Book of Wisdom

“Sanjaya, the armies are now assembled on the sacred battlefield of Kurukshetra. Tell me, what are my sons doing? And what of the Pandavas? (BG 1.1)”

“"Master, look at this vast army of Pandu's sons, expertly arranged for battle by Drupada's son—your own former student!" (BG 1.3)”

“"See the great warriors assembled here: mighty archers like Arjuna and Bhima, along with Virata, Yuyudhana, and the powerful Drupada himself. There's also Dhrishtaketu, Chekitana, the valiant king of Kashi, Purujit, Kuntibhoja, and Shaibya—all renowned warriors." (BG 1.4-5)”

“"Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja are there too, along with the brave sons of Subhadra and Draupadi. All of them are mounted on their gleaming chariots, ready for battle." (BG 1.6)”

“"But on our side, O best of Brahmins, we also have excellent commanders. Let me name them for you: yourself first and foremost, then Bhishma, Karna, and the fierce Kripa. There's also Vikarna and Ashvatthama, along with the mighty Saumadatti and many other valiant warriors." (BG 1.7-8)”

“"All of them are prepared to give their lives for me today. Each one is skilled in warfare and armed with various weapons." (BG 1.9)”

“"Yet I worry that our forces, led by Bhishma, may not be strong enough against Bhima and his warriors. All commanders near Bhishma's position must be ready to support him! Now, sound the conch shell!" (BG 1.10-11)”

“Then, at the signal from the aged Bhishma, the great conch shell was blown with a thunderous roar like a lion's call. Immediately, trumpets, drums, cymbals, gongs, and horns burst into a tremendous clamor. The tumult was like the blast of a violent storm! (BG 1.12-13)”

“On the Pandava side, Krishna and Arjuna stood in their golden chariot yoked with white horses, blowing their battle conches. Krishna blew his great conch called Panchajanya, carved from a giant's bone. Arjuna blew Devadatta, the gift of Indra. Bhima the terrible—wolf-bellied Bhima—blew his long reed conch. (BG 1.14-15)”

“Yudhishthira, Kunti's noble son, sounded his mighty shell called "Victory's Voice." Nakula blew his conch named "Sweet-sounding," and Sahadeva blew his called "Gem-bedecked." The prince of Kashi also blew his conch, as did Shikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and the unconquered Satyaki. (BG 1.16-18)”

“Drupada and his sons, along with the long-armed sons of Subhadra—all blew their conches loudly. The tremendous sound shook the hearts of Dhritirashtra's army, making the earth and sky thunder. (BG 1.19)”

“Then, seeing Dhritirashtra's forces arrayed for battle, with weapons drawn and bows ready, Arjuna—whose banner bore the image of Hanuman—spoke to Krishna, his divine charioteer: (BG 1.20)”

“"Krishna, drive the chariot to the open ground between the two armies. I want to see clearly who has gathered here to fight, those I must face in this battle. I want to observe those who have assembled on this battlefield, eager to please Dhritirashtra's evil son." (BG 1.21-23)”

“Arjuna looked and saw standing on both sides: grandfathers and fathers, uncles and brothers, sons and grandsons, cousins and sons-in-law, nephews and friends, teachers and honored elders. Seeing all these relatives arrayed as enemies, Arjuna's heart filled with deep compassion, and he spoke in sorrow: (BG 1.26-27)”

“"Krishna, seeing my own kinsmen gathered here, eager to fight and shed each other's blood, my limbs grow weak and my mouth becomes dry. My body trembles and my hair stands on end. My bow Gandiva slips from my hand, and my skin burns with fever. I can barely stand, and my mind seems to reel." (BG 1.28-30)”

“"I see only evil omens, Krishna. I see no good that can come from killing my own kinsmen in battle. I don't desire victory, nor kingdom, nor pleasures purchased with such blood." (BG 1.31)”

“"What joy can victory bring, Krishna? What benefit in dominion or wealth? What value in life itself, if bought with such bloodshed? Those for whose sake we desire life, pleasure, and power—our teachers, fathers, sons, grandfathers, uncles, fathers-in-law, grandsons, brothers-in-law, and other relatives—they all stand here ready to die." (BG 1.32-35)”

“"Even if they seek to kill me, I will not strike them, Krishna. Not even for lordship over the three worlds, much less for this earthly kingdom! What happiness could we gain from killing Dhritirashtra's sons? Only sin would come to us if we killed these aggressors, even though they are our enemies." (BG 1.36)”

“"Therefore, we should not kill our own relatives, the sons of Dhritirashtra. How could we be happy after destroying our own family, Krishna?" (BG 1.36)”

“"Even if they, blinded by greed and anger, see no wrong in destroying their family or betraying their friends, why shouldn't we—who clearly see the evil in destroying our family—turn away from this sin?" (BG 1.37-38)”

“"When a family is destroyed, its ancient traditions perish. When tradition is lost, chaos and lawlessness overwhelm the entire family. When lawlessness prevails, the women of the family become corrupted. When women are corrupted, there is an intermixing of social classes." (BG 1.39)”

“"This confusion leads to hell for both those who destroy the family and the family itself. The spirits of their ancestors fall from grace, deprived of offerings of rice and water." (BG 1.40-41)”

“"By the evil deeds of those who destroy the family and create social chaos, the eternal family traditions and social duties are obliterated." (BG 1.42)”

“"We have been taught that those whose family traditions are destroyed dwell in hell for a long time. Alas! We are about to commit a great sin, driven by our greed for royal pleasures, we are prepared to kill our own kinsmen." (BG 1.43)”

“"If Dhritirashtra's sons kill me in battle while I stand unarmed and unresisting, that would be better for me." (BG 1.44-45)”

“Having spoken thus on the battlefield, Arjuna cast aside his bow and arrows and sat down on the seat of the chariot, his mind overwhelmed with grief. (BG 1.46)”

“Seeing Arjuna filled with such compassion and grief, his eyes filled with tears and his mind despondent, Krishna spoke these stern words: (BG 2.1)”

“"Arjuna, where does this weakness come from at such a critical moment? This despair is shameful, unworthy of a noble warrior, and it blocks the path to heaven." (BG 2.2)”

“"Do not yield to this feebleness! It does not befit you. Shake off this petty weakness of heart and arise, O chastiser of enemies!" (BG 2.3)”

“"Krishna, how can I fight against Bhishma and Drona with arrows in battle? They are worthy of my worship! It would be better to live as a beggar in this world than to kill these noble elders." (BG 2.4)”

“"Even if they are driven by greed, they are still my teachers. If I kill them, everything I enjoy will be stained with their blood." (BG 2.5)”

“"I don't know which is worse—to conquer them or to be conquered by them. If we kill the sons of Dhritirashtra who stand before us, we won't even wish to live."" (BG 2.6)”

“"My heart is overcome by pity and weakness, and my mind is confused about my duty. I ask you, tell me for certain what is best for me. I am your disciple and I have surrendered to you. Please teach me."" (BG 2.7)”

“"I can find nothing that will drive away this grief that is drying up my senses. Even if I were to win a prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth or sovereignty over the gods, I would not find peace."" (BG 2.8)”

“Having spoken thus to Krishna, Arjuna—the conqueror of sleep—said, "Govinda, I will not fight," and fell silent. (BG 2.9) (BG 2.9) (BG 2.9)”

“Then, Krishna, with a faint smile, spoke these words to the despondent Arjuna right there between the two armies: (BG 2.10)”

“"You are grieving for those who should not be grieved for, yet you speak words of wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead."" (BG 2.11)”

“"There was never a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be."" (BG 2.12)”

“"Just as the embodied soul passes through childhood, youth, and old age in this body, so too does it pass into another body at death. The wise are not deluded by this change." (BG 2.13)”

“"O son of Kunti, the contact of the senses with their objects gives rise to cold and heat, pleasure and pain. They come and go and are impermanent. Endure them patiently, O Bharata."" (BG 2.14)”

“"The person who is not disturbed by these, who remains calm in both pain and pleasure, and is wise, is fit for immortality." (BG 2.15)”

“"The unreal has no existence, and the real never ceases to be. The truth about both has been perceived by the seers of truth."" (BG 2.16)”

“"Know that which pervades all this is indestructible. No one can destroy that imperishable soul." (BG 2.17)”

“"Only the material bodies of the indestructible, immeasurable, and eternal living entity are subject to destruction. Therefore, fight, O descendant of Bharata!" (BG 2.18)”

“"He who thinks the soul kills, and he who thinks it is killed, are both ignorant. The soul neither kills nor is killed." (BG 2.19)”

“"For the soul, there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does it ever cease to be. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain." (BG 2.20)”

“"O Partha, how can a person who knows that the soul is indestructible, eternal, unborn, and immutable kill anyone or cause anyone to kill?" (BG 2.21)”

“"Just as a person casts off worn-out garments and puts on new ones, so the embodied soul casts off worn-out bodies and enters others that are new. (BG 2.22)"”

“"Weapons cannot cut the soul, fire cannot burn it, water cannot wet it, and wind cannot dry it." (BG 2.23)”

“"The soul is unbreakable and insoluble, and can be neither burned nor dried. It is everlasting, present everywhere, unchangeable, immovable, and eternally the same." (BG 2.24)”

“"The soul is said to be invisible, inconceivable, and immutable. Knowing this, you should not grieve for the body." (BG 2.25)”

“"Even if you think the soul is constantly born and constantly dies, you still have no reason to grieve, O mighty-armed one."" (BG 2.26)”

“"For one who is born, death is certain; and for one who dies, birth is certain. Therefore, you should not lament over the inevitable." (BG 2.27)”

“"All beings are unmanifest before birth, manifest in the middle, and unmanifest again after death. What is there to grieve about?"" (BG 2.28)”

“"Some look upon the soul as amazing, some describe it as amazing, and some hear of it as amazing, while others, even after hearing about it, cannot understand it at all." (BG 2.29)”

“"O descendant of Bharata, the dweller in the body is eternal and can never be slain. Therefore, you need not grieve for any living being." (BG 2.30)”

“"Considering your specific duty as a warrior, you should not waver. There is no better engagement for a warrior than fighting for religious principles."" (BG 2.31)”

“"Happy are the warriors to whom such opportunities to defend righteousness come unsought, opening for them the gateway to heaven."" (BG 2.32)”

“"But if you do not perform your religious duty of fighting, then you will lose your reputation and fame, and you will incur sin."" (BG 2.33)”

“"People will speak of your infamy forever, and for a respectable person, infamy is worse than death."" (BG 2.34)”

“"The great generals who have highly estimated your name and fame will think that you have left the battlefield out of fear, and thus they will consider you insignificant." (BG 2.35)”

“"Your enemies will describe you in many unkind words and scorn your ability. What could be more painful for you?"" (BG 2.36)”

