna-vimü∂håµs tån 3.32 såttvikî råjasî caiva 17.2
sarva-karmå√i manaså 5.13 saubhadraç ca mahå-båhu˙ 1.18
sarva-karmå√y-api sadå 18.56 saubhadro draupadeyåç ca 1.6
sarva-karma-phala-tyågaµ 18.2 çauryaµ tejo dh®tir dåkßyaµ 18.43
sarva-karma-phala-tyågaµ 12.11 sa yat pramå√aµ kurute 3.21
sarvam etad ®taµ manye 10.14 sa yogî brahma-nirvå√aµ 5.24
sarvaµ jñåna-plavenaiva 4.36 senånînåm ahaµ skanda˙ 10.24
sarvaµ karmåkhilaµ pårtha 4.33 senayor ubhayor madhye 1.21
sarvå√îndriya-karmå√i 4.27 senayor ubhayor madhye 1.24
sarvårambhå hi doße√a 18.48 senayor ubhayor madhye 2.10
sarvårambha-parityågî 12.16 sîdanti mama gåtrå√i 1.28
sarvårambha-parityågî 14.25 siddhiµ pråpto yathå brahma 18.50
sarvårthån viparîtånç ca 18.32 siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikåra˙ 18.26
sarva-sa∫kalpa-sannyåsî 6.4 siddhy-asiddhyo˙ samo bhütvå 2.48
sarvåçcaryamayaµ devam 11.11 siµha-nådaµ vinadyoccai˙ 1.12
sarvasya cåhaµ h®di sanniviß†o 15.15 çîtoß√a-sukha-du˙kheßu 6.7
sarvasya dhåtåram acintya 8.9 çîtoß√a-sukha-du˙kheßu 12.18
sarvata˙ på√i-pådaµ tat 13.14 sm®ti-bhrançåd buddhi-nåço 2.63
sarvata˙ çrutimal loke 13.14 so’pi mukta˙ çubhå√l-lokån 18.71
sarvathå vartamåno’pi 6.31 so’vikampena yogena 10.7
491
sparçån k®två bahir båhyånç 5.27 sukha-sa∫gena badhnåti 14.6
çraddadhånå mat-paramå 12.20 sukhena brahma-saµsparçam 6.28
çraddhåmayo’yaµ purußo 17.3 sukhina˙ kßatriyå˙ pårtha 2.32
çraddhåvål-labhate jñånaµ 4.39 çukla-k®ß√e gatî hy-ete 8.26
çraddhåvån anasüyaç ca 18.71 sükßmatvåt tad avijñeyaµ 13.16
çraddhåvån bhajate yo måµ 6.47 çuni caiva çvapåke ca 5.18
çraddhåvanto’nasüyanto 3.31 svabhåva-jena kaunteya 18.60
çraddhå-virahitaµ yajñaµ 17.13 svabhåva-niyataµ karma 18.47
çraddhayå parayå taptaµ 17.17 svadharmam api cåvekßya 2.31
çraddhayå parayopetå˙ te 12.2 sva-dharme nidhanan çreya˙ 3.35
çreyån dravyamayåd yajñåj 4.33 svådhyåyåbhyasanaµ caiva 17.15
çreyån sva-dharmo vigu√a˙ 18.47 svådhyåya jñåna-yajñåç ca 4.28
çreyån svadharmo vigu√a˙ 3.35 svajanaµ hi kathaµ hatvå 1.36
çreyo hi jñånam abhyåsåj 12.12 svakarma√å tam abhyarcya 18.46
çrotrådînîndriyå√y-anye 4.26 svakarma-nirata˙ siddhiµ 18.45
çrotraµ cakßu˙ sparçanaµ ca 15.9 svalpam apyasya dharmasya 2.40
çruti-vipratipannå te 2.53 svastîty-uktvå maharßi-siddha 11.21
sthåne h®ßîkeça tava 11.36 çvaçurån suh®daç caiva 1.26
sthira-buddhir asammü∂ho 5.20 svayam evåtmanåtmånaµ 10.15
sthita-dhî˙ kiµ prabhåßeta 2.54 sve sve karma√y-abhirata˙ 18.45
sthita-prajñasya kå bhåßå 2.54
sthito’smi gata-sandeha˙ 18.73 T
sthitvåsyåm anta-kåle’pi 2.72 tac ca saµsm®tya saµsm®tya 18.77
strîßu duß†åsu vårß√eya 1.40 tadå gantåsi nirvedaµ 2.52
striyo vaiçyås tathå çüdrås 9.32 tad ahaµ bhakty-upah®tam 9.26
çubhåçubha-parityågî 12.17 tad-arthaµ karma kaunteya 3.9
çubhåçubha-phalair evaµ 9.28 tad asya harati prajñåµ 2.67
çucau deçe pratiß†håpya 6.11 tad buddhayas tad-åtmånas 5.17
çucînåµ çrîmatåµ gehe 6.41 tad ekaµ vada niçcitya 3.2
sudurdarçam idaµ rüpaµ 11.52 tad eva me darçaya 11.45
suh®daµ sarva-bhütånåµ 5.29 tad ity-anabhisandhåya 17.25
suh®n-mitråry-udåsîna 6.9 tadottama vidåµ lokån 14.14
sukha-du˙khe same k®två 2.38 tadvat kåmå yaµ praviçanti 2.70
sukham åtyantikaµ yat tad 6.21 tad viddhi pra√ipåtena 4.34
sukhaµ du˙khaµ bhavo’bhåvo 10.4 ta ime’vasthitå yuddhe 1.33
sukhaµ tvidånîµ tri-vidhaµ 18.36 tair dattån apradåyaibhyo 3.12
sukhaµ vå yadi vå du˙khaµ 6.32 tamas tv-ajñånajaµ viddhi 14.8
492
tamasy-etåni jåyante 14.13 tasya kartåram api måµ 4.13
tam eva cådyaµ purußaµ 15.4 tasya sañjanayan harßaµ 1.12
tam eva çara√aµ gaccha 18.62 tasya tasyåcalåµ çraddhåµ 7.21
taµ tam evaiti kaunteya 8.6 tata eva ca viståraµ 13.31
taµ taµ niyamam åsthåya 7.20 tata˙ padaµ tat parimårgitavyaµ 15.4
taµ tathå k®payåviß†am 2.1 tata˙ ça∫khåç ca bheryaç ca 1.13
tam uvåca h®ßîkeça˙ 2.10 tata˙ sa vismayåviß†o 11.14
taµ vidyåd du˙kha-saµyoga 6.23 tata˙ svadharmam kîrtiµ 2.33
tån ahaµ dvißata˙ krurån 16.19 tata˙ çvetair hayair yukte 1.14
tån ak®tsna-vido mandån 3.29 tatas tato niyamyaitad 6.26
tåni sarvå√i saµyamya 2.61 tathå dehåntara pråptir 2.13
tan nibadhnåti kaunteya 14.7 tathaiva nåçåya viçanti 11.29
tån samîkßya sa kaunteya˙ 1.27 tathåpi tvaµ mahå-båho 2.26
tåny-ahaµ veda sarvå√i 4.5 tathå pralînas tamasi 14.15
tapåmy-aham ahaµ varßaµ 9.19 tathå çarîrå√i vihåya 2.22
tapasvibhyo’dhiko yogi 6.46 tathå sarvå√i bhütåni 9.6
tåsåµ brahma mahad yonir 14.4 tathå tavåmî nara-loka 11.28
tasmåc-chåstraµ pramå√aµ te 16.24 tat kiµ karma√i ghore 3.1
tasmåd ajñåna sambhütaµ 4.42 tat kßetraµ yac ca yåd®k 13.4
tasmåd aparihårye’rthe 2.27 tato måµ tattvato jñåtvå 18.55
tasmåd asakta˙ satataµ 3.19 tato yuddhåya yujyasva 2.38
tasmåd evaµ viditvainaµ 2.25 tat prasådåt paråµ çåntiµ 18.62
tasmåd oµ ity-udåh®tya 17.24 tatra cåndramasaµ jyotir 8.25
tasmåd uttiß†ha kaunteya 2.37 tatraikågraµ mana˙ k®tvåm 6.12
tasmåd yasya mahå-båho 2.68 tatraika-sthaµ jagat k®tsnaµ 11.13
tasmåd yogåya yujyasva 2.50 tatraivaµ sati kartåram 18.16
tasmån nårhå vayaµ hantuµ 1.36 tatråpaçyat sthitån pårtha˙ 1.26
tasmåt pra√amya pra√idhåya 11.44 tatra prayåtå gacchanti 8.24
tasmåt sarva-gataµ brahma 3.15 tatra sattvaµ nirmalatvåt 14.6
tasmåt sarvå√i bhütåni 2.30 tatra çrîr vijayo bhütir 18.78
tasmåt sarveßu kåleßu 8.7 tatraikågraµ mana˙ k®två 11.13
tasmåt sarveßu kåleßu 8.27 tatra taµ buddhi-saµyogaµ 6.43
tasmåt tvam indriyå√y-ådau 3.41 tat sukhaµ såttvikaµ proktam 18.37
tasmåt tvam uttiß†ha yaço 11.33 tat svayaµ yoga-saµsiddha˙ 4.38
tasyåhaµ na pra√açyåmi 6.30 tat tad evåvagaccha tvaµ 10.41
tasyåhaµ nigrahaµ manye 6.34 tat te karma pravakßyåmi 4.16
tasyåhaµ sulabha˙ pårtha 8.14 tattvavit tu mahå-båho 3.28
493
tåvån sarveßu vedeßu 2.46 tyaktvå dehaµ punar janma 4.9
tayor na vaçam ågacchet tau 3.34 tyaktvå karma-phalåsa∫gaµ 4.20
tayos tu karma-sannyåsåt 5.2
te brahma tad vidu˙ k®tsnam 7.29 U
te dvandva-moha-nirmuktå 7.28 ubhau tau na vijånîto 2.19
teja˙ kßamå dh®ti˙ çaucam 16.3 ubhayor api d®ß†o’ntas 2.16
tejobhir åpürya jagat 11.30 uccai˙çravasam açvånåµ 10.27
tejomayaµ viçvam anantam 11.47 ucchiß†am api cåmedhyaµ 17.10
tenaiva rüpe√a catur-bhujena 11.46 udårå˙ sarva evaite 7.18
te’pi cåtitaranty eva 13.26 udåsînavad åsîno 14.23
te’pi måm eva kaunteya 9.23 udåsînavad åsînam 9.9
te pråpnuvanti måm eva 12.4 uddhared åtmanåtmånaµ 6.5
te pu√yam åsådya surendra 9.20 upadekßyanti te jñånaµ 4.34
teßåm ådityavaj jñånaµ 5.16 upadraß†ånumantå ca 13.23
teßåm ahaµ samuddhartå 12.7 upaiti çånta-rajasaµ 6.27
teßåm evånukampårtham 10.11 upaviçyåsane yuñjyåd 6.12
teßåµ jñånî nitya-yukta 7.17 ürdhvaµ gacchanti sattva-sthå 14.18
teßåµ niß†hå tu kå k®ß√a 17.1 ürdhva-mülam adha˙ çåkham 15.1
teßåµ nityåbhiyuktånån 9.22 utkråmantaµ sthitaµ våpi 15.10
teßåµ satata-yuktånåµ 10.10 utsådyante jåti-dharmå˙ 1.42
te taµ bhuktvå svarga-lokaµ 9.21 utsanna-kula-dharmå√åµ 1.43
traigu√ya-vißayå vedå 2.45 utsîdeyur ime lokå na 3.24
trai-vidyå måµ soma-på˙ 9.20 uttama˙ purußas tv-anya˙ 15.17
tribhir gu√amayair bhåvair 7.13 uvåca pårtha paçyaitån 1.25
tri-vidhå bhavati çraddhå 17.2
tri-vidhaµ narakasyedaµ 16.21 V
tulya-nindå-stutir maunî 12.19 vaktrå√i te tvaramå√å 11.27
tulya-priyåpriyo dhîras 14.24 vaktum arhasy-açeße√a 10.16
tvad-anya˙ saµçayasyåsya 6.39 våsånsi jîr√åni yathå vihåya 2.22
tvam ådideva˙ purußa˙ 11.38 vaçe hi yasyendriyå√i 2.61
tvam akßaraµ paramaµ 11.18 våsudeva˙ sarvam iti 7.19
tvam avyaya˙ çåçvata-dharma 11.18 vasünåµ påvakaç cåsmi 10.23
tvatta˙ kamala-patråkßa 11.2 vaçyåtmanå tu yatatå 6.36
tyågasya ca h®ßîkeça 18.1 våyur yamo’gnir 11.39
tyågî sattva-samåviß†o 18.10 vedåhaµ samatîtåni 7.26
tyågo hi purußa-vyåghra 18.4 vedaiç ca sarvair aham eva 15.15
tyåjyaµ doßavad ity-eke 18.3 vedånåµ såma-vedo’smi 10.22
494
veda-våda-ratå˙ pårtha 2.42 vyavasåyåtmikå buddhir 2.41
vedåvinåçinan nityaµ 2.21 vyavasåyåtmikå buddhi˙ 2.44
vedeßu yajñeßu tapa˙su caiva 8.28 vyü∂håµ drupada-putre√a 1.3
vedyaµ pavitram oµkåra 9.17
vepathuç ca çarîre me 1.29 Y
vettåsi vedyaµ ca paraµ 11.38 yåbhir vibhütibhir lokån 10.16
vetti sarveßu bhüteßu 18.21 yac candramasi yac cågnau 15.12
vetti yatra na caivåyaµ 6.21 yac cåpi sarva-bhütånåµ 10.39
vidhi-hînam as®ß†ånnaµ 17.13 yac cåvahåsårtham 11.42
vidyå-vinaya-sampanne 5.18 yacchreya etayor ekaµ 5.1
vigatecchå-bhaya-krodho 5.28 yachhreya˙ syån niçcitaµ 2.7
vihåya kåmån ya˙ sarvån 2.71 yadå bhüta-p®thag-bhåvam 13.31
vijñåtum icchåmi bhavantam 11.31 yad åditya-gataµ tejo 15.12
vikåråµç ca gu√ånç caiva 13.20 yad agre cånubandhe ca 18.39
vim®çyaitad açeße√a 18.63 yad aha∫kåram åçritya 18.59
vimucya nirmama˙ canto 18.53 yadå hi nendriyårtheßu 6.4
vimü∂hå nånupaçyanti 15.10 yad akßaraµ veda-vido vadanti 8.11
vinåçam avyayasyåsya 2.17 yadå saµharate cåyaµ 2.58
vinaçyatsv-avinaçyantaµ 13.28 yadå sattve prav®ddhe tu 14.14
vißådî dîrgha-sütrî ca 18.28 yadå te moha-kalilaµ 2.52
vißayå vinivartante 2.59 yadå viniyataµ cittam 6.18
vißayendriya saµyogåd 18.38 yadå yadå hi dharmasya 4.7
vißîdantam idaµ våkyam 2.1 yad gatvå na nivartante 15.6
vismayo me mahån råjan 18.77 yadi bhå˙ sad®çî så syåd 11.12
vis®jya saçaraµ cåpaµ 1.46 yad icchanto brahmacaryaµ 8.11
viß†abhyåham idaµ k®tsnam 10.42 yadi hy-ahaµ na varteyaµ 3.23
vistare√åtmano yogaµ 10.18 yadi måm apratîkåram 1.45
vîta-råga-bhaya-krodhå 4.10 yad råjya-sukha-lobhena 1.44
vîta-råga-bhaya-krodha˙ 2.56 yad®cchå-låbha-santuß†o 4.22
vivasvån manave pråha 4.1 yad®cchayå copapannaµ 2.32
vividhåç ca p®thak ceß†å 18.14 yad yad åcarati çreß†has 3.21
vivikta-deça-sevitvam 13.11 yad yad vibhütimat sattvaµ 10.41
vivikta-sevî laghv-åçî 18.52 yadyapyete na paçyanti 1.37
v®ß√înåµ våsudevo’smi 10.37 ya enan vetti hantåran 2.19
vyåmiçre√eva våkyena 3.2 ya evaµ vetti purußaµ 13.24
vyapetabhî˙ prîta-manå˙ 11.49 ya˙ paçyati tathåtmånam 13.30
vyåsa-prasådåc chrutavån 18.75 ya˙ prayåti sa mad-bhåvaµ 8.5
495
ya˙ prayåti tyajan dehaµ 8.13 yas tv-indriyå√i manaså 3.7
ya˙ sarvatrånabhisnehas 2.57 yasyåµ jågrati bhütåni 2.69
ya˙ sa sarveßu bhüteßu 8.20 yasya nåha∫k®to bhåvo 18.17
ya˙ çåstra-vidhim uts®jya 16.23 yasyånta˙ sthåni bhütåni 8.22
ya idaµ paramaµ guhyaµ 18.68 yasya sarve samårambhå˙ 4.19
yajante nåma-yajñais te 16.17 yata˙ prav®ttir bhütånåµ 18.46
yajante såttvikå devån 17.4 yatanto’py ak®tåtmåno 15.11
yaj jñåtvå munaya˙ sarve 14.1 yatanto yoginaç cainaµ 15.11
yaj-jñåtvå na punar moham 4.35 yatatåm api siddhånåµ 7.3
yaj-jñåtvå neha bhüyo’nyaj 7.2 yatate ca tato bhüya˙ 6.43
yajña-dåna-tapa˙-karma 18.3 yatato hy-api kaunteya 2.60
yajña-dåna-tapa˙-karma 18.5 yåta-yåmaµ gata-rasaµ 17.10
yajñåd bhavati parjanyo 3.14 yatendriya-mano-buddhir 5.28
yajñånåµ japa-yajño’smi 10.25 yathå dîpo nivåtastho 6.19
yajñårthåt karma√o’nyatra 3.9 yathaidhåµsi samiddho’gnir 4.37
yajña-çiß†åm®ta-bhujo 4.31 yathåkåça-sthito nityaµ 9.6
yajña-çiß†åçina˙ santo 3.13 yathå nadînåµ bahavo’mbu 11.28
yajñas tapas tathå dånaµ 17.7 yathå pradîptaµ jvalanaµ 11.29
yajñåyåcharata˙ karma 4.23 yathå prakåçayaty-eka˙ 13.34
yajñe tapasi dåne ca 17.27 yathå sarva-gataµ saukßmyåd 13.33
yajño dånaµ tapaç caiva 18.5 yatholbenåv®to garbhas 3.38
yakßye dåsyåmi modißya 16.15 yat karoßi yad açnåsi 9.27
yaµ hi na vyathayanty-ete 2.15 yato yato niçcalati 6.26
yåm imåµ pußpitåµ våcaµ 2.42 yatra caivåtmanåtmånaµ 6.20
yaµ labdhvå cåparaµ låbhaµ 6.22 yatra kåle tv-anåv®ttim 8.23
yaµ pråpya na nivartante 8.21 yatra yogeçvara˙ k®ß√o 18.78
yaµ sannyåsam iti pråhur 6.2 yatroparamate cittaµ 6.20
yaµ yaµ våpi smaran bhåvaµ 8.6 yat så∫khyai˙ pråpyate sthånaµ 5.5
yån eva hatvå na jijîvißåmas 2.6 yat tad agre vißam iva 18.37
yå niçå sarva-bhütånåµ 2.69 yat tapasyasi kaunteya 9.27
yånti deva-vratå devån 9.25 yat te’haµ prîyamå√åya 10.1
yasmån nodvijate loko 12.15 yat tu kåmepsunå karma 18.24
yasmåt kßaram atîto’ham 15.18 yat tu k®tsnavad ekasmin 18.22
yasmin sthito na du˙khena 6.22 yat tu pratyupakårårthaµ 17.21
yaß†avyam eveti mana˙ 17.11 yat tvayoktaµ vacas tena 11.1
yastu karma-phala-tyågî 18.11 yåvad etån nirîkße’haµ 1.22
yas tv-åtmaratir eva syåd 3.17 yåvån artha udapåne 2.46
496
yåvat sañjåyate kiñcit 13.27 yo’nta˙-sukho’ntaråråmas 5.24
yayå dharmam adharmaµ ca 18.31 yotsyamånån avekße’haµ 1.23
yayå svapnaµ bhayaµ çokaµ 18.35 yo’yaµ yogas tvayå prokta˙ 6.33
yayå tu dharma-kåmårthån 18.34 yo yo yåµ yåµ tanuµ bhakta˙ 7.21
ye bhajanti tu måµ bhaktyå 9.29 yudhåmanyuç ca vikrånta 1.6
ye caiva såttvikå bhåvå 7.12 yuktåhåra-vihårasya 6.17
ye cåpy-akßaram avyaktaµ 12.1 yukta˙ karma-phalaµ tyaktvå 5.12
ye hi saµsparçajå bhogå 5.22 yukta ityucyate yogi 6.8
ye me matam idaµ nityam 3.31 yukta-svapnåvabodhasya 6.17
yena bhütåny-açeßå√i 4.35 yuñjann evaµ sadåtmånaµ 6.15
ye’pyanya-devatå bhaktå 9.23 yuñjann evaµ sadåtmånaµ 6.28
yeßåm arthe kå∫kßitaµ no 1.32 yuyudhåno virå†aç ca 1.4
yeßåµ ca tvaµ bahu-mato 2.35
yeßåµ tvanta-gataµ påpaµ 7.28
ye çåstra-vidhim uts®jya 17.1
ye tu dharmyåm®tam idaµ 12.20
ye tu sarvå√i karmå√i 12.6
ye tv-akßaram anirdeçyam 12.3
ye tv-etad abhyasüyanto 3.32
ye yathå måµ prapadyante 4.11
yogaµ yogeçvaråt k®ß√åt 18.75
yogårü∂hasya tasyaiva 6.3
yoga-sannyasta-karmå√aµ 4.41
yogastha˙ kuru karmå√i 2.48
yoga-yukto munir brahma 5.6
yoga-yukto viçuddhåtmå 5.7
yogenåvyabhichåri√yå 18.33
yogeçvara tato me tvaµ 11.4
yogina˙ karma kurvanti 5.11
yoginåm api sarveßåµ 6.47
yogino yata-cittasya 6.19
yogî yuñjjîta satatam 6.10
yo loka-trayam åviçya 15.17
yo måm ajam anådiµ ca 10.3
yo måm evam asammü∂ho 15.19
yo måµ paçyati sarvatra 6.30
yo na h®ßyati na dveß†I 12.17
497
General Index
-A- (See also – Åcårya, Guru, Dîkßa-guru,

