Bhagavad Gita As It Is

The Song of God - Path to Self-Realization • by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Understanding the Gita

Total: 18 Chapters | 700 Verses

The Bhagavad Gita presents a sacred dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It explores dharma, karma, self-knowledge, and devotion through a progressive teaching that moves from confusion to clarity and surrender.

This mind map organizes all 18 chapters into three arcs: foundations of self and action, knowledge of the Absolute and devotion, and the final path to liberation through disciplined living and wholehearted surrender.

Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. — Bhagavad Gita 18.66
BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS
The Song of God - Path to Self-Realization
SECTION I: Foundation - Understanding the Self & Yoga Paths
Chapter 1
Observing the Armies
Vishada Yoga
Arjuna's dejection and confusion on the battlefield. He sees his relatives and becomes overwhelmed with grief, unwilling to fight. (46 verses)
Chapter 2
Contents of the Gita Summarized
Sankhya Yoga
The soul is eternal and indestructible. Krishna introduces karma-yoga and the nature of the self-realized person. This is the essence of the entire Gita. (72 verses)
Chapter 3
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga
Everyone must perform their prescribed duties without attachment to results. Action for the Supreme's pleasure liberates one from karma. (43 verses)
Chapter 4
Transcendental Knowledge
Jnana Yoga
The divine succession of spiritual knowledge. Understanding the relationship between the soul and God through devotional action purifies consciousness. (42 verses)
Chapter 5
Karma Yoga - Action in Krishna Consciousness
Karma Vairagya Yoga
Comparison between renunciation and karma-yoga. One who works in devotion achieves peace and liberation. (29 verses)
Chapter 6
Dhyana Yoga
Abhyasa Yoga / Dhyana Yoga
The practice of meditation and yoga. Controlling the mind and senses to focus on the Supersoul (Paramatma) in the heart. (47 verses)
SECTION II: Knowledge - Understanding God & Devotion
Chapter 7
Knowledge of the Absolute
Jnana Vijnana Yoga
Krishna is the supreme cause of everything, both material and spiritual. Knowing Him as everything, advanced souls surrender in pure devotion. (30 verses)
Chapter 8
Attaining the Supreme
Akshara Brahma Yoga
One's consciousness at death determines the next destination. By remembering Krishna throughout life and at death, one attains His supreme abode. (28 verses)
Chapter 9
The Most Confidential Knowledge
Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga
The supreme secret: devotional service (bhakti) to Krishna. The entire cosmic creation rests in Him, and the soul is eternally related to Him. (34 verses)
Chapter 10
The Opulence of the Absolute
Vibhuti Vistara Yoga
Krishna's divine manifestations and opulences throughout creation. All that is beautiful, powerful, and glorious emanates from Him. (42 verses)
Chapter 11
The Universal Form
Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga
Krishna reveals His cosmic form to Arjuna. The terrifying and awesome vision shows Krishna contains all universes within Himself. (55 verses)
Chapter 12
Devotional Service
Bhakti Yoga
The path of loving devotion to the personal form of God is superior to impersonal meditation. Qualities of a pure devotee are described. (20 verses)
SECTION III: Liberation - The Path to Perfection
Chapter 13
Nature, the Enjoyer, and Consciousness
Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
Understanding the body (kshetra), the soul (kshetrajna), and the Supersoul. Distinguishing between matter and spirit leads to liberation. (35 verses)
Chapter 14
The Three Modes of Material Nature
Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
The three gunas (goodness, passion, ignorance) bind the soul to material existence. Transcending them through devotion leads to liberation. (27 verses)
Chapter 15
The Yoga of the Supreme Person
Purushottama Yoga
The material world is like an inverted tree. Krishna is Purushottama, the Supreme Person beyond both fallible and infallible beings. (20 verses)
Chapter 16
The Divine and Demoniac Natures
Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
Distinction between divine qualities (leading to liberation) and demoniac qualities (leading to bondage). Following scriptures guides one properly. (24 verses)
Chapter 17
The Divisions of Faith
Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Faith, worship, food, and austerity are of three types according to the three modes. Actions in goodness lead to spiritual progress. (28 verses)
Chapter 18
Conclusion - The Perfection of Renunciation
Moksha Sannyasa Yoga
The final teaching: abandon all varieties of religion and surrender to Krishna alone. This is the most confidential knowledge and path to liberation. (78 verses (longest chapter))

Core Stoic Principles