“"If you are killed on the battlefield, you will attain heaven. If you conquer, you will enjoy the earth. Therefore, arise and fight with determination." (BG 2.37)”

“"Fight for the sake of fighting, without considering happiness or distress, loss or gain, victory or defeat—and by so doing you shall never incur sin."" (BG 2.38)”

“"Thus far I have described this knowledge to you through analytical study. Now listen as I explain it in terms of working without fruitive results. O son of Pritha, when you act with such intelligence, you can free yourself from the bondage of works." (BG 2.39)”

“"In this endeavor, there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear."" (BG 2.40)”

“"Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. But the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched." (BG 2.41)”

“"Men of small knowledge are very much attached to the flowery words of the Vedas, which recommend various fruitive activities for elevation to heavenly planets, resultant good birth, power, and so forth. Being desirous of sense gratification and opulent life, they say that there is nothing more than this."" (BG 2.42-43)”

“"In the minds of those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are bewildered by such things, the resolute determination for devotional service does not take place."" (BG 2.44)”

“"The Vedas deal mainly with the subject of the three modes of material nature. O Arjuna, become transcendental to these three modes. Be free from all dualities and from all anxieties for gain and safety, and be established in the self."" (BG 2.45)”

“"All the purposes served by a small well can at once be served by a great reservoir of water. Similarly, all the purposes of the Vedas can be served to one who knows the purpose behind them."" (BG 2.46)”

“"You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty." (BG 2.47)”

“"Perform your duty equipoised, O Arjuna, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called yoga."" (BG 2.48)”

“"Action motivated by desire is far inferior to that performed in equanimity of mind. Therefore, seek refuge in this wisdom. Those who are motivated by the fruits of their work are miserable." (BG 2.49)”

“"A man engaged in devotional service rids himself of both good and bad reactions even in this life. Therefore, strive for yoga, which is the art of all work." (BG 2.50)”

“"By thus engaging in devotional service to the Lord, great sages or devotees free themselves from the results of work in the material world. In this way they become free from the cycle of birth and death and attain the state beyond all miseries."" (BG 2.51)”

“"When your intelligence has passed out of the dense forest of delusion, you shall become indifferent to all that has been heard and all that is to be heard."" (BG 2.52)”

“"When your mind is no longer disturbed by the flowery language of the Vedas, and when it remains fixed in the trance of self-realization, then you will have attained the divine consciousness."" (BG 2.53)”

“"O Krishna, what are the symptoms of one whose consciousness is thus merged in transcendence? How does he speak, and what is his language? How does he sit, and how does he walk?"" (BG 2.54)”

“"When a man gives up all varieties of desire for sense gratification, which arise from mental concoction, and when his mind, thus purified, finds satisfaction in the self alone, then he is said to be in pure transcendental consciousness."" (BG 2.55)”

“"One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the threefold miseries or elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady mind."" (BG 2.56)”

“"In the material world, one who is unaffected by whatever good or evil he may obtain, neither praising it nor despising it, is firmly fixed in perfect knowledge."" (BG 2.57)”

“"One who is able to withdraw his senses from their objects, just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs within the shell, is firmly fixed in perfect consciousness."" (BG 2.58)”

“"The embodied soul may be restricted from sense enjoyment, though the taste for sense objects remains. But, ceasing such engagements by experiencing a higher taste, he is fixed in consciousness."" (BG 2.59)”

“"The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavoring to control them."" (BG 2.60)”

“"One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence."" (BG 2.61)”

“"While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises."" (BG 2.62)”

“"From anger, complete delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost one falls down again into the material pool."" (BG 2.63)”

“"But a person who is free from all attachment and aversion and is able to control his senses through regulative principles of freedom can obtain the complete mercy of the Lord."" (BG 2.64)”

“"For one thus satisfied [in Krishna consciousness], the threefold miseries of material existence exist no longer; in such satisfied consciousness, one's intelligence is soon well established."" (BG 2.65)”

“"One who is not connected with the Supreme [in Krishna consciousness] can have neither transcendental intelligence nor a steady mind, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?"" (BG 2.66)”

“"As a strong wind sweeps away a boat on the water, even one of the roaming senses on which the mind focuses can carry away a man's intelligence."" (BG 2.67)”

“"Therefore, O mighty-armed, one whose senses are restrained from their objects is certainly of steady intelligence."" (BG 2.68)”

“"What is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled; and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the introspective sage."" (BG 2.69)”

“"A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires."" (BG 2.70)”

“"A person who has given up all desires for sense gratification, who lives free from desires, who has given up all sense of proprietorship and is devoid of false ego—he alone can attain real peace."" (BG 2.71)”

“"That is the way of the spiritual and godly life, after attaining which a man is not bewildered. If one is thus situated even at the hour of death, one can enter into the kingdom of God."" (BG 2.72)”

“"O sinless Arjuna, I have already explained that there are two classes of men who try to realize the self. Some are inclined to understand it by empirical, philosophical speculation, and others by devotional service." (BG 3.3)”

“"Not by merely abstaining from work can one achieve freedom from reaction, nor by renunciation alone can one attain perfection." (BG 3.4)”

“"One who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense objects certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender." (BG 3.6)”

“"On the other hand, if a sincere person tries to control the active senses by the mind and begins karma-yoga [in Krishna consciousness] without attachment, he is by far superior." (BG 3.7)”

“"Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas, and the Vedas are directly manifested from the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Consequently the all-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice." (BG 3.15)”

“"My dear Arjuna, one who does not follow in human life the cycle of sacrifice thus established by the Vedas certainly leads a life full of sin. Living only for the satisfaction of the senses, such a person lives in vain." (BG 3.16)”

“"But for one who takes pleasure in the self, whose human life is one of self-realization, and who is satisfied in the self only, fully satiated—for him there is no duty." (BG 3.17)”

“"A self-realized man has no purpose to fulfill in the discharge of his prescribed duties, nor has he any reason not to perform such work. Nor has he any need to depend on any other living being." (BG 3.18)”

“"Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment one attains the Supreme." (BG 3.19)”

“"O son of Pritha, there is no work prescribed for Me within all the three planetary systems. Nor am I in want of anything, nor have I a need to obtain anything—and yet I am engaged in prescribed duties." (BG 3.22)”

“"So as not to disrupt the minds of ignorant men attached to the fruitive results of prescribed duties, a learned person should not induce them to stop work. Rather, by working in the spirit of devotion, he should engage them in all sorts of activities [for the gradual development of Krishna consciousness]." (BG 3.26)”

“"The spirit soul bewildered by the influence of false ego thinks himself the doer of activities that are in actuality carried out by the three modes of material nature." (BG 3.27)”

“"Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me, with full knowledge of Me, without desires for profit, with no claims to proprietorship, and free from lethargy, fight." (BG 3.30)”

“"There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion pertaining to the senses and their objects. One should not come under the control of such attachment and aversion, because they are stumbling blocks on the path of self-realization." (BG 3.34)”

“"The senses, the mind and the intelligence are the sitting places of this lust. Through them lust covers the real knowledge of the living entity and bewilders him." (BG 3.40)”

“"Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bharatas, in the very beginning curb this great symbol of sin [lust] by regulating the senses, and slay this destroyer of knowledge and self-realization." (BG 3.41)”

“"The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence." (BG 3.42)”

“"Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, O mighty-armed Arjuna, one should steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence and thus—by spiritual strength—conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust." (BG 3.43)”

“"I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Ikshvaku." (BG 4.1)”

“"Many, many births both you and I have passed. I can remember all of them, but you cannot, O subduer of the enemy!" (BG 4.5)”

“"Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself." (BG 4.7)”

“"To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium." (BG 4.8)”

“"Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me—and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me." (BG 4.10)”

“"As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly. Everyone follows My path in all respects, O son of Pritha." (BG 4.11)”

“"According to the three modes of material nature and the work associated with them, the four divisions of human society were created by Me. And although I am the creator of this system, you should know that I am yet the nondoer, being unchangeable." (BG 4.13)”

“"There is no work that affects Me; nor do I aspire for the fruits of action. One who understands this truth about Me does not become entangled in the fruitive reactions of work." (BG 4.14)”

“"The intricacies of action are very hard to understand. Therefore one should know properly what action is, what forbidden action is, and what inaction is." (BG 4.17)”

“"One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men, and he is in the transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities." (BG 4.18)”

“"One is understood to be in full knowledge whose every endeavor is devoid of desire for sense gratification. He is said by sages to be a worker for whom the reactions of work have been burned up by the fire of perfect knowledge." (BG 4.19)”

“"Abandoning all attachment to the results of his activities, ever satisfied and independent, he performs no fruitive action, although engaged in all kinds of undertakings." (BG 4.20)”

“"A person who is fully absorbed in Krishna consciousness is sure to attain the spiritual kingdom because of his full contribution to spiritual activities, in which the consummation is absolute and that which is offered is of the same spiritual nature." (BG 4.24)”

“"Having accepted strict vows, some become enlightened by sacrificing their possessions, and others by performing severe austerities, by practicing the yoga of eightfold mysticism, or by studying the Vedas to advance in transcendental knowledge." (BG 4.28)”

“"Still others, who are inclined to the process of breath restraint to remain in trance, practice by offering the movement of the outgoing breath into the incoming, and the incoming breath into the outgoing, and thus at last remain in trance, stopping all breathing. Others, curtailing the eating process, offer the outgoing breath into itself as a sacrifice." (BG 4.29)”

“"All these performers who know the meaning of sacrifice become cleansed of sinful reactions, and, having tasted the nectar of the results of sacrifices, they advance toward the supreme eternal atmosphere." (BG 4.30)”

“"O best of the Kuru dynasty, without sacrifice one can never live happily on this planet or in this life: what then of the next?" (BG 4.31)”

“"O chastiser of the enemy, the sacrifice performed in knowledge is better than the mere sacrifice of material possessions. After all, O son of Pritha, all sacrifices of work culminate in transcendental knowledge." (BG 4.33)”

“"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth." (BG 4.34)”

“"Having obtained real knowledge from a self-realized soul, you will never fall again into such delusion, for by this knowledge you will see that all living beings are but part of the Supreme, or, in other words, that they are Mine." (BG 4.35)”

“"Even if you are considered to be the most sinful of all sinners, when you are situated in the boat of transcendental knowledge you will be able to cross over the ocean of miseries." (BG 4.36)”

“"As a blazing fire turns firewood to ashes, O Arjuna, so does the fire of knowledge burn to ashes all reactions to material activities." (BG 4.37)”

“"In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has become accomplished in the practice of devotional service enjoys this knowledge within himself in due course of time." (BG 4.38)”

