The Bhagavad Gita, meaning "The Song of God," is one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy and a cornerstone of Indian spiritual thought. It is a 700-verse dialogue from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, specifically from Book 6 (Bhishma Parva). Set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, it captures a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer.
As the two armies prepare for war, Arjuna is overcome with moral confusion and despair, unwilling to fight his own relatives, teachers, and friends. In response, Krishna delivers profound teachings on the nature of life, death, duty (dharma), the soul (atman), and the ultimate goal of human existence—self-realization and union with the Divine.
The Gita introduces various spiritual paths:
Karma Yoga – the path of selfless action,
Bhakti Yoga – the path of devotion to God,
Jnana Yoga – the path of knowledge and insight,
Raja Yoga – the path of meditation and discipline.
The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes inner strength, righteous living, and acting without attachment to results. Its universal message continues to inspire spiritual seekers, scholars, and leaders across the world.