Seer of truth Çikßå-guru, Spiritual master,
A (letter) – 260 Tattva-darçî)
Abhimanyu – 4, 10 Acintya – 247
Abortion – 382 Acintya-bhedåbheda-tattva – xiv, 109
Abrahamic religions – Acintya-çakti – 247
· borrowed idea of monotheism – 80, 81 Action (Activities) –
· monotheism older than – 81 · actions & karma – 425
· war since rise of – 11 · and inaction – 76, 84, 116, 118
Absolute Truth – · as one of five subjects of Bhagavad-gîtå
· acintya-bhedåbheda-tattva and – 109 – 170
· as eternal – 144, 276 · better than inaction – 76, 77
· as infinite – 143, 255 · bewilderment as result of improper
· as one without a second – 123, 249 – 77
· attainment of – 122, 138, 170, 171, 362 · bhakti-yoga and – 137
· Bhagavad-gîtå and – xi, xii, 8, 30, 127, · detached from results of – 55, 87, 117,
170, 171, 232, 234, 328 118, 130, 154, 415, 417, 418, 424
· consciousness as part & parcel of– 42, · in connection with K®ß√a – 77, 86
44, 69, 82, 106 · inquiry into Absolute Truth as goal of
· contains all things – 328 all – 204
· dharma and – xi, 88 · karma-yoga as selfless – 76, 135, 137,
· energies of – 68, 77, 206, 331
139
· envious cannot understand – 449
· knowledge of – 90, 117
· everything originates from – 83
· modes of nature and – 74, 87, 90, 346,
· independent of material nature – 141
347, 349, 417, 424, 425
· knowledge & realisation of – 7, 55, 67,
· of a bråhma√a – 432
90, 112, 123, 143, 199, 204, 249, 323,
· of a kßatriya – 432
403, 438
· of a vaiçya – 432
· K®ß√a as – ix, xi, 22, 30, 42, 68, 105,
· of a warrior – 48
106, 128, 143, 148, 210, 226, 263, 410
· performance of – 111, 116
· life meant for inquiry into – 204
· mahå-mantra represents – 167 · prescribed – 79, 83, 407, 417
· meditation on – 210, 263, 284 · proper mode of – 89
· nirgu√a-çraddhå and – 395 · release from bondage of – 51, 74
· omniscience of – 105 · renunciation of – 135, 137, 154, 311,
· oµ tat sat describes – 407, 409 354, 413, 416, 417, 418, 439
· personal aspect of – 68, 212, 284 · sacrifice and – 76, 77, 79, 122, 221,
· present within sacrifice – 83 407, 408
· service to – 82 · sannyåsa and – 153, 413
· three aspects of – 67, 326 · surrendering all – 91, 311
· Våsudeva as – 394 · three constituents of – 421
(See also – God, K®ß√a, Nåråya√a, · three elements that stimulate – 421
Paramåtmå, Supreme Being, Supreme · three types of – 57, 58, 116, 118
Person, Viß√u) · wisdom and – 73, 74
Abstinence – 65, 137 (See also – Celibacy) (See also – Akarma, Duty, Karma, Karma-
Åcårya – yoga, Prescribed duties, Vikarma)
· four sampradåya – 128 Acyuta – 13, 22
· instruction should be heeded – 126 Adharma –
· Bhågavatam cited on K®ß√a as non- · K®ß√a appears when there is rise in –
different from – 127 104, 106
498
· malevolence arises from –106 · of scattered cloud – 172
· mode of passion and – 426 · of shadow of darkness – 69
· mode of ignorance and – 427 · of sharks – 309
Adhokßaja – 246, 469 · of ship & strong wind – 64
Ådi Ça∫kara – · of smoke covering fire – 436, 94
· as commentator on Gîtå – xv · of sun illuminating universe – 337
· advaita philosophy of – 109 · of tortoise – 61
· quoted on worshipping K®ß√a – 305 · of water & boat – 309
Ådityas – 257, 272, 280 · of wind & sky – 228
Advaita – 109 · of wind carrying fragrance – 362, 364
Advaita Åcårya – xix · of womb covering embryo – 94
Afghanistan – 10 Ånanda – 38, 167 (See also – Bliss,
Africa – 394 Happiness, Pleasure, Spiritual bliss)
Aggressors – 33, 50, 433 Ånandamaya – 38
Agni – 257, 290 Ananta – 259
Aha∫kåra – 68, 185 (See also – False ego) Ananta-vijaya – 10
Air – Anartha-niv®tti – 112
· as universal element – 181, 182, 320 Anårya – 34
· cannot dry individual consciousness Ancestors –
– 43 · worship of – 237, 392, 392-394 (See
· presiding deity of – 290 also – Forefathers)
Anger –
(See also – Life-airs, Våyu) · control of – 196
Airåvata – 259 · delusion manifests from – 63
Åjñå-cakra – 210, 211 · demons represent – 22
Akarma – · freedom from – 60, 110, 146, 147, 313,
· described – 57, 58 377, 387, 438
· leads to liberation – 119 · from mode of passion – 431
· one should understand – 116, 118 · impious quality – 378, 381, 384, 386
Alcohol – 106 · lust transforms into – 94
Aliens – 79 · uncontrolled senses lead to – 65
America – 54, 394 · (See also – Krodha) – –
Anådi – 330–333 A√imå-siddhi – 58
Anåhata-cakra – 210 Animals –
Anala – 182 (See also – Fire) · as food– 398, 400, 434
Analogies – · as pets – 399
· of aging process – 36 · killing of – 161, 400, 434
· of change of clothing – 43 · sacrifice – 122, 123, 400
· of controlling wind – 169 · soul of – 423
· of cooking – 287 · species of – 144, 207, 335
· of creeper – 114 · taking birth as – 53, 54, 207, 324, 336,
· of dust covering mirror – 94 349
· of fire burning wood – 125 · tendencies – 211
· of fire & lust – 95 · violence towards – 425
· of flame in windless place – 163 Annamaya – 38
· of inverted banyan tree – 359, 360 Annihilation –
· of jewels strung upon thread – 186 · fiery mouth of universal form like – 281
· of lamp & darkness – 250, 253 · full – 217
· of lightning & rain cloud – 395 · K®ß√a as cause of universal – 182, 368
· of lotus leaf & water – 140 · mahat-tattva absorbed into Mahå-Viß√u
· of moths rushing into fire – 282 at – 218, 270
· of pond & lake – 55 · of world – 288
· of pouring water on fire – 214 · one who takes shelter of K®ß√a does not
· of rivers flowing into ocean – 66 suffer during – 343
499
· partial – 217 · as conqueror of enemy – 35, 101, 103,
· Çiva as deity of – 217 124, 198, 263, 297, 428, 431
Anu – 143 · as dear to K®ß√a – 245, 442, 443
Åpa – 182 (See also – Water) · as descendant of Bharata – 14, 37, 46,
Aparå-prak®ti – 185, 218 87, 104, 191, 272, 320
(See also – Material nature, Modes of · as descendant of Kuru – 52, 173, 348,
material nature, Prak®ti) 428
Aparå-vidyå – 180 · as devotee of K®ß√a – 33, 102, 107
Aquatics – · as Dhanañjaya – 55, 56, 130, 186, 229,
· species of – 144, 207 310, 426, 428, 450
· K®ß√a amongst – 260 (See also – Fish) · as disciple of K®ß√a – 29, 34, 453
Arcana – 109 (See also – Deity worship) · as eternal associate of K®ß√a – 171
Arca-vigraha – 109 · as family man with responsibilities –
Arjuna – 171
· Absolute Truth directly speaking Gîtå · as first student of Bhagavad-gîtå – xiii
to –234 · as formidable opponent due to K®ß√a
· accepts everything Krsna says as truth – 11
– 254 · as friend of K®ß√a – 15, 34, 102, 107,
· accepts K®ß√a as guru –29, 33, 34 203, 291, 293, 294, 443
· addresses K®ß√a as Acyuta – 13, 22 · as Gu∂åkeça – 428, 460
· addresses K®ß√a as descendant of V®ß√i · as instrument of Supreme – 286
– 19, 22, 23, 94 · as Kaunteya – 95, 235, 237, 240, 285,
· addresses K®ß√a as Govinda – 17, 22, 35 462
· addresses K®ß√a as H®ßîkeça – 22, 289, · asked by K®ß√a how weakness has
413 overcome him – 27
· addresses K®ß√a as Janårdana – 18, 19, · asks about action, karma Brahman
20, 22, 73, 255, 296 etc. – 203
addresses K®ß√a as Keçava – 16, 22, 59, · asks about faith & modes of nature –
73, 254, 288, 319 391, 393
· addresses K®ß√a as Keçi-nißüdana – 413 · asks about field, knower, knowledge &
· addresses K®ß√a as Madhusüdana – 17, object of knowledge – 319
22, 28 · asks about K®ß√a’s personal &
· addresses K®ß√a as Mådhava – 18, 22 impersonal aspects – 303
· addresses K®ß√a as Parameçvara – 269, · asks about material nature & Supreme
271 – 319
· addresses K®ß√a as Purußottama – 269, · asks about sannyåsa & tyåga – 413
271 · asks about those who do not attain
· addresses K®ß√a as Vårß√eya – 19, 22, perfection – 172, 175
94 · asks about those who reject Vedas – 391,
· addresses K®ß√a as Yogeçvara – 269, 271 393
· agrees to fight – 451, 453 · asks series of important questions –
· and family exiled – xvii, 50 203
· and his brothers as rightful heirs to · asks forgiveness for his transgressions
kingdom – xv, 50 – 291-293
· as accomplished student of Vedic · asks how he can kill his elders – 28
thought – 37 · asks how K®ß√a can be known at death –
· as associate of K®ß√a – 37 · asks how one transcends modes of
· as best of Bharata Dynasty – 334, 347, nature – 352
400, 415, 428, 429 · asks how to always think of K®ß√a – 25
· as Bhårata – 45, 130, 337, 344, 345, · asks K®ß√a about His mystic powers &
346, 370, 377, 392, 428, 441 opulence – 255
· as conqueror of sleep – 256, 272, 428, · asks K®ß√a about sannyåsa & karma-
460 yoga – 135
500
· asks K®ß√a how he can be absorbed in · described by K®ß√a as anårya – 34
Him –255 · does not desire victory or kingdom – 17
· asks K®ß√a how He can be known at · doubts of – 17, 18, 29, 102, 451, 453
time of death – 203 · drops his bow – 16, 21
· asks K®ß√a how He taught sun-god – · duty & – 15, 34, 48, 50, 51, 93, 288,
102 420, 421, 437
· asks K®ß√a characteristics of one who is · encouraged by K®ß√a to fight – 39, 50,
in samådhi – 59 130, 286, 287, 420, 421, 428
· asks K®ß√a to further explain wisdom & · eternal relationship in sakhya-rasa with
action – 73, 74 K®ß√a – 294
· asks K®ß√a to place his chariot between · experiences symptoms of despair – 15,
armies – 13 16
· asks K®ß√a what makes one perform · fame of – 27, 48, 49
pious & impious acts – 94 · fearful upon seeing universal form
· asks K®ß√a why he gives contradictory – 275, 277, 280-283
advice – 73, 74 · given divine vision – 272, 273
· as kßatriya – 50, 93, 420, 437 · K®ß√a as adviser to – 11
· as liberated personality – 37 · K®ß√a as charioteer of – 15
· as one of På√∂ava brothers– xvi · K®ß√a as – 262
· as Parantapa – 428, 464 · K®ß√a points out opposing army to – 14
· as Pårtha – 14, 28, 41, 48, 52, 60, 67, · K®ß√a speaking Gîtå again to – 102
· laments for loss of material body – 37
83, 86, 110, 124, 173, 179, 187, 209,
· names of – 328
213, 216, 217, 240, 258, 271, 273, 309,
· nature of a deva – 378
378, 408, 426, 427, 428, 450, 464
· needed K®ß√a’s advice – 22
· as self-realised yogî – 171
· no necessity to perform indirect
· as son of Kuntî – 15, 37, 50, 61, 76, meditation by – 263
146, 169, 186, 205, 228, 229, 319, 336, · not envious – 225
344, 345, 428, 436, 437, 440, 462 · observes his relatives on opposite side
· as son of P®thå – 51, 86, 464 – 12, 14, 15
· as son of På√∂u – 124, 153, 274, 297, · offers prayers to K®ß√a – 253, 275, 288
428 –293
· as tiger amongst men – 415 · overcome with pity for his relatives
· as warrior from noble family – 32 – 15, 27, 28, 32
· as winner of wealth – 9, 428 · prefers to be killed rather than kill – 17,
· attachment to family by – 15-21, 28, 21, 29, 32
29, 33 · prefers to live by begging than killing
· becomes peaceful seeing K®ß√a’s two- superiors – 28,
armed form – 296, 297, 298 · proclaims yoga system difficult due to
· believes misfortune will result in killing mind – 169, 171
relatives – 19, 20 · refuses to fight – 16, 33, 35, 420, 437
· bewildered – 16, 29, 33, 37, 73, 102 · regains his composure upon seeing
· bewilderment lifted & resumes his K®ß√a’s original form – 296
duty– 269, 437, 451, 453 · reminds K®ß√a about family traditions
· bodily distress of – 15, 16 – 23
· bow of – 12, 16, 21 · requests to see K®ß√a’s four-armed
· cannot remember previous births – 103, form – 293
105 · requests to see K®ß√a’s universal form
· chariot of – 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21 – 269, 270, 273
· compared to Kaurava archers – 4 · Sañjaya’s final benediction concerning
· compassion of – 15, 27, 32, 33 K®ß√a and – 452, 453
· conch-shell of – 9 · sees K®ß√a’s four-armed form – 296
· confident of K®ß√a’s shelter – 22 · sees universal form – 274–277, 279–
· convinced of K®ß√a’s supremacy – 270 283, 288–293
501
· speaks about yoga & erratic mind – 169, Association –
171 · acquiring qualities of Absolute by – 123
· speaks in favour of every day people · Arjuna must choose – 379
–171 · bad – 361, 362
· told about qualities of asuras by K®ß√a · Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on – 362
– 379-385 · of K®ß√a – 157, 309, 315
· told by K®ß√a about goal of yoga – 159, · of sådhus/saints/devotees – 112, 227,
160 251, 395
· told by K®ß√a not to abandon duty – 33, · çraddhå developed by – 227
51, 92, 93, 420, 437 · suk®ti develops by – 395
· told by K®ß√a to accept a spiritual · with modes of nature – 329
master – 124, 126 Aß†å∫ga-yoga –
· told by K®ß√a to be a yogî – 174, 176, · difficult in this age – 58, 161, 162, 211
220 · described – 155, 156
· told by K®ß√a to declare His devotee Aß†a-siddhis –58, 59
never perishes – 240 Açraddhå – 226
· told by K®ß√a to deliberate on His Asura –
instructions – 442, 443 · austerities of – 395
· told by K®ß√a to follow path of · devas & –378
liberated –111, 113 · no happiness for – 386
· told by K®ß√a to meditate on His form · qualities of – 378, 379, 382, 383–385,
– 264 392
· understood Bhagavad-gîtå– xiii Açvatthåmå – 5
· was not scholar – xiii Açvinî-kumåras – 272, 280
· will achieve perfection by following Atharva Veda – 368
K®ß√a – 441, 443, 445 Atheism/Atheist (s) –
· will attain higher planets if he fights · also has faith – 393
– 50, 51 · believes life on earth was seeded – 79
· will be infamous if he does not fight · driven by fanaticism – 232
– 49, 50 · has incomplete knowledge – 327
· will find no happiness in killing his · irrational arguments of – 232
opponents – 17, 18 · understanding of – 327, 328
· will not incur wrongdoing if he fights Åtmå –
– 50, 420 · above mind & intelligence is – 96, 185
· will perish if he neglects K®ß√a’s · and Paramåtmå – 185
instructions – 440, 441 · animal & human – 53, 423
· worried he has offended K®ß√a – 291, · as anti-material concept – 182
293 · as fully spiritual & different to material
Artha – 371, 372 elements – 97, 185
Artha-çåstra – 33 · as one of five subjects of Bhagavad-
Åroha-panthå – 351 gîtå – 170
Arsonists – 33 · awakens to influence of holy name
Aryamå – 259 – 109
Åryan – 34, 82 · Bhagavad-gîtå complete in knowledge
Aryan Invasion Theory – 81 of – xi
Åsakti – 112 · Brahmavådîs seek to merge – 304
Åsana – 155, 156 · cannot be killed – 46, 420
Asat – 408 · complete with all good qualities – 315
Asita – 254 · constitutional position of – 82
Åçrama (community) – 161 · cultivation of knowledge of – 311, 312,
Åçrama (social order) – 115, 136 (See also 365, 366
– Social orders, Var√a, Var√åçrama) · dimensions of – 46, 47
Åçraya – 236 · eternality of – xi, 34, 36, 420
502
· key to Vedic wisdom is knowledge · K®ß√a as might without – 187
of – 34 · mode of goodness as freedom from –
· K®ß√a as beloved of – 312 355, 417, 423, 425
· imperceptible by material senses – 365 · of asuras – 380
· måyå’s influence over – 77 · of false ego to consciousness – 68
· minuteness of – 46, 47 · of ignorant to activities – 87, 140
· mode of ignorance and – 423 · one who understands modes has no – 90
· Mu√∂aka Upanißad cited on – 46, 47 · qualification to realise Absolute Truth
· must control mind – 165 as abandoning – 438
· nature of – 77, 82 · sage free from mundane – 60
· not perceived without sense-control · to activities – 55, 87, 140
– 356 · to impersonal aspect of Absolute – 306
· one kind of – 53 · to material body – 423
· only those with knowledge understand · to mundane friends according to
– 366 Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu – 264
· original spiritual nature of living being · to avoiding prescribed duties – 55
as – 204 · to results – 84, 417, 418, 436
· Råmånuja cited on – 68 · to K®ß√a – 112, 179
· service & sacrifice is intrinsic to – 82, · uncontrolled senses lead to – 65
77 · yogî free from – 154, 162
· Çikßåß†aka quoted on – 108, 109 · yogîs fall down due to – 62
· subtle elements closer to – 185 Austerity –
· Çvetåçvatara Upanißad cited on– 46 · according to modes of nature – 393-
· the key to Vedic wisdom is knowledge 396, 401– 404
of – 34 · activity of a bråhma√a – 432
· transmigration of – 36, 53, 144, 145, · and sacrifice – 123
422 · as quality of deva – 377, 382
· understood by hearing Gîtå – 365 · as tapasya – 403
· yogî fixes mind within on – 158, 365 · asuras and – 382, 392, 393
(See also – Consciousness, Jîva, Living · coming from K®ß√a – 247
beings, Self) · defined – 403
Atomic bomb – 287, 288 · in mode of goodness – 402, 409
Atri – 248 · in mode of passion & ignorance – 403
Attachment(s) – · K®ß√a as – 186
· action without – 84, 87, 140, 154, 415, · K®ß√a as enjoyer of – 148
423, 425 · K®ß√a not revealed by – 295, 310
· arises by meditating upon sense-objects · leads to self-realisation – 431
– 63 · mental – 402
· as asakti – 112 · of asuras – 392, 395
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta on association · oµ tat sat and – 407, 408
and – 362 · out of pride & foolishness – 403
· desire appears from – 63 · physical – 401, 403
· devotee gives up – 297, 314 · purified by – 110
· Dh®taråß†ra’s paternal – xvi · sannyåsa and – 137, 138
· freedom from – 60, 63, 76, 90, 110, · should not be given up – 415, 416
322, 353, 355, 438 · verbal – 402, 404
· giving up – 55, 297, 314, 438 · without faith – 408
· in mode of ignorance – 422, 423 (See also – Penances, Tapasya)
· in mode of passion – 345, 346, 347, Avaroha-panthå – 351
348, 349 Avatåras –
· karma-yoga without – 76 · Caitanya Mahåprabhu as– 88, 106, 107
· knowledge as freedom from – 322 · devotee of K®ß√a never satisfied with
· Kurukßetra war due to family – 12 other – 298
503
· in different yugas – 106, 277, 278 · begins with Chapter Two – 30
· in Vaiku√†ha, Ayodhyå etc. – 444 · begins with dharma – xi
· K®ß√a as source of all –31, 80, 217 · benefits of reciting – 449, 450
Avatårî – 217 · bodily identification as ignorance
Avidyå – 351 (See also – Ignorance) according to – 320
Ayodhyå – 444 · can be understood by those who are not
scholars – xii
-B- · as charity of spiritual wealth – 406
· climax of – 443, 444
Babylon – 80 · commentators that try to remove K®ß√a
Badarînåtha – 161 from – 170
Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a – · complete understanding of reality in
· as commentator of Gîtå – xiv – 185
· author of Prameya-ratnåvalî – 128 · concept of space according to – 182
· cited on Brahman – 68 · conclusively recommends bhakti-yoga –
· on anådi – 331 xii, 211, 212, 315
· on repetition in Gîtå – 278 · Creator according to – 42
Balaråma – 278 · daunting for some readers – ix
Banyan tree – 258, 359–361 · demigod worship in – 196
Benares – 161 (See also – Kåçî) · difficult to difference between matter
Bengal – xxii and spirit if one ignores – 42
Bhagavad-gîtå – · discusses various yoga systems – 58
· accepted as given by K®ß√a – ix · does not condemn – 404
· accepting K®ß√a as Supreme & hearing · educated people should take lessons
message of – 409 from – 181
· accompanied with chanting of mahå- · Emerson cited on – xv
mantra – 88 · enables humanity to overcome
· achieving success by hearing – x shortcomings – 12
· also known as Gîtopanißad – xi · envious & ignorant do not follow
· animals and – 336 teachings of – 93
· and impersonalist philosophers – xii · explains eternal individuality of living
· answers life’s questions – ix, x, xi, xiii, beings & God – 123, 370, 371
206, 331, 435 · five primary subjects of – 170
· apocalyptic world view not found in · fools deride message of – 231
– 217 · four goals of life unimportant to
· appreciated by eastern & western student of – 372
scholars – xv · gives key to peace – 149
· Arjuna questions how K®ß√a instructed · Gîtå-måhåtmya cited on glories of
sun-god – 103 reciting – 449, 450
· Arjuna understood – xiii · God dying for our sins not consistent
· åryans according to – 34 with – 144
· as a complete science of Absolute Truth · guru must teach conclusion of – 127,
– xi, 232, 234, 328, 351 129, 333, 453
· as a discourse on enlightenment & · heard directly from Absolute Truth by
Absolute Truth – 328 Arjuna – 234
· as a handbook on yoga – xi · hearing & chanting – 251, 352, 449,
· as an ancient text – 102 450
· as a true science– x · highest achievement discussed in – 67
· as most ideal literature – 409 · history of – xv
· as most important book – xi · impersonalists do not understand – xii
· as oldest book on theistic science - xi · insight & guidance from – 435
· as timeless – ix, xiii · jñåna refers to knowledge of self in –
· avoiding animal birth by following – 54 180
504
· karma-yoga given first preference in – · spoken on first day of war at
138 Kurukßetra – xviii
· knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå lost over · spread all over world – 89
time – 101, 102 · spread worldwide by Bhaktivedånta
· K®ß√a addressed as Bhagavån in – 30 Svåmî Prabhupåda – xxi
· K®ß√a appears on earth to speak – 246 · surpasses all branches of known
· K®ß√a as Supreme Person according knowledge – xi, 8
to – 371 · surpasses all other literature – xi, 7,
· K®ß√a in form of – 355 8, 200
· K®ß√a known through – 368 · theist & atheist not supported by
· K®ß√a speaks directly to those who student of –232, 327, 328
study – ix · to be taken literally, 170, 171
· means ‘Song of Bhagavån/words of · true guru teaches principles of – 127,
K®ß√a’ – 30, 352 129, 333, 453
· meant for following bhakti-yoga – xii · unscrupulous persons distort message
· meant for those aspiring for Absolute of– 129, 170
Truth – xii · Viçvanåtha Cakravartî cited on – xiii,
· message is eternal – xiii 247
· modes of nature overcome by knowledge Bhagavån –
of – 351, 430 · as one of three aspects of Absolute – 67,
· most widely read book of theistic 80, 156, 189, 326
knowledge – xi, 321 · meaning of – 30
· must be taught through paramparå · realisation of – 67, 68
– 128 Bhågavatam (See Çrîmad Bhågavatam)
· not about dogma or sectarianism – xi Bhajana-kriyå – 112
· not allegorical – 170 Bhakti –
· not a thesis on ‘God’ – 328 · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on
· not understood by mental speculation accepting things favourable for – 248
– ix, xi · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on
· one life not all in all according to – 324 rejecting things unfavourable for – 248
· on guru as tattva-darçî – 127 · creeper of – 114
· ontological substance of – 250, 253 · incompatible with demigod worship
· open secret of – 441 – 196
· Oppenheimer cited on – 288 · second six chapters of Gîta explain –
· originally part of Mahåbhårata – xv xiii
· perfection before death by hearing –352 · understanding Gîta by accepting – ix
· provides outline for self-realisation – x · V®ndå bestows – xxiv
· purpose is to elevate one from bodily (See also – Bhakti-yoga, Devotion,
concept – 42, 74 Rågånugå-bhakti, Sådhana-bhakti)
· qualifications to understand – 102 Bhakti movement – 196
· quintessence of – 253 Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu –
· recommends bhakti-yoga – 211 · on beauty of K®ß√a – 264
· repetition in – 278 · on highest plane of bhakti-yoga – 305
· received by Sañjaya & spoken to · on serving guru – 126
Dh®taråß†ra – xviii · on stages of devotion – 112
· sannyåsî shares knowledge of – 138 Bhaktivinoda – xiv, 189
· sets standard to acquire knowledge of Bhakti-yoga –
Absolute – 127 · accepting & rejecting in 248
· should be learned in paramparå – 128 · animal & human sacrifice not part
· social system and – 433 of – 400
· speaking truth according to – 404 · as fifth goal of life – 371
· spirit of – ix · as recommended process for Kali-yuga
· spoken at end of Dvåpara-yuga – 88, 106 – 162
505
· austerity in mode of ignorance not · K®ß√a recommends one to become –
in – 395 315
· Bhagavad-gîtå explains – xi, xii · K®ß√a remembers devotee at death –
· Bhågavatam cited on nine processes 208
of – 252 · K®ß√a’s abode is final destination for
· controlling mind in – 167, 315 – 363
· direct & indirect approach to – 311 · K®ß√a’s intimacy with – 236
· escaping modes of nature through – · situated in transcendence – 58
192, 351, 354, 430 · uses discrimination – 248
· faith in – 226, 227 (See also – Devotee, Vaiß√ava)
· fanaticism not part of – 398 Bhåva – 112, 470
· freedom from pride & illusion brings Bhîma – xvi, 4, 6, 9, 50
perfection in – 362 Bhîßma – xvi, 5, 6, 8,14, 28, 282, 287
· good qualities develop through – 315 Bhrama – 351
· helps to control senses – 58, 387 Bhramaraka – 399
· in contrast to impersonal path – 303– Bh®gu – 248, 258
305, 308 Bhümi – 182
· karma-yoga and – 137, 138 Bhüriçravå – 5
· knowledge of Gîtå unknown to those Bible – xvi, 7
that don’t perform – 447 Big Bang Theory – 40, 180
· K®ß√a ultimately recommends – 58, Biocentrism - How Life Creates the Universe
305 – 181
· meant for K®ß√a – 196 Birth –
· must be unmotivated & uninterrupted · activities determines – 207
– 246 · and death – 47, 56, 59, 105, 108, 113,
· nature worship not included in – 283 114, 149, 193, 197, 198, 206, 287, 309,
· no fear of God in – 102 343
· as a human being – 207
· relationship with K®ß√a discovered
· body experiences – 37, 38, 45, 47, 114
through – 294
· Brahman realised yogî must again take
· samådhi and – 59
– 157, 212
· social structure in – 414
· cycle – 47, 59, 105, 108, 113, 143, 157,
· Supreme Person & His abode attained
197, 198, 216, 218, 226, 323, 331, 343,
by – 217, 218, 219, 221, 252, 297, 310
347, 351
· taking shelter of K®ß√a in 192, 193 · envious again take – 198, 384, 385
· universal form unimportant for · faithless must again take – 226
students of – 277 · fallen yogî again takes – 173, 175
(See also – Bhakti, Devotion, Rågånugå- · good karma means taking – 119
bhakti, Sådhana-bhakti) · higher – 34, 52, 173, 336
Bhakti-yogî – · higher planets places of – 215
· always controls senses – 58, 62 · individual unit of consciousness never
· always worships K®ß√a – 231 takes – 41
· as best of yogîs – 175, 304, 305 · individual unit of consciousness subject
· avoids bad association – 362 to – 44
· dear to K®ß√a – 315 · in lower species – 34, 53, 207, 336
· devotion makes one – 315 · karma produces – 204
· doesn’t perform Vedic rituals – 236 · K®ß√a’s abode beyond – 218
· eats food offered to K®ß√a – 398 · K®ß√a appears without taking – 246,
· guided by nirgu√a-çraddhå – 395 247
· has no desire to enjoy higher planets · K®ß√a delivers His devotee from – 309
– 221 · living beings repeatedly take – 216, 329,
· is truly free – 430 331, 347, 364
· known as Vaiß√ava – 304 · terminating material – 108, 113, 142,
· knows K®ß√a in heart – 246 143, 149, 351
506
· mahåjanas achieved liberation from – · controlling mind and – 119
113 · cultivating knowledge to understand
· Måyåvådîs again take – 304 åtmå and – 311
· one fixed in K®ß√a never again takes · effects of time on – 42
– 142, 193, 197, 200, 206, 214, 215, · false ego and – 69, 89
218, 309 · health and – 214
· senses & mind follow to next – 362 · ignorance of – 365, 366
· within modes of nature – 348, 349 · individual unit of consciousness and –
Bliss – 41, 43, 44, 46
· akarma leads to eternal – 119 · known as field – 319–321
· Brahma-saµhitå cited on K®ß√a’s form · K®ß√a does not change – 105
as – 31 · K®ß√a non-different from His – 105
· Brahma-saµhitå cited on light of · living beings change – 105
Çvetadvîpa as – 447 · maintaining – 117
· connecting with Absolute gives · master of – 362
unlimited – 145, 166, 167 · material nature creates – 344
· eternal – 119, 164, 193, 210, 354, 355 · misidentified as self – 12, 69, 87, 89,
· finding inner – 146 90, 144, 180, 323, 338, 406
· K®ß√a as eternal – 354, 355 · mode of goodness and – 347, 422
· K®ß√a’s body made of – 31, 105, 206 · Paramåtmå residing in – 329, 335, 336
· Mahåbhårata cited on K®ß√a’s name · renouncing activities impossible for one
meaning – 32 with – 417
· mahå-mantra gives – 167 · self exists independent of mind and –
· of Brahman – xii, 157, 304 166, 180
· self-deception never leads to – 210 · self-realised sees difference between self
· spiritual body made from – 324, 331 and – 335, 337
· subduing passion gives supreme – 165 · sense-controlled person lives happily
(See also – Ånanda, Happiness, Pleasure, in – 141, 146
Spiritual bliss) · taking animal – 53
Bodily identification – · time of death, leaving – 205, 206, 208,
· living beings experience death due 209, 213, 221
to – 144 · transcending modes of nature within
· material duality is beyond – 38 – 350
· materialistic thinkers engrossed in – 87, · transmigration of – 36, 37, 144, 145,
89, 90 324, 364, 422, 423
· of bhakti-yoga greater than Brahman · yogî controls – 158, 438
– 304 · yogî performs actions through – 140
· one cannot become master of self in Brahmå –
– 62 · Arjuna sees – 275,
· purpose of Gîtå is to transcend – 74 · as master of Satya-loka – 250
· realisation of Absolute begins by · creates mankind – 77
rejecting – 90 · creates system of sacrifice – 77
· those engrossed in matter cannot · day of – 215, 217, 218, 228, 249
overcome – 42, 113 · doesn’t know who K®ß√a is – 246
· understanding of Paramåtmå is beyond · end of day of – 228
those in – 89 · fourteen Manus in a day of – 249
Body (Material body) – · K®ß√a more exalted than – 289
· as one of five factors that accomplish · manifests secondary creation – 217
actions – 419 · offspring of – 79
· asuras torture – 392, 395 · realm of – 79, 217, 250
· cakras and – 210, 211 · sampradåya – 128
· composition of – 96, 185 · subservient to K®ß√a – 31, 82
· consciousness pervades – 39, 46, 47 Brahmacårî(s) – 136, 414
507
Brahma-jyoti – · charity to – 400
· and jîvåtmå – 332 · knows Brahman – 433
· bliss within – 157 · manifested from oµ tat sat – 407
· impersonal path and – 303 · qualities of – 431-432
· K®ß√a’s body not manifest from – 198 · reaching highest destination – 240
· merging into – xii, 156, 211 · seen by wise – 142
· returning to material world from – 211 · wife of – 434
· yogîs desiring Paramåtmå enter –156 · worship of – 401
(See also – Brahman) Brahma-nirvå√am – 67
Brahman – Brahma-saµhitå –
· A.C. Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda’s · describing Govinda – 445-447
interpretation of – 68 · on devotion awakening in heart – 312
· as a principle object of meditation – 156 · on K®ß√a as Supreme – 31, 113
· as K®ß√a’s effulgence – 303, 306, 307 · on eternal living being – 294
· as imperishable Supreme – 204, 354 Brahmå sampradåya – 128
· attaining – 335 Brahmavådî – 304, 308
· Baladeva Vidyåbhüßa√a’s interpretation Breath control – 121, 123, 156 (See also –
of – 68 Prå√åyåma)
· Bhakti Rakßaka Çrîdhara Mahåråja’s B®had-bhågavatåm®ta –
interpretation of – 68 · on Goloka V®ndåvana – 218, 219
· bråhma√a must know – 433 · Gopa Kumåra in – 298
· chanting oµ & approaching – 189 B®had-Viß√u Purå√a –
· devotees never accept liberation into · on various species of life – 144
– 68 B®han Nåradîya Purå√a –
· Hari-vaµça cited on – 367 · on chanting name of K®ß√a – 107
· illuminates universe – 367, 433 B®haspati – 258
· impersonal path of – 308 B®hat-Såma – 261
· inquiry into – 203 Brillat-Savarin, Jean Anthelme – 397
· knowers of – 219 Buddha – 106, 278
· K®ß√a as – 32, 67, 68, 80, 250, 253, Buddhi – 185 (See also –Intelligence)
354, 355 Buddhism/Buddhists – 67, 226, 304, 394
· K®ß√a not a temporary manifestation Burke, Edmund – 15
of – 170, 198 -C-
· living beings part & parcel of – 206
· Madhva’s interpretation of – 68 Caitanya-caritåm®ta –
· Nårada-pañcaråtra quoted on – 307 · on bad association – 363
· Paramåtmå & Bhagavån – 67, 156, 250, · on K®ß√a & måyå – 253
326 · on K®ß√a as Supreme – 371
· qualities of – 306, 307 · on qualites of a mahåtmå – 195, 196
· Råmånuja’s interpretation of – 68 · on wandering living beings – 114, 333
· sages & scholars chant oµ and enter – Caitanya Mahåprabhu –
212 · and mahå-mantra – 108, 109
· Super Consciousness as – 80 · and Nityånanda – xxii
· sought by those frustrated with matrial · as Kali-yuga avatåra – 88, 106, 107
existence – 308 · Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda in
· Viß√u Purå√a cited on – 307 service of – xxi
· Viçvanåtha Cakravartî’s interpretation · Gadådhara Pa√∂ita as dearest associate
of – 68 of – xxii
· yogî returns to material world after · prayer to – xix xx, xxii
merging in – 157 · Rüpa Gosvåmî, as follower of – xix, 112
(See also – brahma-jyoti) · Çikßåß†aka verse of – 108
Bråhma√a(s) – · taught acintya-bhedåbheda philosophy
· as social class – 114, 115 – 109
508
· verdict of – 372 · should not be given up – 415, 416
Caitanya-mata-mañjußa – · types of – 405
· on verdict of Çrî Caitanya – 372 · unnecessary to approach K®ß√a – 241
Cakras – 210, 211 · without faith – 408
California Institute of Technology – 183 China – xvii
Cå√akya Nîti-çåstra – Christianity – 81, 226
· on seven mothers – 434 Citraratha – 258
Cåra-dhåma – 161 Cleanliness – 377, 382, 403, 432
Cårvåka – 40 Coma cluster – 183
Caste system – 115, 241, 433 Concentration –
Cats – 54, 349, 398, 399 · between eyebrows – 147, 211
Cekitåna – 4 · dhåra√å as – 156, 161
Celestial beings – 207, 430 (See also – · mind of yogî never wavers in – 163
Demigods, Devas) · of mind – 156, 163, 213
Celestial pleasures – 207, 234, 236, 324 · on åjñå-cakra– 211
Celibacy – · on K®ß√a – 62, 199
· brahmacårîs observe – 136, 414 · on nothingness – 156
· chanting of mantras and – 214 · sense-control and – 62, 213
· charlatan yogîs do not advocate – 65 Consciousness
· great yogîs observe – 212 · absorbed in thoughts of Absolute – 120
· observed in aß†å∫ga-yoga & ku√∂alinî- · abstinence from action does not
yoga – 211 produce divine – 74
· physical austerity consists of – 401, 403 · and types of faith – 392, 394
· yogî should observe – 159, 161 · and Super Consciousness – 320, 324,
(See also – Abstinence) 422
Chanting – · as eternal – 34, 44
· as foremost process of bhakti-yoga –252 · as ever fresh – 42
· as knower of field – 320, 321
· B®han-Nåradîya Purå√a cited on –
· as immutable – 44
· devotional literature – 251, 252, 287,
· as imperceptible – 44
400, 401
· as inconceivable – 44
· improper mantras – 400
· as omnipresent – 44, 143
· mantras & celibacy – 214
· as omniscient –143
· mantras to offer food to K®ß√a – 238
· as origin of matter – 39, 40, 42, 181,
· of mahå-mantra – 88, 107–109, 138, 188
162, 167, 189, 190, 251, 252, 387, 401 · as part & parcel of Absolute – 44
· of oµ – 188–190, 213 · as primeval – 44
· of pañca-tattva mantra – 401 · as pure – 44, 394
Charity – · as timeless – 42
· and attainment of higher planets – 221 · as unchanging – 44
· arises from K®ß√a – 247 · åtmå evolves in – 145
· as a quality of a deva – 377 · at death – 207
· as an offering to K®ß√a – 237 · becomes complete through yoga – 145
· asuras and – 381 · brahma-nirvå√am as abode of pure – 67
· highest type of – 406 · cakras and – 210, 211
· householders give – 414 · characteristics of one absorbed in pure
· in mode of goodness – 404, 406, 409 – 59, 62
· in mode of ignorance – 400, 405, 406 · conscious units grow from uniform
· in mode of passion – 405, 406 sheet of – 332
· in modes of nature – 393, 396, 405, · dharma elevates – xi
406 · difference between matter and – 42,
· K®ß√a cannot be seen by offering – 295 422
· oµ chanted when giving – 407 · difference between matter, Super
· sat & steadiness giving – 408 Consciousness and – 320
509
· false ego attached to – 68, 69 and – 54
· five stages of – 38 · arises from K®ß√a – 247
· infinite – 34 · as effect on material body – 42, 144
· K®ß√a – 63, 127, 308, 362, 370, 449 · as effect of material world – 323, 336
· K®ß√a as – 257 · asuras suffer in cycle of birth and – 384
· lust covers living being’s – 94 · asuras undergo unlimited anxieties
· never created – 42 till – 381
· passion & ignorance drag down – 409 · åtmå transmigrates at time of – 36, 38,
· peace as state of – 7 105, 331, 364, 366
· present in all species – 53 · attainment of brahma-nirvå√am at time
· purified through bhakti-yoga – 315, 448 of – 67
· real ego as living being’s pure – 68, 69 · Brahman-realised yogî returns to world
· Robert Lanza cited on – 181 at – 212
· salvation rarely sought by those in · chanting of mahå-mantra terminates
material – 371 birth and – 108
· science and – 180, 181 · cycle of birth and – 54, 69, 105, 108,
· transfers at time of death – 38 143, 157, 197, 198, 331
· situated in pure – 54 · destination of unsuccessful yogî at –
· situated in self – 91 175
· subtle elements closer to –1 85 · distribution of spiritual wealth ends
· superior to matter – 39, 40, 188 – 406
· transcendental to matter – 42 · ending problems of birth and – 114
· transmigration ceases upon attaining · every action pushes us towards – 430
spiritual – 105 · faithful transcend – 330, 361
(See also – Åtmå, Jîvå, Living beings, · faithless reborn in cycle of birth and
Paramåtmå, Self, Super Consciousness) – 226
Consumerism – 382 · false ego leads to birth and – 69
Contraception – 382 · fanaticism results in destruction and
Cow (s) – 75
· as one of seven mothers – 434 · grammar & speculation cannot save one
· Goloka V®ndåvana and – 447 from – 305
· K®ß√a as Master of – 31, 239, 445 · hearing Gîtå one attains perfection
· K®ß√a as Kåma-dhenu – 259 before – 352
· protection – 432, 433, 434 · how to K®ß√a at time of – 203
· provides human beings with dairy · ignorant suffer at hands of – 336, 347
products – 434 · individual consciousness subject to – 44
Creeper of devotion – 114, 333 · infamy worse than – 49
Cyrus – 80 · in name of God, people put to – 11
· is certain for one who is born – 45
-D- · karma produces – 204
· knowing K®ß√a one transcends – 199,
Dairy products (See – Milk) 206, 333, 363
Daitya – 259, 276
· knowledge as freedom from – 322,
Dånava – 254 351, 406
Dark Matter – 182–185 · K®ß√a as – 233, 261, 288, 290
Darwin – 39, 40, 180 · K®ß√a as presiding deity of – 290
Dawkins, Richard – 79 · K®ß√a as shelter from birth and – 197,
Death – 307
· Absolute Truth & living beings beyond · K®ß√a remembers devotee at time of –
– 144 208, 209
· accompanied by pain & confusion – · K®ß√a’s abode beyond birth and – 218
208 · liberation from birth and – 56, 113,
· animal species full of suffering in life 143, 149, 193, 199, 287, 333, 343, 350
510
· life after – 324, 406 · consider K®ß√a as Supreme – 31
· living beings manifest between birth · demigod’s realm attained by worship
and – 47 of – 237
· living beings unmanifest after death · do not know K®ß√a as He is – 246
– 47 · followers of Vedas enjoy pleasures of
· mahåjanas liberated from birth and – – 234
113 · guru as representative of – 127
· mahå-måyå covers envious in cycle of · kingdom beyond that of – 29
birth and – 198 · K®ß√a as Master of – 246, 254, 274,
· Måyåvådîs return to world of birth 281, 289, 293
and – 304 · K®ß√a as origin of – 245, 246
· may come swiftly – 208 · K®ß√a as Indra amongst – 257
· Narasiµha as death of – xxiv · K®ß√a controller of – 199, 250, 254
· neglecting K®ß√a’s intructions ends in · K®ß√a makes faith strong in
illusion and – 441 worshippers of – 194
· nothing after – 323 · K®ß√a worship greater than worship of
· nowhere is free from – 217 – 196, 197, 199
· of body is certain – 206 · modern bhakti movement worships –
· Paramåtmå never subject to – 338 196
· present in Satya-loka – 217 · pantheon of – 250
· pure state beyond birth and – 56 · satisfied with sacrifices – 78, 82
· remembering K®ß√a at time of – 205, · those desiring material success worship
206, 207, 210 – 110, 113, 194
· samådhi leads to freedom from birth · those worshipping Absolute don’t need
and – 59 to worship – 82
· self survives – 166 · universal form desired to seen by – 296
· state of being at time of – 205, 207, 349 · Vedic people worshippers of many –
79, 80
· three results of not accepting
· within universal form – 275, 279
renunciation after – 418
· worship in mode of goodness – 392,
· transcending modes of nature, one is
393
freed from – 350, 351
· worship is indirect worship of K®ß√a
· understanding K®ß√a means liberation
– 235
from birth and – 105
· worshippers not situated in
· unwanted experience of birth and – 56 transcendence – 394
· Varåha Purå√a cited on devotee at – · yogîs worshipping – 120