“"A faithful man who is dedicated to transcendental knowledge and who subdues his senses is eligible to achieve such knowledge, and having achieved it he quickly attains the supreme spiritual peace." (BG 4.39)”

“"The renunciation of work and work in devotion are both good for liberation. But, of the two, work in devotional service is better than renunciation of work." (BG 5.2)”

“"One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of his activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated, O mighty-armed Arjuna." (BG 5.3)”

“"Only the ignorant speak of devotional service [karma-yoga] as being different from the analytical study of the material world [Sankhya]. Those who are actually learned say that he who applies himself well to one of these paths achieves the results of both." (BG 5.4)”

“"One who knows that the position reached by means of analytical study can also be attained by devotional service, and who therefore sees analytical study and devotional service to be on the same level, sees things as they are." (BG 5.5)”

“"Merely renouncing all activities yet not engaging in the devotional service of the Lord cannot make one happy. But a thoughtful person engaged in devotional service can achieve the Supreme without delay." (BG 5.6)”

“"One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Although always working, such a man is never entangled." (BG 5.7)”

“"One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water." (BG 5.10)”

“"The yogis, abandoning attachment, act with body, mind, intelligence and even with the senses, only for the purpose of purification." (BG 5.11)”

“"The steadily devoted soul attains unadulterated peace because he offers the result of all activities to Me; whereas a person who is not in union with the Divine, who is greedy for the fruits of his labor, becomes entangled." (BG 5.12)”

“"When the embodied living being controls his nature and mentally renounces all actions, he resides happily in the city of nine gates [the material body], neither working nor causing work to be done." (BG 5.13)”

“"The embodied spirit, master of the city of his body, does not create activities, nor does he induce people to act, nor does he create the fruits of action. All this is enacted by the modes of material nature." (BG 5.14)”

“"Nor does the Supreme Lord assume anyone's sinful or pious activities. Embodied beings, however, are bewildered because of the ignorance which covers their real knowledge." (BG 5.15)”

“"The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcast]." (BG 5.18)”

“"Those whose minds are established in sameness and equanimity have already conquered the conditions of birth and death. They are flawless like Brahman, and thus they are already situated in Brahman." (BG 5.19)”

“"A person who neither rejoices upon achieving something pleasant nor laments upon obtaining something unpleasant, who is self-intelligent, who is unbewildered, and who knows the science of God, is already situated in transcendence." (BG 5.20)”

“"One whose happiness is within, who is active and rejoices within, and whose aim is inward is actually the perfect mystic. He is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains the Supreme." (BG 5.24)”

“"Those who are beyond the dualities that arise from doubts, whose minds are engaged within, who are always busy working for the welfare of all living beings and who are free from all sins achieve liberation in the Supreme." (BG 5.25)”

“"Those who are free from anger and all material desires, who are self-realized, self-disciplined and constantly endeavoring for perfection, are assured of liberation in the Supreme in the very near future." (BG 5.26)”

“"Shutting out all external sense objects, keeping the eyes and vision concentrated between the two eyebrows, suspending the inward and outward breaths within the nostrils, and thus controlling the mind, senses and intelligence, the transcendentalist aiming at liberation becomes free from desire, fear and anger. One who is always in this state is certainly liberated." (BG 5.27-28)”

“"A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries." (BG 5.29)”

“"One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic, not he who lights no fire and performs no duty." (BG 6.1)”

“"What is called renunciation you should know to be the same as yoga, or linking oneself with the Supreme, O son of Pandu, for one can never become a yogi unless he renounces the desire for sense gratification." (BG 6.2)”

“"For one who is a neophyte in the eightfold yoga system, work is said to be the means; and for one who is already elevated in yoga, cessation of all material activities is said to be the means." (BG 6.3)”

“"A person is said to be elevated in yoga when, having renounced all material desires, he neither acts for sense gratification nor engages in fruitive activities." (BG 6.4)”

“"One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well." (BG 6.5)”

“"For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has fallen to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy." (BG 6.6)”

“"For one who has conquered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached, for he has attained tranquility. To such a man happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same." (BG 6.7)”

“"A person is said to be established in self-realization and is called a yogi [or mystic] when he is fully satisfied by virtue of acquired knowledge and realization. Such a person is situated in transcendence and is self-controlled. He sees everything—whether it be pebbles, stones or gold—as the same." (BG 6.8)”

“"A person is considered still further advanced when he regards honest well-wishers, affectionate benefactors, the neutral, mediators, the envious, friends and enemies, the pious and the sinners all with an equal mind." (BG 6.9)”

“"A transcendentalist should always engage his body, mind and self in relationship with the Supreme; he should live alone in a secluded place and should always carefully control his mind. He should be free from desires and feelings of possessiveness." (BG 6.10)”

“"To practice yoga, one should go to a secluded place and should lay kusha grass on the ground and then cover it with a deerskin and a soft cloth. The seat should be neither too high nor too low and should be situated in a sacred place." (BG 6.11)”

“"The yogi should then sit on it very firmly and practice yoga to purify the heart by controlling his mind, senses and activities and fixing the mind on one point." (BG 6.12)”

“"One should hold one's body, neck and head erect in a straight line and stare steadily at the tip of the nose. Thus, with an unagitated, subdued mind, devoid of fear, completely free from sex life, one should meditate upon Me within the heart and make Me the ultimate goal of life." (BG 6.13-14)”

“"Thus practicing constant control of the body, mind and activities, the mystic transcendentalist, his mind regulated, attains to the kingdom of God [or the abode of Krishna] by cessation of material existence." (BG 6.15)”

“"There is no possibility of one's becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough." (BG 6.16)”

“"He who is regulated in his habits of eating, sleeping, recreation and work can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system." (BG 6.17)”

“"When the yogi, by practice of yoga, disciplines his mental activities and becomes situated in transcendence—devoid of all material desires—he is said to be well established in yoga." (BG 6.18)”

“"As a lamp in a windless place does not waver, so the transcendentalist, whose mind is controlled, remains always steady in his meditation on the transcendent self." (BG 6.19)”

“"In the stage of perfection called trance, or samadhi, one's mind is completely restrained from material mental activities by practice of yoga. This perfection is characterized by one's ability to see the self by the pure mind and to relish and rejoice in the self." (BG 6.20)”

“"In that joyous state, one is situated in boundless transcendental happiness, realized through transcendental senses. Established thus, one never departs from the truth, and upon gaining this he thinks there is no greater gain. Being situated in such a position, one is never shaken, even in the midst of greatest difficulty." (BG 6.21-22)”

“"This indeed is actual freedom from all miseries arising from material contact." (BG 6.23)”

“"One should engage oneself in the practice of yoga with determination and faith and not be deviated from the path. One should abandon, without exception, all material desires born of mental speculation and thus control all the senses on all sides by the mind." (BG 6.24)”

“"Gradually, step by step, one should become situated in trance by means of intelligence sustained by full conviction, and thus the mind should be fixed on the self alone and should think of nothing else." (BG 6.25)”

“"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." (BG 6.26)”

“"The yogi whose mind is fixed on Me verily attains the highest perfection of transcendental happiness. He is beyond the mode of passion, he realizes his qualitative identity with the Supreme, and thus he is freed from all reactions to past deeds." (BG 6.27)”

“"Thus the self-controlled yogi, constantly engaged in yoga practice, becomes free from all material contamination and achieves the highest stage of perfect happiness in transcendental loving service to the Lord." (BG 6.28)”

“"A true yogi observes Me in all beings and also sees every being in Me. Indeed, the self-realized person sees Me, the same Supreme Lord, everywhere." (BG 6.29)”

“"For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me." (BG 6.30)”

“"Such a yogi, who engages in the worshipful service of the Supersoul, knowing that I and the Supersoul are one, remains always in Me in all circumstances." (BG 6.31)”

“"He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, in both their happiness and their distress, O Arjuna!" (BG 6.32)”

“"O mighty-armed son of Kunti, it is undoubtedly very difficult to curb the restless mind, but it is possible by suitable practice and by detachment." (BG 6.35)”

“"For one whose mind is unbridled, self-realization is difficult work. But he whose mind is controlled and who strives by appropriate means is assured of success. That is My opinion." (BG 6.36)”

“"O son of Pritha, a transcendentalist engaged in auspicious activities does not meet with destruction either in this world or in the spiritual world; one who does good, My friend, is never overcome by evil." (BG 6.40)”

“"The unsuccessful yogi, after many, many years of enjoyment on the planets of the pious living entities, is born into a family of righteous people or into a family of rich aristocracy." (BG 6.41)”

“"Or [if unsuccessful after long practice] he takes his birth in a family of transcendentalists who are surely great in wisdom. Certainly, such a birth is rare in this world." (BG 6.42)”

“"On taking such a birth, he revives the divine consciousness of his previous life, and he again tries to make further progress in order to achieve complete success, O son of Kuru." (BG 6.43)”

“"By virtue of the divine consciousness of his previous life, he automatically becomes attracted to the yogic principles—even without seeking them. Such an inquisitive transcendentalist stands always above the ritualistic principles of the scriptures." (BG 6.44)”

“"But when the yogi engages himself with sincere endeavor in making further progress, being washed of all contaminations, then ultimately, achieving perfection after many, many births of practice, he attains the supreme goal." (BG 6.45)”

“"A yogi is greater than the ascetic, greater than the empiricist and greater than the fruitive worker. Therefore, O Arjuna, in all circumstances, be a yogi." (BG 6.46)”

“"And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself and renders transcendental loving service to Me—he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all. That is My opinion." (BG 6.47)”

“"Now hear, O son of Pritha, how by practicing yoga in full consciousness of Me, with mind attached to Me, you can know Me in full, free from doubt." (BG 7.1)”

“"I shall now declare unto you in full this knowledge, both phenomenal and numinous. This being known, nothing further shall remain for you to know." (BG 7.2)”

“"Out of many thousands among men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth." (BG 7.3)”

“"Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego—all together these eight constitute My separated material energies." (BG 7.4)”

“"Besides these, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the living entities who are exploiting the resources of this material, inferior nature." (BG 7.5)”

“"All created beings have their source in these two natures. Of all that is material and all that is spiritual in this world, know for certain that I am both the origin and the dissolution." (BG 7.6)”

“"O conqueror of wealth, there is no truth superior to Me. Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread." (BG 7.7)”

“"O son of Kunti, I am the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, the syllable OM in the Vedic mantras; I am the sound in ether and ability in man." (BG 7.8)”

“"I am the original fragrance of the earth, and I am the heat in fire. I am the life of all that lives, and I am the penances of all ascetics." (BG 7.9)”

“"O son of Pritha, know that I am the original seed of all existences, the intelligence of the intelligent, and the prowess of all powerful men." (BG 7.10)”

