5 Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita with Full Verses and Practical Applications
The Bhagavad Gita continues to provide profound insights that guide individuals on the path of righteousness, wisdom, and spiritual growth. Below are five more shlokas from the sacred text, complete with full verses, translations, and practical applications to help you lead a balanced and enlightened life.
76. Shloka: Chapter 5, Verse 23
शक्नोतीहैव य: सोढुं प्राक्शरीरविमोक्षणात्। कामक्रोधोद्भवं वेगं स युक्त: स सुखी नर:॥
Translation: “He who is able to endure the urges of desire and anger before giving up his body is a yogi and is a happy man.”
Application in Life:
This shloka highlights the importance of self-control, particularly over emotions such as desire and anger. Mastering these urges leads to a peaceful and joyful life, as uncontrolled emotions often lead to stress, regret, and unhappiness.
Example:
When you feel the surge of anger or a strong desire, take a step back and practice mindfulness. Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help you control these urges, leading to a calmer and more content state of mind.
77. Shloka: Chapter 6, Verse 5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्। आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन:॥
Translation: “One must elevate oneself by one’s own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and its enemy as well.”
Application in Life:
This shloka stresses that your mind can either be your best ally or your greatest adversary. It is through self-discipline and positive thinking that you can uplift yourself and avoid being trapped by negative thoughts.
Example:
Practice affirmations and self-care activities that strengthen your mind. Engaging in activities that improve your mental well-being, such as reading, yoga, or hobbies, helps turn your mind into a supportive force rather than an obstacle.
78. Shloka: Chapter 3, Verse 9
यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धन:। तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसंग: समाचर॥
Translation: “Work done as a sacrifice for the divine must be performed; otherwise, work binds one to this world. Therefore, O son of Kunti, perform your prescribed duties for His satisfaction, and in that way, you will always remain free from bondage.”
Application in Life:
This shloka teaches the concept of Karma Yoga, where actions are performed as an offering to the divine without attachment to their outcomes. This attitude helps in freeing oneself from the cycle of karma and material entanglement.
Example:
In your everyday life, try to perform your duties with dedication but without attachment to the results. Whether it’s work, relationships, or personal goals, focus on giving your best effort without being overly concerned about the outcomes.
79. Shloka: Chapter 4, Verse 24
ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम्। ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना॥
Translation: “A person who is fully absorbed in the activities of consciousness sees everything as Brahman (the Supreme). The act of offering, the offering itself, and the fire are all Brahman. Such a person will reach Brahman.”
Application in Life:
This shloka highlights the all-encompassing nature of the divine. When one performs all actions with the consciousness that everything is an expression of the divine, they elevate their spiritual awareness and move toward liberation.
Example:
Incorporate this mindset into your daily routine by recognizing the divine in every action, from your work to your personal life. When you approach life with this awareness, even mundane tasks become spiritual practices, leading to a more fulfilling existence.
80. Shloka: Chapter 2, Verse 70
आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं समुद्रमाप: प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्। तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी॥
Translation: “As the waters of different rivers enter the ocean, which, though full, remains undisturbed, so does a person achieve peace into whom all desires enter, without being disturbed, but not the person who is attached to desires.”
Application in Life:
This shloka conveys the importance of non-attachment to desires. Desires will always exist, but a person who remains undisturbed by them and does not let them affect inner peace is truly content and at peace.
Example:
When you feel overwhelmed by desires—whether for material wealth, success, or relationships—remind yourself that inner peace comes from detachment. Focus on what truly matters and learn to let go of unnecessary wants that disturb your tranquility.
Conclusion
The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom, guiding us on how to live a life of balance, discipline, and devotion. These five additional shlokas emphasize self-control, detachment, and the importance of performing actions without attachment to the results. By practicing these principles, you can lead a more peaceful and spiritually fulfilling life.