209 (See also – Deva, Gods)
· what happens after – xi, 89, 90, 188 Desire –
· yoga is for transcending birth and – 214 · anger manifests from – 63, 65
· yogî returning to cycle of birth and – · as an element of field of activity – 321
157, 221 · asuras amass wealth to satisfy – 381
Deerskin – 158 · asuras attached to lusty – 380, 381, 383
Deity worship – 108, 109 · attachment breeds – 63, 65
Delhi – xvi · Bhågavatam cited on life’s – 204
Demigod(s) – · Bhågavatam cited on surrender to K®ß√a,
· Arjuna asks about – 203 with or without – 193
· are not false gods – 196 · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on bhakti
· as less intelligent – 194, 196 being free from – 305
· åtmå of animal, human and – 423 · bhakti-yogî without material – 305
· bhakti incompatible with worship of · Brahmå creates yajña to fulfil – 77
– 196 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on devotee
· Brahman as object of vision for – 307 having no – 195
· cannot give freedom from material · charity in mode of passion means selfish
bondage – 196 – 405
511
· demigod worship fulfils material – 110, · controlling mind by practice and – 164,
113, 194 169, 420
· desire for liberation means no selfish · cutting banyan tree with weapon of –
– 407 360
· determination in mode of passion to · from sense-gratification – 322
fulfil material – 427 · karma dissolved for one who has – 118
· devotees of K®ß√a are without – 195, · K®ß√a possesses – 30, 229, 325
313 · one is dear to K®ß√a who cultivates –
· for personal gain absent in mode of 314
goodness – 399 · sannyåsî acts with – 418
· for power is nature of asuras – 392 · those in mode of passion never attain
· for prestige absent from those of divine – 416
nature – 377 · to politics is quality of sannyåsî – 414
· for wealth – 162 · unlimited bliss attained by – 145
· knowledge means being free from – 60, · vånaprasthas cultivate – 414
323 Deva(s) – 377–379 (See also –Demigods,
· K®ß√a has no material – 111 Gods)
· living beings bewildered by hatred Devadatta – 9
and – 198 Devakî – 246, 409
· many-branched intelligence of those Devala – 254
with mundane – 52 Devotee (s) –
· materialist carried to next body by – · always guided by K®ß√a – 298
364 · Arjuna as – 33, 102, 170
· mind detatched from material – 164 · as identical with K®ß√a – 192
· mode of goodness means no selfish – · attains K®ß√a – 193, 241, 297, 326
423, 425 · bhakti is reciprocal exchange between
· mode of passion manifests – 345, 347, K®ß√a and – 196
355 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on qualities
· mystic ability to fulfil all – 59 of – 195, 196
· of selfish worker – 140 · considered saintly if he has fixed – 239
· one becomes dear to K®ß√a by · dear to K®ß√a – 103, 312, 313, 448
renouncing – 313 · Gadådhara Pa√∂ita bestows spiritual
· peace from abandoning – 66 strength to – xxii
· rejecting results of – 117 · K®ß√a appears to protect – 31
· sannyåsî free from material – 136 · K®ß√a accepts offering from His – 237
· sage is unaffected by – 66 · K®ß√a performs pastimes in V®ndåvana
· steady-minded sage is devoid of – 60 with His – 264
· those that approach K®ß√a become free · K®ß√a situated in heart of – 246, 446
from material – 193 · mahåtma means K®ß√a’s – 195
· those that neglect Vedas & satisfy · never perishes – 240
material – 386 · not charmed by universal form – 277
· to act remains in brahma-jyoti – 157 · of K®ß√a never accept impersonal
· to have healthy life to serve K®ß√a – liberation – 68
204 · Padma Purå√a cited on K®ß√a
· to live long – 47 remaining with –
· to procreate is K®ß√a – 187 · qualities of – 195, 312
· Vedic rituals performed for selfish – 52 · understands K®ß√a’s true nature – 249
· wise man free from selfish – 117 · who commits abominable acts
· yogî free from lusty – 147 considered saintly – 239
· yogî must renounce – 153, 158, 159 · Varåha Purå√a cited on K®ß√a saving –
Detachment – 208, 209
· and renunciation is troublesome – 308 (See also – Bhakti-yogî, Vaiß√ava)
· Arjuna wishes to understand – 413
512
Devotion – · fulfilling material desires through – 427
· above all good qualities is – 315 · highest achievement of human life
· activities of – 138, 157 beyond – 372
· and impersonal path – 303 · imperfectly performing one’s – 436
· Bhågavatam cited on knowledge and · K®ß√a as protector of – 276
– 180 · K®ß√a establishes – xvii, 88, 104, 106,
· Bhågavatam cited on topmost dharma 226
for attaining – 246 · K®ß√a teaches sa∫kîrtana – 107
· bhakti-yogîs always worship K®ß√a with · kßatriya as protector of – 433
– 231 · Kurukßetra as place of – 3
· Brahma-saµhitå cited on highest – 312 · laws of – 33, 404
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on creeper · Manu-saµhitå cited on eternal – 404
of – 333 · mode of ignorance and – 427
· devotees always fixed in – 196 · mode of passion and – 426
· devotees empowerd with inspiration · neglecting principles of – 48
of – 252 · never abandoning one’s – 437
· food offered to K®ß√a with – 237, 399 · one cannot attain K®ß√a without faith
· Gîtå-måhåtmya cited on reciting Gîtå in – 226
with – 449 · prescribed – 436, 437
· knowledge means firm – 322, 323 · procreation that does not violate – 187
· K®ß√a is with one who has – 239 · surrender to K®ß√a by abandoning
· K®ß√a only known through – 297, 439 – 443, 444
· offering to K®ß√a with – 237, 238, 398, · those that follow dharma are dear to
399 K®ß√a – 314
· one with equal vision attains – 438 · those with faith follow – 314
· purposes of Vedic rituals fufilled by · ultimate – 444
acts of – 236 (See also – Action, Duty, Yuga-dharma)
Dharma-çåstra – 33
· spontaneous – 311
Dh®ß†adyumna – 10
· teaching bhakti one attains highest
Dh®ß†aketu – 4
platform of – 448
Dh®taråß†ra – xvi, xviii, 3, 10, 12, 13, 18,
· yogî always engaged in – 58
21, 29, 50, 273, 282, 453
(See also –Bhakti, Bhakti-yoga)
Dh®ti – 261
Dhammapada – 7
Dhyåna – 156, 161 (See also – Meditation)
Dhanañjaya – 55, 56, 130, 186, 229, 310, Dîkßå – 126 (See also – Initiation)
426, 428, 450 (See also –Arjuna – as winner Dîkßå-guru – 126 (See also – Åcårya, Guru,
of wealth) Seer of truth, Çikßå-guru, Spiritual Master,
Dhåra√å – 156, 161 Tattva-darçî)
Dharma – Disciple (s) –
· abandoning all types of – 443 · Ådi Ça∫kara chastised – 305
· adharma and – 426, 427 · Arjuna as K®ß√a’s – 29, 34
· as cultivation of social structure – 371 · charlatan yogîs try to gain – 65
· as first word of Gîtå – xi · guru is himself a – 127
· as imperishable – 225 · guru must teach conclusion of Gîtå
· as simple to practice – 225 to – 127
· asuras against rules of dharma – 384 · knowledge descends through guru
· Bhagavad-gîtå describes var√åçrama – & – 352
433 · K®ß√a tells Arjuna to become – 124,
· Bhågavatam cited on topmost dharma 126
– 246 · mood of a – 124, 127
· Brahman as basis of – 354 · must be willing to follow instructions
· defined as social structure – 371, 372 of – 453
· definition of – xi, 106 · Padma Purå√a cited on guru removing
· directly perceived – 225 miseries of – 129
513
· relationship between guru & – 127, 453 · freedom from – 54, 199, 354, 361
· tattva-darçî initiates – 126 · K®ß√a’s abode beyond – 207
Disciplic Succession – 101, 102, 128 (See · one not bound by karma is beyond –118
also – Paramparå) · one who is free from modes is equally
Discrimination – disposed to – 354
· asuras cannot – 379, 382 · pious free from illusion of –199
· between right & wrong –7 · sannyåsî is beyond – 136
· bhakti-yogî uses intelligence to – 248 · serious yoga student should be beyond
· bodily differences & – 145 – 119
· covered by lust – 92 · wise person unburdend by –361
· mode of ignorance means working · yogî free from – 119, 249
without – 355 Durvåså – 246
Disease – 37, 114, 322, 323, 347, 351, 396, Duryodhana – xvi, xvii, 3, 8, 10, 11, 13
397 Duty (Duties) –
Distress – · acting according to – 386
· arises from K®ß√a – 248 · Arjuna’s – 15, 48, 50, 76, 93, 379, 420,
· as part of material nature – 331 421, 437
· bad karma as cause of – 119 · Arjuna wanted to abandon – 15, 34, 51,
· best of yogîs sees other’s happiness 93, 420, 437
& – 168 · åryans perform Vedic – 34
· bhakti-yogî discriminates between · Bhågavatam cited on achieving
perfection by performing – 115
happiness & – 248
· detachment to results of – 417, 436
· duality of – 38, 50, 113, 119, 168, 248,
· dharma as – xi, 106
331, 353, 354, 361
· failure in – 12
· K®ß√a as friend of those in – xxiii
· improper to perform another’s – 92,
· K®ß√a worshipped by those in – 191, 93, 436, 437
193 · in mode of goodness – 417, 426
· equanimity & happiness & – 50, 168, · in mode of ignorance – 428
322 · in mode of passion – 426, 428
· living beings cause their own – 328 · karma as – 118
· living beings suffer happiness and – · K®ß√a has no – 86, 88
113, 331 · K®ß√a tells Arjuna to perform
· mode of goodness frees one from – 345, prescribed – 76, 84
346 · must not be abandoned – 436, 437
· mode of passion is affected by · neglect of – 34, 51, 84, 93, 437, 416,
happiness & – 424 417, 436
· one beyond modes of nature is free · not being attached to performing
from – 353, 354 prescribed – 55
· one dear to K®ß√a never causes – 313 · occupational – xi
· one dear to K®ß√a is free from – 313 · of åtmå – 82
· sage undisturbed by – 60 · of a brahmacårî – 414
· those without knowledge affected by · of four social orders – 414
happiness & – 38 · of a g®hastha – 414
· wise are free from – 361 · of human beings – 405, 425
Dogs – 54, 349, 398, 399 · of a vånaprasthas – 414
Draupadî – 4, 10 · of a vaiçya – 433
Dro√a – xvi, 3, 14, 28, 282, 287 · of a warrior – 32
Drupada – 4, 10 · one who finds pleasure in self has no
Duality – – 83
· abode of K®ß√a beyond – 207 · perfection attained through prescribed
· arises from K®ß√a – 248 – 84, 115, 435
· due to karma living beings experience · prescribed activities performed out
– 113, 328, 198 of – 417
514
· promotion to higher planets by · milk products – 160, 434
performing – 34 · one cannot be a yogî by not – 160
· realisation of one’s – 386 · sacrified animals – 400
· renunciation of – 416, 417 · satisfying our existence by – 38
· sannyåsî performs prescribed – 153 · senses become purified by – 82
· self-realised have no – 83 · sleeping, mating & defending – 211,
· tyågî’s mentality towards – 417 371
· ultimate – 410, 425 · too much or too little – 160
· wise execute their – 87 (See also – Food)
· without attachment – 84 Elements – 58, 96, 97, 105, 181-186, 218,
· yogî performs prescribed – 153 307, 320, 321, 331, 337
(See also – Action, Akarma, Dharma, Elephant – 40, 142, 259, 423
Karma, Karma-yoga, Prescribed duties, Embodied consciousness (See – Åtmå,
Vikarma) Consciousness, Individual unit of
Dvaita – 109 consciousness, Jîva, Self)
Dvaitådvaita –109 Emerson, Ralph Waldo – xv
Dvåpara-yuga – 88, 106, 108 End times – 217
Dvårakå – 161, 444 Enemies –
· Arjuna insulted by – 49, 50
-E- · Arjuna refused to kill – 15, 32
· duty for warrior to face – 32
Earth (element) – 96, 105, 181, 182, 184, · equanimity to friends and – 157, 314,
186, 320, 353 354, 355
Earth (planet) – · K®ß√a already killed Arjuna’s – 286
· aliens seeding life on – 79 · lust, anger & greed as – 94-97, 386, 387
· Arjuna will enjoy – 50, 51 · mind as worst – 154, 155
· as mother – 434 · På√∂avas destroying – 12
· fighting on – 6 · time as great – 287
· higher planets compared to – 34 Enjoyment –
· K®ß√a descended to –xvii, 246, 366 · and suffering as results of karma – 119,
· modes of nature effect everyone on – 333
430 · and suffering as results pious & impious
· those in mode of passion remain on acts – 241
– 350 · Arjuna does not desire royal – 21, 28
· those on higher planets reborn on – · asuras and – 381, 383
235, 236 · charlatan yogîs engage in sense – 65
· Varåha lifted up – 278 · detachment to – 117, 154
· years on Satya-loka compared to – 217 · food and – 396
· yogî reborn on – 221 · in higher planets – 221, 234, 236, 324
Eating – · in modes that born of material nature
· according to modes of nature – 396 – 329
-398 · kåma as material – 371
· annamaya as – 38 · K®ß√a & ultimate – 148, 236, 238, 418
· as a sacrifice – 237 · mantras remove contamination of sense
· blood & body of a saint – 400 – 214
· bhakti-yogîs and – 398 · many branched desires of mundane – 52
· by one who is a knower of truth – 139 · material body & sense – 69, 365
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on devotees · mentality of – 382
controlling – 196 · mode of ignorance and – 365, 423
· Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin quoted · mode of passion and – 424, 431
on – 397 · pañca-koça & sense – 38
· little – 438 · renouncement of sense objects and – 61
· meat – 138, 155, 398, 434 · renunciation & material – 407, 436
515
· sacrifice and – 123 · knowledge to discriminate between
· sexual lust at forefront of – 382 good and – 7
· Vedic rituals for – 235 · lust as – 94
· without offering to demigods – 78 · wars to resolve good and – 6
Enlightenment – · world full of – 7
· false ego never leads to – 69 Evolution – 40, 145, 180
· food offered in sacrifice leads to – 78
· Gîtå for – xi, 328 -F-
· K®ß√a appearing in heart of yogî leads
to – 253 Faith –
· open to all – 287 · activities without – 408
· perfect yogî has – 146 · arises from impressions from previous
· seeing K®ß√a in all things is – 171 lives – 391, 393
Envy – · as quality of a bråhma√a – 432
· Arjuna without – 225 · atheists & theists have – 393
· as most dangerous – 93 · attaining supreme peace through –129
· as purely evil – 93 · austerity with – 402
· Bhågavatam cited on åcårya and – 127 · best of yogîs has – 175, 303, 304
· deva free from – 377 · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on – 112
· devotee free from – 313 · destination of imperfect yogî with – 172
· fall-vådî believes Supreme Abode · Gîtå-måhåtmya cited on studying Gîtå
subject to – 364 with – 450
· Gîtå not disclosed to those with – 447, · hearing Gîtå with – 449
449 · in mode of goodness – 393, 394, 402
· K®ß√a does not reveal Himself to those · in mode of ignorance – 393
with – 198 · in modes of nature – 391
· Kurukßetra war due to – 12 · in pure consciousness – 394
· mahå-måyå covers those who have – 198 · in worship of demigods – 194, 235
· material world and – 363 · neglecting Vedic rules & worshipping
· suffering of those with – 384 with – 391, 393
· those that follow K®ß√a are without · no happiness without – 130
– 91 · perfect devotee has great – 303
· those that neglect K®ß√a due to – 91 · person made of – 392
Environment – 162, 382, 434 · rebirth due to lack of – 226
Equality – · transcendental – 394
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on devotee · transcending death due to – 330, 361
seeing things with – 195 · (See also – Nirgu√a-çraddhå, Çraddhå)
· in success & failure – 118 Fall-vådî – 364, 471
· K®ß√a sees all beings with – 239, 241 False ego –
· of vision for wise man & yogî – 142, · and mode of nature – 68
157, 162, 167, 334, 335, 438 · and real ego – 68
· one free from modes sees things with – · as an element – 96, 105, 181, 185, 320,
353, 354 321
· seeing Supreme in all places with – 334 · as cause of bodily consciousness – 69,
· transcendental knowledge and – 144 89
Equanimity – 50, 56, 143, 247, 322 · as performer of activities – 419
Equipoise – 37, 55, 308, 314 · attaining peace by being free from – 66
Europe – 81, 394 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on devotees
Evil – free from – 196
· Arjuna worried about result of – 16 · ignoring K®ß√a due to – 440
· Edmund Burke quoted on – 15 · knowledge as freedom from – 322
· envy as purely – 93 · those not bound by actions have no –
· equanimity towards good and – 60 420 (See also – Aha∫kåra)
516
False renunciation – 238, 416–418 · as a quality of a deva – 377
Fame – · devotee and – 110. 313
· Arjuna risks losing – 48 · sage of steady mind has – 60
· arising from K®ß√a – 247, 248 · yogî has – 147, 159
· as quality of Bhagavån – 30 Fertilisers – 435
· austerities in mode of passion for – 403 Field (of activity) – 184, 319, 320, 321,
· demons representing desire for – 22 326, 334, 337 (See also –Body)
· devotee equipoised in infamy and – 314 Fighting –
Family – · Arjuna disinterested in – 16, 35, 420,
· approaching K®ß√a irrespective of – 241 437, 440
· Arjuna as man with – 171 · Arjuna insulted for not – 49
· Arjuna from noble – 32 · as Arjuna’s duty – 15, 440
· birth in particular – 115 · at Kurukßetra – xviii
· destroying traditions & values of – 19, · K®ß√a encourages Arjuna into – 39, 50,
20, 23 91, 130, 205, 287, 428
· g®hasthas as people with – 136 · kßatriya and – 432, 433
· Kurukßetra war due to attachment · modes of nature continually – 346, 347
to – 12 · sometimes necessary – 428
· unsuccessful yogî takes birth in learned · sometimes unavoidable – 32
or prosperous – 173 · throughout history– 6 (See also – War)
· unwanted progeny as result of Fire –
destroying traditions of – 20 · analogy of moths entering – 282
· Vasiß†ha-sm®ti cited on kidnapping · analogy of pouring water on fire – 214
members of – 33 · analogy of smoke covering – 94, 436
Farming – 432-434 · analogy of wood burned by – 125
Fasting – · as element – 96, 105, 181, 182, 184,
· austerities in modes and – 395, 403 320
· controlling mind and – 166 · sacrifices – 393
· sannyåsî and – 137 · individual consciousness not burned
· yoga and – 211 by – 43
Fear – · knowers of Brahman on path of light
· arises from K®ß√a – 247 and – 219
· Arjuna not fighting out of – 49 · Ka†ha Upanißad on Supreme Abode not
· awe & reverence borders on – 277 lit by – 363
· chanting oµ removes – 189 · K®ß√a as Agni, presiding deity of – 290
· devotee free from – 110 · K®ß√a as digestive – 367
· giving up duties through – 416, 420 · K®ß√a as lustre of – 186, 366
· K®ß√a tells Arjuna & devotees not to – · K®ß√a as sacred – 120, 123, 232
443, 444 · lust like all-devouring – 95, 97
· mode of ignorance and – 428 · Mahåbhårata cited on sun as cooking
· of Arjuna seeing universal form – 275– – 287
283, 288–293 · Manu saµhitå cited on one who sets
· of God not in bhakti-yoga – 102 – 33
· of losing human form of life – 53 · mouth of universal form like blazing
· one is dear to K®ß√a who is without – 27
– 313 · of knowledge burns all action – 117
· sage of steady mind has no – 60 · of self-control – 120
· transcendental knowledge saves one · of self-purification – 121
from greatest – 51, 53 · of senses –120
· Vaiku√†ha free from – 449 · of wisdom burns karma – 125
· yogî never bound by – 147, 159 · satisfying lust like pouring fuel on – 97
Fearlessness – · Çikßåß†aka cited on K®ß√a’s name
· arises from K®ß√a – 247 extinguishing material – 108
517
· Supreme Abode not illumined by – 361, Gåyatrî–126, 190, 261
363 Ghosts – 237, 392–394 (See also – Spirits)
Fish – 138, 155, 239, 335, 398 (See also Gîtå Govinda –
– Aquatics) · on avatåras of K®ß√a – 278
Food – Gîtå-måhåtmya –
· all beings subsist on – 79 · on taking shelter of Gîtå – 450
· as prasådam – 238 · on topmost literature, Deity & mantra
· Bhågavatam cited on jîvas as – 7 – 410
· enlightened individuals eat sacrificial · on reaching Supreme Abode – 450
– 78, 399 · on reciting Gîtå – 449
· fertilisers and – 435 God –
· fire of digestion digests all – 367 · as Absolute Truth – 123
· forefathers fall down due · as creator – 42
discontinuation of – 20 · as dear-most friend –148
· in mode of goodness – 396, 397 · as homogeneous – 123
· in mode of goodness carries karma – · as owner & proprietor of everything
398 – 30
· in mode of ignorance – 397, 398 · atheist’s idea of – 327, 393
· in mode of passion – 396, 397 · Bhagavad-gîtå not about – 328
· in modes of nature – 393, 396, 397 · death in name of – 11
· Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin cited · defining – 30
on – 397 · dying for our sins – 144
· K®ß√a as potency to digest – 367 · existence & non-existence of – 30, 327,
· milk as – 160, 239, 397 328, 393
· non-vegetarian – 160, 238, 239, 398 · favours our cause – 11
· offering life airs by controlling intake · Hindus worshipping many gods, not
of – 121 one – 80
· offering to K®ß√a – 82, 237, 238, 239, · in bhakti-yoga one does not fear – 102
399 · is one – 123
· produced by rains – 79 · is on our side – 11
· sacrifices where there is no distribution · K®ß√a conception of – 148
of – 400 · living beings not – 123
· vegetarian – 82, 238, 239, 397 · love affair with – 148
· yogîs avoid non-vegetarian – 398, 399 · Måyåvådîs seek to become – 304
· yogîs giving up – 238 (See also – Eating) · monotheism and – 80
Forefathers – 20, 259, 280 (See also · religious prejudice and – 11
– Ancestors) · so-called theistic conception of – 327,
Forgetfulness – 364, 367, 368 328
Fossil record – 40 · universal form as benchmark of – 270,
Four material defects – 351, 352 277
Four Kumåras – 248 · unscrupulous men claim to be – 129,
270, 271
-G- (See also – Absolute Truth, K®ß√a,
Nåråya√a, Paramåtmå, Supreme Being,
Gadådhara Pa√∂ita – xxii Supreme Person, Viß√u)
Gandharva – 258, 280 Godåvarî – 161
Gå√∂îva – 16 Goddess of fortune/wealth – 9,18, 22 (See
Ga∫gå (Ganges) – 161, 260 also – Mådhava)
Ga√eça – 82, 196, 393 Godmen – xii, 270, 271
Garu∂a – 259 Gods –
Gau∂a – xxii · belief systems of Judaism &
Gaura-Gadådhara – 109 Christianity based on many – 81
Gaura-Nitåi – 109 · charlatan yogîs think themselves – 65
518
· Hindus worship many – 80 · chanting of mahå-mantra defeats – 387
· less intelligent take shelter of other – · demons representing negative qualities
194 like – 22
· servants of Viß√u/K®ß√a – 82 · fighting to fulfil – 6, 11, 19
(See also – Demigods, Devas) · for kingdom by Duryodhana – 10, 19
Goloka V®ndåvana – · for wealth – 162
· Arjuna’s attainment of – 264 · Kurukßetra war fought out of – 12
· as abode of K®ß√a – 68, 156, 160, 218, · must be conquered to make spiritual
363, 445 progress – 386
· B®had-bhågavatåm®ta on topmost · not present in Supreme Abode – 364
Vaiku√†ha planet as – 218 · of Kauravas – 19 (See also – Lobha)
· described in Brahma-saµhitå – 445 G®hastha–136, 414
· Gopa Kumåra’s relationship with K®ß√a Gu∂åkeça – 428 (See also – Arjuna –
in – 298 addressed as conqueror of enemy)
· only attained through bhakti – 219 Gu√åvatåras – 217
· only known by few self-realised yogîs Guru –
– 447 · advises disciples to chant mahå-mantra
(See also – Vraja, V®ndåvana) – 387
Goodness – (See – Mode of goodness) · and disciple relationship – 127, 453
Gopa Kumåra – 298 · Arjuna accepting K®ß√a as – 34, 443
Gopålå – 239 · as non-different from K®ß√a – 126, 127
Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad – · Bhågavatam on – 127
· on supremacy of K®ß√a – 32 · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on
· on meditation on K®ß√a – 284 surrender to – 126
Gopîs – xx, 372 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on mercy of
Govardhana – xx, 444, 445 – 114, 333
Government(s) · dîkßå & çikßå – 126
· as plunderers – 383 · freedom from modes of nature by those
· corporations leading to corruption who accept – 430
of – 433 · genuine representative of K®ß√a can
· good – 382 be – 129
· purpose of – 382 · is a disciple of previous guru – 127
· religious fanaticism worse than political · K®ß√a instructs Arjuna to accept – 124,
systems of – 11 126
· turn deaf ear & blind eye – 435 · learning mantras from – 238
· yoga should be studied by heads of – · must be in paramparå of K®ß√a – 127,
103 129
Govinda – 17, 22, 35, 113, 264, 305, 444, · must dispel delusion & doubts of
445, 446 disciple – 453
Greed – · must have seen truth – 127, 387
· and hate as poor allies of judgement · Padma Purå√a cited on cheating – 129
– 10 · physical austerity includes honouring
· and mode of passion – 347, 349, 350, – 403
424 · practice of sådhana learned from – 387
· Arjuna disinclined to kill relatives out · qualifications of – 127
of – 21 · sannyåsî naturally accepted as – 138
· as one of three paths leading to self- (See also – Åcårya, Dîkßå-guru, Seer
destruction – 385, 386 of truth, Çikßå-guru, Spiritual Master,
· as quality of asura – 381 Tattva-darçî)
· as quality of material world – 363 Guru-paramparå – 127 (See also –
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on devotees Paramparå)
controlling – 196
519
-H- · as part of material field – 321
· devotee free from – 312
Haµsa – 106 · K®ß√a neither favours or – 239
Hanumån – 12 · living beings born with dualities of
Happiness – desire and – 198
· and distress arise from K®ß√a – 248 · mode of passion ends in frustration
· asura finds no – 396 and – 431
· attaining peace and – 64 · of Duryodhana for På√∂avas – 10
· bliss in Brahman greater than material · quality of becoming free from – 315,
– 157 438
· duality of distress and – 38, 50, 113, · sannyåsî free from – 136
155, 168, 248, 313, 322, 328, 331, 353, · shown to K®ß√a by envious – 384
354, 361 Ha†ha-yoga – 58, 156, 162
· faithless find no – 130 Hesse, Herman – xv
· food that increases – 397 Higher (Celestial) planets –
· freedom from – 131 · above human plane – 207
· in mode of goodness – 346, 429, 430 · are temporary – 207, 235, 236
· in mode of ignorance – 429, 430, 431 · bhakti-yogî has no desire to enjoy in –
· in mode of passion – 424, 429, 431 221
· in self – 145, 146, 164, 431 · death at Kurukßetra promotes one to
· living beings create own distress and – xviii
– 328 · fallen yogî attains – 173
· material body experiences distress and · goal of those with selfish desires is – 52
– 331 · illusion does not lead to – 27
· material universe has no eternal – 207 · karma results in promotion to – 58
· modes of nature and – 347, 353, 354 · long life in – 221
· neglecting Vedas one never attains – 386 · one must study Vedas to attain – 221,
· nirvå√am defined as – 68 234, 236
· not desired by Arjuna by killing · mode of goodness leads to – 348, 349,
relatives – 17, 18 350
· of asuras – 381, 383, 396 · pious attain – 324
· one acting whimsically never achieves · prescribed duties leads to – 34
– 409 · warriors attain – 48, 50, 51
· three types of – 429 · universal form beyond – 279
(See also – Ånanda, Bliss, Pleasure, Himålayas – 161, 211, 258, 418
Spiritual bliss) Hinduism – 226
Hari – 31 Hindus – 80
Hari-bhakti-vilåsa – Hlådinî-çakti – xxii
· on rejecting & accepting for bhakti – Householders – 414 (See also – G®hastha)
248 H®ßîkeça (K®ß√a) – 12, 22, 35, 413 (See also
Haridvåra – 161 – K®ß√a–as Master of senses)
Hari-vaµça – H®ßîkeça (holy place) – 161
· on K®ß√a as origin of Brahman – 367 Human (form of ) life –
· on K®ß√a glorified in all Vedic texts · attained by previous suk®ti –114
– 368 · Bhågavatam cited on inquiring about
· on none superior to K®ß√a – 371 Absolute Truth in – 204
Hastinåpura – xvi, xviii · Bhågavatam cited on purpose of – 204
Hate – · consciousness reaches its completeness
· absent in Supreme Abode – 364 in – 145
· and greed as poor allies of judgment · highest achievement in – 372
– 10 · losing – 53, 54
· as an element of material world – 363 · meant for inquiry into Brahman – 203
· as cause for war – 11 · misunderstanding of purpose of – 416
520
· offers opportunity for self-realisation – · knowledge covered by – 141, 346
53, 54 · knowledge in – 422, 423
· philosophy & spiritual practice for · K®ß√a removes darkness of – 250, 253
perfection in – 75 · Mahåbhårata cited on ignorance as –
· purpose of – 409 287
· rarely achieved – 207 · mahå-mantra destroys – 167, 387
· Vedånta-sütra on inquiring about · måyå as – 253
Brahman in – 203 · mentality in mode of – 427
· wise see åtmå in animal and – 145 · mode of – 57, 187, 343–346, 348, 350,
Human sacrifice – 400 355, 391–393, 395, 397–400, 403–
405, 406, 409, 416, 418, 422–425,
-I- 427, 428, 430, 431
· one situated in Absolute Truth is devoid
Idol worship – 109 of – 143
Ignorance – · one who considers soul to be slain is
· action in mode of – 424, 425 in – 41
· animal life means great – 207 · overcomes goodness & passion – 346
· Arjuna above – 37 · renouncing prescribed duties is mode
· Arjuna’s doubts stemming from – 130 of – 416
· as quality of asura – 378, 381 · renunciation in – 418
· austerities in – 395, 403, 404 · sacrifice in – 397, 400
· bewilderment results from actions · Supreme Abode devoid of – 364
in – 349 · work in mode of – 425
· Bhågavatam cited on lack of (See also – Mode of ignorance)
discrimination as – 355 Ignorant –
· Bhågavatam cited on troublesome ocean · attached to activities – 87
of – 309 · cannot understand individual unit of
· bodily identification as – 320 consciousness – 365
· breeds illusion – 350 · fall down from path of self-realisation
· as a fault of material life – 93 – 236
· cannot remain where there is light – x · godmen mislead – 270
· charity in mode of – 405, 406 · mock K®ß√a – 230
· compared to cooking pot – 287 · theist & atheist both – 232
· darkness is – 250, 253 · remain in bodies of lower species – 324
· descending to lower planes due to – 350 · should be encouraged – 87
· destroyed by knowledge – 142 · undergo severe austerities – 392
· destruction of Arjuna’s – 450 · wise should not disturb minds of – 87,
· determination in mode of – 428 90
· drags one down to lower consciousness Ikßvåku – 101
– 409 Illiad – xvi
· dying in mode of – 348, 349 Illusion –
· embodied beings bewildered by mode · Arjuna never in – 22
of – 345, 347 · Arjuna overcome by – 27
· food in mode of – 397, 398, 399 · as K®ß√a’s energy – 441
· ghost worship as – 392, 393 · as måyå – 77, 304
· goodness overpowers passion and – 346 · as one of four material defects – 351,
· guru removes – xix, xxi, xxii, 129 352
· happiness in mode of – 430, 431 · as quality of material nature – 331
· ˆçopanißad cited on considering human · asuras ensnared by – 383
as God as darkest – 271 · dispelled by knowledge – 124
· ˆçopanißad cited on rising above birth & · foolish covered by – 191
death by transcending – 351 · greed & ignorance breed – 350
· knowledge contrary to – 323 · influences living beings – 77, 360
521
· intelligence passing through jungle · as eternal – 37, 39, 41, 42, 144, 334,
of – 57 335, 336
· knowledge covered by – 191, 406 · as finite – 39, 34, 143
· K®ß√a as – 233 · as imperishable – 39, 41, 334, 335
· modes of nature condition one to – 347 · as incombustible – 43
· Måyåvådîs consider K®ß√a’s form as – · as indestructible – 41, 42, 43
304 · as insoluble – 43, 44
· neglecting K®ß√a’s instructions one · as one of five subjects of Bhagavad-gîtå
becomes bound by – 441 – 170
· of bodily consciousness – 113 · as part & parcel of K®ß√a – 42, 422
· of happiness – 347 · as superior to material elements – 97
· perfection in bhakti-yoga means freedom · as superior to intelligence – 96
from – 362 · as timeless – 41, 42
· pious free from duality of – 199, 361 · as transcendental – 46
· Supreme never in – 338 · as unborn – 41, 42
· Viß√u Purå√a cited on greatest – 207 · birth & death unwanted by – 47
· weapon of detachment cuts – 360 · cannot be destroyed – 39, 44, 334, 335
· wise free from – 361 · cannot be killed – 46
· (See also – Måyå, Modes of nature) · considered to be astounding – 45
Immortality – 324, 351 · difficult to understand – 46
Impersonal – · does not create or is created – 41, 42
· aspect of K®ß√a – 212, 306 · does not slay nor is slain – 41
· aspect of Supreme most difficult – 306, · does not take birth nor dies – 41, 42, 47
308 · gives up old body – 43
· Brahman – 67, 68, 198, 303, 307, 308 · grow from uniform sheet of
· meditation on Absolute Truth not – consciousness – 332
284 · ignorance of – 365
· knowledge of – 34, 51
· Nårada-pañcaråtra cited on aspect of
· living beings in material life are – 105
– 307
· not affected by water – 43, 44
· yoga not – 210
· not burned by fire – 43, 44
Impersonalist(s) –
· not cut by weapons – 43, 44
· Ådi Ça∫kara as – xv, 305, 308
· not dried by air – 43, 44
· and commentaries on Gîtå – xv
· not seen by senses – 46
· Arjuna’s question on – 303, 304 · not withered – 43
· attempt to make K®ß√a impersonal – · perceived through perfect intelligence
170, 197, 198 – 46, 47
· three types of – 304 · pervades body – 39, 210
· try to lay claim to Gîtå – xii (See also – · present in all species – 53, 144, 145,
Brahmavådî, Måyåvådî) 336
Inaction – · situated in five life-airs – 46, 47
· action better than – 76, 77 · subject to birth & death – 44
· Arjuna asks what is – 116 · wise sees equally all – 144
· enlightened neither gains by action · within every living being – 46, 337
nor – 84 · (See also – Åtmå, Consciousness, Self )
· K®ß√a encourages Arjuna not to adopt · Indra – 234, 246, 250, 257, 393
– 113 Indra-loka – 250
· yogî sees action in – 116, 118 Infamy –
India – xvi, 30, 39, 79, 81, 82, 89, 109, 115, · and fame arise from K®ß√a – 247, 248
160, 161, 238, 264, 393, 416, 433 · Arjuna’s illusion as cause of – 27
Individual unit of consciousness – · duality of fame and – 314, 353, 355
· analogy of clothes and – 43 · for neglecting duty – 34
· and free will – 332 · worse than death for one who is great
· as atomic in size – 46, 47 – 49, 51
522
Initiation – 124, 126 (See also – Dîkßå) Islam – 226
Intelligence – ˆçopanißad –
· and mind fixed on K®ß√a – 309, 311, · on worship of false things – 271
312 · on rising above birth & death by
· and mind surrendered to K®ß√a – 205, transcending – 351
206 · on Supreme as perfect & complete –
· arises from K®ß√a – 247 327
· as element – 96, 105, 181, 185, 320,
321, 323, 352 -J-
· åtmå misunderstood by those with
Jagannåtha – 109
misguided – 366
Jagannåtha Purî – 161
· bewilderment leads to loss of – 63
Janaka – 84
· bhakti-yogî discriminates with – 248
Janårdana – 18–20, 22, 73, 255, 296
· disobeying K®ß√a leads to loss of – 91,
Japa – 107, 258 (See also – Chanting)
93
Jayadeva Gosvåmî – 277
· hearing from K®ß√a with one’s – xiii
Jayadratha – 5, 287
· individual unit of consciousness
Jîva ( Jîvåtmå, Jîva-bhüta) –
perceived by – 46, 47, 365
· as superior energy – 96, 97
· individual unit of consciousness
· as surrendered self – 414
superior to – 96
· brahma-jyoti produces infinite – 332
· karma-yogî acts through – 140
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on wandering
· K®ß√a beyond mind and – 246
– 333
· life created by higher – 46
· lust destroys knowledge of – 97
· lust resides in senses, mind and – 95, 97
· Svåmî B.R. Çrîdhara cited on origin
· not arisen out of matter – 185
of – 332, 333
· of yogî absorbed in Supreme – 142, 143
· without beginning – 330
· one-pointed spiritual – 52
· (See also – Åtmå, Consciousness,
· passing through jungle of illusion – 57
Individual unit of consciousness Self)
· plane of eternal bliss attained by – 164
Jîva Gosvåmî –
· purified through bhakti-yoga – 315
· definition of Bhagavån by – 30
· self considered as doer by those with
· offering respects to – xix
meagre – 420
· on oµ – 189
· senses carry away –64, 65
Jñåna –
· stilling mind by means of – 165
· Bhågavatam cited on – 180
· superior to mind – 96
· definition of – 180, 181
· Vedas misinterpreted by those with
· final six chapters of Gîtå about – xiii
small – 52
· science and – 181
· yogî controls – 147
(See also – Intelligence, Knowledge,
· yogî has impartial – 157
Realisation, Self-realisation, Vijñåna,
· worship of other gods by those with
Wisdom)
poor – 194, 195
Jñånî – 174
· (See also – Knowledge, jñåna,
Judaism – 81, 226
Realisation, Self-realisation, Vijñåna)
Judea – 80
Intoxication
Jung, Carl – xv
· charlatan yogîs not against – 65
· followers of karma-yoga do not take -K-
– 138
· found everywhere – 161 Kåla – 170 (See also – Time)
· home should be free from – 161 Kålî – 82
· niyama means no – 155 Kali-santara√a Upanißad –
· soma was not – 236 · cited on mahå-mantra – 89
Iraq – 10 Kali-yuga –
ˆçitva-siddhi – 58 · avatåra of K®ß√a in – 88, 106
523
· Bhågavatam on one great quality of – · those surrendered to K®ß√a not bound
107 by – 111
· Bhågavatam on recommended process · wisdom burns – 125
in – 108, 190, 387 Karma-yoga –
· B®han-Nåradîya Purå√a on chanting · Arjuna asks about – 135
in – 107 · and bhakti-yoga – 137
· chanting of mahå-mantra as · and path of renunciation as same – 136,
recommended process in – 107, 108, 137
138, 162, 190, 387 · and sannyåsa – 138
· Gîtå-Govinda on Kalki appearing in · as way of selfless action – 135
– 278 · defined – 137, 138
· mahå-mantra removes vice in – 387 · engaging senses in – 76, 139
· oµ tat sat in – 409 · given first preference in Gîtå – 138
· Prameya-ratnåvali on four sampradåyas · K®ß√a on benefit of – 135
in – 128 · preferable to sannyåsa-yoga – 137
· sacrifice in – 401 · state attained in – 136
· vices of – 106, 161 · Supreme perceived through – 330
Kalki – 106, 278 Karma-yogî – 140
Kåma – 371, 327, 386 (See also – Lust) Karmî –174
Kåma (demigod) – 259 Kar√a – 5
Kåma-dhenu – 259 Kårtikeya – 82
Kåmåvasåyitå-siddhi – 59 Kåçî – 4, 10
Kapila Muni – 258 Ka†ha Upanißad –
Kara√åpå†ava – 351 · on eternality & supremacy of Supreme
Karma (action) – – 128
· Arjuna asks about – 203 · on Supreme Abode being self-effulgent
· as one of five primary subjects of Gîtå – 363
– 170 Kaunteya – 95, 235, 237, 240, 285 (See also
· K®ß√a defines – 204 – Arjuna–addressed as son of Kuntî)
· K®ß√a transcendental to – 113 Kauravas – xvi, xvii, xviii, 14
· wisdom burns – 125 (See also – Action) Kåverî – 161
Karma (as action prescribed by Vedas) – Kaya – 414
· defined – 57, 116, 118 Keçava – xxiv, 16, 22, 59, 73, 254, 288,
· first six chapters of Gîtå about – xiii 319, 371
Karma (laws of action & reaction) – Keçî – 16, 22, 413, 452
· as complicated – 229 Keçî-ghå†a – 264
· by performing prescribed duties, one Khaµ – 182-185 (See also – Nåbhas, Space)
transcends – 436 Killing –
· cannot bind one who renounces action · aggressors according to Manu-saµhitå &
– 130 Vasiß†ha-sm®ti – 33
· consciousness transmigrates according · and reaction – 420
to – 38, 53 · animals – 122, 123, 161, 398, 400,
· everyone bound by laws of –229, 333 425, 434
· good & bad – 119, 137, 229, 425, 436 · individual unit of consciousness and
· knowing K®ß√a, one becomes free from – 41
– 245, 247 · of relatives by Arjuna – 18, 21, 28, 32
· K®ß√a defines – 204 King James Bible – xvi
· K®ß√a not bound by – 111 kîrtana – (See - Sa∫kîrtana)
· K®ß√a transcendental to – 230 Kîrtî – 261
· misunderstood by contemporary society Knowledge –
– 118 · abandoning desires & divine – 60, 62
· offering to K®ß√a, one becomes free · accepting K®ß√a, one attains – 206
from – 238 · according to Gîtå – 180
524
· according to så∫khya texts – 421 · infallible beings pursue transcendental
· actions performed with proper – 75 – 370
· akarma leads to complete – 119 · ˆçopanißad cited on attaining
· and object of knowledge – 319 transcendental – 351
· and realisation explained by K®ß√a – · jñåna means – 180
179, 225 · karma dissolved for one situated in –
· arises from K®ß√a – 247, 367, 368 118
· as ability to differentiate between · K®ß√a as object of – 226, 233, 326
matter & spirit – 320, 422 · K®ß√a complete with all – 22
· ascending process of acquiring – 351, · K®ß√a destroys ignorance with lamp
352 of – 250, 253
· as dharma that elevates consciousness · K®ß√a explains greatest – 225, 343
– xi · K®ß√a explains object of – 324
· as K®ß√a – 326 · K®ß√a’s form comprised of bliss,
· as natural activity of bråhma√a – 432 eternity and – 31, 105, 206
· as one of three elements that stimulate · living beings comprised of eternity,
action – 421 bliss and – 331
· attained through direct evidence – 351 · lust as destroyer of – 95, 97
· attaining spiritual nature by taking · lust covers – 95
shelter of – 343 · meditation superior to – 311
· bewilderment due to insufficient – 347 · mode of goodness and – 345, 346, 347,
· Bhagavad-gîtå accepted by those with 349, 350, 422, 425
– 231 · mode of ignorance and – 346, 350,