“"I am the strength of the strong, devoid of passion and desire. I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles, O lord of the Bharatas." (BG 7.11)”

“"Know that all states of being—be they of goodness, passion or ignorance—are manifested by My energy. I am, in one sense, everything, but I am independent. I am not under the modes of material nature, for they, on the contrary, are within Me." (BG 7.12)”

“"Deluded by the three modes [goodness, passion and ignorance], the whole world does not know Me, who am above the modes and inexhaustible." (BG 7.13)”

“"This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it." (BG 7.14)”

“"Those miscreants who are grossly foolish, who are lowest among mankind, whose knowledge is stolen by illusion, and who partake of the atheistic nature of demons do not surrender unto Me." (BG 7.15)”

“"O best among the Bharatas, four kinds of pious men begin to render devotional service unto Me—the distressed, the desirer of wealth, the inquisitive, and he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute." (BG 7.16)”

“"Of these, the one who is in full knowledge and who is always engaged in pure devotional service is the best. For I am very dear to him, and he is dear to Me." (BG 7.17)”

“"All these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he who is situated in knowledge of Me I consider to be just like My own self. Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal." (BG 7.18)”

“"After many births and deaths, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me, knowing Me to be the cause of all causes and all that is. Such a great soul is very rare." (BG 7.19)”

“"Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures." (BG 7.20)”

“"I am in everyone's heart as the Supersoul. As soon as one desires to worship some demigod, I make his faith steady so that he can devote himself to that particular deity." (BG 7.21)”

“"Endowed with such a faith, he endeavors to worship a particular demigod and obtains his desired result, but in actuality these benefits are bestowed by Me alone." (BG 7.22)”

“"Men of small intelligence worship the demigods, and their fruits are limited and temporary. Those who worship the demigods go to the planets of the demigods, but My devotees ultimately reach My supreme planet." (BG 7.23)”

“"Unintelligent men, who do not know Me perfectly, think that I, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, was impersonal before and have now assumed this personality. Due to their small knowledge, they do not know My higher nature, which is imperishable and supreme." (BG 7.24)”

“"I am never manifest to the foolish and unintelligent. For them I am covered by My internal potency, and therefore they do not know that I am unborn and infallible." (BG 7.25)”

“"O Arjuna, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, I know everything that has happened in the past, all that is happening in the present, and all things that are yet to come. I also know all living entities; but Me no one knows." (BG 7.26)”

“"O scion of Bharata, O conqueror of the foe, all living entities are born into delusion, bewildered by dualities arisen from desire and hate." (BG 7.27)”

“"Persons who have acted piously in previous lives and in this life and whose sinful actions are completely eradicated are freed from the dualities of delusion, and they engage themselves in My service with determination." (BG 7.28)”

“"Intelligent persons who are endeavoring for liberation from old age and death take refuge in Me in devotional service. They are actually Brahman because they entirely know everything about transcendental activities." (BG 7.29)”

“"Those in full consciousness of Me, who know Me, the Supreme Lord, to be the governing principle of the material manifestation, of the demigods, and of all methods of sacrifice, can understand and know Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, even at the time of death." (BG 7.30)”

“"The indestructible, transcendental living entity is called Brahman, and his eternal nature is called adhyatma, the self. Action pertaining to the development of the material bodies of the living entities is called karma, or fruitive activities." (BG 8.3)”

“"O best of the embodied beings, the physical nature, which is constantly changing, is called adhibhuta [the material manifestation]. The universal form of the Lord, which includes all the demigods, like those of the sun and moon, is called adhidaiva. And I, the Supreme Lord, represented as the Supersoul in the heart of every embodied being, am called adhiyajna [the Lord of sacrifice]." (BG 8.4)”

“"And whoever, at the end of his life, quits his body remembering Me alone at once attains My nature. Of this there is no doubt." (BG 8.5)”

“"Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail." (BG 8.6)”

“"Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krishna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt." (BG 8.7)”

“"He who meditates on Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, his mind constantly engaged in remembering Me, undeviated from the path, he, O Partha, is sure to reach the Supreme Person." (BG 8.8)”

“"One should meditate upon the Supreme Person as the one who knows everything, as He who is the oldest, who is the controller, who is smaller than the smallest, who is the maintainer of everything, who is beyond all material conception, who is inconceivable, and who is always a person. He is luminous like the sun, and He is transcendental, beyond this material nature." (BG 8.9)”

“"One who, at the time of death, fixes his life air between the eyebrows and, by the strength of yoga, with an undeviating mind, engages himself in remembering the Supreme Lord in full devotion, will certainly attain to the Supreme Personality of Godhead." (BG 8.10)”

“"Persons who are learned in the Vedas, who utter omkara and who are great sages in the renounced order enter into Brahman. Desiring such perfection, one practices celibacy. I shall now briefly explain to you this process by which one may attain salvation." (BG 8.11)”

“"The yogic situation is that of detachment from all sensual engagements. Closing all the doors of the senses and fixing the mind on the heart and the life air at the top of the head, one establishes himself in yoga." (BG 8.12)”

“"After being situated in this yoga practice and vibrating the sacred syllable OM, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the spiritual planets." (BG 8.13)”

“"For one who always remembers Me without deviation, I am easy to obtain, O son of Pritha, because of his constant engagement in devotional service." (BG 8.14)”

“"After attaining Me, the great souls, who are yogis in devotion, never return to this temporary world, which is full of miseries, because they have attained the highest perfection." (BG 8.15)”

“"From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kunti, never takes birth again." (BG 8.16)”

“"By human calculation, a thousand ages taken together form the duration of Brahma's one day. And such also is the duration of his night." (BG 8.17)”

“"At the beginning of Brahma's day, all living entities become manifest from the unmanifest state, and thereafter, when the night falls, they are merged into the unmanifest again." (BG 8.18)”

“"Again and again, when Brahma's day arrives, all living entities come into being, and with the arrival of Brahma's night they are helplessly annihilated." (BG 8.19)”

“"Yet there is another unmanifest nature, which is eternal and is transcendental to this manifested and unmanifested matter. It is supreme and is never annihilated. When all in this world is annihilated, that part remains as it is." (BG 8.20)”

“"That which the Vedantists describe as unmanifest and infallible, that which is known as the supreme destination, that place from which, having attained it, one never returns—that is My supreme abode." (BG 8.21)”

“"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is greater than all, is attainable by unalloyed devotion. Although He is present in His abode, He is all-pervading, and everything is situated within Him." (BG 8.22)”

“"O best of the Bharatas, I shall now explain to you the different times at which, passing away from this world, the yogi does or does not come back." (BG 8.23)”

“"Those who know the Supreme Brahman attain that Supreme by passing away from the world during the influence of the fiery god, in the light, at an auspicious moment of the day, during the fortnight of the waxing moon, or during the six months when the sun travels in the north." (BG 8.24)”

“"The mystic who passes away from this world during the smoke, the night, the fortnight of the waning moon, or the six months when the sun passes to the south reaches the moon planet but again comes back." (BG 8.25)”

“"According to Vedic opinion, there are two ways of passing from this world—one in light and one in darkness. When one passes in light, he does not come back; but when one passes in darkness, he returns." (BG 8.26)”

“"O Arjuna, the devotees who know these two paths are never bewildered. Therefore be always fixed in devotion." (BG 8.27)”

“"A person who accepts the path of devotional service is not bereft of the results derived from studying the Vedas, performing austere sacrifices, giving charity or pursuing philosophical and fruitive activities. Simply by performing devotional service, he attains all these, and at the end he reaches the supreme eternal abode." (BG 8.28)”

“"My dear Arjuna, because you are never envious of Me, I shall impart to you this most confidential knowledge and realization, knowing which you shall be relieved of the miseries of material existence." (BG 9.1)”

“"This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting, and it is joyfully performed." (BG 9.2)”

“"Those who are not faithful in this devotional service cannot attain Me, O conqueror of enemies. Therefore they return to the path of birth and death in this material world." (BG 9.3)”

“"By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them." (BG 9.4)”

“"And yet everything that is created does not rest in Me. Behold My mystic opulence! Although I am the maintainer of all living entities and although I am everywhere, I am not a part of this cosmic manifestation, for My Self is the very source of creation." (BG 9.5)”

“"Understand that as the mighty wind, blowing everywhere, rests always in the sky, all created beings rest in Me." (BG 9.6)”

“"O son of Kunti, at the end of the millennium all material manifestations enter into My nature, and at the beginning of another millennium, by My potency, I create them again." (BG 9.7)”

“"The whole cosmic order is under Me. Under My will it is automatically manifested again and again, and under My will it is annihilated at the end." (BG 9.8)”

“"O Dhananjaya, all this work cannot bind Me. I am ever detached from all these material activities, seated as though neutral." (BG 9.9)”

“"This material nature, which is one of My energies, is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, producing all moving and nonmoving beings. Under its rule this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again." (BG 9.10)”

“"Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature as the Supreme Lord of all that be." (BG 9.11)”

“"Those who are thus bewildered are attracted by demonic and atheistic views. In that deluded condition, their hopes for liberation, their fruitive activities, and their culture of knowledge are all defeated." (BG 9.12)”

“"O son of Pritha, those who are not deluded, the great souls, are under the protection of the divine nature. They are fully engaged in devotional service because they know Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, original and inexhaustible." (BG 9.13)”

“"Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion." (BG 9.14)”

“"Others, who engage in sacrifice by the cultivation of knowledge, worship the Supreme Lord as the one without a second, as diverse in many, and in the universal form." (BG 9.15)”

“"But it is I who am the ritual, I the sacrifice, the offering to the ancestors, the healing herb. The transcendental chant. I am the butter and the fire and the offering." (BG 9.16)”

“"I am the father of this universe, the mother, the support and the grandsire. I am the object of knowledge, the purifier and the syllable OM. I am also the Rig, the Sama and the Yajur Vedas." (BG 9.17)”

“"I am the goal, the sustainer, the master, the witness, the abode, the refuge, and the most dear friend. I am the creation and the annihilation, the basis of everything, the resting place and the eternal seed." (BG 9.18)”

“"O Arjuna, I give heat, and I withhold and send forth the rain. I am immortality, and I am also death personified. Both spirit and matter are in Me." (BG 9.19)”

“"Those who study the Vedas and drink the soma juice, seeking the heavenly planets, worship Me indirectly. Purified of sinful reactions, they take birth on the pious, heavenly planet of Indra, where they enjoy godly delights." (BG 9.20)”

“"When they have thus enjoyed vast heavenly sense pleasure and the results of their pious activities are exhausted, they return to this mortal planet again. Thus those who seek sense enjoyment by adhering to the principles of the three Vedas achieve only repeated birth and death." (BG 9.21)”

“"But those who always worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack, and I preserve what they have." (BG 9.22)”

