Principles of the Bhagavad Geeta
The Bhagavad Geeta offers timeless wisdom through 16 consulting principles, organized into four yoga paths. Each path represents a different approach to living a meaningful and ethical life.
Action
कर्म योग
Karma Yoga
The path of selfless action
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Righteous Duty
धर्म
Honor your responsibilities and role. Act on what is right, not what is convenient.
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Selfless Action
निष्काम कर्म
Act without attachment to outcomes. Focus on the process, not results.
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True to Your Nature
स्वधर्म
Align work with your innate strengths and authentic self.
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Selfless Service
सेवा
Act for the welfare of others without expectation. Lead by personal example.
Knowledge
ज्ञान योग
Jnana Yoga
The path of wisdom and discernment
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Discernment
विवेक
Distinguish the essential from non-essential, wise from unwise.
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Self-Knowledge
ज्ञान
Pursue understanding of self, truth, and the nature of reality.
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Steady Wisdom
स्थितप्रज्ञ
Maintain clarity and stability of mind amidst changing circumstances.
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Letting Go
त्याग
Release attachments to possessions, status, ego, and past.
Devotion
भक्ति योग
Bhakti Yoga
The path of love and surrender
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Devotion
भक्ति
Cultivate love and connection to something greater than yourself.
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Surrender
शरणागति
Let go of ego-driven control. Trust in the larger order.
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Faith
श्रद्धा
Act with conviction and trust. You become what you believe.
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Meditation
ध्यान
Cultivate inner stillness, focus, and connection through practice.
Character
सदाचार
Sadachara
The path of virtuous conduct
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Equanimity
समत्वम्
Remain balanced in success and failure, praise and criticism.
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Self-Mastery
संयम
Control senses, mind, and impulses. Cultivate restraint.
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Noble Qualities
दैवी सम्पद्
Embody divine qualities: truthfulness, courage, compassion, patience.
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Practice
अभ्यास
Persist through consistent effort. Growth comes through repetition.