Begin the Gita

Steps

1. 1
   Step 1 of 8 What Is the Gita? What the Bhagavad Gita is, who speaks to whom, why it is set on a battlefield and what it asks of the listener. Start here before reading any chapter. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 11 min Deeper · 10 min
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   Step 2 of 8 How to Read the Gita How to begin the Gita and keep reading it: the order, a plain translation, a commentary and a question of your own, in a simple, a detailed and a deeper reading. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 10 min Deeper · 12 min
3. 3
   Step 3 of 8 The Eighteen Chapters at a Glance A map of the Bhagavad Gita's eighteen chapters, with the name, size and job of each, and how Arjuna's questions carry the book from despair to decision. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 14 min Deeper · 12 min
4. 4
   Step 4 of 8 Arjuna's Despondency Arjuna's body gives way, his reasons pull both ways, and he throws down his bow. Then he says he does not know, and asks Lord Krishna to teach him. The turn that begins the Gita. Simple · 5 min In Depth · 13 min Deeper · 18 min
5. 5
   Step 5 of 8 The Imperishable Self What the Lord first teaches Arjuna in his grief: who lives in the body, what can and cannot be lost, why grief assumes too much, and the second answer for the one who cannot accept the first. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 12 min Deeper · 14 min
6. 6
   Step 6 of 8 Action Without Claiming the Fruit Can we work hard and still not be eaten up by the result? Gita 2.47 to 2.51: the work is ours, the result is not, and work done this way is better work. Simple · 6 min In Depth · 10 min Deeper · 14 min
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   Step 7 of 8 The Paths: Action, Knowledge, Devotion The Gita praises action, knowledge, meditation and devotion. Do they compete, and where should a person begin? They complete each other, and the Lord's steps in 12.8 to 12.12 show how to start. Simple · 7 min In Depth · 11 min Deeper · 12 min
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   Step 8 of 8 The Final Counsel: Surrender, Think, Choose How can I put down the feeling that I must handle everything alone without giving up my duties? Gita 18.57 to 18.66: surrender the actions in the mind, take refuge, reflect fully and then choose freely. Simple · 7 min In Depth · 10 min Deeper · 16 min