“"Those who are devotees of other gods and who worship them with faith actually worship only Me, O son of Kunti, but they do so in a wrong way." (BG 9.23)”

“"I am the only enjoyer and master of all sacrifices. Therefore, those who do not recognize My true transcendental nature fall down." (BG 9.24)”

“"Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; and those who worship Me will live with Me." (BG 9.25)”

“"If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it." (BG 9.26)”

“"Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform—do that, O son of Kunti, as an offering to Me." (BG 9.27)”

“"In this way you will be freed from bondage to work and its auspicious and inauspicious results. With your mind fixed on Me in this principle of renunciation, you will be liberated and come to Me." (BG 9.28)”

“"I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him." (BG 9.29)”

“"Even if one commits the most abominable action, if he is engaged in devotional service he is to be considered saintly because he is properly situated in his determination." (BG 9.30)”

“"He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kunti, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes." (BG 9.31)”

“"O son of Pritha, those who take shelter in Me, though they be of lower birth—women, vaishyas [merchants] and shudras [workers]—can attain the supreme destination." (BG 9.32)”

“"How much more this is so of the righteous brahmanas, the devotees and the saintly kings. Therefore, having come to this temporary, miserable world, engage in loving service unto Me." (BG 9.33)”

“"Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me." (BG 9.34)”

“"Listen again, O mighty-armed Arjuna. Because you are My dear friend, for your benefit I shall speak to you further, giving knowledge that is better than what I have already explained." (BG 10.1)”

“"Neither the hosts of demigods nor the great sages know My origin or opulences, for, in every respect, I am the source of the demigods and sages." (BG 10.2)”

“"He who knows Me as the unborn, as the beginningless, as the Supreme Lord of all the worlds—he only, undeluded among men, is freed from all sins." (BG 10.3)”

“"Intelligence, knowledge, freedom from doubt and delusion, forgiveness, truthfulness, control of the senses, control of the mind, happiness and distress, birth, death, fear, fearlessness, nonviolence, equanimity, satisfaction, austerity, charity, fame and infamy—all these various qualities of living beings are created by Me alone." (BG 10.4)”

“"The seven great sages and before them the four other great sages and the Manus [progenitors of mankind] come from Me, born from My mind, and all the living beings populating the various planets descend from them." (BG 10.6)”

“"One who is factually convinced of this opulence and mystic power of Mine engages in unalloyed devotional service; of this there is no doubt." (BG 10.7)”

“"I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts." (BG 10.8)”

“"The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me." (BG 10.9)”

“"To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me." (BG 10.10)”

“"To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance." (BG 10.11)”

“"Yes, I will tell you of My splendorous manifestations, but only of those which are prominent, O Arjuna, for My opulence is limitless." (BG 10.19)”

“"I am the Supersoul, O Arjuna, seated in the hearts of all living entities. I am the beginning, the middle and the end of all beings." (BG 10.20)”

“"Of the Adityas I am Vishnu, of lights I am the radiant sun, of the Maruts I am Marichi, and among the stars I am the moon." (BG 10.21)”

“"Of the Vedas I am the Sama Veda; of the demigods I am Indra, the king of heaven; of the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am the living force [consciousness]." (BG 10.22)”

“"Of all the Rudras I am Lord Shiva, of the Yakshas and Rakshasas I am the Lord of wealth [Kuvera], of the Vasus I am fire [Agni], and of mountains I am Meru." (BG 10.23)”

“"Of priests, O Arjuna, know Me to be the chief, Brihaspati. Of generals I am Kartikeya, and of bodies of water I am the ocean." (BG 10.24)”

“"Of the great sages I am Bhrigu; of vibrations I am the transcendental OM. Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names [japa], and of immovable things I am the Himalayas." (BG 10.25)”

“"Of all trees I am the banyan tree, and of the sages among the demigods I am Narada. Of the Gandharvas I am Chitraratha, and among perfected beings I am the sage Kapila." (BG 10.26)”

“"Of horses know Me to be Uchchaihshrava, produced during the churning of the ocean for nectar. Of lordly elephants I am Airavata, and among men I am the monarch." (BG 10.27)”

“"Of weapons I am the thunderbolt; among cows I am the surabhi. Of causes for procreation I am Kandarpa, the god of love, and of serpents I am Vasuki." (BG 10.28)”

“"Of the many-hooded Nagas I am Ananta, and among the aquatics I am the demigod Varuna. Of departed ancestors I am Aryama, and among the dispensers of law I am Yama, the lord of death." (BG 10.29)”

“"Among the Daitya demons I am the devoted Prahlada, among subduers I am time, among beasts I am the lion, and among birds I am Garuda." (BG 10.30)”

“"Of purifiers I am the wind, of the wielders of weapons I am Rama, of fishes I am the shark, and of flowing rivers I am the Ganges." (BG 10.31)”

“"Of all creations I am the beginning and the end and also the middle, O Arjuna. Of all sciences I am the spiritual science of the self, and among logicians I am the conclusive truth." (BG 10.32)”

“"Of letters I am the letter A, and among compound words I am the dual compound. I am also inexhaustible time, and of creators I am Brahma." (BG 10.33)”

“"I am all-devouring death, and I am the generating principle of all that is yet to be. Among women I am fame, fortune, fine speech, memory, intelligence, steadfastness and patience." (BG 10.34)”

“"Of the hymns in the Sama Veda I am the Brihat-sama, and of poetry I am the Gayatri. Of months I am Margashirsha [November-December], and of seasons I am flower-bearing spring." (BG 10.35)”

“"I am also the gambling of cheats, and of the splendid I am the splendor. I am victory, I am adventure, and I am the strength of the strong." (BG 10.36)”

“"Of the descendants of Vrishni I am Vasudeva, and of the Pandavas I am Arjuna. Of the sages I am Vyasa, and among great thinkers I am Ushana." (BG 10.37)”

“"Among all means of suppressing lawlessness I am punishment, and of those who seek victory I am morality. Of secret things I am silence, and of the wise I am the wisdom." (BG 10.38)”

“"Furthermore, O Arjuna, I am the generating seed of all existences. There is no being—moving or nonmoving—that can exist without Me." (BG 10.39)”

“"O mighty conqueror of enemies, there is no end to My divine manifestations. What I have spoken to you is but a mere indication of My infinite opulences." (BG 10.40)”

“"Know that all opulent, beautiful and glorious creations spring from but a spark of My splendor." (BG 10.41)”

“"But what need is there, Arjuna, for all this detailed knowledge? With a single fragment of Myself I pervade and support this entire universe." (BG 10.42)”

“"My dear Arjuna, O son of Pritha, see now My opulences, hundreds of thousands of varied divine and multicolored forms." (BG 11.5)”

“"O best of the Bharatas, see here the different manifestations of Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Ashvini-kumaras and all the other demigods. Behold the many wonderful things which no one has ever seen or heard of before." (BG 11.6)”

“"O Arjuna, whatever you wish to see, behold at once in this body of Mine! This universal form can show you whatever you now desire to see and whatever you may want to see in the future. Everything—moving and nonmoving—is here completely, in one place." (BG 11.7)”

“"But you cannot see Me with your present eyes. Therefore I give you divine eyes. Behold My mystic opulence!" (BG 11.8)”

“"Time I am, the great destroyer of the worlds, and I have come here to destroy all people. With the exception of you [the Pandavas], all the soldiers here on both sides will be slain." (BG 11.32)”

“"Therefore get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer Your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and You, O Savyasachi, can be but an instrument in the fight." (BG 11.33)”

“"Drona, Bhishma, Jayadratha, Karna and the other great warriors have already been destroyed by Me. Therefore, kill them and do not be disturbed. Simply fight, and you will vanquish your enemies in battle." (BG 11.34)”

“"My dear Arjuna, happily have I shown you, by My internal potency, this supreme universal form within the material world. No one before you has ever seen this primal form, unlimited and full of glaring effulgence." (BG 11.47)”

“"O best of the Kuru warriors, no one before you has ever seen this universal form of Mine, for neither by studying the Vedas, nor by performing sacrifices, nor by charity, nor by pious activities, nor by severe penances can I be seen in this form in the material world." (BG 11.48)”

“"You have been perturbed and bewildered by seeing this terrible feature of Mine. Now let it be finished. My devotee, be free again from all disturbances. With a peaceful mind you can now see the form you desire." (BG 11.49)”

“"My dear Arjuna, this form of Mine which you are now seeing is very difficult to behold. Even the demigods are ever seeking the opportunity to see this form, which is so dear." (BG 11.52)”

“"The form which you are seeing with your transcendental eyes cannot be understood simply by studying the Vedas, nor by undergoing serious penances, nor by charity, nor by worship. It is not by these means that one can see Me as I am." (BG 11.53)”

“"My dear Arjuna, only by undivided devotional service can I be understood as I am, standing before you, and can thus be seen directly. Only in this way can you enter into the mysteries of My understanding." (BG 11.54)”

“"My dear Arjuna, he who engages in My pure devotional service, free from the contaminations of fruitive activities and mental speculation, he who works for Me, who makes Me the supreme goal of his life, and who is friendly to every living being—he certainly comes to Me." (BG 11.55)”

“"The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Those who fix their minds on My personal form and are always engaged in worshiping Me with great and transcendental faith are considered by Me to be most perfect." (BG 12.2)”

“"But those who fully worship the unmanifested, that which lies beyond the perception of the senses, the all-pervading, inconceivable, unchanging, fixed and immovable—the impersonal conception of the Absolute Truth—by controlling the various senses and being equally disposed to everyone, such persons, engaged in the welfare of all, at last achieve Me." (BG 12.3-4)”

“"For those whose minds are attached to the unmanifested, impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome. To make progress in that discipline is always difficult for those who are embodied." (BG 12.5)”

“"But those who worship Me, giving up all their activities unto Me and being devoted to Me without deviation, engaged in devotional service and always meditating upon Me, having fixed their minds upon Me, O son of Pritha—for them I am the swift deliverer from the ocean of birth and death." (BG 12.6-7)”

“"Just fix your mind upon Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and engage all your intelligence in Me. Thus you will live in Me always, without a doubt." (BG 12.8)”

“"My dear Arjuna, O winner of wealth, if you cannot fix your mind upon Me without deviation, then follow the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga. In this way develop a desire to attain Me." (BG 12.9)”

“"If you cannot practice the regulations of bhakti-yoga, then just try to work for Me, because by working for Me you will come to the perfect stage." (BG 12.10)”

“"If, however, you are unable to work in this consciousness of Me, then try to act giving up all results of your work and try to be self-situated." (BG 12.11)”

“"If you cannot take to this practice, then engage yourself in the cultivation of knowledge. Better than knowledge, however, is meditation, and better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of action, for by such renunciation one can attain peace of mind." (BG 12.12)”

“"One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor and is free from false ego, who is equal in both happiness and distress, who is tolerant, always satisfied, self-controlled, and engaged in devotional service with determination, his mind and intelligence fixed on Me—such a devotee of Mine is very dear to Me." (BG 12.13-14)”

“"He for whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anyone, who is equipoised in happiness and distress, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me." (BG 12.15)”

“"My devotee who is not dependent on the ordinary course of activities, who is pure, expert, without cares, free from all pains, and not striving for some result, is very dear to Me." (BG 12.16)”

“"One who neither rejoices nor grieves, who neither laments nor desires, and who renounces both auspicious and inauspicious things—such a devotee is very dear to Me." (BG 12.17)”

“"One who is equal to friends and enemies, who is equipoised in honor and dishonor, heat and cold, happiness and distress, fame and infamy, who is always free from contaminating association, always silent and satisfied with anything, who doesn't care for any residence, who is fixed in knowledge and who is engaged in devotional service—such a person is very dear to Me." (BG 12.18-19)”

“"Those who follow this imperishable path of devotional service and who completely engage themselves with faith, making Me the supreme goal, are very, very dear to Me." (BG 12.20)”

“(BG 13.2) "This body, O son of Kunti, is called the field, and one who knows this body is called the knower of the field."”

