The Bhagavad-gita is a book of profound wisdom. One way to unpack its wisdom is by looking at its verses at multiple levels. Let’s consider seven broad levels. 

Verse level: By focusing on the verse itself, analyzing its words, their sequence, connotations and denotations, we can ask: “What does the verse mean in terms of its language and structure?” 

Chapter level: By considering the verse’s implication within the thought-flow of the chapter to which it belongs, we can ask: “What does the verse mean within its chapter?” 

Philosophy level: The Gita integrates many prevalent schools of philosophical thought — such as Vedanta and Sankhya — to offer its own distinctive metaphysical worldview. To better grasp the Gita’s worldview, we can ask: “What does this verse mean in terms of the Gita’s overall philosophy?”

Krishna-Arjuna discussion level: Given that the Gita is spoken by Krishna to address Arjuna’s ethical conundrum about whether to fight or not, we can ask, “What does this verse mean for Arjuna on the battlefield?” 

Devotional application level: The Gita helps us develop our personal relationship with the Divine — indeed, studying it is worshiping Krishna with our intelligence (18.70). To access the Gita at this level, we can ask, “How can this verse help me connect more with Krishna? 

Spiritual application level: For millennia, the Gita has functioned as a concise handbook for spiritual seekers pursuing various paths. To find such insight, we can ask, “How can this verse guide me in my spiritual evolution?”

Human application level: The Gita offers wisdom that can help all human beings live more meaningfully. To that end, we can ask, “How can this verse add value to my life?”

These seven levels are not exhaustive — we could consider other levels such as Sanskrit grammar level or Gita chapter section level. Additionally, all Gita verses may not lend themselves easily to all levels of analysis. Still, this multi-level framework can be a powerful tool to find fresh meaning in our Gita study. 

One-sentence summary: 

The Gita’s verses can be understood at seven broad levels: verse level, chapter level, philosophy level, Krishna-Arjuna discussion level, devotional application level, spiritual application level and human application level. 

Think it over: 

  • In your Gita study, which of the seven levels do you usually gravitate toward?
  • Consider one of your favorite Gita verses. At which level does that verse speak to you?
  • Consider a Gita verse that is tough for you to understand. Does analyzing it from one of these levels help you grasp it better? 

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18.70: And I declare that he who studies this sacred conversation of ours worships Me by his intelligence.

To know more about this verse, please click on the image