What Arjuna knew about the soul — and what he didn’t
In the Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter, Arjuna expresses apprehension about going to hell (01.43). His mention of an afterlife indicates that he knows about the soul. [...]
What do Arjuna’s last three words in the Gita tell us about the Gita
Arjuna’s last words in the Bhagavad-gita are: “I will do your will.” (18.73: karishye vachanam tava). What do they tell us about Krishna’s message? That [...]
How Duryodhana’s speech reveals his mentality
The Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter describes how the sight of the Pandavas’ formidable military formation had Duryodhana unnerved (01.02). Given that his eleven divisions (akshahunis) far [...]
How the Gita’s first words point to its core theme
In the Bhagavad-gita’s first verse spoken by Dhritarashtra, the first words mean ‘at the place of dharma’ (dharma-kshetre). In this verse, the blind king asks [...]
Gita 01.28 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now for the first time [...]
Gita 01.29 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Arjuna is describing further symptoms [...]
What Arjuna saw changed how he saw
In the Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter, when Arjuna wanted to see those on the opposite side, he referred to them as “allies of the evil-minded son [...]
How could Arjuna speak when he couldn’t even hold his bow?
In the Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter, when Arjuna saw his relatives in the opposite army, he was so emotionally overwhelmed that his bow started slipping out [...]
Gita 01.27 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan In the middle of the [...]
Why the Gita begins with Dhirtarashtra’s words
The Bhagavad-gita is, as its very name indicates, God’s message in the form of a song. Why does the Gita begin with the words of [...]
Gita 01.25 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 1.25 bhīṣma-droṇa-pramukhataḥ sarveṣāṁ ca [...]
Why did Arjuna feel overwhelmed at Kurukshetra but not at Virata?
The Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter depicts how Arjuna was overwhelmed on seeing his relatives assembled on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (01.27). Why was Arjuna so overwhelmed? [...]
Krishna’s only words in the Gita’s first chapter
In the Bhagavad-gita’s first chapter, Krishna speaks only once (01.25): “O Partha, behold the Kurus assembled on the battlefield.” And he speaks these words after [...]
Gita 01.14 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Now the scene shifts to [...]
Why is the book called Bhagavad-gita when it contains words other than those of Bhagavan?
Among the Gita’s 700 verses, Krishna speaks 574 verses, Arjuna speaks 84, Sanjaya speaks 41 and Dhritarashtra 1. When the Gita contains words in addition [...]
Krishna’s remarkable first appearance in the Gita
In movies, the first appearance of the hero tells a lot about the hero’s character and about the movie’s caliber too. The first impression lasts. [...]
Gita 06.37 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya 33-37: Dealing with the mind, the [...]
Arjuna’s eighth question: What if one can’t practice yoga till one attains perfection?
In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Krishna addresses Arjuna’s concerns about the mind’s restlessness (06.33-34) by assuring him that practice will bring perfection (06.35-36). Krishna’s answer [...]
Gita 18.64 explained
Link to purport by A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Transcript of Bhakti-Shastri class on this verse by Chaitanya Charan Bg 18.64 sarva-guhyatamaṁ bhūyaḥ śṛṇu [...]
Arjuna’s seventh question: The mind is unmanageable
In the Bhagavad-gita’s sixth chapter, Krishna outlines the process of dhyana-yoga, which centers largely on maintaining equanimity of mind. In fact, serious dhyana-yoga begins with [...]
Are we included in Krishna’s circle of love?
In the Bhagavad-gita’s conclusion, Krishna reveals his love for Arjuna (18.64-66). Krishna’s declaration is astonishing, riveting, inspiring. Yet it may raise a question, “Is such [...]