“(BG 13.3) "O scion of Bharata, you should understand that I am also the knower in all bodies, and to understand this body and its knower is called knowledge. That is My opinion."”

“(BG 13.4) "Now please hear My brief description of this field, and how it is constituted, what its changes are, whence it is produced, who that knower of the field is, and what his influences are."”

“(BG 13.5) "That knowledge of the field and its knower is described by various sages in various Vedic writings. It is especially presented in Vedanta-sutra with all reasoning as to cause and effect."”

“(BG 13.6-7) "The five great elements, false ego, intelligence, the unmanifested, the ten senses and the mind, the five sense objects, desire, hatred, happiness, distress, the aggregate, the life symptoms, and convictions—all these are considered, in summary, to be the field of activities and its interactions."”

“(BG 13.8-12) "Humility; pridelessness; nonviolence; tolerance; simplicity; approaching a bona fide spiritual master; cleanliness; steadiness; self-control; renunciation of the objects of sense gratification; absence of false ego; the perception of the evil of birth, death, old age and disease; detachment; freedom from entanglement with children, wife, home and the rest; even-mindedness amid pleasant and unpleasant events; constant and unalloyed devotion to Me; aspiring to live in a solitary place; detachment from the general mass of people; accepting the importance of self-realization; and philosophical search for the Absolute Truth—all these I declare to be knowledge, and besides this whatever there may be is ignorance."”

“(BG 13.13) "I shall now explain the knowable, knowing which you will taste the eternal. Brahman, the spirit, beginningless and subordinate to Me, lies beyond the cause and effect of this material world."”

“(BG 13.14) "Everywhere are His hands and legs, His eyes, heads and faces, and He has ears everywhere. In this way the Supersoul exists, pervading everything."”

“(BG 13.15) "The Supersoul is the original source of all senses, yet He is without senses. He is unattached, although He is the maintainer of all living beings. He transcends the modes of nature, and at the same time He is the master of all the modes of material nature."”

“(BG 13.16) "The Supreme Truth exists outside and inside of all living beings, the moving and the nonmoving. Because He is subtle, He is beyond the power of the material senses to see or to know. Although far, far away, He is also near to all."”

“(BG 13.17) "Although the Supersoul appears to be divided among all beings, He is never divided. He is situated as one. Although He is the maintainer of every living entity, it is to be understood that He devours and develops all."”

“(BG 13.18) "He is the source of light in all luminous objects. He is beyond the darkness of matter and is unmanifested. He is knowledge, He is the object of knowledge, and He is the goal of knowledge. He is situated in everyone's heart."”

“(BG 13.19) "Thus the field of activities [the body], knowledge and the knowable have been summarily described by Me. Only My devotees can understand this thoroughly and thus attain to My nature."”

“(BG 13.20) "Material nature and the living entities should be understood to be beginningless. Their transformations and the modes of matter are products of material nature."”

“(BG 13.21) "Nature is said to be the cause of all material causes and effects, whereas the living entity is the cause of the various sufferings and enjoyments in this world."”

“(BG 13.22) "The living entity in material nature thus follows the ways of life, enjoying the three modes of nature. This is due to his association with that material nature. Thus he meets with good and evil among various species."”

“(BG 13.23) "Yet in this body there is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor, who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul."”

“(BG 13.24) "One who understands this philosophy concerning material nature, the living entity and the interaction of the modes of nature is sure to attain liberation. He will not take birth here again, regardless of his present position."”

“(BG 13.25) "Some perceive the Supersoul within themselves through meditation, others through the cultivation of knowledge, and still others through working without fruitive desires."”

“(BG 13.26) "Again there are those who, although not conversant in spiritual knowledge, begin to worship the Supreme Person upon hearing about Him from others. Because of their tendency to hear from authorities, they also transcend the path of birth and death."”

“(BG 13.27) "O chief of the Bharatas, know that whatever you see in existence, both the moving and the nonmoving, is only a combination of the field of activities and the knower of the field."”

“(BG 13.28) "One who sees the Supersoul accompanying the individual soul in all bodies, and who understands that neither the soul nor the Supersoul within the destructible body is ever destroyed, actually sees."”

“(BG 13.29) "One who sees the Supersoul equally present everywhere, in every living being, does not degrade himself by his mind. Thus he approaches the transcendental destination."”

“(BG 13.30) "One who can see that all activities are performed by the body, which is created of material nature, and that he himself does nothing, actually sees."”

“(BG 13.31) "When a sensible man ceases to see different identities due to different material bodies and he sees how beings are expanded everywhere, he attains to the Brahman conception."”

“(BG 13.32) "Those with the vision of eternity can see that the imperishable soul is transcendental, eternal, and beyond the modes of nature. Despite contact with the material body, O Arjuna, the soul neither does anything nor is entangled."”

“(BG 13.33) "The sky, due to its subtle nature, does not mix with anything, although it is all-pervading. Similarly, the soul situated in Brahman vision does not mix with the body, though situated in that body."”

“(BG 13.34) "O son of Bharata, as the sun alone illuminates all this universe, so does the living entity, one within the body, illuminate the entire body by consciousness."”

“(BG 13.35) "Those who see with eyes of knowledge the difference between the body and the knower of the body, and can also understand the process of liberation from bondage in material nature, attain to the supreme goal."”

“(BG 14.1) "Again I shall declare to you this supreme wisdom, the best of all knowledge, knowing which all the sages have attained the supreme perfection."”

“(BG 14.2) "By becoming fixed in this knowledge, one can attain to the transcendental nature like My own. Thus established, one is not born at the time of creation or disturbed at the time of dissolution."”

“(BG 14.3) "The total material substance, called Brahman, is the source of birth, and it is that Brahman that I impregnate, making possible the births of all living beings, O son of Bharata."”

“(BG 14.4) "It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kunti, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father."”

“(BG 14.5) "Material nature consists of three modes—goodness, passion and ignorance. When the eternal living entity comes in contact with nature, O mighty-armed Arjuna, he becomes conditioned by these modes."”

“(BG 14.6) "O sinless one, the mode of goodness, being purer than the others, is illuminating, and it frees one from all sinful reactions. Those situated in that mode become conditioned by a sense of happiness and knowledge."”

“(BG 14.7) "The mode of passion is born of unlimited desires and longings, O son of Kunti, and because of this the embodied living entity is bound to material fruitive actions."”

“(BG 14.8) "O son of Bharata, know that the mode of ignorance, born of darkness, is the delusion of all embodied living entities. The results of this mode are madness, indolence and sleep, which bind the conditioned soul."”

“(BG 14.9) "O son of Bharata, the mode of goodness conditions one to happiness; passion conditions one to fruitive action; and ignorance, covering one's knowledge, binds one to madness."”

“(BG 14.10) "Sometimes the mode of goodness becomes prominent, defeating the modes of passion and ignorance, O son of Bharata. Sometimes the mode of passion defeats goodness and ignorance, and at other times ignorance defeats goodness and passion. In this way there is always competition for supremacy."”

“(BG 14.11) "The manifestation of the mode of goodness can be experienced when all the gates of the body are illuminated by knowledge."”

“(BG 14.12) "O chief of the Bharatas, when there is an increase in the mode of passion the symptoms of great attachment, fruitive activity, intense endeavor, and uncontrollable desire and hankering develop."”

“(BG 14.13) "When there is an increase in the mode of ignorance, O son of Kuru, darkness, inertia, madness and illusion are manifested."”

“(BG 14.14) "When one dies in the mode of goodness, he attains to the pure higher planets of the great sages."”

“(BG 14.15) "When one dies in the mode of passion, he takes birth among those engaged in fruitive activities; and when one dies in the mode of ignorance, he takes birth in the animal kingdom."”

“(BG 14.16) "The result of pious action is pure and is said to be in the mode of goodness. But action done in the mode of passion results in misery, and action performed in the mode of ignorance results in foolishness."”

“(BG 14.17) "From the mode of goodness, real knowledge develops; from the mode of passion, greed develops; and from the mode of ignorance develop foolishness, madness and illusion."”

“(BG 14.18) "Those situated in the mode of goodness gradually go upward to the higher planets; those in the mode of passion live on the earthly planets; and those in the abominable mode of ignorance go down to the hellish worlds."”

“(BG 14.19) "When one properly sees that in all activities no other performer is at work than these modes of nature and he knows the Supreme Lord, who is transcendental to all these modes, he attains My spiritual nature."”

“(BG 14.20) "When the embodied being is able to transcend these three modes associated with the material body, he can become free from birth, death, old age and their distresses and can enjoy nectar even in this life."”

“(BG 14.21) "O my dear Lord, by which symptoms is one known who is transcendental to these three modes? What is his behavior? And how does he transcend the modes of nature?"”

“(BG 14.22) "O son of Pandu, he who does not hate illumination, attachment and delusion when they are present, nor long for them when they disappear;"”

“(BG 14.23) "Who is unwavering and undisturbed through all these reactions of the material qualities, remaining neutral and transcendental, knowing that the modes alone are active;"”

“(BG 14.24) "Who is situated in the self and regards alike happiness and distress; who looks upon a lump of earth, a stone and a piece of gold with an equal eye; who is equal toward the desirable and the undesirable; who is steady, situated equally well in praise and blame;"”

“(BG 14.25) "Who is equal in honor and dishonor; who treats alike both friend and enemy; and who has renounced all material activities—such a person is said to have transcended the modes of nature."”

