Nine Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita With Meanings That Offer Courage And Strength During Tough Times
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita encapsulates the profound dialogue between Lord Krishna and the Pandava warrior prince Arjuna preceding the Kurukshetra War. It comprises the divine teachings imparted by Lord Krishna in the form of Shlokas, or poetic verses, which transformed Arjuna’s perspective on life. Despite its age spanning centuries, the Gita’s wisdom and rationale endure, rendering it an eternal guide.
Amid challenging circumstances, the verses of the Bhagavad Gita serve as beacons directing us towards the righteous path and sound decisions. They aid in the revelation of our authentic life purpose, inner tranquility, and meaning. Let us explore nine Bhagavad Gita Shlokas alongside their interpretations, offering motivation and fortitude during trials.
Nine Bhagavad Gita Shlokas With Interpretations
- Shloka 2.14 (Chapter 2, Verse 14)
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः ।
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ।।
mātrā-sparśhās tu kaunteya śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ
āgamāpāyino ’nityās tans-titikṣhasva bhārata
“O son of Kunti, the ephemeral nature of pleasure and pain and their eventual dissolution resemble the cyclic occurrence of winter and summer. O descendant of Bharata, they arise from sensory perception, and one must learn to endure them without perturbation.”
- Shloka 18.78 (Chapter 18, Verse 78)
यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः।
तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम।।
yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo yatra pārtho dhanurdharaḥ
tatra śrīrvijayo bhūtirdhruvā nītirmatirmama
“Wherever there exists Krishna, the supreme master of yoga, and Arjuna, the preeminent archer, there shall indeed be opulence, victory, strength, and righteousness. Such is my conviction.”
- Shloka 3.21 (Chapter 3, Verse 21)
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जनः।
स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते।।
yad yad ācharati śhreṣhṭhas tat tad evetaro janaḥ
sa yat pramāṇaṁ kurute lokas tad anuvartate
“The actions of the eminent inspire ordinary individuals, who, in turn, emulate their exemplary conduct. Thus, the world follows the standards set by noble deeds.”
- Shloka 3.35 (Chapter 3, Verse 35)
श्रेयान् स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥
śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt sv-anuṣhṭhitāt
swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ
“Performing one’s duty, albeit imperfect, is superior to executing another’s duty flawlessly. Perishing while upholding one’s duty is preferable to engaging in the duties of others, which harbor peril.”
- Shloka 2.47 (Chapter 2, Verse 47)
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Karmaṇyev ādhikāraste mā phaleṣu kadācana
mā karmaphalaheturbhūrmā te saṅgo’stvakarmaṇi
“You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but not to claim ownership over the results. Do not consider yourself the cause of the fruits of your actions, nor be attached to inaction.”
- Shloka 3.19 (Chapter 3, Verse 19)
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन् कर्म परं आप्नोति पूरुषः।।
tasmād asaktaḥ satataṁ kāryaṁ karma samāchara
asakto hyācharan karma param āpnoti pūruṣhaḥ
“Therefore, one should perform their duties diligently, relinquishing attachment to the fruits of their labor, as detachment in action leads to transcendence.”
- Shloka 18.46 (Chapter 18, Verse 46)
यतः प्रवृत्तिर्भूतानां येन सर्वमिदं ततम्।
स्वकर्मणा तमभ्यर्च्य सिद्धिं विन्दति मानवः।।
yataḥ pravṛttirbhūtānāṃ yena sarvamidaṃ tatam
svakarmaṇā tamabhyarcya siddhiṃ vindati mānavaḥ
“By offering homage to the Lord, the origin of all beings and omnipresent, man can attain perfection while fulfilling his obligations.”
- Shloka 9.34 (Chapter 9, Verse 34)
मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु।
मामेवैष्यसि युक्त्वैवमात्मानं मत्परायणः।।
manmanā bhava madbhakto madyājī māṃ namaskuru
māmevaiṣyasi yuktvaivamātmānaṃ matparāyaṇaḥ
“Absorb your mind in continual remembrance of Me, offer obeisance, and worship Me. Immersed entirely in Me, you shall surely reach Me.”
- Shloka 12.10 (Chapter 12, Verse 10)
अभ्यासे ’प्यसमर्थोऽसि मत्कर्मपरमो भव ।
मदर्थमपि कर्माणि कुर्वन् सिद्धिमवाप्स्यसि ॥
abhyāse ’py asamartho ’si mat-karma-paramo bhava
mad-artham api karmāṇi kurvan siddhim avāpsyasi
“If you find it difficult to practice the principles of devotion, then dedicate your actions to Me, for such dedicated service will lead you to perfection.”