· Bhågavatam cited on – 180 422, 423
· Brahmå-saµhitå cited on awakening · mode of passion and – 422, 423
of – 312 · nothing as pure as – 125
· Brahmå-saµhitå cited on K®ß√a’s form · numerous planets & universes according
made of – 31 to Vedic – 34
· burning actions in fire of – 117 · object of – 324
· by speculation wastes time – 206 · of austerity – 110
· compared to rising sun – 142 · of field – 320
· contemporary world view of – 351 · of foolish covered by illusion – 191
· controlling senses, one swiftly attains · of Bhagavad-gîtå as confidential – 442,
– 129 443
· cultivation of – 311, 324 · of Bhagavad-gîtå enables one to
· definition of – 180, 323 transcend modes of nature – 351, 430
· descending through K®ß√a & paramparå · of Bhagavad-gîtå free from defects – 351
– 352 · of Bhagavad-gîtå is complete – xix, 8
· devas absorbed in spiritual – 377 · of Bhagavad-gîtå not disclosed to all –
· directly hearing from K®ß√a as greatest 447, 449
– xiii · of Bhagavad-gîtå perfect & complete
· discrimination depends on – 7 – 351
· doubts slashed by sword of – 130 · of Bhagavad-gîtå removes bewilderment
· equal vision of those situated in – 144 – 351, 406
· found in Vedas & Vedånta-sütra – 321 · of Bhagavad-gîtå shared by sannyåsîs
· Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad on K®ß√a’s hand – 138
indicating –284 · of Bhagavad-gîtå surpasses all other
· guru & torchlight of spiritual – xix branches – 8, 200, 232
· human life as chance to cultivate · of ignorant is futile & senseless – 230
spiritual – 53 · of individual unit of consciousness –
· ignorance destroyed by – 124, 142 45, 51
· individual consciousness perceived by · of infinite consciousness as key to Vedic
eyes of – 365, 366 wisdom – 34
525
· of K®ß√a as confidential – 180 · worship of K®ß√a with sacrifice of –
· of K®ß√a’s form not realised by 231, 448
Brahmavådîs– 304, 308 · yogî self-satisfied due to – 157, 162
· of living beings covered by ignorance (See also – Intelligence, jñåna, Realisation,
– 141 Self-realisation, Vijñåna, Wisdom)
· of matter known as aparå-vidyå – 180 Koran – 7
· of one who surrenders to K®ß√a after Kratu – 248
many births – 193, 195 Kriyå-yoga – 58
· of performing sacrifice essential for Krodha – 386 (See also – Anger)
yoga – 123 K®pa – 5
· of self as K®ß√a – 260 K®ß√a –
· of Supreme Abode of K®ß√a should be · abode of – 68, 156, 159, 170, 193, 206,
searched out – 360 207, 209, 211, 216, 218, 221, 241, 264,
· of Supreme within all beings – 168, 422 336, 360, 361, 363, 364, 439, 444, 445,
· of three stages of Absolute – 67 447, 449
· of wise as K®ß√a – 262 · accepting instructions of – 67
· of yoga first given by K®ß√a to sun-god · accepts no reaction – 144
– 101, 102 · accepts Vasudeva & Devakî as parents
· of yoga lost in time – 101, 102, 106 – 246
· of yoga about self – 166 · acting for benefit of humanity – 88
· of yoga most important branch of · actions performed for satisfaction of –
knowledge – 103 119, 137
· of yoga understood from disciplic · acts properly for benefit of general
succession – 101, 102 populace – 86
· one who follows Bhagavad-gîtå becomes · addressed by Arjuna by different names
perfect in – 441 – 22
· purification of – 123 · Ådi Ça∫kara on worship of – 305
· råja-vidyå, or greatest – 225
· after annihilation, all things remain
· renunciation & karma-yoga different for
in – 270
those without – 136
· after annihilation, creation remains
· sacrifice through – 121, 124
within – 270
· sannyåsîs cultivate – 137
· all activities offered to – 76, 77, 91,
· scientific – 180, 323, 352
311, 439, 441
· search for meaning and – 188, 193
· should put end to miseries of life – 323 · all conditions of living beings arise
· spiritual nature of all beings realised from – 247
through – 124 · all great things represent – 263
· theist & atheist have no higher – 232, · all living beings enter into – 228
327 · all men follow path of – 110
· those conditioned by material nature · all things generated by modes originate
have no – 336, 364 from – 187
· those that ignore K®ß√a are deprived · all things rest upon – 186, 228
of – 91, 93 · all things situated within – 124, 168
· understanding K®ß√a as culmination · always youthful – 42
of – 170 · and energies – 42, 68, 104, 185, 191,
· unsuccessful yogî regains – 173 198, 227, 330
· Vedic – 81, 82 · animal sacrifice not recommended by –
· vijñåna as realised – 180 122, 123
· vijñånamaya as consciousness based on · appearance of – 105, 246
higher – 38 · appeared in beginning of Kali-yuga
· Viß√u Purå√a cited on Bhagavån as – 88
having all – 30 · appeared in Dvåpara-yuga – 88, 106
· wise should not disturb those bereft · appeared in V®ndåvana – 264
of – 90 · appear in hearts of devotees – 250
526
· appears in every age – 31, 104, 106 · as beloved of Çrîmatî Rådhårå√î –xxiii
· appears to protect devotees & pious – · as Bhagavån – 30, 156
31, 104 · as Bh®gu amongst sages – 258
· appears when adharma rises & dharma · as birth – 247
declines – 104, 105 · as Brahman – 32, 67, 68, 212, 253, 324,
· approached by Arjuna for instruction 326, 354, 355
– 22 · as bringer of rain – 233
· Arjuna as associate of – 37 · as B®haspati amongst priests – 258
· Arjuna as dear to – 245, 442, 443 · as B®hat-Såma in Såma Veda – 261
· Arjuna as devotee of –33, 102 · as Caitanya Mahåprabhu – xxii, 88, 106
· Arjuna as disciple of – 29, 33 · as cause of all – 31, 113, 187, 188, 226,
· Arjuna as friend of – 102 331
· Arjuna desires to see beautiful form · ascending endeavours cannot reach –
of – 273, 296 246
· Arjuna desires to see four-armed form · as charity – 247
of – 293 · as Citraratha amongst Gandharvas –
· Arjuna desires to see universal form 258
of – 269, 270 · as clarified butter – 232
· Arjuna offers obeisance to – 275, 288, · as complete knowledge – 206
293 · as conduct of those that desire victory
· Arjuna will reach abode of – 445 – 262
· Arjuna’s enemies already killed by – · as consciousness in living beings – 257
286, 287 · as controller of all planets – 148, 245
· as abode – 233 · as creation, maintenance & destruction
· as Absolute Good – 414 – 233
· as Absolute Truth – ix, xi, 22, 30, 31, · as creator of heat – 233
68, 69, 105, 106, 128, 143, 148, 167, · as Creator – 182, 254, 260, 270, 290,
210, 226, 249, 263, 409, 410 326
· as act of offering. – 232 · as death – 247, 233, 261
· as Acyuta – 13, 22 · as Deity – 109
· as adhokßaja – 246 · as descendant of V®ß√i – 19, 22, 23, 94
· as Agni – 257, 290 · as desire to procreate – 187
· as aim of all knowledge – 326 · as destroyer of worlds – 286, 326
· as Airåvata amongst elephants – 259 · as detached & indifferent – 229, 325
· as all-pervading – 227, 254, 279, 291 · as determination – 261
· as Ananta. amongst Någa-snakes – 259 · as divided & undivided amongst all
· as annihilator of universe – 182 beings – 326
· as arca-vigraha – 109 · as doctrine of philosophers – 260
· as Arjuna amongst På√∂avas – 262 · as dual amongst compound words –
· as Arjuna’s advisor – 11, 22, 32 260
· as Arjuna’s charioteer –xvii, 14, 15 · as self-control – 247
· as Arjuna’s friend – 15, 203, 291, 293, · as enjoyer of all things – 236, 238, 418
294 · as enjoyer of sacrifices – 148, 236
· as Arjuna’s guru – 443 · as equanimity – 247
· as Arjuna’s well-wisher –443 · as eternal flow of time factor – 260
· as Aryamå amongst forefathers – 259 · as eternality – 233
· as austerity – 247 · as eternal – 36, 37, 42, 128, 197, 200,
· as avatårî – 217 289
· as banyan amongst trees – 258 · as everything – 170, 171, 291, 308
· as beginning, middle & end of all · as everywhere – 171, 233, 234
beings – 256 · as fame – 247
· as beginning, middle & end of creation · as father of universe – 233, 292
– 260 · as fearlessness – 247
527
· as fear – 247 · as knowledge of wise – 262
· as fire of digestion – 367 · as knowledge – 247, 326
· as foundation of Brahman – 354 · as Kuvera amongst Yakßas & Råkßasas
· as fountainhead of all energies – 68 – 257
· as fountainhead of reality – 30 · as Kåma-dhenu amongst cows – 259
· as freedom from delusion – 247 · as Kåma amongst progenitors – 259
· as friend of all beings – 102, 148, 149, · as Kîrtî, Çrî, Våk, Sm®ti, Medhå, Dh®ti
233, 234, 404 & Kßamå – 261
· as friend of distressed – xxiii · as letter A – 260
· as full of bliss –206 · as life of all creatures – 186
· as gambling of cheaters · as light of sun, moon & fire – 366, 367
· as Garu∂a amongst birds – 259 · as light of sun – 186, 257, 366
· as Ga∫gå amongst rivers – 260 · as light – 253
· as Gopåla – 239 · as lion amongst beasts – 259
· as Govinda – xxi, xxiii, 17, 22, 35, 113, · as lover of gopîs of V®ndåvana – xxiii
264, 305, 444–446 · as lustre of fire – 186
· as Grandsire – 233, 290 · as Madhusüdana – 17, 22, 28, 169, 203
· as greatest wealth – 233 · as maintainer of all living beings – 17,
· as Gåyatrî amongst Vedic rhythms – 22, 227, 233, 325, 326, 366
261 · as makara amongst aquatics – 260
· as Hari – 31, 368 · as manifestation of all things yet to
· as highest goal – 159, 192, 439 be – 261
· as highest subject of love, adoration & · as mantra – 232
affection – 103 · as Marîci amongst Marutas – 257
· as Himålayas amongst immovable · as masculinity in man – 186
things – 258 · as Master of all qualities – 325
· as husband of goddess of fortune/ · as Master of all that be – 233, 254
wealth – 9, 18, 22 · as Master of cowherd men – xxiii
· as H®ßîkeça – 12, 22, 35, 161, 413 · as Master of cows – 31
· as illusion – 233 · as Master of demigods – 289
· as imperishable – 104, 197, 200 · as Master of incomparable power – 292
· as inconceivable –247, 291 · as Master of mystic powers – 255, 271
· as indestructible seed – 233 · as Master of senses – 9, 12, 22, 31
· as Indra amongst demigods – 257 · as Master of universe – xxiii
· as infallible – 22, 291 · as Master of yoga –ix, x, 58, 59, 203,
· as infamy – 247 206, 271, 452, 453
· as infinite consciousness – 34 · as Meru amongst mountains – 257
· as infinite – 143 · as might of the mighty – 187, 261
· as intelligence – 247 · as mind amongst senses – 257
· as Janårdana – 18–20, 22, 73, 255, 296 · as misery – 247
· as japa amongst sacrifices – 258 · as monarch amongst men – 259
· as Kapila Muni amongst perfected · as moon – 257, 366
beings – 258 · as most brilliant of all luminaries – 326
· as Keçava – xxiv, 16, 22, 59, 73, 254, · as mother of universe – 233
288, 319, 371 · as Mådhava – 18, 22
· as killer of Keçî demon – 16, 22, 452 · as Mårgaçîrßa amongst months – 261
· as killer of Madhu demon – 17, 22 · as nephew of Kuntî – xvi
· as knower & knowable – 290 · as non-violence – 247
· as knower of all fields – 320 · as Nårada amongst celestial sages – 258
· as knower of Bhagavad-gîtå –xii · as Nåråya√a – 293, 296–298
· as knower of Vedas – 367, 368 · as object of knowledge – 226
· as knowledge of self amongst wisdom · as object of knowledge – 326
– 260 · as object of sacrifices – 205, 236
528
· as ocean amongst bodies of water – 258 · as Skanda amongst military generals
· as ocean of mercy – xxiii – 258
· as offering – 232 · association with – 235, 309, 315
· as oµ – 186, 189, 226, 233, 258 · as son of Devakî – 246, 409
· as omnipresent – 143 · as sound in space – 186
· as omniscient – 105, 143 · as source of all avatåras – 31
· as one who pleases senses – 22 · as source of all life – 40
· as original scent of earth – 186 · as source of brahma-jyoti – 198, 250
· as original divinity – 253, 290 · as source of everything – 195, 249, 250,
· as origin of all beings – 31, 198, 227, 263, 368
248, 251 · as source of material & spiritual worlds
· as origin of demigods & sages– 245, – 250
246 · as source of Paramåtmå – 250
· as origin of everything – 31, 231, 246, · as speaker of Bhagavad-gîtå –xii, 12, 15,
249, 251, 263, 368 127, 234, 246, 409
· as origin of Nåråya√a – 250 · as splendour of splendid –
· as Parameçvara – 271 · as spring amongst seasons – 261
· as Paramåtmå – 171, 212, 326, 329, · as subject of Vedic literature – 368
368 · as sum total of universe & all beings
· as penance – 186 – 188
· as perfect & completer according to · as superior to demigods – 196, 199,
ˆçopanißad – 327 254, 289
· as pleasure – 247 · as support of universe – 256, 263
· as power of powerful – 187 · as Supreme – 82, 197, 200, 314
· as Prahlåda amongst daityas – 259 · as Supreme Being – 271
· as prime eternal amongst eternals – 128 · as Supreme Consciousness – 256
· as proprietor of all things – 238, 418 · as Supreme Controller – 31, 104, 200,
· as protector – 31, 104, 444 226, 230, 307, 371, 254
· as protector of dharma – 276 · as supreme objective – 233
· as punishment – 262 · as Supreme Person – ix, xii, x, vii, 11,
· as Purußottama – 369 62, 63, 80, 115, 246, 247, 253, 254,
· as Pårtha-Sårathi – 15 269 –271, 276, 290, 369–372, 394,
· as På√∂ava’s ambassador – xvii 409, 410, 441, 447
· as reality – 233 · as Supreme refuge – 253
· as receiver of all sacrifices & austerities · as Såma Veda – 257
– 148 · as taste of water – 186
· as recipient of all sacrifices – 199 · as teacher – 292
· as remover of Arjuna’s doubts – 172 · as thunderbolt amongst weapons – 259
· as reservoir of pleasure – 113 · as time – 286, 287
· as ritual – 232 · as tolerance – 247
· as Råmacandra amongst wielders of · as truthfulness – 247
weapons – 260 · as Uccai˙çrava amongst horses – 259
· as sac-cid-ånanda – 105, 206 · as ultimate authority on yoga – 206
· as sacred fire – 232 · as ultimate enjoyer – 148
· as sacred herbs – 232 · as ultimate shelter – 276
· as sacrifice – 232 · as unborn – 104, 197, 200, 240, 253,
· as sarva-kåra√a-kåra√am – 113, 331 245–247
· as satisfaction – 247 · as unchangeable – 111, 187
· as seed-giving father – 344, 346 · as Uçanå amongst scholars – 262
· as seed of all living beings – 262 · as Varu√a – 259, 290
· as separate from everything – 188 · as Våyu – 290
· as shelter – 233 · as Vedas – 233
· as silence of secrets – 262 · as vibhu – 143
529
· as victory – 261 · bhakti-yogî very dear to – 192, 305
· as Viß√u amongst Ådityas – 257 · bhakti as reciprocal exchange between
· as Vyåsa amongst philosophers – 262 devotee and – 196
· as Vårß√eya – 22 · Bhågavatam cited on chanting name
· as Våsudeva amongst V®ß√i Dynasty of – 107, 108
–262 · Bhågavatam cited on guru as non-
· as Våsudeva – 193, 195, 246, 262, 296, different from – 127
307, 394, 444, 451 · Bhågavatam cited on knowledge about
· as Våsuki amongst snakes – 259 – 180
· as well-wisher – 102, 404 · Bhågavatam cited on nine processes of
· as well-wisher – 234 bhakti to – 252
· as wind amongst purifiers –260 · Bhågavatam cited on social orders to
· as wisdom of wise – 187 please – 115
· as without beginning – 209, 245, 277 · Bhågavatam cited on supremacy of – 31,
· as witness – 233 80
· as Yama – 259, 290 · Bhågavatam on message of – 453
· as Yogeçvara – 58, 271 · Bhågavatam on removal of
· as yogî – 255 inauspiciousness by – 453
· as Yådava – 291 · Bhågavatam on taking shelter of – 309,
· as Ça∫kara amongst Rudras – 257 310, 355
· as Çyåmasundara – 283, 298, 444, 446 · Bhågavatam on worship of – 394
· attaining – 195, 205, 206, 213, 214, · blowing conch – 9
226, 237, 238, 240, 241, 249, 250, 297, · Brahma-saµhitå cited on eternal
306, 309, 310, 343, 350, 442 relationship with – 294
· attracts feelings of affection & · Brahma-saµhitå cited on supremacy
adoration – 30 of – 31
· avatåras of – 106, 277, 278, 444 · Brahma-saµhitå on beauty of – 446
· awards all beings accordingly – 113 · Brahma-saµhitå on love for – 312
· aß†å∫ga & ku√∂alinî-yogîs meditation · Brahma-saµhitå on Supreme Abode of
on – 211 – 445, 447
· beauty of – 264, 285, 446 · Brahma-saµhi†å on cause of all causes
· becoming devotee of – 241 as – 113
· becoming one with – 370 · Brahman & Paramåtmå realised yogîs
· bestows devotees with inspiration – don’t attain – 157
250, 252 · Brahman as effulgence of – 303, 304,
· beyond darkness – 326 306, 307, 376
· beyond existent & non-existent – 289 · Brahman as subordinate to – 324
· Bhagavad-gîtå about nature & identity · Brahmavådîs reaching – 304, 308
of – xi · B®han-Nåradîyå Purå√a cited on
· Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on chanting names of – 107
accepting guru to worship – 126 · B®hat-bhågavatåm®ta on abode of – 218,
· Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on beauty 219
of – 264 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on attainment
· Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu cited on stages of mercy of – 114, 333
of devotion for – 112 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on light as
· Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu on bhakti-yoga – 253
to – 305 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta on qualities of
· bhakti-yoga centred on – 303 devotee of – 195
· bhakti-yoga meant for – 196 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta on Supreme
· bhakti-yogî, without desires, dear to – Controller as – 371
305, 315 · Caitanya-mata-mañjußa on most
· bhakti-yogî always remembers – 213 worshippable object as – 372
· bhakti-yogî constantly glorifies – 231, · can descend to reveal Himself – 246
293, 304 · cannot die – 144
530
· carries what is lacked & preserves what · does not cause anyone to perform pious
devotee requires – 235, 236 or impious acts –144
· chanting names of K®ß√a – 88, 89, 107, · does not change body or transmigrate
108, 138, 167, 190, 251, 252 – 105
· chastises Arjuna – 27, 32, 37, 50 · does not desire results of material
· complete with opulence & knowledge activities – 111
– 22 · does not die for our sins – 144
· concentrating mind on – 62, 312, 387, · does not forget – 105
443 · does nothing – 111
· conception as most complete – 148, · does not reveal Himself to envious –
149 198
· confirms bhakti as best path – 305 · dånavas cannot understand – 254
· consciousness – 62, 63, 127, 308, 362, · eight elements under – 181
370, 443, 448, 449 · encourages Arjuna to fight – 39, 50,
· considered to be impersonal by less 130, 205, 286, 287, 420, 421, 428, 441
intelligent – 197 · enters earth – 366
· considered one’s dearest friend – 252 · equal towards all beings – 239, 241
· covered by His potencies – 198 · establishes dharma – 88, 104–106
· covered by yoga-måyå – 197, 198 · establishes yuga-dharma – 106, 107
· culmination of knowledge is to · everyone searching for – 113
understand – 170 · everything arise from – 248, 263, 270
· dedicating life to – 249, 251 · everything does not rest in – 227
· delivers devotee from all reactions – · everything within – 171, 187, 272
443 · fame & infamy arise from – 248
· delivers devotee from birth & death – · fixed in – 62, 142, 192, 303, 309, 310,
208, 215, 309 442
· demigods cannot understand – 245, · following instructions of – 53, 54, 91
· food offered to – 82, 237–239, 398,
246, 254
399
· demigods represent – 196
· fools cannot understand appearance of
· demigod worship as indirect worship
– 197, 198, 230
of – 196
· forgetfulness of – 207
· dependence on – 395
· form of – 31, 104, 230, 256, 264, 271–
· destroys ignorance of devotees – 250
273, 284, 285, 295, 296, 298, 304, 307,
· devoid of material senses & qualities 395, 444, 452, 453
– 325 · Four Kumåras etc. arise from mind of
· devotee, always guided by – 298 – 248, 249
· devotee attains sweet embrace of – 298 · four people that approach – 191, 193
· devotee dear to – 192, 239, 241, 312, · four people that never approach – 191
448 · four social orders created by – 111,
· devotee never perishes – 240 114, 115
· devotees attain – 195, 214, 238, 240, · fulfils all desires – 194
250, 297, 350, 439 · gives Arjuna divine vision – 272
· devotee understands nature of – 249, · gives assurance about spiritual
343 endeavour – 53
· devotion to – 231, 237–239, 240, 250, · glorified in Vedas – 369
252, 297, 323, 438, 439, 441–443 · godmen claim to be – 270
· dharma described by – 315 · Goloka V®ndåvana filled with
· directs activities of all beings by effulgence of – 363
illusory energy – 441 · good & bad arise from – 248
· discussions about – 249, 251 · Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad cited on
· divine opulence of – 256–263 meditation on – 285
· divine opulences of – 256 · Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad cited on
· does not avoid activity – 86 supremacy of – 32
531
· guru must be representative of – 129 · knowledge of Gîtå forbidden for those
· guru must deliver message of – 453 who envy – 447
· guru non-different from – 126 · knowledge of – 179, 312, 248
· guru or åcårya represents – 126 · known by Vedas – 276, 367, 368
· gu√åvatåras as expansions of – 217 · knows all beings – 198, 200
· Gîtå-Govinda cited on avatåras of – 278 · knows all previous births – 103
· Gîtå-måhåtmya on abode of – 449 · knows Himself fully – 254, 255
· Gîtå-måhåtmya on Gîtå as sung by – · knows past, present & future – 198,
409 200
· Gîtå accepted as given by – ix · knows what is best for all beings – 196
· happiness & distress arise from – 248 · lacks nothing – 86, 88
· Hari-vaµça on nobody superior to – · last instruction in Gîtå of – xiii
371 · living being as energy of – 330
· Hari-vaµça on subject of Vedic · living beings absorbed into – 216, 228
literature as being – 368 · living beings cannot fully comprehend
· Hari-vaμça on Brahman as belonging – 255
to – 376 · living eternally with – xii
· has answers to life’s questions – 206 · love as eternal bond with – 252
· has no duty to perform – 86, 88 · love for – 110, 219, 251, 252, 312, 326
· has no equal – 292 · loves His devotees – 103, 192
· has no origin – 31 · mahå-mantra as – 167
· hatred for – 384 · mahå-mantra helps develop affection
· hearing about – 251, 252, 330 for – 190
· hearing from – 365 · Mahåbhårata cited on name of – 32
· highest perfection achieved by pleasing · mahåjanas attain liberation by taking
– 115 shelter of – 113
· ignorance of – 236 · mahåtmå means devotee of – 195
· ignorant torture – 392 · makes faith of demigod worshipper
· illuminates senses – 325 strong – 194
· illusioned beings do not approach – 113 · manifests all beings at beginning of
· impersonal aspect of – 306 each creation – 228
· impersonalists claim to be – xii · manifests in heart – 252, 253, 367, 368
· impersonalists do not understand · manifests through His own potency
message of –xii – 104
· impersonal liberation without · Manus arise from mind of – 249
knowledge of – 308 · material creation manifest from particle
· impious & foolish never attain – 385 of – 263
· impious taking shelter of – 240 · material energy of – 218, 229, 330
· impregnates material nature – 344 · material nature as womb of – 344
· incapable of mistakes or wrong · material nature under – 181, 199,
decisions – 22 228–230, 344
· inconceivable energy of – 247 · meditation on – 32, 138, 161, 175, 200,
· individual consciousness as part & 206, 210–212, 249, 251, 255, 256,
parcel of – 38, 42, 69, 106, 128, 171, 304, 309, 330
185, 336, 362, 364 · message of – xiii
· inferior energy of – 185 · misrepresentation of – 170, 198
· Kali-santara√a Upanißad cited on · mocked by ignorant – 230
chanting names of – 88 · modes as energy of – 191
· Ka†ha Upanißad cited on eternality · most subtle & difficult understand –
of – 128 325
· Ka†ha Upanißad on effulgence of – 363 · Mukunda-målå Stotram cited on
· killed numerous demons – 22 remembrance of – 208
· knowledge descending from – 352 · måyå potency of – 192
532
· Måyåvådîs reject form of – 304 · Padma Purå√a on only deliverer of all
· Nårada-pañcaråtra on Brahman as as – 197
effulgence of – 307 · Padma Purå√a on remembering & not
· near & far away – 325 forgetting – 443
· needs nothing – 86 · Padma Pu®å√a cited on residence of
· neglecting instructions of – 91, 441 – 251
· neither hates nor favour anyone – 239 · parents of – 246
· never bewildered or put into illusion · participating in pastimes with – 156
– 22 · pastimes of – xvii, 264, 332
· never bewildered – 22 · penance & charity unnecessary to
· never old – 42 approach – 241
· nirgu√a-çraddhå reveals – 395 · people of Vraja’s love for – 219
· nirvå√am as kingdom of – 68 · perfect & complete – 88, 327
· nobody understands – 188 · pervades all worlds with divine powers
· no duties performed by – 88 – 254
· no form as superior to – 264 · pet dogs of – 399
· no karma in action offered to – 119 · pointing out opposition to Arjuna – 14
· non-different from body – 105 · possesses all adorable qualities – 30
· non-different from His name – 89 · potency of message of – 453
· not affected by material nature – 227 · power of – 256, 294, 366
· not bound by actions – 229 · prasådam – 238, 401
· nothing exists without – 262 · prayer to – xix, xx, xxi, xxiii
· nothing outside & beyond – 304 · På√∂avas protected by – xvi, xvii, 12
· nothing superior to – 186, 188 · qualities dear to – 313, 314
· not idle – 88 · rare for one to know – 179
· not idle – 88 · rare to understand – 181
· not in everything, but everything in
· realisation of one’s relationship with
Him – 187
– 180
· not influenced by any being or material
· rebirth for those not fixed in – 226
nature – 227
· reciprocation from – 241
· not influenced by living beings – 227
· recommends approaching guru – 125,
· not known by all beings – 198
126
· not manifest to everyone – 197, 198
· not ordinary man – 270 · recommends bhakti-yoga – 58
· not supported by anyone – 227 · refused to fight at Kurukßetra – xvii
· not wrathful – 102 · regards devotee to be as His own Self
· nourishes all plants – 366 – 192
· offering prayers to – 252 · relationship with – 180, 190, 252, 294,
· offering respects to – 241, 442, 443 298
· offering work to – 310, 311 · remembered at time of death – 199,
· one is meant for – 395 203, 205–210, 213, 241
· one who teaches Gîtå very dear to – 448 · remembering – 205, 213, 252, 443, 453
· one who understands divine appearance · remembers His devotee at death – 208
& activities of – 105 · remembers past lives – 105
· only explains fraction of His glories · remembrance, knowledge &
– 263 forgetfulness from – 367
· only fully known through bhakti-yoga · removes inauspiciousness from heart
– 297 – 453
· original form of – 298 · repeats Gîtå to Arjuna – 102
· oµ emanates from flute of – 190 · resides wherever His name is chanted
· Padma Purå√a cited on chanting names – 251
of – 89, 251 · result of ignoring – 440
· Padma Purå√a cited on supremacy · results of actions offered to – 137, 309,
of – 31 311
533
· reveals Vedånta – 367, 368 · thinking of – 110, 159, 170, 192, 235,
· rewards people as they surrender 241, 249, 251, 255, 312, 439–441
accordingly – 110 · those lacking faith in dharma never
· Rådhå and – xx, xxiii, xxiv, 109 attain – 226
· rågånugå-bhakti as directly approaching · time, as energy of – 287
– 312 · transcendental to all types of karma
· Sanat-Kumåra Saµhitå cited on form – 113
of – 285 · Tulasî, as dear to – xxiv
· says what He means & means what He · unaffected by karma – 113, 230
says – 171 · unaffected by material activities – 111
· seen in all things – 168, 249 · understanding appearance & activities
· seen through karma-yoga – 330 of – 105
· seen through process of analysis – 330 · uniquely an individual – 234
· senses in service of – 62 · universal form of – 270–277, 279–283,
· served by goddesses of fortune – 445 289–295
· service to – 77, 82, 252, 297, 252, 354, · unknown & unknowable – 246
414 · unlimited forms of – 271, 290
· Seven Sages arise from mind of – 249 · unlimited glories of – 256, 263
· shows Arjuna four-armed form – 296 · unscrupulous persons make trade with
· shows Arjuna universal form – 271– words of – 129
277, 279–283, 289–295 · Upadeçåm®ta on abode of – 444, 445
· Çikßåß†aka cited on chanting names of · vanquishes all beings – 286
– 108, 109 · Varåha Purå√a on devotee at death
· situated in all living beings – 168, 171, remembered by – 209
205, 325, 368 · Vedånta-sütra on everything coming
· speaking in third person – 212, 326 from – 368
· spiritual body of – 105 · very dear to bhakti-yogî – 192
· splendour of – 263 · Viß√u-dharmottara Purå√a cited on
· studying conversation between Arjuna forgetfulness of – 207
and – 449 · Viß√u Purå√a cited on descent of – 32
· studying Gîtå one hears directly from · wants Arjuna to perform duty – 421
– ix, xiii · without beginning, middle or end – 277
· Çünyavådî & Måyåvådî never reach – · worship of – 109, 161, 168, 175, 199,
308 231, 235–237, 239, 241, 249–251, 252,
· superior energy of – 185 309, 330, 370, 372, 394, 442, 443, 448
· superior to fallible beings & infallible · worshipped as universal form – 231
beings – 369, 370 · worshipped in different forms – 231
· superior to modes of nature – 187, 188 · worshipped indirectly by knowers of
230 Vedas – 234
· supports all beings – 227 · worshipped with sacrifice of knowledge
· surrender to – 192, 195, 205, 221, 227, – 231, 448
236, 241, 252, 264, 315, 443, 444 · yoga-måyå potency of – 192
· surrounded by desire trees – 445 (See also – Absolute Truth, God, Nåråya√a,
· taking shelter of – 110, 113, 170, 191– Paramåtmå, Supreme Being, Supreme
193, 197, 221, 227, 231, 236, 240, 241, Person, Viß√u)
264, 309, 310, 315, 355, 439, 441 K®ß√a-kathå –251
· taught knowledge of Gîtå to sun-god – Kßamå – 261
101–103 Kßatriya(s) –
· teaches process of sa∫kîrtana – 88 · according to modes of material nature
· teaching Gîtå one is dear to – 449 – 431, 432
· teaching knowledge of Gîtå again to · Arjuna as – 50, 51, 93, 420, 437
Arjuna – 102 · as administrator & warrior – 432
· tending cows – 445 · in caste system – 115
534
· must be above corruption – 433 · happiness arising from – 430, 431
· must protect people – 433 Leaders –
· natural activities of – 432 · difficult to find good – 85
· never an aggressor – 433 · lack of morals in spiritual – 85
· one of four basic classifications of · of world present at Kurukßetra – 14
human tendencies – 114 · pilfering wealth of country – 85
· should not abandon duty – 51, 93 · Vivasvån passed on knowledge to
· (See also – Warrior) universal – 102
Kßetrajñå –320 Liberation –
Ku√∂alinî-yoga – 58, 210, 211 · akarma leads to – 119
Kuntî – xvi · all schools of yoga aim at – 214
Kuntibhoja – 4 · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu on how devotee
Kulaçekhara Ålvår – 208 has no desire for – 305
Kürma – 106, 278 · bhakti-yogî has no desire for – 305
Kurus – · Bhågavatam cited on taking shelter of
· Arjuna as best of – 122, 256, 295 Supreme for – 193
· Bhîßma as grandsire of – 8 · brahma-nirvå√am as – 68
· Dynasty – xvi · consciousness in upper cakras leads
Kuru (king) – to – 211
· Arjuna as descendent of – 173, 348 · demigods cannot give – 196
· connection to Kurukßetra – xviii · desired by those who performed action
Kurukßetra – – 111
· Arjuna to perform duties at – 379 · devotees of K®ß√a never accept
· armies assemble at – xvii, 3 impersonal – 68
· as fratricidal war – 15 · faithless cannot attain – 226
· attainment of celestial planets by those · impersonal – 308
dying at – xviii · mahå-mantra continues to help after
– 190
· Bhagavad-gîtå spoken on first day of war
· mahåjanas achieved – 113
at Kurukßetra – xviii
· mode of goodness leads to – 426
· Duryodhana’s blunder at – 10, 11
· one who serves K®ß√a is qualified for
· K®ß√a in front of Arjuna at – 264, 420
– 354
· Kuru performed austerities at – xviii
· only K®ß√a awards – 196
· profound lesson at – 15
· oµ helps up to stage of – 190, 214
· significance of – xvii, xviii · Padma Purå√a cited on K®ß√a giving
· war not fought due to religion – 12 – 197
· war so that K®ß√a could speak · perfect yogî achieves – 146, 147, 159
Bhagavad-gîtå – 15 · qualification for – 37
· wars such as – 6 · qualities of deva lead one to – 378
Kuru-nandana – 428 (See also – Arjuna - · sannyåsa-yoga & karma-yoga favourable
addressed as descendant of Kuru) for – 137
Kuça – 158 · self-deceptive meditation never leads
Kuvera – 257 to – 210
· self-realised sannyåsî achieves– 147
-L- · sober, equipoised man qualified for
– 37
Laghimå-siddhi – 58 · supreme goal attained by those who
Lakßmî – 196 understand – 337
Lalitå – xx · time yogîs attain rebirth or – 219 220
Lanza, Robert – 181 · word tat and – 407
Laziness – (See also – Mokßa, Salvation)
· as symptom of mode of ignorance – Liberated –
345, 347, 348, 349, 425, 430 · acceptance of sacrificial foodstuffs
· giving up activities out of – 418 by – 78
535
· always in balance – 38 · Bhagavad-gîtå unravels mysteries of – x
· always situated in bhakti-yoga – 355 · Bhågavatam on purpose of – 204
· Arjuna as – 37 · bodily concept of – 38, 42, 74, 89, 90,
· Arjuna wants to follow example of – 144
113 · born from womb of material nature
· by transcending three modes, one – 344
becomes – 350, 351 · Buddhists take nirvå√a to be end of
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta on association – 67
with – 114 · comes from life – 40, 368
· content in cultivation of self – 354 · compassion to all forms of – 336
· devotees of K®ß√a already – 68 · consciousness in all forms of – 336
· from birth & death doesn’t give ultimate · dedicated to K®ß√a – 251
peace – 149 · demigods bestow all necessities of – 78,
· have no karma – 118, 119 82
· infallible beings known as – 370 · devotees attain K®ß√a at end of – 241
· in Spiritual Abode never contaminated · duality in – 38
by matter – 364 · end of Brahmå’s – 217, 218
· renounce results of actions & connect · eternal – 47, 324
with K®ß√a – 238 · faults of material – 93
· sannyåsî becomes – 136 · fifth goal of – 371
· sense-controlled yogî is – 147 · food in mode of goodness increases –
· situated in transcendence means to be 396, 397
–57 · God creating – 42, 148
· those approaching K®ß√a for self- · hate & greed result in loss of – 10
realisation become – 193 · higher planets have better standard of
· those that take refuge in K®ß√a become – 34, 221
– 113 · human – 53, 54
· understanding action, one becomes – · in other universes – 34
116 · karma-yoga leads to ultimate goal of
· understanding field & knower of field – 138
one is – 320 · karma produces death & duration of
· understanding sacrifice, one becomes – – 204
122, 123 · Ka†ha Upanißad on Supreme
Light Matter – 185 maintaining all – 128
Life – · K®ß√a as goal of – 372
· akarma leads to blissful – 119 · K®ß√a provides plants with essence of
· animal – 53, 54, 113, 207 – 366, 367
· arises from K®ß√a – 40 · losing human form of – 53
· arising from matter – 40 · mahå-mantra removes false conceptions
· Arjuna’s questions are for perfection of – 108
of – 203 · Manus populate universal – 249
· as a science – 425 · matter as source of – 367
· asura’s goal of – 381 · meaning of – 206
· atheists understanding of – 327 · misperception of – 38
· beyond birth & death – 47 · nobody desires death after experiencing
· Bhagavad-gîtå answers puzzling – 47
questions of – xiii · next – 34, 51, 122, 175, 176, 188, 207,
· Bhagavad-gîtå applicable to every facet 423
of - ix · of all creatures is K®ß√a – 186
· Bhagavad-gîtå elevates one beyond · of love with K®ß√a is åtmå’s inner
material – 74 treasure – 109
· Bhagavad-gîtå gives outline for self · of material life
realisation in everyday – x · on earth seeded by aliens – 79
536
· one who disregards Vedas lives impious · for all beings as symptom of yogî – 139
– 83 · for devotees by K®ß√a – 103, 264, 446
· on higher planets – 221 · for K®ß√a in hearts of wise – 249
· only one – 323, 324, 382 · for K®ß√a is åtmå’s treasure – 109
· on Satya-loka – 217 · for K®ß√a means absorption in Him
· open secret to – 315 – 110
· origin of – 180 · for K®ß√a not like love of this world
· perfection of – 103, 203, 308, 323, – 252
352, 371, 409, 416 · for K®ß√a – 103, 110, 112, 148, 219,
· philosophy & spiritual practice 249, 250, 251, 252, 312, 326, 372
indispensable for perfection in – 75 · K®ß√a as subject of – 103
· practice of yoga brings perfection of · prema as – 109, 112
– 103 · understanding field, knower & object
· previous – 114, 174 one attains divine – 326
· problems of – 114, 323 · Upadeçåm®ta on Rådhå-ku√∂a
· purpose of – x, xi, 89, 90, 338, 347, brimming with divine – 445,
406, 409 · Wise man feels love for all – 139
· questions of – xi, xiii, 90,188, 206, 331 · worshipping K®ß√a with – 250, 251,
· rarity of human – 207 252
· reincarnation as human life after – 207 · çraddhå is beginning of divine – 112
· remembering K®ß√a at end of – 207 (See also – Prema, Prîti)
· result of performing one’s duties in Lust –
this – 34 · absent from K®ß√a’s abode – 363
· sannyåsîs as crest of all social & · analogy of fuel & fire to satisfy – 97
spiritual orders of – 137 · anger & greed – 196, 385, 386, 387
· scientific interest in finding cause of · as enemy – 94, 96, 97
– 40 · as eternal nemesis – 95
· sustained by loss of another life – 7 · as insatiable & evil –94
· the bodily concept of · as negative quality – 22, 94–97, 196,
· those in ignorance descend to lower 361, 363, 379–382, 384, 386, 387,
planes of – 350 392, 395
· unintelligent lose sight of goal of – 91 · as quality of asura – 379–382, 384,
· without sacrifice, one cannot enjoy 392
in – 123 · austerities driven by – 392, 395
· wonder drugs promise eternal – 47 · cannot be found in prîti – 252
· åtmå present in all forms of – 145 · eliminating – 95, 96, 97
· Çünyavådîs face disappointment at end · even wise man can be affected by – 95
of – 304 · sannyåsîs achieve liberation by
(See also – Human Life, Spiritual Life) conquering – 147
Life-airs – 46, 121, 210, 213, 367,427 · self-satisfaction from controlling – 146
Lobha – 386 (See also – Greed) · transforms into anger – 94
Love – · wise persons forsake – 361, 438
· affair with God – 148 · (See also – Kåma)
· as greatest of all secrets – 113
· as key to eternal bond with K®ß√a – 252 -M-
· bhakti-yoga as yoga of – 371
· Brahma-saµhitå cited on presence of Madhu – 17, 22
pure – 312 Madhusüdana – 17, 22, 28, 169, 203
· B®had-bhågavatåm®ta on devotee’s – 219 Mådhava – 18, 22
· Caitanya-mata-mañjußa on highest Madhva – xv, 68, 109, 128
achievement as divine – 372 Mahåbhårata –
· divine – xxi, 109, 445 · added to by Vaiçampåyana & Süta – xvi
· food offered to K®ß√a with – 398, 399 · Bhagavad-gîtå as part of – xv
537
· cited on name of K®ß√a – 32 Ma√ipüra-cakra – 210
· cited on time factor – 287 Ma√ipußpaka – 10
· composed by Vyåsa – xv, xvi Mankind –
· explains K®ß√a to be Absolute Truth – · Brahmå created – 77
31, 368 · lowest of – 384
· meaning of – xvi · Manus as progenitors of – 249
· size of – xvi · topmost dharma for – 246
Mahåjanas – 113 Manomaya – 38
Mahå-mantra – Mantra –
· accompanied by Deity worship – 109 · charity in ignorance without – 400
· accompanies study of Bhagavad-gîtå · controlling mind by – 167, 214
– 88 · definition of – 167
· advances one in self-realisation – 108 · engaging mind in hearing & chanting
· as great mantra – 167 – 167
· as japa – 107 · K®ß√a as – 232, 258
· as most important process of self- · leaves of imperishable banyan as Vedic
realisation – 107 – 359
· as only recommended process of self- · meditation – 138, 161
realisation – 107, 162 · not received in disciplic succession –
· as sound representation of K®ß√a – 167 128
· as topmost mantra – 410 · offering food to K®ß√a by – 238
· Bhågavatam recommends – 190, 251, · oµ as most popular – 188, 190, 214,
387 226
· Caitanya Mahåprabhu on – 108 · sense-control & celibacy before
· congregational chanting of – 88, 107, chanting – 214
251 · (See also – Mahå-mantra)
· control of mind through – 167 Manus – 248, 249
· fills heart with inconceivable ånanda Manu-saµhitå –
– 167 · cited on six types of aggressors – 33
· guru advises chanting of – 387 · cited on speech – 404
· hearing & chanting – 252 Mårga-çîrßa – 261
· Kali-santåra√a Upanißad cited on – 88 Marîci – 246, 248, 257
· meant for counteracting Kali-yuga – 88 Marutas – 257, 272, 280