“(BG 14.26) "One who engages in full devotional service, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends the modes of material nature and thus comes to the level of Brahman."”

“(BG 14.27) "And I am the basis of the impersonal Brahman, which is immortal, imperishable and eternal and is the constitutional position of ultimate happiness."”

“(BG 15.1) "It is said that there is an imperishable banyan tree that has its roots upward and its branches down and whose leaves are the Vedic hymns. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas."”

“(BG 15.2) "The branches of this tree extend downward and upward, nourished by the three modes of material nature. The twigs are the objects of the senses. This tree also has roots going down, and these are bound to the fruitive actions of human society."”

“(BG 15.3) "The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. No one can understand where it ends, where it begins, or where its foundation is. But with determination one must cut down this strongly rooted tree with the weapon of detachment."”

“(BG 15.4) "Thereafter, one must seek that place from which, having gone, one never returns, and there surrender to that Supreme Personality of Godhead from whom everything began and from whom everything has extended since time immemorial."”

“(BG 15.5) "Those who are free from false prestige, illusion and false association, who understand the eternal, who are done with material lust, who are freed from the dualities of happiness and distress, and who, unbewildered, know how to surrender unto the Supreme Person attain to that eternal kingdom."”

“(BG 15.6) "That supreme abode of Mine is not illumined by the sun or moon, nor by fire or electricity. Those who reach it never return to this material world."”

“(BG 15.7) "The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmentary parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind."”

“(BG 15.8) "The living entity in the material world carries his different conceptions of life from one body to another, as the air carries aromas. Thus he takes one kind of body and again quits it to take another."”

“(BG 15.9) "The living entity, thus taking another gross body, obtains a certain type of ear, eye, tongue, nose and sense of touch, which are grouped about the mind. He thus enjoys a particular set of sense objects."”

“(BG 15.10) "The foolish cannot understand how a living entity can quit his body, nor can they understand what sort of body he enjoys under the spell of the modes of nature. But one whose eyes are trained in knowledge can see all this."”

“(BG 15.11) "The endeavoring transcendentalists who are situated in self-realization can see all this clearly. But those whose minds are not developed and who are not situated in self-realization cannot see what is taking place, though they may try."”

“(BG 15.12) "The splendor of the sun, which dissipates the darkness of this whole world, comes from Me. And the splendor of the moon and the splendor of fire are also from Me."”

“(BG 15.13) "I enter into each planet, and by My energy they stay in orbit. I become the moon and thereby supply the juice of life to all vegetables."”

“(BG 15.14) "I am the fire of digestion in the bodies of all living entities, and I join with the air of life, outgoing and incoming, to digest the four kinds of foodstuff."”

“(BG 15.15) "I am seated in everyone's heart, and from Me come remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness. By all the Vedas, I am to be known. Indeed, I am the compiler of Vedanta, and I am the knower of the Vedas."”

“(BG 15.16) "There are two classes of beings, the fallible and the infallible. In the material world every living entity is fallible, and in the spiritual world every living entity is called infallible."”

“(BG 15.17) "Besides these two, there is the greatest living personality, the Supreme Soul, the imperishable Lord Himself, who has entered the three worlds and is maintaining them."”

“(BG 15.18) "Because I am transcendental, beyond both the fallible and the infallible, and because I am the greatest, I am celebrated both in the world and in the Vedas as that Supreme Person."”

“(BG 15.19) "Whoever knows Me as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, without doubting, is the knower of everything. He therefore engages himself in full devotional service to Me, O son of Bharata."”

“(BG 15.20) "This is the most confidential part of the Vedic scriptures, O sinless one, and it is disclosed now by Me. Whoever understands this will become wise, and his endeavors will know perfection."”

“(BG 16.1) "Fearlessness; purification of one's existence; cultivation of spiritual knowledge; charity; self-control; performance of sacrifice; study of the Vedas; austerity; simplicity;"”

“(BG 16.2) "Nonviolence; truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation; tranquility; aversion to faultfinding; compassion for all living entities; freedom from covetousness; gentleness; modesty; steady determination;"”

“(BG 16.3) "Vigor; forgiveness; fortitude; cleanliness; and freedom from envy and from the passion for honor—these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature."”

“(BG 16.4) "Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness and ignorance—these qualities belong to those of demoniac nature, O son of Pritha."”

“(BG 16.5) "The transcendental qualities are conducive to liberation, whereas the demoniac qualities make for bondage. Do not worry, O son of Pandu, for you are born with the divine qualities."”

“(BG 16.6) "O son of Pritha, in this world there are two kinds of created beings. One is called the divine and the other demoniac. I have already explained to you at length the divine qualities. Now hear from Me of the demoniac."”

“(BG 16.7) "Those who are demoniac do not know what is to be done and what is not to be done. Neither cleanliness nor proper behavior nor truth is found in them."”

“(BG 16.8) "They say that this world is unreal, with no foundation, no God in control. They say it is produced of sex desire and has no cause other than lust."”

“(BG 16.9) "Following such conclusions, the demoniac, who are lost to themselves and who have no intelligence, engage in unbeneficial, horrible works meant to destroy the world."”

“(BG 16.10) "Taking shelter of insatiable lust and absorbed in the conceit of pride and false prestige, the demoniac, thus illusioned, are always sworn to unclean work, attracted by the impermanent."”

“(BG 16.11) "They believe that to gratify the senses is the prime necessity of human civilization. Thus until the end of life their anxiety is immeasurable."”

“(BG 16.12) "Bound by a network of hundreds of thousands of desires and absorbed in lust and anger, they secure money by illegal means for sense gratification."”

“(BG 16.13) "The demoniac person thinks: 'So much wealth do I have today, and I will gain more according to my schemes. So much is mine now, and it will increase in the future, more and more."”

“(BG 16.14) "He is my enemy, and I have killed him, and my other enemies will also be killed. I am the lord of everything. I am the enjoyer. I am perfect, powerful and happy."”

“(BG 16.15) "I am the richest man, surrounded by aristocratic relatives. There is none so powerful and happy as I am. I shall perform sacrifices, I shall give some charity, and thus I shall rejoice.' In this way, such persons are deluded by ignorance."”

“(BG 16.16) "Thus perplexed by various anxieties and bound by a network of illusions, they become too strongly attached to sense enjoyment and fall down into hell."”

“(BG 16.17) "Self-complacent and always impudent, deluded by wealth and false prestige, they sometimes proudly perform sacrifices in name only, without following any rules or regulations."”

“(BG 16.18) "Bewildered by false ego, strength, pride, lust and anger, the demons become envious of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is situated in their own bodies and in the bodies of others, and blaspheme against the real religion."”

“(BG 16.19) "Those who are envious and mischievous, who are the lowest among men, I perpetually cast into the ocean of material existence, into various demoniac species of life."”

“(BG 16.20) "Attaining repeated birth amongst the species of demoniac life, O son of Kunti, such persons can never approach Me. Gradually they sink down to the most abominable type of existence."”

“(BG 16.21) "There are three gates leading to this hell—lust, anger and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul."”

“(BG 16.22) "The man who has escaped these three gates of hell, O son of Kunti, performs acts conducive to self-realization and thus gradually attains the supreme destination."”

“(BG 16.23) "He who discards scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own whims attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination."”

“(BG 16.24) "One should therefore understand what is duty and what is not duty by the regulations of the scriptures. Knowing such rules and regulations, one should act so that he may gradually be elevated."”

“(BG 17.1) "O Krishna, what is the situation of those who do not follow the principles of scripture but worship according to their own imagination? Are they in goodness, in passion or in ignorance?"”

“(BG 17.2) "According to the modes of nature acquired by the embodied soul, one's faith can be of three kinds—in goodness, in passion or in ignorance. Now hear about this."”

“(BG 17.3) "O son of Bharata, according to one's existence under the various modes of nature, one evolves a particular kind of faith. The living being is said to be of a particular faith according to the modes he has acquired."”

“(BG 17.4) "Men in the mode of goodness worship the demigods; those in the mode of passion worship the demons; and those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits."”

“(BG 17.5-6) "Those who undergo severe austerities and penances not recommended in the scriptures, performing them out of pride and egoism, who are impelled by lust and attachment, who are foolish and who torture the material elements of the body as well as the Supersoul dwelling within, are to be known as demons."”

“(BG 17.7) "Even the food each person prefers is of three kinds, according to the three modes of material nature. The same is true of sacrifices, austerities and charity. Now hear of the distinctions between them."”

“(BG 17.8) "Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one's existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart."”

“(BG 17.9) "Foods that are too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning are dear to those in the mode of passion. Such foods cause distress, misery and disease."”

“(BG 17.10) "Food prepared more than three hours before being eaten, food that is tasteless, decomposed and putrid, and food consisting of remnants and untouchable things is dear to those in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 17.11) "Of sacrifices, the sacrifice performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, by those who desire no reward, is of the nature of goodness."”

“(BG 17.12) "But the sacrifice performed for some material benefit, or for the sake of pride, O chief of the Bharatas, you should know to be in the mode of passion."”

“(BG 17.13) "Any sacrifice performed without regard for the directions of scripture, without distribution of prasadam [spiritual food], without chanting of Vedic hymns and remunerations to the priests, and without faith is considered to be in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 17.14) "Austerity of the body consists in worship of the Supreme Lord, the brahmanas, the spiritual master, and superiors like the father and mother, and in cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy and nonviolence."”

“(BG 17.15) "Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting Vedic literature."”

“(BG 17.16) "And satisfaction, simplicity, gravity, self-control and purification of one's existence are the austerities of the mind."”

“(BG 17.17) "This threefold austerity, performed with transcendental faith by men not expecting material benefits but engaged only for the sake of the Supreme, is called austerity in goodness."”

“(BG 17.18) "Penance performed out of pride and for the sake of gaining respect, honor and worship is said to be in the mode of passion. It is neither stable nor permanent."”

“(BG 17.19) "Penance performed out of foolishness, with self-torture or to destroy or injure others, is said to be in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 17.20) "Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person is considered to be in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 17.21) "But charity performed with the expectation of some return, or with a desire for fruitive results, or in a grudging mood is said to be charity in the mode of passion."”

“(BG 17.22) "And charity performed at an impure place, at an improper time, to unworthy persons, or without proper attention and respect is said to be in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 17.23) "From the beginning of creation, the three words OM TAT SAT were used to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth. These three symbolic representations were used by brahmanas while chanting the hymns of the Vedas and during sacrifices for the satisfaction of the Supreme."”

“(BG 17.24) "Therefore, transcendentalists undertaking performances of sacrifice, charity and penance in accordance with scriptural regulations begin always with OM, to attain the Supreme."”

