Explore five more enlightening shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita, complete with full verses, translations, and practical life applications. Learn how these teachings can help you achieve inner peace, wisdom, and a balanced life.
5 Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita with Full Verses and Practical Applications
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita offers deep spiritual wisdom that applies to all aspects of life. Each shloka conveys a powerful message that can guide us through personal and professional challenges. Here are five more shlokas, along with their full verses, translations, and practical applications.
1. Shloka: Chapter 3, Verse 21
यद्यदाचरति श्रेष्ठस्तत्तदेवेतरो जन:। स यत्प्रमाणं कुरुते लोकस्तदनुवर्तते॥
Translation: “Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.”
Application in Life:
This shloka highlights the importance of leadership by example. People tend to follow the actions of those they respect or admire, so it’s crucial for leaders to act with integrity, responsibility, and wisdom. By setting the right example, one can inspire others to follow the path of righteousness.
Example:
In a corporate setting, a leader who values honesty, hard work, and fairness will inspire their team to adopt the same values, fostering a productive and ethical work environment.
2. Shloka: Chapter 2, Verse 70
आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं समुद्रमाप: प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्। तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी॥
Translation: “As the waters of rivers enter the ocean, which is ever being filled but is still, so a person of steady mind attains peace, into whom all desires enter without causing disturbance, but not the one who is obsessed with desires.”
Application in Life:
This shloka teaches the importance of maintaining inner calm amidst external desires. Just like the ocean remains steady despite the inflow of rivers, a person should remain composed and unaffected by worldly desires. Inner peace is attained by not letting desires overwhelm the mind.
Example:
In today’s fast-paced world, where material desires and ambitions are abundant, this shloka encourages one to stay grounded and focus on contentment, rather than constantly chasing external gratification.
3. Shloka: Chapter 4, Verse 18
कर्मण्यकर्म य: पश्येदकर्मणि च कर्म य:। स बुद्धिमान्मनुष्येषु स युक्त: कृत्स्नकर्मकृत्॥
Translation: “One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men. He is a transcendentalist, even though engaged in all sorts of activities.”
Application in Life:
This shloka provides a deeper insight into the philosophy of detachment and selfless action. It teaches that true wisdom lies in recognizing the balance between action and inaction. By detaching from the results of actions, one can perform duties without being mentally disturbed by success or failure. This attitude leads to a higher state of consciousness.
Example:
A professional who performs their job with dedication but is not attached to the outcome will work with more clarity, peace of mind, and effectiveness, regardless of external circumstances.
4. Shloka: Chapter 18, Verse 15
शरीरवाङ्मनोभिर्यत्कर्म प्रारभते नर:। न्याय्यं वा विपरीतं वा पञ्चैते तस्य हेतव:॥
Translation: “Whatever action a man performs with his body, speech, and mind, whether right or wrong, is caused by these five factors.”
Application in Life:
This shloka emphasizes the connection between body, speech, and mind in the performance of actions. It explains that every action, whether moral or immoral, is influenced by these three faculties, combined with external factors. By maintaining awareness of our physical actions, words, and thoughts, we can align them toward positive outcomes.
Example:
In interpersonal relationships, being mindful of how we think, speak, and act can lead to more harmonious interactions and prevent misunderstandings.
5. Shloka: Chapter 2, Verse 45
त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन। निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान्॥
Translation: “The Vedas deal with the three modes of material nature, O Arjuna. Rise above these modes. Be free from all dualities, and from all anxieties for gain and safety, and be established in the Self.”
Application in Life:
This shloka advises transcending the material modes of existence (goodness, passion, and ignorance) and focusing on the spiritual self. It encourages one to rise above dualities like pleasure and pain, success and failure, and focus on spiritual fulfillment. By detaching from material anxieties and remaining steady in one’s inner self, true peace is attained.
Example:
In challenging times, whether financial or personal, remaining centered and not letting external situations affect your inner peace helps maintain balance and clear thinking.
Conclusion
These additional shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita continue to provide timeless wisdom that applies to modern life. By internalizing these teachings and applying them to daily challenges, one can achieve personal growth, emotional balance, and spiritual fulfillment. The Gita’s messages guide us towards a life of purpose, selflessness, and inner peace.