· meditation and – 138, 162 Material enjoyment –
· oµ and – 189, 190 · as fleeting – 235
· Padma Purå√a cited on potency of – 89 · first three stages of pañca-koça as – 38
· power of – 162, 167 · kåma as – 371
· received at initiation by disciple – 126 · perfect renunciation as disregarding
· removes ignorance – 167, 387 – 436
· surest path to spiritual perfection – 107 (See also – Desire)
· Çrî Caitanya Mahåprabhu teaches – 88, Material existence –
107–109 · beings wandering in – 113
· with pañca-tattva mantra – 401 · Brahman sought by those frustrated
Mahå-måyå – (See – Måyå) with – 308
Mahå-pralaya – 217 · difficult to cross – 309
Mahå-prasådam – 398, 401 (See also – · fundamentally flawed with violence – 7
Prasådam) · liberation from – 159
Mahå-Viß√u – xxiv, 217, 218 (See also – · mahå-måyå conditions beings in – 192
Nåråya√a, Viß√u) · Vaiß√avas deliver fallen souls from – xxi
Mahåtmå – 195 Material nature –
Mahimå-siddhi – 58 · all activities performed by – 335
Makara – 260 · all activities performed by – 89, 335
Mana – 167, 185, 414 (See also – Mind) · Arjuna’s question about – 319
538
· as body, senses etc – 331 · everyone forced to act under influence
· as energy of K®ß√a – 229, 230, 328, 330 of modes in – 57, 77
· as eternal – 331 · fallible qualities of – 363
· as prak®ti – 320 · falling from original position to – 363
· as primary subject of Bhagavad-gîtå – · idea that living beings have always been
170 in – 331
· as source of all causes – 328 · karma and – 229
· becoming transcendental to – 394 · K®ß√a’s appearance in – 88
· compared to womb – 344, 346 · liberated never disturbed by duality
· demigods manage – 82 of – 38
· difference between self and – 320 · liberated person not effected by
· eight elements that constitute – 181 dualities of – 38, 354
· has no first cause – 330 · life before coming to – 324
· included in field of activities – 321 · love in – 252
· karma as laws of – 38, 229 · material elements make up all bodies
· K®ß√a as Master of – 209, 227, 228, in – 105
229, 230, 338 · modes of nature effects everyone in
· living beings conditioned by – 336, 364 – 57
· living beings have no control over – 229 · once attaining K®ß√a’s abode, no return
· living beings situated in – 328 to – 206, 364
· living beings subject to karma by · one fixed in K®ß√a never returns to –
contact with – 333 200, 206
· living being things he is overlord of – · peace and – 7
336 · sacrifice does not bind one to – 76
· material transformations originate · social structure as perfection in – 371
from – 328 · Supreme Abode beyond – 363
· Paramåtmå enters – 338 · three modes of nature govern – 430
· transmigration in – 336
· result of understanding – 329
· yogî in brahma-jyoti returns to – 211
· seer of truth never effected by – 227,
Mathurå – xx, 444
336
Matsya – 106, 278
· superior to living beings – 229
Matter –
· Supreme Abode beyond – 218
· aparå-vidyå as knowledge of – 180
· world as combination of living beings
· Bhagavad-gîtå explains difference
and – 335 between consciousness and – 180
(See also – Aparå-prak®ti, Modes of material · consciousness as independent of – 180,
nature, Prak®ti) 181
Material World – · consciousness superior to – 39, 42,
· all beings fallible in – 369 181, 188
· all beings parts & parcels of K®ß√a · ignoring Gîtå & misunderstanding
in – 364 consciousness and – 42
· analogy of banyan tree as – 360 · knowledge as understanding of
· as dark & lifeless place – 367 consciousness and – 320, 422
· as place of birth, death, old age & · K®ß√a as Controller of – 199
disease – 323 · life arising from – 40, 367
· as side of exploitation – 332 · life not byproduct of – 40, 367
· as temporary – 207 · mind & intelligence not from – 185
· Brahman & Paramåtmå realised yogîs · non-visible form of – 183
return to – 157 · Paramåtmå within – 68
· Brahmå as father of all beings in – 79 · Robert Lanza on consciousness creating
· death inevitable in – 206 – 181
· Dh®ta ‰g Veda cited on oµ removing · Super Consciousness as cause of – 40
fear of – 189 Måyå –
· emanates from Supreme Person – 327 · analogy of sun and – 253
539
· as external energy – 77, 192 Milk –
· as K®ß√a’s potency – 77, 192 · as bad – 161
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta cited on – 253 · as most complete food – 160
· envious covered by – 198 · as offering to K®ß√a – 82, 239
· influences living being – 192 · as source of animal fat – 434
· Måyåvådîs consider form of K®ß√a · in mode of goodness – 397
as – 304 · K®ß√a fond of – 239
· (See also – Illusion, Mode of nature) · nourishes brain cells – 160
Måyåpura – 161 · products – 160
Måyåvådî – 304, 308 (See also · yogîs recommend – 160
– Impersonalism, Impersonalist) Mind –
Meat – 138, 155, 239, 398, 434, 435 · affected by false interpretations of
Medhå – 261 Vedas – 57
Meditation – · and lust – 95–97
· Arjuna asks about – 255 · and senses follow living being to next
· aß†å∫ga-yoga and – 155 birth – 362, 364
· Bhågavatam cited on – · ascending process of knowledge relies
· Brahma-saµhitå on – 446 on – 353
· consciousness raised in – 211 · as friend & enemy – 154, 155
· Dh®ta ‰g Veda on mantra – 189 · as material element – 96, 105, 181, 185,
· drawing life-airs in – 210 320, 321
· false meditation – 148, 210 · as part of material body – 96, 105,
· Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad on – 32, 284 320, 365
· in Satya-yuga – 108 · as self – 166, 185
· mantra – 126, 138, 161, 162, 188, 189 · as sense within – 166, 362
· no peace without – 64 · as superior to senses – 96
· not impersonal – 210, 284 · attached to impersonal Absolute – 306
· not possible without sense control – 58 · at time of death – 207, 208, 210
· not possible without wisdom – 64 · aß†å∫ga-yoga & controlling – 156
· on Absolute Truth – 143, 210, 284 · bewilderment of Arjuna’s – 16
· on Brahman, Paramåtmå & Bhagavån · Bhågavatam on field of activities
– 156, 212, 330, including – 184
· on cakras – 211 · compared to flame – 163
· on K®ß√a – 32, 138, 143, 161, 175, 189, · compared to wind – 169
200, 209– 212, 251, 255, 256, 263, · concentration of – 156
264, 284, 285, 304, 309, 438, 446 · consciousness beyond – 44
· on mahå-mantra – 162 · controlled by mantra – 167, 215
· on oµ – 189 · controlling senses with – 76, 158
· on sense-objects – 63 · control of – 60–64, 96, 117, 119, 139,
· renunciation of material gain better 147, 155, 156, 158, 159, 164, 165, 166,
than – 311 167, 169, 170, 171, 209, 213, 251, 311,
· Sanat-kumåra Saµhitå on – 285 314, 427, 438
· splendour of K®ß√a as subject for · destination of one who cannot control
Arjuna’s – 255 – 172
· superior to knowledge – 311 · detached – 145, 159, 420
· without distraction from external · during sleep – 166
sources – 156 · engaged in unproductive thoughts – 77
· yoga and – 155, 156, 210, 211 · fixed on K®ß√a – 53, 62, 63, 109, 143,
· yogîs glimpse Supreme within heart 179, 192, 199, 200, 205, 206, 209, 212,
through – 330 231, 303, 309, 310, 311, 312, 315, 387,
(See also – Dhyåna) 442, 443
Meru – 257 · fixed on åtmå – 158, 163, 167
Mexico – 394 · gratification of – 323
540
· idle – 77 · purity as result of – 349
· intelligence superior to – 96 · renunciation in – 417
· Krß√a as Master of – 22 · sacrifice in – 399, 409
· K®ß√a as – 257 (See also – Sattva-gu√a)
· K®ß√a beyond comprehension of – 246 Mode of ignorance –
· living being must be elevated by – 154 · actions in – 424
· living being struggles with – 362 · austerities in – 395, 403
· mahå-mantra steadies – 167 · bewilders all embodied beings – 345
· makes sense of sensual experiences – · Bhågavatam cited on work in – 355
166 · characteristics of – 348
· mental austerity & peace of – 402 · charity in – 405
· not from matter – 185 · covers knowledge – 346
· of asuras – 383 · creates bewilderment – 346
· sannyåsî surrenders body, words and · determination in – 428
– 414 · drags one to lower stages of
· self-purification through – 140 consciousness – 409
· self survives death of body and – 166 · faith in – 393
· sense-objects and – 77 · food in – 397, 398
· senses stealing – 61 · goodness overpowers – 346
· Seven Sages, Kumåras & Manus · happiness in – 430, 431
manifest from K®ß√a’s – 248, 249 · knowledge in – 422, 423
· çraddhå arises from impressions in – · mentality in – 427
393 · overcomes goodness & passion – 346
· steadied by pure intellect –96, 165 · people always mistaken in – 428
· undisturbed – 60. 64, 164, 165 · renunciation in – 416
· unsteady nature of – 165, 166, 169 · result of death in – 348, 349
Missing Mass Problem – 183 · sacrifice in – 400
Mode of goodness - · work in – 425
· actions in – 423–425 · worship in – 392, 393
· as free from impurities – 345 (See also – Ignorance, Tama-gu√a)
· austerity in – 402, 409 Modes of (material) nature –
· Bhågavatam cited on work in – 355 · action according to – 423–425
· born of material nature – 344 · all activities performed by – 87, 141
· characteristics of – 346 · all things manifest from – 187, 346
· charity in – 404, 406, 409 · Arjuna’s question on worship with faith
· conditions one to happiness – 346 and – 391, 393
· cultivating knowledge & actions in – · åtmå influenced by – 77
425 · austerity according to – 401–404
· demigods worshipped by those in – · banyan tree nourished by – 359
392, 393 · bewilderment by – 90, 188, 351
· determination in – 427 · Bhågavatam cited on transcending – 355
· discrimination in – 426 · bind living beings to material body –
· faith in – 391 344, 346
· food in – 396–398 · bråhma√as, kßatriyas, vaiçyas & çüdras
· happiness in – 346, 429, 430 work according to – 431
· higher realms attained by those in – · charity according to – 404–406
348–350 · determination according to – 427, 428
· knowledge in – 347, 350, 422 · devotee transcends – 354
· mentality in – 426 · difficult to escape – 91, 192, 351
· mode of ignorance overcomes – 346 · endless combinations of – 347
· mode of passion defeats – 346 · everyone under – 57, 74, 77, 370, 430
· originates from K®ß√a – 187 · Faith in – 391
· overpowers passion & ignorance – 346 · false ego and – 68
541
· fight for supremacy – 346, 347 · manifests greed – 350
· food according to – 396–399 · mentality in – 426
· four social divisions influenced by – 111 · people always mistaken in – 428
· how to transcend – 352 · renunciation in – 416, 418
· influence at time of death – 348, 349 · result of death in – 350, 348, 349
· interact with each other – 90 · sacrifice in – 400
· knowledge according to – 421–423 · work in – 424, 425
· K®ß√a’s divine potency as – 191, 192 · worship in – 392
· living beings enjoy – 329 · (See also – Raja-gu√a)
· mentalities according to – 426, 427 Moha-mudgara –
· originate from K®ß√a – 187 · on worship of Govinda – 305
· originate from material nature – 328 Mokßa – 371, 372 (See also – Liberation,
· rebirth due to association with – 329 Salvation)
· sacrifice according to – 399, 400 Monotheism – 80, 81, 394
· Super Consciousness transcendental Moon (s) –
to – 336, 395 · as eye of universal form – 277
· symptoms of one who has transcended · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu on K®ß√a in
– 353, 354, 355 light of – 264
· those engrossed in material acts · Ka†ha Upanißad on Supreme Abode not
bewildered by – 90 illumined by – 363
· those who take shelter of guru · K®ß√a as light of – 186, 366, 367
independent of – 430 · K®ß√a as – 257
· transcendence means freedom from – · nourishes all plants – 366
57, 430 · Nårada-pañcaråtra comparing Brahman
· transcendental faith beyond – 394 to unlimited – 307
· transcending – 54, 57, 343, 350, 351, · path of darkness during waning – 220
352, 354, 355, 394 · path of light during waxing – 220
· understanding – 329, 350 · Sanat-kumåra Saμhitå on K®ß√a as
· Vedas deal with – 54 bright as millions of – 285
· work according to – 424, 425, 431 · Supreme Abode not illumined by – 361,
· world bewildered by – 188 363
· worship according to – 392–394 M®ytu-loka – 323
· Worship in – 391 Mü∂ha – 198
· (See also – Illusion, Måyå, Raja-gu√a, Mukti-pada – 196
Sattva-gu√a, Tama-gu√a) Mukunda – 196
Mode of passion – Mukunda-målå Stotram –
· action in – 349, 423 · on remembrance of K®ß√a at death –
· austerities in – 403, 404 208
· Bhågavatam cited on work in – 355 Muller, Max – 81
· characteristics of – 345, 347 Mülådhåra-cakra – 210
· charity in – 405, 406 Mu√∂aka Upanißad –
· creates attachment to perform action · on size of åtmå – 46, 47
– 346
· defeats goodness & ignorance – 346 -N-
· determination in – 427
· drags one down to lower stages of Nåbhas – 183, 184 (See also – Khaµ, Space)
consciousness – 409 Någa snakes – 259
· faith in – 393 Nakula – xvi, 10, 50
· food in – 396, 397, 399 Nåma-sa∫kîrtana (See Sa∫kîrtana)
· goodness overpowers – 346 Name(s) of K®ß√a –
· Happiness in – 429, 431 · Arjuna speaks – 22
· knowledge in – 422, 423 Kali-santara√a Upanißad cited on – 88,
· lust manifests from – 94 89
542
· Bhågavatam cited on – 107, 108 -O-
· B®han-Nåradîya Purå√a cited on – 107
· chanted in Kali-yuga – 88, 89, 107, 108 Old age –
· chanting – 108, 138, 190, 252, 387 · as bodily transformation – 36, 37, 42,
· Dh®ta ‰g Veda cited on oµ as – 189 114, 322, 323, 347, 351
· distributed by Prabhupåda all over · drugs to slow down – 323
world – xxi · never affects Supreme – 42
· guru gives – xx · taking shelter of K®ß√a for freedom
· mahå-mantra as – 251 from – 199
· Padma Purå√a cited on – 89, 251 Omniscience –
· scholars, philosophers & yogîs chanting · as characteristic of Absolute Truth –
– 107 105
· Çikßåß†aka cited on – 108, 109 · consciousness and – 143
(See also – Mahå-mantra, Sa∫kîrtana) · denotes K®ß√a – 143
Nårada – 254, 258 · K®ß√a as – 175
Nårada-pañcaråtra – Omnipresence –
· on K®ß√a & Brahman – 307 · and consciousness – 44
· Narasiµha – xxiv, 106, 109, 278 · denotes K®ß√a – 143
· Nåråya√a – · K®ß√a’s – 143
· Arjuna not pacified seeing form of – · of Absolute Truth within acts of
297 sacrifice – 83
· Arjuna requests to see form of – 293 · of Supreme Person – 435
· Arjuna’s relationship not with – 297 Oµ –
· Gopa Kumåra in presence of – 298 · and mahå-mantra – 189
· in Vaiku√†˙a – 444 · as eternal form of cognisance – 189
· K®ß√a as origin of – 250 (See also · as primary Vedic mantra – 188, 189
– Absolute Truth, God, K®ß√a, · as supreme combination of letters – 188
Paramåtmå, Supreme Being, Supreme · chanted at commencement of sacrifices
etc. – 407
Person, Mahå-Viß√u, Viß√u)
· chanting of – 188–190, 212, 213, 407
Nature worship – 283, 284
· Dh®ta ‰g Veda cited on chanting of –
New Mexico – 287
189
New York – 58
· emanates from flute of K®ß√a – 190
Newton’s Third Law of Physics – 229
· great sages chant – 212
Nimbåditya (Nimbårka) – 109, 128
· helps one attain stage of liberation –
Nirgu√a-çraddhå – 394, 395 (See also 190, 214
– Faith, Çraddhå) · K®ß√a as –186, 226, 233, 258
Nirvå√a – 67, 68 · meditating on K®ß√a while chanting
Niß†ha – 112 – 189
nitya-lîlå – 332 · remembering K®ß√a & chanting – 213
Nityånanda – xix, xxi, xxii Oµ tat sat – 407, 408
Niyama – 155 Oppenheimer, Robert – 288
Non-vegetarian food – Oxford University – 79
· cannot be offered to K®ß√a – 82, 239
· in mode of ignorance – 398 -P-
· yogîs abstain from – 160
Non-violence – Padma Purå√a –
· arises from K®ß√a – 247 · on always remembering K®ß√a – 443
· as physical austerity – 401, 403 · on demigods worshipping K®ß√a – 31
· as quality of deva – 377 · on K®ß√a as giver of liberation – 196
· as quality of knowledge – 322 · on name of K®ß√a – 89, 251
· charlatan yogîs don’t advocate diet based · on two types of guru – 129
on – 65 Pain –
(See also – Violence) · as material quality – 321
543
· austerities in mode of ignorance causes · Brahman, Bhagavån and – 67, 80
– 403 · combined with material nature – 89,
· bad karma causes – 119 338
· death accompanied by – 208 · Dh®ta ‰g Veda cited on – 189
· equality in pleasure and – 37, 38, 314 · directs living being – 333
· food in mode of passion causes – 396, · guru representative of – 126, 333
397 · knowledge & remembrance stem from
· medicines ease – 323 – 368
Påñcajanya – 9 · K®ß√a as – 212, 250, 252
Pañca-koça – 38 · K®ß√a speaking in third person refers
Pañcama-purußårtha –372 to – 212, 326
Pañca-tattva - 109, 401 · manifests as spiritual master – 333
Pañca-tattva mantra – 401 · material nature subservient to – 338
På√∂avas – · meditation on – 156, 212
· Dh®taråß†ra inquiring about – xviii, 3 · never contaminated – 338
· Duryodhana observing army of – 3 · never in illusion – 338
· Duryodhana showing Dro√a army · not subject to death – 338
of – 4 · not subject to karma – 338
· Duryodhana underestimated – 10 · not subject to time – 338
· exiled – xvii · pervades universe – 89
· favoured by K®ß√a – xvii, 11, 12 · realisation of – 155–157
· hatred of Duryodhana for – 10 · rebirth for yogî who realises – 157
· kingdom lost by –xvii · those in mode of ignorance neglect –
· K®ß√a as ambassador to – xvii 395
· K®ß√a as Arjuna amongst – 262 · within hearts of all beings – 68, 171,
· K®ß√a as cousin of – xvii 212, 252, 326, 329, 333, 368
· Mahåbhårata as story of – xvi (See also – Absolute Truth, God, K®ß√a,
· protected by K®ß√a – xvi, Nåråya√a, Super Consciousness, Supreme
Pa√∂ita – 144 Being, Supreme Person, Viß√u)
På√∂u – Paramparå – 102, 126, 127, 352 (See also
· Arjuna as son of – 124, 153, 274, 297, – Disciplic Succession, Guru-paramparå,
428 Sampradåya)
· as heir-apparent – xvi Parantapa – 428 (See also – Arjuna–
· dying untimely –xvi addressed as conqueror of enemy)
· Kuntî as wife of – xvi Paråçara Muni – 30
· På√∂avas as sons of – xvi, 3, 4 Paraçuråma – 106, 278
Parallel universes – 34 Paripraçna – 126
Paramåtmå – Pårtha – 408, 415, 426–428, 450 (See also
· accompanies living being – 333 – Arjuna - addressed as son of P®thå)
· all activities possible by power of – 89, Pårtha-sårathi – 15
338 Passion – (See – Mode of passion)
· as anti-material concept – 185 Patañjali – 155
· as maintainer – 329 Pau√∂®a – 9
· as Master of material nature – 338 Peace –
· as one of three stages of realisation of · achieved by accepting K®ß√a – 148, 149,
Absolute – 67, 156, 189, 326 195, 240, 441
· as protector – 329 · as doing right thing – 7
· as Supreme Authority – 329 · as elusive – 7, 149
· as Ultimate Controller – 329 · as internal experience – 7
· as witness of all things – 329 · as state of consciousness – 7
· Baladeva Vidybhüßa√a on – 68 · karma-yogî attains – 140
· Bhågavatam cited on – 67 · mind and – 164, 402, 438
· brahma-nirvå√a as – 68 · no happiness without – 64
544
· not a condition of material world – 7 · prema as ultimate – 113
· not found in fame & wealth – 149 · remembering K®ß√a at death is – 205,
· one who cannot meditate cannot 207
achieve – 64 · samådhi as – 53, 156
· one who gives up results of action · sannyåsîs endeavouring for – 147
attains – 140, 311 · sought after amongst thousands – 179
· one who is sense-controlled achieves – · through transcendental knowledge –
66, 129, 159, 438 343
· prayed for – 7 Persians – 80, 81
· qualities to attain – 66 Pets – 399
· renunciation awards – 311 Philanthropy –
· war and – 7 · bhakti higher than – 305
· world – 314, 425 · false renouncers turn to – 418
Penances – · good karma as – 131
· Bhågavatam on yogîs performing – 310 · karma-yoga as – 137
· K®ß√a as – 186 · K®ß√a cannot be perceived by – 297
· K®ß√a not perceived by – 297 · yogî surpasses works of – 221
· no necessity for devotee to perform – (See also – Charity, Welfare work)
221, 241 Philosopher(s) –
· offered to K®ß√a – 237 · Ådi Ça∫kara as – 305
· tapasvî as one who performs – 174 · as indifferent to world affairs – 75
· yogîs reach eternal abode through – 221 · Bhagavad-gîtå as source of inspiration
· yogîs sacrifice possessions through – 121 for – xv
(See also – Austerity, Tapasya) · bhakti-yogî best among – 305
Perfection – · Buddhist – 67
· ånanda as – 38 · chanting K®ß√a’s names – 107
· Arjuna’s doubts on performing yoga for · Edmund Burke as – 16
–169, 171 · impersonal – xii, 198, 305
· attained by fixing mind on K®ß√a – 212, · Jîva Gosvåmî as – 30
336 · K®ß√a as doctrine of – 260
· Bhagavad-gîtå not speculative treatise · K®ß√a as Vyåsa amongst – 262
on – 170 · K®ß√a as – 270
· by hearing Bhagavad-gîtå – 449 · materialistic – 39, 185, 416
· Caitanya Mahåprabhu gave philosophy · path of wisdom for empirical – 74
of – 109 Philosophy –
· destination of yogî that does not attain · bodily conception taught by
– 172, 174, 175 contemporary – 323
· eight mystical – 58 · Gau∂îya Vaiß√ava – xiv
· in bhakti-yoga – 362 · of acintya-bhedåbheda-tattva – 109
· in material world – 371 · of Bhagavad-gîtå – ix, x, xiii, 127
· mahå-mantra awards – 107 · of Vedas – 81
· not attained by renunciation – 74 · Persians & monotheistic – 81
· of life – 75, 103, 203, 308, 323, 352, · relationship between spiritual practice
371, 416 and – 75
· of self-realisation – 53 · spiritual practices without – 75
· one who acts whimsically never achieves · without faith as hypocrisy – 393
– 409 · without practice as mental speculation
· one who neglects Vedas never attains – 75
– 386 Planet(s)
· performing prescribed duties awards – · aliens from another – 79
84, 115, 435 · life on other – 34
· pleasing K®ß√a awards highest – 115, · K®ß√a as Controller of all – 148
441 · lower – 34, 385
545
· of birth & death – 206, 215 · of demigods not desired by Arjuna – 29
· of death – 323 · of K®ß√a’s inconceivable energy – 247,
· Satya-loka as topmost – 217 256
· sun –102 · of mahå-mantra – 167
· yogî attains lunar – 220 · rituals that award wealth and – 52
(See also – Earth, Higher planets, · Sañjaya had mystic – xviii
Vaiku√†˙a) · yogî is free from misuse of – 438
Plant(s) Prabhupåda, A.C. Bhaktivedånta Svåmî
· birth in species of – 324 – xii, xiv, xx, 68, 189, 278
· ignorance & suffering amongst – 207 Prahlåda – 259
· K®ß√a, as moon, nourishes – 366 Prajåpatis – 79
· species of – 144, 324 Pråkåmya-siddhi – 59
Pleasure – Prakåçånanda Sarasvatî – 107
· actions performed for K®ß√a’s – 137 Prak®ti –
· animals killed for humans – 336 · as beginningless – 330
· arises from K®ß√a – 247 · as material nature – 319, 320, 330
· Arjuna’s rejection of royal – 49, 21 · as one of five topics in Gîtå – 170
· born from sense-objects give rise to (See also – Aparå-prak®ti, Material nature,
misery – 146 Modes of material nature)
· celestial – 207, 234, 236, 324 Pralaya – 217
· contemplation of mundane – 53 Pramåda – 351
· dualities in pain and – 37, 38, 207, 314 Prameya-ratnåvalî –
· in self – 83 · cited on four paramparås – 128
· K®ß√a as reservoir of – 113 Prå√amaya – 38
· mind turned away from sense – 145 Prå√åyåma – 156 (See also – Breath)
· modes of goodness conditions one to – Pråpti-siddhi – 58
345, 346 Prasådam – 238, 398, 401 (See also –
· one that never performs sacrifice finds Mahå-prasådam)
no – 122, 123 Pratyåhåra – 156
· pursuit of sense – 83 Prayer(s) –
· sage of steady mind has no desire for · Arjuna offering – 275, 288
– 60 · as process of bhakti-yoga – 252
· temporary material – 236 · offered by Demigods to K®ß√a – 279
(See also – Ånanda, Bliss, Happiness, P®thå – 4, 86
Spiritual bliss) Prema (bhakti) –
Possessiveness – 66, 117, 119, 158, 312, 315 · as fifth goal of life – 371
(See also – Proprietorship) · as highest stage of self-realisation – 395
Power – · as stage of purest love –112
· Arjuna asks K®ß√a to describe His · Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu on – 112
divine – 254 (See also – Love, Prîti)
· as natural quality of kßatriya – 432 Prescribed duties –
· asuras desire – 392, 395 · Arjuna’s disinclination to follow– 34
· does no draw one closer to K®ß√a – 283 · as karma – 116, 118
· drawing life-airs between eyebrows by · attachment to not performing – 55
yogic – 210 · attaining perfection by performing –
· everything manifest from a particle of 84, 115, 435
K®ß√a’s – 263 · better to perform one’s own – 92, 436
· K®ß√a as Master of all mystic – 255 · confusion about – 75
· K®ß√a as Master of all yogic – 271 · improper to reject – 416, 420, 436, 437
· K®ß√a as – 187 · K®ß√a acts so others perform – 86
· K®ß√a shows His divine – 227 · K®ß√a tells Arjuna to perform – 76, 84
· K®ß√a’s unlimited – 277, 292 · mode of goodness and – 417
· mystic – xviii, 255 · mode of passion and – 416
546
· originate from Vedas – 83 · purpose of sacrifice is spiritual – 123
· understanding – 116 · qualification for spiritual – 438
· yogî & sannyåsî performs – 153 · ruci as beginning of – 112
(See also – Action, Duty, Karma, Karma- · three stages of – 68, 326
yoga,Vikarma) · vijñåna as – 180
Prîti – 252 · yoga of knowledge and – 179
Proprietorship – 93, 141 (See also – · yogî self-satisfied with own – 157, 162
Possessiveness) (See also – Jñåna, Knowledge, Self-
Püjå – 155 realisation, Vijñåna, Wisdom)
Pulaha – 248 Rebirth –
Pulastya – 248 · all material planets places of birth
Purå√as – 31, 368 and – 215
Pure goodness – 394 · for followers of Vedas – 221
Purity – · for those who are faithless – 226
· as knowledge – 322 · in cycle of birth & death – 226, 364
· as physical austerity – 401, 403 · in modes of passion & ignorance – 348,
· asuras have no – 379, 382 349
· basic principles of – 138 · yogîs attain liberation or – 219
· of heart as mental austerity – 402 (See also Reincarnation, Transmigration)
· result of good deeds is – 349 Reincarnation – 145, 206 (See also
Purujit – 4 – Rebirth, Transmigration)
Purußa – 319, 330 Religion(s) –
Purußottama – 203, 369 (See also – · Abrahamic – 11, 80, 81
Supreme Person) · and fanaticism – 11, 232
· Creator according to certain – 42
-R- · dharma mistaken to mean – xi, 106
· faith and – 226
Rådhå-ku√∂a – xx, 444, 445 · Kurukßetra war not about – 12
Rådhå-Gopînåtha – xxiii · not an obstacle in approaching K®ß√a
Rådhå-Govinda – xxi, xxiii – 241
Rådhå-K®ß√a – xx, 109 · sacrifice in – 122, 400
Rådhå-Madana-mohana – xxiii · Vedic knowledge & western – 81
Rådhårå√î (See – Çrîmatî Rådhårå√î) · wars of – 11
Rågånugå-bhakti – 311 · without philosophy – 75
Raghunåtha Dåsa Gosvåmî – xix Renunciation –
Raja-gu√a – 57, 343 (See also – Mode of · akarma as – 116
passion) · and celibacy – 212
Råja-yoga –58, 162 · and karma – 130
Råkßasa – 257, 278 · Arjuna asking about – 135, 413
Råma (Råmacandra) – 106, 260, 278, 444 · Arjuna leaning towards – 93, 420, 437
Råmånuja – xv, 68, 128 · as activity of a yogî & sannyåsî – 137,
Råmåya√a – 31, 368 153, 413, 414
Råmeçvaram – 161 · as quality of deva – 377
Rationalist movement – 180 · as quality to attain Absolute Truth –
Realisation – 438
· Bhagavån – 68, 156 · as sannyåsa-yoga – 137
· Brahman – 304 · as tyåga – 413
· lust destroys – 95, 97 · better than meditation – 311
· of greatest of all secrets – 225 · defined – 238
· of intrinsic relationship with K®ß√a – · delivered by K®ß√a through – 238, 309,
180 311
· of Absolute – 67, 68, 90, 112, 123 · false – 238
· Paramåtmå – 68, 155, 156 · for one practiced in yoga – 154
547
· in mode of goodness – 417 · according to modes of nature – 393,
· in modes of passion & ignorance – 416, 396
418 · activities and – 76, 118,
· is misery without karma-yoga – 138 · animal – 122, 123, 400
· karma-yoga compared to – 136, 137, · Arjuna asks who is object of – 203
138 · as quality of deva – 377
· mental – 141 · as yajña – 76, 393
· of action for K®ß√a – 439 · bhakti-yogî achieves benefits of – 221
· of action gives highest benefit – 136 · blood – 122, 123, 400
· of action – 116, 130, 135, 153, 238, · born from prescribed activities – 79
309, 417 · created by Brahmå – 77
· of material activities – 308, 354 · demigods and – 78, 120
· of prescribed duties – 416 · everything depends on – 123
· of selfish desires makes one dear to · food offered in – 78, 399
K®ß√a – 313 · for Absolute Truth – 123
· of sense-objects – 61 · human – 400
· of tyågi & sannyåsî – 418 · in mode of goodness – 399, 409
· one is never a yogî without – 153 · in mode of ignorance – 397, 398, 400
· perfection not attained by – 74 · in mode of passion – 400
· result at death by not accepting – 418 · intrinsic to åtmå – 82
· sacrifice as – 123 · karma dissolved for one who offers –
· sannyåsa-yoga and – 137 118
· stage of perfect – 436 · k®ß√a-sa∫kîrtana as – 401
· three types of – 415, · K®ß√a as enjoyer & object of – 148, 199,
· Viß√u Purå√a on Bhagavån possessing 205, 236
all – 30 · K®ß√a as japa – 258
· yoga and – 154 · K®ß√a as – 232, 258
(See also – Sannyåsa, Tyåga) · manifested from oµ tat sat – 407, 408
‰g Veda – · meant for Viß√u – 76, 82
· as part of Vedas – 368 · no pleasures for one who offers no –
· K®ß√a as – 233 122
· on divine feet of Viß√u – 80 · of asuras – 381, 384
· on oµ – 189 · offered in Treta-yuga – 108
Ruci – 112 · offered to K®ß√a – 237, 448
Rudra (Çiva) – 128 · of knowledge higher than physical
Rudras – 257, 272, 280 sacrifice – 124
Rudra sampradåya – 128 · of knowledge – 121, 124, 231, 448
Rüpa Gosvåmî – · of possessions by yogîs – 121
· prayer to – xix · purifies wise – 415
· guru gives association of – xx · rain produced by – 79
· Prabhupåda engaged in service of – xxi · sannyåsî not rejecter of – 153
· explains bhakti process in Bhakti- · sannyåsî’s life of – 137, 138
rasåm®ta-sindhu – 112 · should not be given up – 415, 416
· to attain higher planets – 221
· universal form not revealed by – 295
-S- · Vedas explain various – 122
Sac-cid-ånanda – · without faith – 408
· all spiritual bodies are – 324, 331, 365 · yogîs and – 121, 221
· K®ß√a as – 105, 206 · yogîs satisfied with remnants of – 122
Çacî Måtå – xx (See also – Yajña)
Sacrifice – Sådhana –311, 387
· Absolute as – 120 Sådhu –
· Absolute Truth present within – 83 · association with – 112, 395
548
· Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu in following · pure spiritual consciousness ends – 105
footsteps of – 126 (See also – Birth, Death)
· sat in connection to – 408 Sanaka – 246, 248
Sådhu-sa∫ga – 112 Sanaka sampradåya – 128
Sådhyas – 280 Sanat-Kumåra saµhitå –
Sage(s) · cited on meditation on K®ß√a – 285
· accept K®ß√a’s divinity – 254 Sanåtana-dharma – xi
· as sense-controlled – 66 Sanåtana Gosvåmî – xix, xx
· attained Supreme Abode by Sañjaya –
transcendental knowledge – 343 · as disciple of Vyåsa –xvi
· day & night for introspective – 66 · as faithful servant of Dh®taråß†ra – xvi
· do not know K®ß√a’s origin – 245, 246 · as narrator of K®ß√a’s conversation with
· K®ß√a as Bh®gu amongst – 258 Arjuna –xvi
· K®ß√a as Nårada amongst celestial – · benediction by – 453
258 · Dh®taråß†ra’s question to – 3
· K®ß√a as object of meditation for – 284 · explains his feelings on hearing Gîtå
· K®ß√a as origin of –245 – 451
· of bhakti-yoga – 68 · narrates Arjuna’s refusal to fight – 35
· offering prayers to universal form – 279 · narrates how Arjuna offers prayers to
· of steady mind – 60 universal form – 288
· Seven – 248 · narrates how K®ß√a drew chariot
· taking vow of celibacy – 212 between armies – 14
· transcendental knowledge sung by – · narrates how K®ß√a reveals His
321 Nåråya√a form – 296
· within universal form – 275 · narrates K®ß√a’s revelation of universal
Sahadeva – xvi, 10, 50 form – 273
Sahasråra-cakra – 210, 211 · narrates K®ß√a’s words to Arjuna – 27
Çaibya – 4 · reply to Dh®taråß†ra by – 3
Sakhya-rasa – 294 · speaks about Arjuna’s distress – 21
Çakti – 331 (See also – Power) · speaks about Arjuna’s request to K®ß√a
Çålågråma-çîlå – 450 – 12
Salvation – Ça∫kara (Çiva) – 257
· by performing Vedic rituals – 175 Så∫khya – 330, 421
· as mokßa – 371 Sa∫kîrtana –
(See also – Liberation, Mokßa) · all over world – 89
Samådhi – · along with prasådam distribution – 401
· as final stage of aß†å∫ga-yoga – 156 · as sacrifice for Kali-yuga – 401
· as perfection of self-realisation – 53 · Caitanya Mahåprabhu taught – 88,
· as pure spiritual consciousness – 59 107, 251
· attained by concentrating on K®ß√a · congregational chanting called – 107
– 62 · described by Caitanya Mahåprabhu –
· in bhakti-yoga – 59 108
Såma Veda – 233, 257, 261 · followed by great philosophers &
Sampradåya – 128 (See also – Disciplic scholars – 107
Succession, Paramparå) · k®ß√a-kathå as – 251
Saµsåra – · (See also – Yuga-dharma)
· as cycle of birth & death – 47, 69, 226 Sannyåsa –
· as reincarnation – 206 · and karma-yoga – 135,
· attaining Supreme Abode ends – 218 · and tyåga – 413, 414
· disconnection from Supreme leads · and yoga – 153
to – 77 · Arjuna asks about – 135, 413
· faithless continue in – 226 · as one of four spiritual orders – 137,
· mahå-måyå bind living beings to – 192 414
549
· as renunciation of action – 135 · K®ß√a as Uçanå amongst – 262
(See also – Renunciation, Tyåga) · Max Muller as – 81
Sannyåsa-yoga – · sannyåsa-yoga & karma-yoga according
· and karma-yoga favorable for liberation to – 137
– 137 · sa∫kîrtana movement accepted by great
· bhakti-yoga and – 137 – 107
· dovetailed in karma-yoga – 138 · to understand Bhagavad-gîtå, one need
(See also – Renunciation) not be – xii
Sannyåsî – Schopenhauer, Arthur – xv
· Arjuna desiring to become – 93 Science –
· as crest of all social & spiritual orders · accepting consciousness as fact – 181
– 137 · and jñåna – 181
· as renounced – 136 · and table of elements – 185
· as spiritual masters of bhakti-yoga · as imperfect – 352
community – 414 · believes one life is all in all – 324
· as teacher of karma-yoga & sannyåsa- · Bhagavad-gîtå as book on theistic –xi,
yoga – 138 144, 231
· beyond all material results after death · Bhagavad-gîtå as true – x
– 418 · cannot perceive åtmå – 365
· beyond duality – 136 · fight between theism and – 181
· controls mind – 147 · life arising from matter in
· does not reject duties & sacrifice – 153 contemporary – 40, 320
· free from lust & anger – 147 · life as – 425
· free of hatred & desires – 136 · looking for Dark Matter – 183, 184
· means acting for K®ß√a – 414 · of Absolute not taught to envious – 449
· renounces results of actions – 153, 418 · of K®ß√a consciousness known by guru
· shares knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå – – 127
137 · of yoga – 58, 102, 126
· teach others – 414 · rationalist as seeker of – 232
(See also – Renunciation, Sannyåsa) · rejected idea of consciousness – 180
Çånti (See – Peace) · rejecting Gîtå’s concept of space – 182
Sarasvatî – 82, 196, 393 Secret –
Sarasvatî ˇhåkura, Bhaktisiddhånta – xxi, · initiation not – 126
189 · K®ß√a as silence of – 262
Sårvabhauma Bha††åcårya – 107 · K®ß√a explains greatest – 225
Çåstra – 370, 372, 443 · love as greatest – 113
Sattva-gu√a – 57, 343 (See also – Mode of · most confidential – 442
goodness) · nature of Supreme as greatest – 269
Såtyaki – 4, 10 · of Bhagavad-gîtå – 441
Satya-loka – 79, 21 · of bhakti-yoga – 448
Satya-yuga – 106, 108 · of devotion according to Bhågavatam
Schlegel, Friedrich – xv –180
Scholar(s) – · of çåstra – 370
· all actions rejected according to some · of understanding Bhagavad-gîtå – 170
– 414 · of yoga system – 226, 452
· Arjuna was not – xiii · to life – 315
· Bhagavad-gîtå appreciated by – xv Seers of truth –
· Bhagavån according to Vedic – 30 · approaching – 124, 125
· Brahman according to Vedic – 67 · as tattva-darçî – 124, 12
· celibacy accepted by Vedic – 212 · conclude there is a God – 30
· commentaries on Bhagavad-gîtå – xiii · inquiring & serving – 124
· impersonal interpretation rejected by · knows science of K®ß√a consciousness
bhakti-yoga – 170 – 127
550
· never degraded by material nature – · åtmå cannot be perceived without – 365
336 · comes from K®ß√a – 247
· see K®ß√a as fountainhead of Reality · day for sage who has – 66
– 30 · dear to K®ß√a by – 312
· sådhana learned from – 387 · how K®ß√a known at death by those
· understand temporary & eternal – 39 who practice – 203
(See also – Åcårya, Guru, Dîkßa-guru, Çikßå- · knowledge of Gîtå not disclosed to
guru, Spiritual master, Tattva-darçî) those that lack – 447
Self – · liberation for yogîs who are – 147
· and non-self – 180 · no wisdom without – 64
· Arjuna asks what is – 203 Self-deception –
· as kßetrajñå – 320 · happiness in mode of ignorance as –
· åtmå as – 34, 158, 185 430, 431
· becoming master of – 62 · meditation as – 148, 210
· Bhågavatam on bhakti-yoga satisfying · political emancipation as – 430
– 246 Selfish(ness) –
· Brahmavådîs merge – 304 · as quality of mode of passion – 347,
· controlling lower self with higher – 97, 349, 400, 405
165, 166 · charity performed with – 405
· finding pleasure in – 83, 145, 164, 353, · desires of ignorant – 87
431 · mode of goodness is without – 402
· focusing on – 165 · motivations rejected for K®ß√a – 91, 93
· foolish believe doer as – 420 · one who is dear to K®ß√a renounces –
· gross & subtle elements cover – 185 313
· identifying body or mind as – 12, 89, · prîti as pure affection without – 252
90, 185, 320, 323, 331, 335, 337, 406 · rituals to fulfil – 52
· ignorance destroyed by knowledge · sacrifices, austerities & charity without
of – 142 – 407
· independent of mind & body – 166 · sacrifices performed with – 400
· jñåna as knowledge of – 180 · wise man is free from – 117
· knowledge of – xi, 142, 180, 199, 260, · worker attached to results of actions
320 – 140
· K®ß√a as knowledge of – 260 Self-realisation –
· K®ß√a supports universe with portion of · achieved by following K®ß√a’s
His – 256 instructions – 53
· liberated person cultivates – 354 · animal & human sacrifices not for –
· mind as – 166 400
· phases of – 109 · aparå-vidyå never leads to – 180
· realising true – x, 74, 130 · begins with abandonment of bodily
· situated in – 91, 163 concept – 90
· steadying mind with – 96, 167 · Bhagavad-gîtå enables humanity to
· suffering to – 58 attain – 12
· surrender of – 414 · Bhagavad-gîtå provides outline for – x
· survives death – 166 · Bhagavån as ultimate stage of – 68
(See also – Åtmå, Consciousness, Jîva) · bhakti-yogîs on personal path of – 304
Self-control – · bhåva alluding to – 112
· and fixing mind on K®ß√a – 62 · chanting mahå-mantra as most
· as an offering – 120 important process of – 97, 108, 190
· as knowledge – 322 · demigod worship does not lead to – 196
· as mental austerity – 402 · every age recommends sacrifice for –
· as natural activity of bråhma√a – 432 400
· as noble quality – 315 · greatest fear removed by little endeavour
· as quality of deva – 377 in – 53
551
· happiness in mode of goodness awakens · equal vision of yogî who has – 157, 438
– 429, 431 · internal – 83
· human life offers one opportunity of Sense-control –
– 53, 54 · and celibacy – 214
· ignorant fall from path of – 236 · and chanting of mantras – 214
· knowledge as determination in – 323 · as essential for yoga – 214
· knowledge of – 38, 323 · attaining divine grace by – 63
· lust, anger & greed destroy – 385, 386 · Brahmavådîs cultivate – 308
· means realising purpose in life – x · breath and – 147
· nature worship does not lead to – 283 · charlatan yogîs don’t promote – 65
· not always successful in one attempt · external – 75
– 53 · fixing mind on K®ß√a by – 62
· one who hears message of K®ß√a attains · happily residing in body cultivating
– 441 – 141
· passion & ignorance do not promote · home should be conducive for – 161
– 404 · in mode of goodness – 427, 431
· path of asura does not lead to – 386 · karma-yoga and – 139
· path of – 54 · knowledge attained by – 129
· prema-bhakti as highest stage of – 395 · lust eliminated by – 95
· qualities conducive for – 379 · mind and – 62, 63
· samådhi as – 53 · no divine wisdom without – 65
· çikßå-guru helps disciple advance in – · of bhakti-yogî – 58
126 · purification and – 214
· çraddhå leads to – 227 · reaching K®ß√a by – 306, 308
· superiority of those desiring – 192, 193 · rebirth without – 364
· vijñåna as – 38 · sannyåsa-yoga means – 137
· worshipping K®ß√a for – 191 · self-satisfaction from – 146
