Introduction
The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, is more than a spiritual text; it’s a blueprint for living. It gives us meaning, purpose, and the ability to cope with the daily struggles, confusion, and mental anguish. But for many the Sanskrit verses are hard to get a handle on. It is the endeavour of this blog to post translations of a few significant shlokas of the Gita in easy to understand English along with insights into the meaning of such shoklas in every day language so that the great wisdom is available to all.
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the texts of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, taking place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna — confused and moral troubled about fighting in the war. The Lord Krishna, being his charioteer, infuses spiritual knowledge into him.
It’s not confined to religion or rituals, it is the art of living, managing emotions, karma, dharma, understanding the self.
Why to read Gita in Easy English?
• To apply its lessons to actual situations in life
• To find out the meaning of karma and life
• For answers when we’re confused and unsure
• To train the mind to remain calm, peaceful, and clear
Selected Verses translated in English Text explained in English
1.Slokas (Chapter 2, Verse 47)
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Translation (Simple English):
You have the right to do what is due of you, but not to the results of your deeds. Do not work only for reward, and do not forget the obligation.
Explanation:
Krishna’s teaching is that we should concentrate on our actions — not be obsessed with the outcome. This lowers anxiety and helps us be honest and real in our approach.
2. Shloka (Chapter 4, Verse 7)
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदाऽअत्मानं सृजाम्यहम्॥
The text highlights a verse that implies divine intervention is assured whenever the world falls into imbalance, characterized by declining righteousness and increasing evil. It suggests that these spiritual interferences restore balance in chaotic times, providing hope amidst prevailing injustice.
3. Shloka (Chapter 2, Verse 13)
देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा।
तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति॥
Translation (Simple English):
Just as the body moves from childhood to youth to old age, the soul moves on to another body after death. The wise are not disturbed by this.
Explanation:
This teaches that the soul is eternal. Death is not an end, but a transition. Understanding this brings peace and reduces fear.
Translation (Simple English):
Just as the body moves from childhood to youth to old age, the soul moves on to another body after death. The wise are not disturbed by this.
Explanation:
This teaches that the soul is eternal. Death is not an end, but a transition. Understanding this brings peace and reduces fear.
4. Shloka (Chapter 6, Verse 5)
उद्धरेदात्मनाऽआत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
Translation (Simple English):
Lift yourself by your own efforts. Don’t let yourself fall. You are your own best friend and worst enemy.
Explanation:
This verse encourages self-discipline and responsibility. Instead of blaming others or depending on them, we must uplift ourselves.
5. Shloka (Chapter 18, Verse 66)
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥
Translation (Simple English):
Give up all forms of duties and surrender to Me alone. I will free you from all sins. Don’t worry.
Explanation:
Krishna concludes his teaching by telling Arjuna that surrender to the divine brings peace and freedom. Trust in a higher power removes fear and guilt.
Gita Teachings
1. Restrain Wants – Attachment brings pain.
2. Accept Responsibilities – Avoiding problems does not solve them.
3. Everything—Exercise, Work, Take a Break, Eat, Sleep, Rest, Think—requires Balance.
4. Care, But Not Indifferently – Work diligently, but do not desire outcomes.
5. Be Cognizant of the Spirit – Understand yourself beyond the physical and mental realm.
How to Start Exploring the Gita
• Begin with the second chapter of the Gita. It is called the Sankhya Yoga. It covers the soul and one’s duty.
• Recite and meditate on one shloka per day.
• Follow books or audio guides for your preferred dialect.
• Incorporate even one of the teachings into your everyday activities.
🔗 Helpful Resource
• Bhagavad Gita by Swami Sivananda (PDF)
• Gita Press – English & Hindi Editions
• YouTube – Gita in Easy English
Ending Statement
The Bhagavad Gita is certainly not meant only for the learned or holy men. It is for each one of us: students, professionals, housewives, and even managers. It’s teachings are everlasting. Grasping even a few verses in easy language can help us change our lives for the better.
Do not forget: The Gita does not require you to shift your faith; it only requires you to shift the way you look at things.
Gita’s journey commences today; let it be the torchbearer for you.
