Bhagavad Gita: Complete English Translation and Commentary
Bhagavad Gita – The Sacred Song of Sri Bhagavan: The World’s Most Renowned Spiritual Guide
The Bhagavad Gita is the most popular Hindu scripture, earning profound praise from great thinkers and world leaders throughout history. Literally translated, Bhagavad Gita means “The Song of the Divine One”. This sacred text presents a narrative dialogue between the Pandava prince, Arjuna, and his spiritual guide, Lord Krishna.
The Bhagavad Gita is an Eternal Vedic Scripture capturing the spiritual conversation held on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Consisting of 700 verses (slokas) across 18 chapters, this book provides answers to moral dilemmas, duty (Dharma), and the path to self-liberation (Moksha). On this page, we present an English translation faithful to the original manuscripts, enhanced with contemporary commentary to ensure these ancient teachings remain relevant to the challenges of modern life.
Summary of the 18 Chapters of the Bhagavad Gita
Set against the backdrop of the beginning of the Great Bharata War (the conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas), Arjuna is overwhelmed by a moral crisis and despair regarding the impending violence. In his doubt, Arjuna seeks counsel from Lord Krishna. This divine dialogue forms the core of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna advises Arjuna to uphold Dharma through selfless action.
The Author of the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita was recorded by Sage Vyasa (Sri Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa). Followers of Dharma believe this teaching is a universal and eternal science of the soul, intended for all of humanity across all ages.
Scripture Detail Information
| Original Language | Sanskrit |
| Content Structure | 18 Chapters (Yogas) & 700 Slokas |
| Key Figures | Lord Krishna & Arjuna |
| Classification | Pancama Veda (Fifth Veda) / Smriti |
List of Summaries for the 18 Chapters
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Chapter 1: Arjuna Vishada
Summary: Arjuna is stricken by doubt and grief as he sees his kinsmen on the battlefield. He questions the meaning of Dharma in the face of violence.
Read Gita Chapter 1Chapter 2: Samkhya Yoga
Summary: Krishna teaches the immortality of the Atman (Soul) and the importance of rational thinking to overcome spiritual ignorance (Avidya).
Read Gita Chapter 2Chapter 3: Karma Yoga
Summary: Krishna explains that action is a law of nature. One must perform their Swadharma without being attached to the results (Phala).
Read Gita Chapter 3Chapter 4: Jnana Yoga
Summary: The path of spiritual wisdom, the teaching of Catur Warna, and how sacred knowledge can burn the bonds of karma.
Read Gita Chapter 4Chapter 5: Karma Sanyasa
Summary: Explains the work ethic based on devotion (Bhakti) and wisdom without egoic motives to achieve liberation.
Read Gita Chapter 5Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga
Summary: Concerning the discipline of meditation and mind control techniques to achieve the union between Atman and Brahman.
Read Gita Chapter 6Chapter 7: Jnana Vijnana
Summary: An explanation of the nature of matter (Prakriti) and the divine spiritual power that pervades the entire universe.
Read Gita Chapter 7Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma
Summary: Discusses liberation through meditation on the sacred syllable “OM” and the spiritual path to the highest abode of God.
Read Gita Chapter 8Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Yoga
Summary: The King of all sacred knowledge. Krishna explains that God is the ultimate goal of every Sacrifice (Yadnya).
Read Gita Chapter 9Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga
Summary: Krishna reveals His infinite opulences and how He is present in all the splendor and excellence in this world.
Read Gita Chapter 10Chapter 11: Vishwarupa Darshana
Summary: Arjuna is granted spiritual vision to behold Krishna’s cosmic form (Vishwarupa), which is overwhelmingly powerful and magnificent.
Read Gita Chapter 11Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga
Summary: Explains that the path of love and sincere devotion (Bhakti) is the swiftest way to attain God-consciousness.
Read Gita Chapter 12Chapter 13: Kshetrajna Vibhaga
Summary: Discusses the distinction between the “Field” (Body/Matter) and the “Knower of the Field” (Soul/Witness residing within the body).
Read Gita Chapter 13Chapter 14: Gunatraya Vibhaga
Summary: Analysis of the three qualities of nature (Sattvam, Rajas, Tamas) that bind the soul and how to transcend them.
Read Gita Chapter 14Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga
Summary: The metaphor of the inverted Ashvattha tree and the explanation of Krishna as the Supreme Person (Purushottama).
Read Gita Chapter 15Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad
Summary: Explanation of the divine qualities that lead to liberation and the demonic qualities that bind humanity.
Read Gita Chapter 16Chapter 17: Shraddha Traya
Summary: Discusses how the three Gunas influence faith (Shraddha), diet, sacrifice, and self-discipline.
Read Gita Chapter 17Chapter 18: Sanyasa Yoga
Summary: The final conclusion of the entire Gita teachings: relinquishing the ego, surrendering the fruits of action, and surrendering to God.
Read Gita Chapter 18References and External Links
To deepen your understanding of the manuscript and history of this scripture, you may refer to the following official and academic sources:
- Literature and library studies regarding ancient Indonesian manuscripts are available at the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia.
- Information regarding religious scriptures in Indonesia can be accessed through the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
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