· yoga and – 53 · superiority of one who has – 76
· yogîs & Brahmavådîs failing to achieve · within sådhana – 387
– 304 · yoga and – 213
(See also – Jñåna, Knowledge, Realisation, · yogî has – 157, 158, 161
Self-realised, Vijñåna, Wisdom) Sense-enjoyment
Self realised – · as quality of mode of ignorance – 423
· achieve liberation – 147 · destroys resolve to contemplate
· approaching one who is – 124 Absolute – 53
· Arjuna as – 171 · dries up when engaged in service of
· devotee as dear to K®ß√a – 192 K®ß√a – 62
· Goloka V®ndåvana only known by few · impious pursue – 83
– 447 · knowledge as detachment from – 322
· knowledge of those who are – 67, 124 · leads to frustration – 431
· know Supreme Abode as Goloka · mantras help mind fight – 214
V®ndåvana – 363 · pañca-koça and – 38
· mahå-mantra according to – 107 · peace attained by – 66
· result of not becoming – 175 · yogîs resume life of – 418
· sådhus as – 395 Sense-objects –
· çraddhå developed by association with · and mode of passion – 429
– 227 · attachment to – 62, 63, 93, 438
· three stages of Absolute according · carry mind away – 77, 166
to – 67 · five – 321
Self-satisfaction · in connection to banyan tree analogy
· abandoning desires & attaining – 60 – 359
· controlling senses & attaining – 146 · interaction between senses and – 37,
· devotee who is dear to K®ß√a has – 312 139, 166
552
· meditating on – 63, 75, 154 living beings struggle with five – 362
·
· offered into fire of senses – 120 meditation means engaging – 251
·
· pleasure from – 146, 154, 365, 429 mind as – 166, 362
·
· pratyåhåra as withdrawing from – 156 mind superior to – 96
·
· renouncing – 61, 63, 147, 438 niyama and – 155
·
· senses as superior to – 96 offered into fire of self-control – 120
·
· senses attracted & repelled by – 92 offered into fire of self-purification –
·
· wise find no pleasure in – 146 121
· withdrawing senses from – 61, 62, 65, · pratyåhåra & withdrawing – 156
156, 164 · purified by eating remnants of sacrifice
Sense(s) – – 82
· absorption of – 63, 431 · sense-objects offered into fire of – 120
· adhokßaja as being beyond – 246 · severe austerities parch – 395
· ascending process relies on – 352 · superior to sense-objects – 96
· as instrument that accomplishes actions · thinking oneself to be enjoyer of – 69
– 419, 421 · Vedic statements pleasing to – 52
· as sitting place for lust – 95, 97 · wandering mind absorbed in – 64
· åtmå not perceived by material – 365 · wise never find satisfaction in – 146
· attracted & repelled by sense-objects · withdraw of – 61, 65, 164
– 92 · yogî renounces desire to satisfy – 153
· Bhågavatam on life not about gratifying · yogîs try to give up activities of – 62
– 204 Service –
· Bhågavatam on nabhas and – 184 · devotees of K®ß√a only interested in
· Bhågavatam on six senses as sharks – – 68
309 · engagement in K®ß√a’s – 62, 354, 414
· Brahman as devoid of material – 325 · Gîtå-måhåtmya on K®ß√a’s – 410
· Brahman illuminates – 325 · intrinsic to åtmå – 77, 82
· carried away by sense-objects – 77 · sannyåsî engaged in K®ß√a’s – 414
· consciousness lies beyond physical – · to lotus feet of K®ß√a – 252
44, 46 · to guru – 124, 126, 127, 322, 414
· eternal bliss beyond scope of – 164 · to others by çüdra – 432
· fixed on K®ß√a – 62, 109 · to Rådhå-ku√∂a – 445
· follow living being to next birth – 362 Sevå – 126 (See also – Service)
· goal of life as enjoyment of – 323 Seven Sages – 248
· grief eroding Arjuna’s – 29 Shintoists –394
· happiness from sense-objects and – Siddhas – 289
429, 431 Çikha√∂i – 10
· ignorant cannot perceive world beyond Çikßå – 126
– 38 Çikßå-guru – 126 (See also – Åcårya, Dîkßå-
· included in field/body – 321 guru, Guru, Seer of truth, Spiritual Master,
· intelligence carried away by – 64 Tattva-darçî)
· interaction between sense-objects and Çikßåß†aka –
– 37 · quoted on name of K®ß√a – 108, 109
· karma-yogî performs through medium Çiva – 31, 82, 129, 196, 217, 250, 275, 393,
of – 140 394, 450
· knowledge in mode of goodness Çiva-loka – 250
illuminates – 347 Six Gosvåmîs – xix
· K®ß√a as Govinda, Master of cows and Skanda – 258
– 31, 113 Sleep –
· K®ß√a as H®ßîkeça, Master of – 9, 12, · as material tendency – 211, 371
22, 289 · death during – 208
· K®ß√a as mind amongst – 257 · in mode of ignorance – 345, 347, 428,
· K®ß√a beyond reach of – 246 430, 431
553
· knower of truth and – 139 · enjoyment & suffering in – 333
· mind active during – 166 · extinction of – 162
· sannyåsa-yoga and – 137 · knowledge of imperishable element in
· yoga not possible with excessive – 160 all - 422 (See also – Life)
· yogî is balanced in – 160 Speech
Sm®ti – 261 · Arjuna asks about yogî’s – 59
Social orders – 114, 432 (See also – Var√a, · controlled – 314, 438
Åçrama) · Manu-saµhitå on – 404
Society – · truthful – 402, 404
· acts of aggression forbidden in ancient Spice – 397
– 33 Spirits –
· aß†å∫ga & ku√∂alinî-yoga practiced · worship of – 237, 393, 394 (See also–
secluded from – 211 Ghosts)
· banyan tree binds human – 359 Spiritual bliss
· basic struggle to live in – 7 · Brahma-saµhitå on K®ß√a’s abode and
· caste system in – 115, 433 – 447
· charity in – 405 · Mahåbhårata on K®ß√a’s name and – 32
· cow in human – 434 · mahå-mantra gives – 167
· destroyers of family cause chaos in – 20 (See also – Ånanda, Bliss, Happiness,
· existence of God in contemporary – 30 Pleasure)
· four goals of human – 372 Spiritual consciousness
· government meant for safeguarding · Arjuna asks about one situated in – 59
– 382 · ends saµsåra – 105
· karma-yoga in – 137 · free from modes of nature – 54
· karma misunderstood in contemporary · means conscious of K®ß√a – 62
– 118 · samådhi as – 59, 62
· K®ß√a conception most convincing (See also – Consciousness)
Spiritual knowledge –
to – 148
· as quality of deva – 377
· materialistic social structure in modern
· human life gives opportunity for – 53
– 371
· spiritual master opens eyes with – xix
· necessity of vaiçya in – 434, 435
(See also – Knowledge)
· role models needed in – 85
Spiritual life –
· social orders in – 114, 136, 433
· four social orders for advancement
· spiritual knowledge lacking in modern in – 114
– 323 · knowledge of Gîtå for progression
· universal order perceived in civilised in – x
– 114 · negative qualities hindering progress
· worship of demigods in – 110, 113 in – 22
Soma – 234, 235, 236 · suspending senses to advance in – 62
South America – 394 Spiritual master –
Space – · Arjuna accepts K®ß√a as – 29, 34
· as material element – 96, 105, 181, · as manifestation of Paramåtmå – 333
182, 320 · brahmacårî serves – 414
· compared to individual unit of · chanting mahå-mantra under guidance
consciousness – 337 of – 190
· jîva within time and – 333 · K®ß√a explains necessity of accepting
· khaµ as – 182, 183, 184 – 126
· K®ß√a as sound in – 186 · prayers to – xix, xx
(See also – Khaµ, Nåbhas) · sannyåsîs serve as – 414
Species of life – · service to – 322, 414
· birth in lower – 329 · worship of – 401
· Combination of material nature (See also – Åcårya, Guru, Dîkßa-guru, Seer of
manifests – 346 truth, Çikßå-guru, Tattva-darçî)
554
Spiritual planets – · on working in modes of nature – 355
· brahma-nirvå√a as – 67 · on worshipping K®ß√a in pure goodness
· attaining – 67 – 394
· Brahman & Paramåtmå realised yogîs do · pastimes of K®ß√a in Tenth Canto of
not attain – 157 – 264
(See also – Goloka V®ndåvana, Supreme Çrîmatî Rådhårå√î – xx, xxiii, xxiv
Abode, Vaiku√†ha, Vraja, V®ndåvana) Çrînåtha Cakravartî –
Spiritual practices – · cited on opinion of Caitanya
· and sense-control – 58 Mahåprabhu – 458
· Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu on – 112 Çrî sampradåya – 128
· without philosophy – 75 Çrîvåsa ˇhåkura – xx
(See also – Bhakti, Devotion, Sådhana) Stem cells – 181
Spring – 261 Student(s)
Çraddhå – 1 · Ådi Ça∫kara’s advice to – 305
· and mundane faith – 226 · Arjuna as – xiii, 37
· Bhakti-rasåm®ta-sindhu on – 112 · brahmacårîs as – 136, 414
· bhakti not possible without –227 · Dh®ß†adyumna, as Dro√a’s – 4
· definition of – 227 · guru and – 126, 387
· developed by association – 227 · of Bhagavad-gîtå – 93, 125, 232, 327,
· from nature & previous lives – 393 328, 372
· Taittirîya Åra√yaka on banyan tree · of bhakti-yoga – 53, 264, 277, 387, 395,
and – 361 398, 399
(See also – Faith, Nirgu√a-çraddhå) · of yoga – 119, 123, 200, 203
Çrî – 261 Çuddhådvaita – 109
Çrîdhåra, Svåmî B.R. – Çüdra –
· cited on origin of jîva – 331 · and modes of nature – 431, 432
· on brahma-nirvå√am – 68 · as labourer class – 114
· on K®ß√a speaking in third person – · found everywhere – 431
212, · in caste system – 115
· on oµ – 189 · status of – 432, 435
· prayer to – xxi · suffers most in society – 435
Çrîdhåra Svåmî – xv · taking shelter of K®ß√a – 240
Çrîmad Bhågavatam – Suffering –
· as most authoritative çåstra – 372 · abode of K®ß√a beyond – 207
· hearing - 251 · animal life full of – 54, 207
· K®ß√a known through literature such · austerities in passion & ignorance cause
as – 368 – 403
· on goal of dharma – 246 · Bhagavad-gîtå helps one cross over –
· on goal of life – 204 450
· on guru as non-different from K®ß√a – · Buddha showed compassion for those
126, 127 – 278
· on hearing K®ß√a’s message – 453 · due to social mismanagement – 405
· on jñåna & vijñåna – 180 · ends in plane of brahma-nirvå√am – 67
· on K®ß√a as Absolute Truth – 31 · karma and – 119, 241
· on K®ß√a as source of avatåras – 67, 80 · materialists hopelessly – 336
· on living beings as food – 7 · mode of goodness and – 439
· on name of K®ß√a in Kali-yuga – 107, · of birth, death, old age & disease – 347
108, 190, 387 · root cause of – 406
· on nine processes of devotion –252 · vikarma causes – 58
· on occupational duties for K®ß√a – 115 · wise attain plane beyond – 56
· on space – 183, 184 · yoga destroys – 160
· on taking shelter of K®ß√a – 310, 355 Sughoßa – 10
· on three aspects of Absolute – 80 Suicide bombers – 11
555
Çukadeva Gosvåmî – 304 · within all beings – 168, 252, 256, 320,
Suk®ti – 114, 395 329, 335
Sun – (See also – Absolute Truth, God, K®ß√a,
· analogy of sun illuminating universe Nåråya√a, Paramåtmå, Supreme Being,
– 337
· Caitanya-caritåm®ta compares K®ß√a Supreme Person, Viß√u)
to – 253 Supreme Abode –
· eye of universal form as – 277 · as beyond material nature – 218
· incomparable to effulgence of universal · as goal of bhakti-yogî – 363
form – 274 · as Goloka V®ndåvana – 218, 363
· in northern hemisphere – 219 · as infallible – 363
· in southern hemisphere – 220 · as Vaiku√†ha – 444
· knowledge compared to rising – 142 · attained by one who gives up lust, anger
· K®ß√a as light of – 186, 257, 366, 367 & greed – 385
· K®ß√a compared to – 246, 253, 276 · attained through Bhagavad-gîtå – 449,
· Mahåbhårata on time and – 287 450
· Nårada-pañcaråtra compares Brahman · aß†å∫ga or ku√∂alinî-yogî attaining –
to – 307 211
· ‰g Veda on feet of Viß√u like – 80 · Bhagavån realisation leads to – 156
· Supreme Abode not illumined by – 361, · by such self-surrender one attains – 444
363 · chanting oµ & attaining – 213
· Supreme Person as radiant as – 209 · cutting through illusion & attaining
· Vivasvån as predominating deity of knowledge of – 360
– 102 · Fall-vådîs misconception of – 367
· goal of yoga to attain – 160
Sun-god · Gopa Kumåra attaining – 298
· K®ß√a gave knowledge to – 101 · Gîtå-måhåtmya on attaining – 449, 450
· taught Vaivasvata Manu – 101 · ignorance of – 364, 386
· Arjuna asks how K®ß√a taught – 102 · includes V®ndåvana, Govardhana &
(See also – Sürya, Vivasvån) Rådhå-ku√∂a – 445
Çünya – 304 · Ka†ha Upanißad on self-effulgence of
Çünyavådî – 304, 308 – 363
Super Consciousness – · lies beyond material universe – 444
· as anti-material concept – 185, 212 · no material qualities exist in – 364
· as cause of matter – 40 · no return from – 206, 216, 218, 363
· as Controller of all things – 335 · not illumined by sun, moon or fire –
· as eternal – 335 361, 363
· as maintainer of universe – 369 · one who is not bhakti-yoga does not
· as Master of material nature – 338 achieve – 221
· as one of three principle objects of · seeing Supreme everywhere one attains
meditation – 156 – 334
· as transcendental to modes – 336 · seer of truth attains – 336
· cultivating knowledge of – 324 · those coming for knowledge & self-
· does not accept pious or impious deeds realisation attain – 193
– 141 · those that take shelter of K®ß√a attain –
· has no beginning – 336 241, 264, 441
· ignorance of – 336 · Upadeçåm®ta on – 445
· individual consciousness as part &
parcel of – 42, 422 (See also – Goloka V®ndåvana, Spiritual
· is not perishable – 334, 335, 369 planets Vaiku√†ha, Vraja, V®ndåvana)
· is one – 80 Supreme Being
· matter, consciousness and – 320 · serving – 77
· pervades universe – 89 · K®ß√a as – 77, 175, 271
· subduing mind & attaining – 155 · only one – 80
556
· demigods as servants of – 82 · material universe as cosmic form of –
· as omniscient –175 205
· showing universal form – 271 · meditating on – 209, 438
· Ka†ha Upanißad on effulgence of – 363 · one free from bewilderment knows
See also – Absolute Truth, K®ß√a, Nåråya√a, K®ß√a as – 370
Paramåtmå, Super Consciousness, Supreme · only attained by bhakti – 217
Person, Viß√u) · oμ tat sat indicate – 409
Supreme Person – · physical austerity as worship of – 403
· accepting K®ß√a as – 409 · remembered at time of death – 210
· advising Arjuna – 11 · samådhi means conscious of – 62, 63
· Arjuna addressing K®ß√a as – 203, 253, · Sañjaya remembering form of – 452
254, 269, 271, 276 · situated in all beings – 217, 246, 329
· Arjuna convinced K®ß√a is – 270 · taking shelter of – 193, 360
· as imperishable Super Consciousness · Viß√u Purå√a on K®ß√a as – 32
– 369 · ˆçopanißad on complete & perfect – 327
· as inconceivable – 247 (See also – Absolute Truth, K®ß√a,
· as maintainer of universe – 369
Nåråya√a, Paramåtmå, Purußottama Super
· as omnipresent – 435
· as one of five factors that accomplish Consciousness, Supreme Being, Viß√u, )
actions – 419 Surrender –
· as origin of all – 435 · abandoning all dharma and – 443, 444
· as superior to fallible & infallible · all activities to K®ß√a – 91
beings – 370 · all rituals fulfilled by – 236
· beyond modes of nature – 395 · as process of bhakti according to
· Bhågavatam on devotion to – 246 Bhågavatam – 252
· brahma-jyoti as rays from body of – 332 · attained by good association – 227
· Brahma-saµhitå on K®ß√a as – 447 · attainment of Supreme Abode by –
· Caitanya-mata-mañjußa on K®ß√a as 264, 444
– 372 · brings auspiciousness – 227
· dependence on – 395 · everything to K®ß√a – 315, 443
· devotion to – 115, 246, 315, 410 · K®ß√a rewards according to one’s – 110
· effulgence of – 274 · K®ß√a’s shelter for those who – 236
· faith in pure goodness leads to – 394 · means attaining K®ß√a – 241
· favoured På√∂avas – 11, 12 · of devotee according to Caitanya-
· fixing mind & senses on form of – 109 caritåm®ta – 195
· four goals of human life do not lead to · of mind & intelligence to K®ß√a –205
union with – 372 · of one who possesses knowledge – 193
· fully understanding – 331 · of self – 414
· glorified throughout Vedas as – 369 · of those who hate K®ß√a, to egotism,
· Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad on K®ß√a as pride etc. – 384
– 32 · to guru according to Bhakti-rasåm®ta-
· Gîtå-måhåtmya on reciting Gîtå in sindhu – 126
temple of – 450 · to K®ß√a as only shelter – 197
· Gîtå-måhåtmya on service to – 410 · to K®ß√a by Arjuna – 29
· humans achieve perfection by · to K®ß√a maybe not in one lifetime –
worshipping – 435, 441 195
· in all places equally – 334 · to K®ß√a one all benefits of sacrifice
· K®ß√a always – 371 – 221
· K®ß√a as – ix, xvii, 11, 32, 62, 63, 115, · unrighteous persons never – 191
246, 247, 270, 273, 336, 370, 371, 372, Sürya – 393 (See also – Sun-god, Vivasvån)
394, 409, 441, 447, 452 Sußumnå-nadi – 211
· living beings as part & parcel of – 331, Süta – xvi
336, 420 Svådhiß†håna-cakra – 210
557
Svarüpa Dåmodara – xx · Mahåbhårata cited on – 287
Çvetadvîpa – 447 · Paramåtmå never influenced by – 338
Çvetåçvatara Upanißad – · relationship with K®ß√a since
· cited on size of åtmå – 46 beginningless – 294
Çyåmasundara – 284, 298, 444, 446 · Viß√u Purå√a on Brahman unaffected
Syria – xvii by – 307
(See also – Kåla)
-T- Tolerance –
Taittirîya Åra√yaka – · arising from K®ß√a – 247
· cited on banyan tree – 360, 361 · as knowledge – 322
Tama-gu√a – 57, 343 (See also –Mode of · for interaction between senses & sense-
ignorance) objects – 37
Taoists –394 · in mode of goodness – 424
Tapasvî – 174 Torah – 7
Tapasya – 403, 431 (See also –Austerity, Transmigration –
Penances) · according to karma – 53
Tat – 407 · K®ß√a does not go through – 105
Ta†asthå – 330 · living beings perpetual state of – 105
Ta†asthå-çakti – 332 · of åtmå to another body – 36, 144, 145,
Tattva-darçî – 331, 422
· approaching – 124, 125 · pure spiritual consciousness ends – 105
· conclusion on guru according to – 129 · through various species – 144, 145,
· guru must be – 127 336, 422
· sådhana must be learned from – 387 (See also – Rebirth, Reincarnation)
· taking initiation from – 124, 126 Tree(s) –
(See also –Åcårya, Dîkßå-guru, Guru, Çikßå- · as non-moving object – 335
· B®had Viß√u Purå√a on species of – 144
guru, Seer of truth, Spiritual Master) · desire – xxi, xxiii, 285, 445, 447
Theist – · imperishable banyan – 359, 360
· establishing God – 327 · K®ß√a as banyan – 258
· faith of – 393 · K®ß√a under – 284
· fight between atheist and – 232, 327 · Taittirîya Åra√yaka on imperishable
· God according to – 328 banyan – 360
· incomplete knowledge of – 327 · Vaiß√avas compared to desire – xxi
Theology of convenience – 11 Treta-yuga – 106, 108
Theory of Evolution – 40 Truth –
Thoreau, Henry David – xv · absent in asura – 379, 382
Thunderbolt – 359 · arises from K®ß√a – 247
Tibet – 394 · Arjuna accepts K®ß√a’s words as – 254
Time – · as desirable quality for human – 382
· anådi and – 331 · as quality of deva – 377
· as devourer of all things – 287 · as verbal austerity – 402, 404
· as energy of K®ß√a – 287 · Bhagavad-gîtå explains what is – 127,
· as kåla – 170 170
· as one of five subjects of Bhagavad-gîtå · Caitanya-caritåm®ta on devotee and
– 170 – 195
· Brahma-saµhitå on spiritual world · eagerness to know – 127
and – 447 · Manu-saμhitå on speaking – 404
· consciousness transcends – 41, 42 · mentality of real seeker of – 232
· effects material body – 42 · mode of ignorance is without – 422
· knowledge of yoga lost due to – 101 · one must approach spiritual master to
· K®ß√a as – 259, 260, 286 know – 126
· living beings and – 330, 331, 333
558
· present in nature – 283 Uçanå – 262
· should be pleasing to hear – 404 Uttamaujå – 4
· çraddhå leads to – 227
· understanding K®ß√a in – 439 -V-
Tulasî-devî – xxiv
Tyåga – 413, 414 Vaiku√†ha –
Tyågî – 417, 418 · abode of K®ß√a as – 68, 156, 160
· Arjuna’s relationship not with Nåråya√a
-U- in – 297
· as abode of Nåråya√a – 250, 297, 444
Uccai˙çrava – 259 · as side of dedication – 332
Universal form – · Ayodhyå & Dvårakå superior to – 444
· Arjuna fearful of – 273, 275, 277, 280, · brahma-nirvå√am as – 67
281, 283, 293 · B®had Bhågavatåm®ta on Goloka as
· Arjuna offers prayers to – 275, 293, topmost planet in – 218
288–293 · example of Gopa Kumåra in – 298
· Arjuna wishes to see – 269, 270 · K®ß√a as origin of Nåråya√a in – 250
· as all-pervading – 274, 276, 279, 283, · one class of beings from – 332, 369
290, 291 · Padma Purå√a on Lord not residing
· as benchmark of divinity –270, 271, in – 251
277 · yogî continues existence in – 324
· as supremely effulgent – 274, 276 (See also – Goloka V®ndåvana, Spiritual
· as time – 286
· as unlimited – 274, 276, 277, 279, 280, planets, Supreme Abode, Vraja, V®ndåvana)
290 Vaiçampåyana – xvi
· demigods within – 272, 275, 279, 290 Vaiß√ava (s) –
· described – 274–277, 279–283 · bhakti-yogîs also known as – 304
· devotee not charmed by – 277 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta on bad association
· includes entire cosmos – 272, 274 for – 362
· invokes fear – 277, 279–281, 283 · may come to K®ß√a in one lifetime –
· K®ß√a gives Arjuna eyes to see – 272, 308
273 · prayer to – xix, xxi
· K®ß√a reveals – 271, 273 (See also – Bhakti-yogî, Devotee)
· makes three worlds fearful – 279 Vaiß√avîya-tantra-såra –
· mouths of – 277, 281–283 · cited on glories of Bhagavad-gîtå – 449,
· not important for students of bhakti- 450
yoga – 277 Vaiçya –
· not perceptible to material eyes – 272, · as member of social order – 114, 115,
273 431, 432
· not seen by anyone before – 293, 294 · can attain K®ß√a – 240
· not seen by study of Vedas, sacrifices, · classified according to work – 431
etc – 295, 297 · in caste system –115
· only revealed by K®ß√a – 273 · natural activities of – 432, 433
· prayed to by demigods – 280 · necessity of – 435
· prayed to by sages – 279, 289 Vaivasvata Manu – 101
· warriors entering into mouth of – 282, Våk - 261
286 Våkya – 414
· worship of – 231 Våmana – 106, 278
Upadeçåm®ta – Våmana Purå√a –
· cited on spiritual abode of K®ß√a – 444 · on significance of Kurukßetra – xvii
Upanißads – Vaµçi-va†a – xxiii
· as part of Vedic literature – 368 Vånaprastha – 136, 414
· on K®ß√a as Supreme – 31 Varåha – 106, 278
559
Varåha Purå√a – · chanting oµ before activities prescribed
· cited on devotee at time of death – 208 in – 407
Var√a –114, 115 (See also – Social orders, · concept of nomads writing – 83
Var√åçrama) · divided into four – 368
Var√åçrama – 433, 437 (See also – Social · Eurocentric academics and – 83
orders, Var√a) · glorify K®ß√a as Supreme Person – 369
Vårß√eya – 22 (See also – K®ß√a – as · Hari-vaμça cited on no text greater
descendant of V®ß√i) than – 371
Varu√a – 259, 290 · Hari-vaμça on K®ß√a known through
Vasiß†ha – – 368
· as Brahman realised – 304 · indirect worship of K®ß√a through
· as one of Seven Sages – 248 three – 234
· quoted on aggressors – 33 · karma as action prescribed in – 79
Vasiß†ha-sm®ti – · knower of Absolute realises purpose
· cited on six aggressors – 33 of – 55
Vaçitva-siddhi – 58 · knower of banyan tree is knower of –
Vasudeva – 246 359
Våsudeva (K®ß√a) – · knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå found
· as source of everything – 193, 195 in – 321
· Bhågavatam on Absolute Truth as – 394 · K®ß√a as Absolute Truth in – 31, 128
· in Dvårakå – 444 · K®ß√a as eternal Absolute known by
· K®ß√a as – 262 – 276
· Nårada-pañcaråtra on Brahman as non- · K®ß√a as knower of – 367, 368
different from – 307 · K®ß√a as oµ in – 186
· Sañjaya hearing conversation of – 451 · K®ß√a as Såma amongst – 257
· shows four-armed form – 296 · K®ß√a known through – 367, 368
Våsuki – 259 · manifest from oμ tat sat – 407
Vasus – 257, 272, 280 · manifests from gåyatrî-mantra – 190
Våyu (Demigod) – 290 · Matsya rescues – 278
Våyu (Element of air) – 182 (See also – Air) · misinterpretation of – 52, 57
Vedånta-sütra – · monotheistic concept found in – 81
· Absolute Truth within – 31 · no mention of original homeland in
· Brahmavådî’s study of – 308 – 83
· cited on everything manifesting from · no perfection or happiness for one who
Supreme – 368 neglects – 386
· cited on inquiry into Brahman – 203 · one with divine nature studies – 377
· five factors of actions explained in – · originate from Absolute Truth. – 83
419 · oμ tat sat described by – 407, 409
· given up by great philosophers for bhakti · prescribed activities originate from – 83
– 107, · sacrifice of knowledge by studying –
· knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå within – 121, 123
321 · suk®ti develops after many lifetimes
· K®ß√a as revealer of – 367 following – 394, 395
· oµ manifesting – 190 · transcendental to material nature means
Vedas – accepting –394
· and modes of nature – 54 · transcending rituals of – 174
· and soma –236 · universal form not seen by study of –
· Arjuna asks about neglecting rules of 295, 297
– 391, 393 · varieties of sacrifices explained in – 122
· attaining higher planets by studying – · verbal austerity as recitation of – 402
221, 236 · vow of celibacy taken by scholars of
· austerities with no basis in – 392, 395 – 212
· Brahmå as first being according to – 79 · worship not in conjunction with – 394
560
· yama as study of – 155 · result of acts of – 173
· yogî surpasses results of studying – 221 · sat uttered during activities that are
Vegetarian – – 408
· food healthier than meat – 435 · seekers of self-realisation most – 193
· food in mode of goodness – 397 · suk®ti arises by association with –
· food in mode of ignorance – 398 Viçåkhå – xx
· food in mode of passion – 397 Viçiß†hådvaita – 109
· food offered to Viß√u/K®ß√a – 82, 239 Viß√u –
· servants of Viß√u/K®ß√a are – 82 · all activities meant for sacrifice to – 76,
(See also – Non-vegetarian) 77
Vibhu – 143 · Arjuna addresses universal form as –
Victory – 281, 283
· Arjuna has no desire for – 17 · as gu√åvatåra – 217
· Arjuna will enjoy Earth if he has – 50, · as Supreme according to Vedic
51 knowledge – 82
· heads of state desiring – 383 · avatåras in Vaiku√†ha – 444
· equanimity in face of defeat or – 50 · Bhågavatam on hearing & chanting
· K®ß√a as conduct of those that desire about – 252
– 262 · brahma-nirvå√am referring to – 68
· K®ß√a as – 261 · Brahman refers to K®ß√a or – 67
· where there is K®ß√a & Arjuna, there · Brahmå manifest directly by – 79
is – 452 · Dh®ta ‰g Veda on oµ and – 189
Vidura – xvi · Gîtå-måhatmyå on reciting Gîtå one
Vietnam – 10 attains abode of – 449
Vijñåna – 38, 180 · K®ß√a as – 257
(See also – Jñåna, Knowledge, Realisation. · meditation in Satya-yuga on – 108
Self-realisation, Wisdom) · non-vegetarian food not offered to – 82
Vijñånamaya – 38 · Padma Purå√a on always remembering
Vikarma – – 443
· actions for K®ß√a not like – 119 · Padma Purå√a on deliverer of liberation
· as actions against Vedic injunctions as – 197
– 58 · sacrifice to – 76, 77, 82
· as unauthorised actions – 57 · Supreme Being or Super Consciousness
· understanding – 116, 118 as – 80
Vikar√a – 5 · ‰g Veda cited on feet of – 82
Violence – (See also – Absolute Truth, God, K®ß√a,
· Arjuna asks why K®ß√a wants him to Mahå-Viß√u, Nåråya√a, Paramåtmå, Super
commit – 73 Consciousness, Supreme Being)
· as negative quality – 22, Viß√u-dharmottara Purå√a –
· home should be free from – 161 · cited on remembrance of K®ß√a – 207
· in mode of passion – 424
· material existence flawed with – 7 Viß√u Purå√a –
(See also – Non-violence) · on qualities of Bhagavån – 30
Vipralipså – 351 · on K®ß√a – 32
Virå†a – 5, 10 · on position of Brahman – 307
Virtue/Virtuous Viß√u Svåmî – 109, 128
· fallen devotee again becomes – 240 Viçvarüpa – (See – Universal form)
· four kinds of people surrendered to Viçuddha-cakra – 210
K®ß√a as – 192 Viçuddha-sattva – 394
· Gîtå-måhåtmya on Bhagavad-gîtå Viçvadevas – 280
bestowing all – 449 Viçvanåtha Cakravartî –
· message of K®ß√a according to · cited on K®ß√a’s acintya-çakti – 247
Bhågavatam – 453 · commentary on Bhagavad-gîtå – xiv,
561
· on anådi – 331 · analogy of fire and – 214
· on bhakti, jñåna & karma in Bhagavad- · analogy of lotus leaf and – 140
gîtå – xiii · as material element – 96, 105, 181, 182,
· on brahma-nirvå√am – 68 184, 320
· on oµ – 189 · as åpa – 182
Vivasvån – 101–103 (See also – Sun-god, · cannot wet individual consciousness –
Sürya) 43, 44
Vraja – · forefathers offered libations of food
· as Supreme Abode of K®ß√a – 445 and – 20
· B®had-bhågavatåm®ta on following · K®ß√a as bodies of – 258
people of – 219 · K®ß√a as inhabitants of – 259
· Caitanya-mata-mañjußa on worship by · K®ß√a as presiding deity of – 290
wives of – 372 · K®ß√a as taste of – 186
· hidden meaning of word – 445 · like nectar in Goloka according to
(See also – Goloka V®ndåvana, Spiritual Brahma-saµhitå – 447
planets, Supreme Abode, Vaiku√†ha, · manifest from subtle form – 184
V®ndåvana) · offered with devotion to K®ß√a – 237,
V®ndå – xxiv 238
V®ndåvana – · yogîs giving up – 238
· Caitanya-mata-mañjußa on most War –
worshippable – 372 · acceptable when aggression occurs – 33
· guru gives – xx · Arjuna should not refuse to fight
· included in land of Vraja – 445 righteous – 48
· K®ß√a appeared as a youth in – 264 · as unavoidable karmic destiny of human
· K®ß√a as lover of gopîs of – xxiii civilisation – 6
· K®ß√a performed pastimes of love in · at Kurukßetra different to other wars
– 285 – 11,12
· pastimes in Tenth Canto of Bhågavatam · at Kurukßetra inevitable – xvii
– 285
· at Kurukßetra was righteous – 48
· Rådhå-Govinda in – xxiii
· Bhagavad-gîtå spoken on first day of
· Rådhårå√î as Queen of – xxiv
– xviii
· Sanat-kumåra Saμhitå on K®ß√a in –
· corruption of government officials leads
285
to – 433, 434
· superior to Mathurå according to
· due to greed,hatred or religious
Upadeçåm®ta – 444
· Upadeçåm®ta on Govardhana as superior prejudice – 11
to – 444, 445 · Duryodhana’s warriors expert in art
(See also – Goloka V®ndåvana, Vraja) of – 5
V®ßabhånu – xxiv · fine line between peace and – 7
V®ß√i – 22, 23, 94, 262 · fortunate warriors have opportunity to
Vyåghra – 399 fight righteous – 48
Vyåsa – · greed for wealth culminates in – 162
· and disciples wrote – xvi · idea of ‘God is on our side’ in – 11
· confirms K®ß√a as Supreme – 254 · Kurukßetra was fratricidal – 12
· K®ß√a amongst philosophers is – 262 · K®ß√a refuses to take sides in
· Mahåbhårata composed by – xv Kurukßetra – xvii
· Sañjaya as disciple of – xviii · modern wars in Vietnam, Iraq &
· Sañjaya heard Bhagavad-gîtå by mercy Afghanistan – 10
of – 452 · nothing new to world – 6
(See also – Fighting)
-W- Warrior(s) –
· and administrators everywhere – 432
Water – · Arjuna as –xiii, 15, 29, 32, 33, 48, 50,
· analogy of boat on – 309 420
562
· Arjuna desires to see Duryodhana’s · universal form holding – 274, 276 , 293
– 13 Welfare work –
· Arjuna disgraced by illustrious – 49 · as noble, but not karma-yoga – 137
· Arjuna’s natural propensity as – 29, 48 · Caitanya-caritåm®ta on devotees
· Duryodhana names his – 5 performing – 195
· Duryodhana names På√∂ava’s – 4 · for all living beings – 147, 195
· facing enemy as duty of – 32
(See also – Philanthropy)
· Gîtå Govinda on Paraçuråma slaying
– 278 Western philosophy
· K®ß√a reminds Arjuna of his position · and Vedic knowledge – 81
as –428 · mind conceived of as self in – 166
· Manu-saµhitå on aggressors to be killed Western world
by – 33 · Bhagavad-gîtå highly appreciated in – xv
· on battlefield have always existed – 36 · Bhaktivedånta Svåmî distributing bhakti
· on opposite side will be killed – 286 in – xxi
· ready to give up lives for Duryodhana · cats & dogs in – 54, 398
–5 Wind –
· righteous war is best course for – 48 · analogy of fragrance carried by – 362,
(See also – Kßatriya) 364
Wealth – · analogy of ship swept away by – 64
· Arjuna has no desire for – 28 · analogy of sky and – 228
· asuras intoxicated by – 384 · as purifier – 260
· asuras try to amass – 381, 383 · controlling mind like controlling– 167,
· desire for – 162 169
· hoarded by small minority – 406 · K®ß√a as – 260
· K®ß√a approached by those that seek – Wisdom –
191, 193 · and proper engagement interdependent
· K®ß√a as greatest – 233 – 75
· leaders stealing – 85 · Arjuna asks about one situated in
· liberated person not motivated by – 354 divine – 59
· men fighting to fulfil greed for – 6 · as knowledge of self – 260
· mode of passion & gathering – 427 · as natural to bråhma√a – 432
· of Bhagavad-gîtå – 406 · Bhagavad-gîtå surpasses all books in – xi
· of knowledge for perfection of life – · by knowing K®ß√a one finds – 370
323 · even most impious can board boat
· Padma Purå√a on gurus stealing of – 125
disciple’s – 129 · fruitive activities inferior to yoga of
· rituals that reward – 52 – 56
· Viß√u Purå√a on Bhagavån possessing · karma burned by fire of – 125
all – 30 · knowledge of åtmå is key to Vedic – 34
· vånaprasthas relinquish – 414 · K®ß√a as –187, 260
· world has enough – 406 · K®ß√a’s opinion of action and – 73, 74
· yogî does not accumulate – 162 · no meditation without – 64
Weapons · of Bhagavad-gîtå given by K®ß√a – 355
· cannot cut individual consciousness · one bereft of self-control cannot attain
– 43 – 64, 65
· K®ß√a as Råmacandra amongst wielders · path of – 74
of – 260 · qualities of one established in divine –
· K®ß√a as thunderbolt amongst – 259 60, 61, 64, 65
· Manu-saμhitå on one who attacks · result of ignoring Bhagavad-gîtå’s – 42
with – 33 (See also – Intelligence, Jñåna, Knowledge,
· of detachment to cut banyan tree – 360 Realisation, Self-realisation, Vijñåna)
563
Women – · of K®ß√a by four types of people – 191
· K®ß√a as – 261 · of K®ß√a by impious – 239
· taking shelter of K®ß√a – 240 · of K®ß√a by studying Bhagavad-gîtå –
· unrighteousness results in degradation 448
of – 19 · of K®ß√a through mahå-mantra – 138
Wonder drugs – 47 · of K®ß√a with many forms – 191
· of K®ß√a with sacrifice of knowledge
Work –
– 19
· and results of – 55, 424
· of K®ß√a – 175, 191, 196, 199, 231,
· bråhma√as, kßatriyas, vaiçyas & çüdras
234, 235, 237, 239, 241, 249, 250, 251,
classified by – 431, 432, 433
252, 309, 330, 370, 394, 401, 403, 435,
· by wise is without attachment – 87
442, 443
· for K®ß√a – 310, 311
· of ordinary men according to ˆçopanißad
· for Viß√u – 76
– 271
· mode of goodness and – 355, 424
· of pagans – 80
· mode of ignorance and – 355, 425
· of Råmacandra – 444
· mode of passion and – 355, 424
· of Supreme person awards perfection
· Paramåtmå never subject to reactions
– 435
of – 338
· of Viß√u avatåras – 444
· prescribed – 115
· of Våsudeva in Dvårakå – 444
· to earn money & purchase – 113
· Padma Purå√a on K®ß√a’s – 31
(See also – Action) · with faith & neglecting Vedas – 391, 393
Worship –
· arcana as – 109 -Y-
· Ådi Ça∫kara on K®ß√a’s – 305
· as physical austerity – 401, 403 Yådava – 291
· at home – 161 Yajña – 76, 393 (See also – Sacrifice)
· Bhågavatam on Deity – 108 Yajur Veda – 233, 368
· Bhågavatam on K®ß√a’s – 310, 394 Yakßas – 257, 280
· Bhågavatam on – 252 Yama (a part of yoga) – 155
· Brahma-saµhi†å on Govinda’s – 445– Yama (Demigod of death) – 259, 290
447 Yamunå – 161, 264, 278, 284
· by bhakti-yogîs of K®ß√a – 231 Yoga –
· Caitanya-mata-mañjußa on K®ß√a’s – · action for beginner in – 154
372 · action for one practiced in – 154
· Deity – 108, 109 · and control of mind – 164, 166, 167,
· demigod – 110, 113, 194, 195, 196, 197, 169, 171, 172, 209, 213
235, 237, 392, 393, 394 · Arjuna asks how K®ß√a taught Vivasvån
· Gopåla-tåpanî Upanißad on K®ß√a’s –32 – 102
· idol – 109 · Arjuna asks who is situated in – 303
· in Abrahamic religions – 80 · Arjuna’s problem with – 169, 170, 171
· in mode of goodness – 393, 392 · as becoming situated beyond modes
· in mode of ignorance – 393, 392 – 57
· in mode of passion – 393, 392 · as best of all activities – 56
· in pure goodness – 394 · Bhagavad-gîtå as principle handbook
· love required for K®ß√a’s – 252 of – xi
· nature – 283 · Bhagavad-gîtå delineates topmost system
· of ancestors – 237, 394 of – 452
· of best of yogîs – 175 · Bhakti-yoga as only recommended
· of ghosts & spirits – 237, 394 process of – 162
· of impersonal aspect of Absolute – 306 · bhakti-yogî engaged in topmost system
· of K®ß√a as universal form – 191 of – 58
· of K®ß√a as Çyåmasundara – 444 · chanting mantras in – 188
564
· communities & talk of karma – 118 · of wisdom superior to fruitive activities
· consciousness complete through process – 56
of – 145 · other systems of – 58, 62
· decline in dharma with loss of · perfection of – 57, 125
knowledge of – 106 · practiced in India for thousands of
· defined – 163, 164 years – 160
· detachment in – 154 · practiced with determination &
· devotee as self-satisfied practitioner unwavering mind – 164
of – 312 · practice for purification – 158
· difficult to find appropriate place to · remaining steadfast in – 119
practice – 161 · result of one that falls from practice
· difficulty of other systems of – 58, 211 of – 173–176
· eating & sleeping in – 160 · sacrifice of possessions through practice
· eight mystical perfections of – 58, 59 of – 121
· equipoise in – 55 · samådhi in – 53
· everyone should study & practice – 103 · sannyåsa same as – 153
· external practices within – 166 · scholars & philosophers gave up other
· food and – 239 systems of – 107
· four goals of human society do not lead · self and – 166
to – 372 · sense-control and – 213, 214
· goal of – 160, 214 · simple life while engaging in – 119
· greatest secret of – 226 · tattva-darçî instructs disciple in – 126
· healthy body not aim of – 214 · three principle objects of meditation
· hearing & chanting about K®ß√a as in – 156
topmost – 251 · uniting with K®ß√a in – 248
· in mode of goodness – 427 (See also – Aß†å∫ga-yoga, Bhakti-yoga,
· in modern yoga studios & societies – Ha†ha-yoga, Karma-yoga, Kriyå-yoga,
211 ku√∂alinî-yoga, Meditation, Råja-yoga)
· karma cannot bind one who practices Yoga-måyå – 192, 197, 198
– 130 Yoga-sütras – 155
· knowing K®ß√a through practice of – Yogeçvara – 58, 271 (See also – K®ß√a – as
179 Master of yoga)
· knowledge sacrifice essential for Yogî (s) –
students of – 123 · actions with proper knowledge makes
· K®ß√a again teaching Arjuna science one true – 75
of – 102 · and food – 398
· K®ß√a as Master of – ix, x, 58, 59, 203, · Arjuna as self-realised – 171
452, 453 · as bhakti-yogîs – 58
· K®ß√a as ultimate authority in – 206 · aspires for samådhi – 59
· K®ß√a conception as topmost system · association of – 395
of – 149 · attains object of desired perfection –
· K®ß√a gave Vivasvån knowledge of – 156, 157
101 · attains Supreme Abode – 213, 221, 324
· K®ß√a tells Arjuna to be firm in – 55, · avoid entanglement with material world
220 – 238
· K®ß√a tells Arjuna to engage in – 56, · best of – 168, 175, 304, 305
130 · bhakti-yogî is topmost–58, 221, 304,
· living in holy place to practice – 161 305
· meditation in – 148, 156, 209, 210 · Brahman realised – 156, 157, 212, 304
· modern systems of meditation in – 148 · charlatan – 65
· most important knowledge in world · claim of aß†a-siddhis – 59
– 103 · concentration of – 158, 159, 161, 163
· not meant for studio lessons – 103 · controls mind – 159, 165, 166
565
· controls senses – 146, 153, 158, 165
· destination of fallen – 172–176
· draws life-airs to eyebrows – 210, 211
· eating & sleeping of – 160
· equal vision of – 157, 162, 249
· free from duality – 249
· know Goloka as Supreme Abode – 363,
447
· knows K®ß√a resides in all beings – 168
· K®ß√a as cherished object of meditation
for – 284
· K®ß√a as Master of – 270
· K®ß√a as – 255
· K®ß√a tells Arjuna to become – 175,
176
· modern – 211
· must conquer lust – 97
· nirgu√a-çraddhå in heart of – 395
· Padma Purå√a on K®ß√a not in hearts
of – 251
· Paramåtmå-realised – 156, 157
· perfect – 146
· perform sacrifices to demigods – 120
· performs prescribed duties & renounces
results of actions – 153
· qualities of true – 146, 147, 158, 166
· remembers K®ß√a – 213
· sacrifice possessions through penances
–121
· sacrifice through knowledge – 121
· sees inaction in action & action within
inaction – 116
· sees Supreme – 330
· sees åtmå situated within – 363
· should try to live in holy place – 161
· situated in bhakti-yoga – 58
· strives for self-satisfaction, knowledge
– 162
· superior to tapasvî, jñånî & karmî – 174
· surpasses modes of nature – 57
· time of departure for – 219–221
· try to give up sense activities – 62
· two different paths for – 219, 220
(See also – Bhakti-yogî, Devotee)
Yudhåmanyu – 4
Yudhiß†hira – xvi, 10
Yuga-dharma – 106
Yuga – 215
Yugåvatåra – 106, 107 (See also – Avatåra)
-Z-
Zoroaster – 81
Zwicky, Fritz – 183
566
Svami B.G. Narasingha
Svåmî Bhakti Gaurava Narasi∫gha was

