The Bhagavad Gita, the “Song of God,” the one of the most popular holy books of Hinduism across the globe. Among its many interpretations, Bhagavad Gita As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is one of the most popular interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita, especially in Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition (a tradition where Lord Krishna is the supreme lord of the universe, Para-brahman)
Below are 30 carefully selected quotes from Bhagavad Gita As It Is, organized by different themes of life, that offer timeless spiritual wisdom for modern life.
Quotes on Self-Realization and the Soul
“For the soul, there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being.”
(Bhagavad Gita 2.20)
“As a person puts on new garments, giving up old ones, the soul similarly accepts new material bodies.”
(Bhagavad Gita 2.22)
“One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the threefold miseries… is certainly eligible for liberation.”
(Bhagavad Gita 2.15)
The threefold miseries (tāpatraya) that exist in material existence as per Bhagavad Gita are: adhyatmika, sufferings arising from one’s own body and mind, such as diseases and emotional distress; adhibhautika, sufferings inflicted by other living beings, including animals and humans; and adhidaivika, sufferings caused by natural forces or divine arrangement, like natural disasters and accidents, all of which a liberated person remains undisturbed by.
Quotes on Dharma and Karma
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action.”
(Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
“Perform your duty equipoised, O Arjuna, abandoning all attachment to success or failure.”
(Bhagavad Gita 2.48)
“It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly.”
(Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
Quotes on Devotion and Bhakti Yoga
“Always think of me, become my devotee, worship me, and offer your homage unto me.”
(Bhagavad Gita 18.65)
“A person who is fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness is sure to attain the spiritual kingdom.”
(Bhagavad Gita 8.8)
“To those who are constantly devoted and who worship me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to me.”
(Bhagavad Gita 10.10)
Quotes on Mind and Control
“For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed, his mind is the greatest enemy.”
(Bhagavad Gita 6.6)
“From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the Self.”
(Bhagavad Gita 6.26)
“One must deliver himself with the help of his mind and not degrade himself.”
(Bhagavad Gita 6.5)
Quotes on Detachment and Equanimity
“He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality… is not bound, although performing actions.”
(Bhagavad Gita 4.20)
“He who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men.”
(Bhagavad Gita 4.18)
“By acting without attachment, one attains the Supreme.”
(Bhagavad Gita 3.19)
Quotes on Krishna’s Supreme Nature
“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from me.”
(Bhagavad Gita 10.8)
“I am seated in everyone’s heart, and from me come remembrance, knowledge, and forgetfulness.”
(Bhagavad Gita 15.15)
“There is no truth superior to me. Everything rests upon me, as pearls are strung on a thread.”
(Bhagavad Gita 7.7)
Quotes on Surrender and Liberation
“Give up all other paths and simply surrender unto Me alone. I will free you from all sinful reactions. Do not worry.”
(Bhagavad Gita 18.66)
“When one’s intelligence, mind, faith, and refuge are all fixed in the Supreme, then one becomes fully cleansed of misgivings through complete knowledge and thus proceeds straight on the path of liberation.”
(Bhagavad Gita 5.17)
“Being freed from attachment, fear, and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me—and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me.”
(Bhagavad Gita 4.10)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Bhagavad Gita called “As It Is”?
Throughout the last 5,000 years, Bhagavad Gita has been interpreted differently by different traditions and religious leaders. “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” is an interpretation of AC. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada emphasizes Bhakti Yoga (The path of devotion) and Lord Krishna as the supreme Personality of Godhead.
What is the Bhagavad Gita in one word?
Although, that’s very hard, however, if we have to summarize it in one word, it would be “Dharma” as a lot of dialogues within the Bhagavad Gita revolve around understanding and following one’s righteous duty even when it is not something that we want to action on.
What is the famous line of the Bhagavad Gita?
One of the most famous lines is: “You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action.” (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
This verse captures the essence of detached action (karma yoga)—to act sincerely without clinging to outcomes.
What is the message of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is?
Bhagavad Gita As It Is delivers the core message that devotional service to Krishna is the highest path to liberation. Through knowledge of Krishna, action without expecting results, meditating on the form of Krishna, and ultimate surrender to Krishna, one can transcend the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and attain eternal peace.
The Bhagavad Gita As It Is is not just dialogue, but a manual to live connecting with Lord Krishna through devotion, surrender, Karma Yoga, and different other paths. Srila Prabhupada’s translation invites readers into a direct connection with Lord Krishna. These quotes are meant not just to be read, but to be reflected upon deeply.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
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