Key Teachings
Karma Yoga
The path of selfless action without attachment to results.
Bhakti Yoga
The path of exclusive devotion and love for God.
Jnana Yoga
The path of knowledge and wisdom to distinguish reality from illusion.
Chapters
Summary of all 18 chapters
Arjuna Vishada Yoga
The Yoga of Arjuna's Dejection
Arjuna requests Krishna to move his chariot between the two armies. Seeing his relatives and friends on the opposing side, he is overcome with despair and refuses to fight.
Sankhya Yoga
The Yoga of Analysis
Krishna begins his teachings by explaining the distinction between the temporary body and the eternal soul (Atman). He urges Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment to results.
Karma Yoga
The Yoga of Action
Krishna explains that everyone must engage in some sort of activity. He prescribes Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action performed as a sacrifice to the Divine.
Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga
The Yoga of Knowledge
Krishna reveals the history of this ancient yoga, the nature of his divine descent (Avatar), and the path of transcendental knowledge.
Karma Sanyasa Yoga
The Yoga of Renunciation
Krishna compares the path of renunciation of actions with the path of selfless action, concluding that the latter is better for the seeker.
Dhyana Yoga
The Yoga of Meditation
Krishna describes the process of meditation (Dhyana Yoga) to control the mind and attain self-realization.
Jnana Vijnana Yoga
The Yoga of Knowledge and Wisdom
Krishna reveals his absolute nature as the source of both material and spiritual energies.
Akshara Brahma Yoga
The Yoga of the Imperishable Brahman
Krishna explains the importance of the last thought at the moment of death and how to attain the supreme destination.
Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga
The Yoga of Sovereign Science
Krishna reveals the most confidential knowledge about his supreme nature and the power of pure devotion.
Vibhuti Yoga
The Yoga of Divine Glories
Arjuna asks Krishna to describe his divine opulences. Krishna describes his infinite manifestations in the universe.
Vishvarupa Darshana Yoga
The Yoga of the Universal Form
Krishna grants Arjuna divine vision and reveals his spectacular and terrifying Universal Form (Vishvarupa).
Bhakti Yoga
The Yoga of Devotion
Krishna extols the path of devotion (Bhakti) as the easiest and highest path to attain him.
Kshetra Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of Distinction
Krishna distinguishes between the Field (the body/matter) and the Knower of the Field (the soul/consciousness).
Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of the Three Modes
Krishna explains the three modes of material nature: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance).
Purushottama Yoga
The Yoga of the Supreme Person
Krishna describes the metaphorical tree of material existence and reveals himself as the Supreme Divine Person.
Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of Divine and Demoniac Natures
Krishna describes the divine and demoniac qualities found in human beings.
Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of Threefold Faith
Krishna classifies faith, food, sacrifice, austerity, and charity into the three modes of nature.
Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
The Yoga of Liberation
In the conclusion, Krishna summarizes the teachings of the Gita and asks Arjuna to abandon all varieties of dharma and surrender unto Him.