born in 1946 in the USA and grew up
in California, Florida and Hawaii. His
first introduction to yoga was through
Svåmî Viß√udevånanda and his first
contact with the Bhagavad-gîtå was through reading Autobiog-
raphy of a Yogi by Yogånanda. In 1967, Svåmî Narasi∫gha met
A.C. Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda and in 1970 became his
direct disciple and student of the Bhagavad-gîtå. In 1976 Svåmî
Narasi∫gha became a sannyåsî (monk) and travelled extensively
for many years in India. In the period between 1986 and 1999,
Svåmî Narasi∫gha also studied under the renowned masters
Svåmî B.R. Çrîdhara and Svåmî B.P. Purî.
In 1994 Svåmî Narasi∫gha established Çrî Narasi∫gha Cait-

anya Åçrama (also known as Govindajî Gardens) and also
the Kaliya-mardana K®ß√a Åçrama in South India. At both of
these centres, Svåmî Narasi∫gha currently instructs students,
disciples and followers in the methodology and philosophy of
Bhagavad-gîtå.
Svåmî Narasi∫gha has written many articles for such spiritual

journals as Clarion Call, Gau∂îya Vedånta, Gau∂îya Touchstone
and K®ß√aTalk. He has also authored several books such as
Vaiß√ava India, Kumbha Mela, Evolution of Theism, The Au-
thorized Çrî Caitanya-Sårasvata Paramparå, The Meaning of
Sannyåsa, Çrî Dåmodara-kathå, Çrî Gåyatrî Måntrårtha Dîpikå,
Pråk®ta-rasa Åra√ya-chedinî, Prabhupåda Vijaya, Yoga Vichar,
567
as well as a commentary to Bhaktisiddhånta Sarasvatî ˇhåku-
ra’s Pråk®ta-rasa Çata-dusinî.
In addition to these literary contributions of his own, Svåmî