“(BG 17.25) "Persons who do not desire fruitive results should perform various kinds of sacrifice, penance and charity with the word TAT. The purpose of such activities is to get free from material entanglement."”

“(BG 17.26-27) "The Absolute Truth is the objective of devotional sacrifice, and it is indicated by the word SAT. The performer of such sacrifice is also called SAT, as are all works of sacrifice, penance and charity which, true to the absolute nature, are performed to please the Supreme Person, O son of Pritha."”

“(BG 17.28) "Anything done as sacrifice, charity or penance without faith in the Supreme, O son of Pritha, is impermanent. It is called ASAT and is useless both in this life and the next."”

“(BG 18.1) "O mighty-armed one, I wish to understand the purpose of renunciation [tyaga] and of the renounced order of life [sannyasa], O killer of the Keshin demon, master of the senses."”

“(BG 18.2) "The giving up of activities that are based on material desire is what great learned men call the renounced order of life [sannyasa]. And giving up the results of all activities is what the wise call renunciation [tyaga]."”

“(BG 18.3) "Some learned men declare that all kinds of fruitive activities should be given up as faulty, yet other sages maintain that acts of sacrifice, charity and penance should never be abandoned."”

“(BG 18.4) "O best of the Bharatas, now hear My judgment about renunciation. O tiger among men, renunciation is declared in the scriptures to be of three kinds."”

“(BG 18.5) "Acts of sacrifice, charity and penance are not to be given up; they must be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity and penance purify even the great souls."”

“(BG 18.6) "All these activities should be performed without attachment or any expectation of result. They should be performed as a matter of duty, O son of Pritha. That is My final opinion."”

“(BG 18.7) "Prescribed duties should never be renounced. If one gives up his prescribed duties because of illusion, such renunciation is said to be in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 18.8) "Anyone who gives up prescribed duties as troublesome or out of fear of bodily discomfort is said to have renounced in the mode of passion. Such action never leads to the elevation of renunciation."”

“(BG 18.9) "O Arjuna, when one performs his prescribed duty only because it ought to be done, and renounces all material association and all attachment to the fruit, his renunciation is said to be in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 18.10) "The intelligent renouncer situated in the mode of goodness, neither hateful of inauspicious work nor attached to auspicious work, has no doubts about work."”

“(BG 18.11) "It is indeed impossible for an embodied being to give up all activities. But he who renounces the fruits of action is called one who has truly renounced."”

“(BG 18.12) "For one who is not renounced, the threefold fruits of action—desirable, undesirable and mixed—accrue after death. But those who are in the renounced order of life have no such result to suffer or enjoy."”

“(BG 18.13) "O mighty-armed Arjuna, according to the Vedanta there are five causes for the accomplishment of all action. Now learn of these from Me."”

“(BG 18.14) "The place of action [the body], the performer, the various senses, the many different kinds of endeavor, and ultimately the Supersoul—these are the five factors of action."”

“(BG 18.15) "Whatever right or wrong action a man performs by body, mind or speech is caused by these five factors."”

“(BG 18.16) "Therefore one who thinks himself the only doer, not considering the five factors, is certainly not very intelligent and cannot see things as they are."”

“(BG 18.17) "One who is not motivated by false ego, whose intelligence is not entangled, though he kills men in this world, does not kill. Nor is he bound by his actions."”

“(BG 18.18) "Knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the knower are the three factors that motivate action; the senses, the work and the doer are the three constituents of action."”

“(BG 18.19) "According to the three modes of material nature, there are three kinds of knowledge, action and performer of action. Now hear of them from Me."”

“(BG 18.20) "That knowledge by which one undivided spiritual nature is seen in all living entities, though they are divided into innumerable forms, you should understand to be in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 18.21) "That knowledge by which one sees that in every different body there is a different type of living entity you should understand to be in the mode of passion."”

“(BG 18.22) "And that knowledge by which one is attached to one kind of work as the all in all, without knowledge of the truth, and which is very scanty is said to be in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 18.23) "That action which is regulated and which is performed without attachment, without love or hatred, and without desire for fruitive results is said to be in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 18.24) "But action performed with great effort by one seeking to gratify his desires, and enacted from a sense of false ego, is called action in the mode of passion."”

“(BG 18.25) "That action performed in illusion, in disregard of scriptural injunctions, and without concern for future bondage or for violence or distress caused to others is said to be in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 18.26) "One who performs his duty without association with the modes of material nature, without false ego, with great determination and enthusiasm, and without wavering in success or failure is said to be a worker in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 18.27) "The worker who is attached to work and the fruits of work, desiring to enjoy those fruits, and who is greedy, always envious, impure, and moved by joy and sorrow, is said to be in the mode of passion."”

“(BG 18.28) "The worker who is always engaged in work against the injunctions of the scripture, who is materialistic, obstinate, cheating and expert in insulting others, and who is lazy, always morose and procrastinating is said to be a worker in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 18.29) "O winner of wealth, now please listen as I tell you in detail of the different kinds of understanding and determination according to the three modes of material nature."”

“(BG 18.30) "O son of Pritha, that understanding by which one knows what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what is binding and what is liberating, is in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 18.31) "O son of Pritha, that understanding which cannot distinguish between religion and irreligion, between action that should be done and action that should not be done, is in the mode of passion."”

“(BG 18.32) "That understanding which considers irreligion to be religion and religion to be irreligion, under the spell of illusion and darkness, and strives always in the wrong direction, O Partha, is in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 18.33) "O son of Pritha, that determination which is unbreakable, which is sustained with steadfastness by yoga practice, and which thus controls the activities of the mind, life and senses is determination in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 18.34) "But that determination by which one holds fast to fruitive results in religion, economic development and sense gratification is of the nature of passion, O Arjuna."”

“(BG 18.35) "And that determination which cannot go beyond dreaming, fearfulness, lamentation, moroseness and illusion—such unintelligent determination, O son of Pritha, is in the mode of ignorance."”

“(BG 18.36) "O best of the Bharatas, now please hear from Me about the three kinds of happiness by which the conditioned soul enjoys, and by which he sometimes comes to the end of all distress."”

“(BG 18.37) "That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness."”

“(BG 18.38) "That happiness which does not come from contact of the senses with their objects and which appears like nectar at first but poison at the end is said to be of the nature of passion."”

“(BG 18.39) "And that happiness which is blind to self-realization, which is delusion from beginning to end and which arises from sleep, laziness and illusion is said to be of the nature of ignorance."”

“(BG 18.40) "There is no being existing, either here or among the demigods in the higher planetary systems, which is freed from these three modes born of material nature."”

“(BG 18.41) "O chastiser of the enemy, the duties of the brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras are distributed according to the qualities of their own nature."”

“(BG 18.42) "Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness—these are the natural qualities by which the brahmanas work."”

“(BG 18.43) "Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the kshatriyas."”

“(BG 18.44) "Farming, cow protection and business are the natural work for the vaishyas, and for the shudras there is labor and service to others."”

“(BG 18.45) "By following his qualities of work, every man can become perfect. Now please hear from Me how this can be done."”

“(BG 18.46) "By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work."”

“(BG 18.47) "It is better to engage in one's own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly, than to accept another's occupation and perform it perfectly. Duties prescribed according to one's nature are never affected by sinful reactions."”

“(BG 18.48) "Every endeavor is covered by some fault, just as fire is covered by smoke. Therefore one should not give up the work born of his nature, O son of Kunti, even if such work is full of fault."”

“(BG 18.49) "One who is self-controlled and unattached and who disregards all material enjoyments can obtain, by practice of renunciation, the highest perfect stage of freedom from reaction."”

“(BG 18.50) "O son of Kunti, learn from Me how one who has achieved this perfection thus attains to the Supreme Brahman, the stage of highest knowledge."”

“(BG 18.51-53) "Being purified by his intelligence and controlling the mind with determination, giving up the objects of sense gratification, being freed from attachment and hatred, one who lives in a secluded place, who eats little, who controls his body, mind and power of speech, who is always in trance and who is detached, free from false ego, false strength, false pride, lust, anger and acceptance of material things, free from false proprietorship and peaceful—such a person is certainly elevated to the position of self-realization."”

“(BG 18.54) "One who is thus transcendentally situated at once realizes the Supreme Brahman and becomes fully joyful. He never laments or desires to have anything. He is equally disposed toward every living entity. In that state he attains pure devotional service unto Me."”

“(BG 18.55) "One can understand Me as I am, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, only by devotional service. And when one is in full consciousness of Me by such devotion, he can enter into the kingdom of God."”

“(BG 18.56) "Though engaged in all kinds of activities, My pure devotee, under My protection, reaches the eternal and imperishable abode by My grace."”

“(BG 18.57) "In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me."”

“(BG 18.58) "If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost."”

“(BG 18.59) "If you do not act according to My direction and do not fight, then you will be falsely directed. By your nature, you will have to be engaged in warfare."”

“(BG 18.60) "Under illusion you are now declining to act according to My direction. But, compelled by the work born of your own nature, you will act all the same, O son of Kunti."”

“(BG 18.61) "The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy."”

“(BG 18.62) "O scion of Bharata, surrender unto Him utterly. By His grace you will attain transcendental peace and the supreme and eternal abode."”

“(BG 18.63) "Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more confidential. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do."”

“(BG 18.64) "Because you are My very dear friend, I am speaking to you My supreme instruction, the most confidential knowledge of all. Hear this from Me, for it is for your benefit."”

“(BG 18.65) "Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend."”

“(BG 18.66) "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."”

“(BG 18.67) "This confidential knowledge may never be explained to those who are not austere, or devoted, or engaged in devotional service, nor to one who is envious of Me."”

“(BG 18.68) "For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me."”

“(BG 18.69) "There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear."”

“(BG 18.70) "And I declare that he who studies this sacred conversation of ours worships Me by his intelligence."”

“(BG 18.71) "And one who listens with faith and without envy becomes free from sinful reactions and attains to the auspicious planets where the pious dwell."”

“(BG 18.72) "O son of Pritha, O conqueror of wealth, have you heard this with an attentive mind? And are your ignorance and illusions now dispelled?"”

“(BG 18.73) "My dear Krishna, O infallible one, my illusion is gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions."”

“(BG 18.74) "Thus have I heard the conversation of two great souls, Krishna and Arjuna. And so wonderful is that message that my hair is standing on end."”

“(BG 18.75) "By the mercy of Vyasa, I have heard these most confidential talks directly from the master of all mysticism, Krishna, who was speaking personally to Arjuna."”

“(BG 18.76) "O King, as I repeatedly recall this wondrous and holy dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, I take pleasure, being thrilled at every moment."”

“(BG 18.77) "O King, as I remember the wonderful form of Lord Krishna, I am struck with wonder more and more, and I rejoice again and again."”

“(BG 18.78) "Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion."”