Bhagavad Gita — Questions & Answers
A structured introduction to the Bhagavad Gita, its setting, teachings and major themes. Scripture-specific claims should be checked against the edition and commentary used on the corresponding Love of God page.
Questions & Answers
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna presented within the Mahabharata. It addresses spiritual knowledge, duty, action, devotion, meditation, the self and liberation.
Who speaks the Bhagavad Gita?
Krishna teaches Arjuna during the events surrounding the Kurukshetra war. The dialogue addresses Arjuna's crisis and his questions about duty, action and spiritual understanding.
How many chapters are in the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is traditionally organized into 18 chapters.
What are the main teachings of the Bhagavad Gita?
Major themes include the nature of the self, dharma, disciplined action, devotion, knowledge, meditation, detachment from results and liberation. Different traditions emphasize these teachings in different ways.
What is Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita?
Karma Yoga is the disciplined performance of one's duty without being attached to the fruits of action. The Gita connects action with a change in one's attitude toward its results.
What does the Bhagavad Gita teach about the self?
The Gita distinguishes the enduring self from the temporary body and discusses the self in relation to birth, death, action and spiritual realization.
What does the Bhagavad Gita teach about meditation?
The Gita discusses disciplined meditation, control of the mind and the cultivation of concentration and inner steadiness.
What does the Bhagavad Gita teach about devotion?
The Gita presents devotion to the Divine as an important spiritual path. The precise theological interpretation varies among traditions and commentarial schools.
What does the Bhagavad Gita teach about detachment?
The Gita teaches action without attachment to its fruits. Detachment does not simply mean avoiding action; it concerns the attitude with which action is performed.
How should the Bhagavad Gita be studied?
A useful approach is to study the Sanskrit or source text, a reliable translation, word meanings where available, traditional commentary and the historical or philosophical context together.