Narasi∫gha has edited and published In Search of the Ultimate
Goal of Life by A.C. Bhaktivedånta Svåmî Prabhupåda, Words
from the Guardian of Devotion, Follow the Angels, Encounters
with Divinity, and Upadeçåmrta by Svåmî B.R. Çrîdhara as well
as the book Prabhupåda Sarasvatî ˇhåkura, describing the life
and precepts of Bhaktisiddhånta Sarasvatî ˇhåkura with many
rare photos.
Svåmî Narasi∫gha has also been the inspiration behind Devavi-

sion Productions, producing documentaries such as The Univer-
sal Teacher, Kumbha Mela, Gandaki and Himalayan Pilgrimage.
Devavision Productions has also produced a series of lectures by
Svåmî B.R. Çrîdhara such as Gåyatrî, Absolute Harmony, Darça-
na, Ujjvala-nîlama√i, Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread
as well as The Art of Sådhana series by Svåmî B. P. Purî.
Svåmî Narasi∫gha spends much of his time in India, sharing

his knowledge of Bhagavad-gîtå, and in Mexico, where he has a
number of åçramas. Svåmî Narasi∫gha also visits various coun-
tries in Europe where he has students in Czech Republic, Slo-
vakia, Italy and Germany.
For more information on the books, articles and lectures of

Svåmî Narasi∫gha please visit the following URLs:
www.swaminarasingha.com
www.rupanugabhajanashram.com
568

Secret Knowledge

Uploaded by

Document Informationclick to expand document information

Document Informationclick to expand document information

Copyright:

Available Formats

Secret Knowledge

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Secret Knowledge

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

with commentary by

GAURANGA VANI PUBLISHERS

RUPANUGA BHAJAN ASHRAM

Senior Editor – Svåmî Giri

Copyright 2022 GAURANGA VANI PUBLISHERS

CHAPTER 2 Så∫khya Yoga 25

CHAPTER 3 Karma Yoga 71

CHAPTER 4 Jñåna Yoga 99

CHAPTER 5 Karma-Sannyåsa Yoga 133

CHAPTER 6 Dhyåna Yoga 151

CHAPTER 7 Jñåna-Vijñåna Yoga 177

CHAPTER 9 Råja Guhya Yoga 223

CHAPTER 10 Vibhüti Yoga 243

CHAPTER 11 Viçvarüpa Darçana Yoga 267

CHAPTER 12 Bhakti Yoga 301

CHAPTER 13 Prak®ti-Purußa Viveka Yoga 317

CHAPTER 14 Gu√a-Traya Vibhåga Yoga 341

CHAPTER 15 Purußottama Yoga 357

CHAPTER 16 Daivåsura Sampad Vibhåga Yoga 375

CHAPTER 18 Mokßa Yoga 411

Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide 456

yatra yogeçvara˙ k®ß√o yatra pårtho dhanur-dhara˙

Where there is Çrî K®ß√a, the Master of yoga, and

Svåmî B.B. Viß√u

Svåmî B.G. Narasi∫gha

August 22nd, 2011

Since time immemorial, the Bhagavad-gîtå has been a

I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavad-gîtå. It was the

Originally, the Bhagavad-gîtå is part of the ancient his-

Svåmî B.V. Giri

He is the best of millions of jagad-gurus, because he is the

He is constantly engaged in the exclusive service to his guru,

hare k®ß√a hare k®ß√a k®ß√a k®ß√a hare hare

Behold, O great teacher, the military formation of the

Peace, on the other hand, is rather elusive. Peace is

vad-gîtå. But in the Bhagavad-gîtå one will find knowl-

tata˙ çvetair hayair yukte mahati syandane sthitau

drupado draupadeyåç ca sarvaça˙ p®thivî-pate

wherein underestimating the will of a people has led to the

vas that they were correct in destroying their enemies?

Sañjaya continued: O descendant of Bharata, being thus

Seeing all his relatives before him on the battlefield,

philosopher, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph

na ca çreyo’nupaçyåmi hatvå svajanam åhave

yadyapyete na paçyanti lobhopahatachetasa˙

Sañjaya said: Having thus spoken these words, Arjuna cast

By addressing K®ß√a as the descendant of the V®ß√i

ॐ तिदित ीमहाभारते शतसाहां संिहतायां

O Pårtha, give up this unmanliness. It does not befit you.

na caitad vidma˙ kataranno garîyo

aiçvaryasya samagrasya vîryasya yaçasa˙ çriya˙

Additionally, Jîva Gosvåmî, the 16th Century Vaiß√ava

lute Truth. These findings have been corroborated by many

îçvara˙ parama˙ k®ß√a˙ sac-cid-ånanda vigraha˙

ete cåµça kalå˙ puµsa˙ k®ß√as tu bhagavån svayam

harir eva sadårådhya˙ sarva-deveçvareçvara˙

tasmåt k®ß√a eva paro devas taµ dhyåyet

k®ßir bhü-våcaka˙ çabdo √aç ca nirv®ti-våcaka˙