5 Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita with Full Verses and Practical Applications
The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless teachings that provide guidance on personal, ethical, and spiritual growth. Here are five more powerful shlokas, complete with full verses, translations, and practical applications to enrich your life.
1. Shloka: Chapter 2, Verse 70
आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं समुद्रमाप: प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्। तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी॥
Translation: “A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires, just as the ocean remains undisturbed by the rivers entering it, can achieve peace, and not the one who is constantly desiring.”
Application in Life:
This shloka teaches that peace comes from contentment and not from chasing after desires. Desires will always flow into our lives like rivers into the ocean, but the key is not to be disturbed by them.
Example:
Practice contentment by focusing on what you already have rather than chasing new desires. By developing a mindset of abundance, you can experience inner peace and emotional stability, even amid challenges and temptations.
2. Shloka: Chapter 6, Verse 5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्। आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन:॥
Translation: “One must elevate, and not degrade oneself by one’s own mind. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and it is also the enemy.”
Application in Life:
This shloka emphasizes the power of the mind in shaping our destiny. The mind can either lift us up or bring us down, depending on how we control it. If trained well, the mind becomes our greatest ally; if left uncontrolled, it can act as our greatest adversary.
Example:
Focus on positive thinking, self-discipline, and self-awareness. Train your mind through meditation, reflection, and constructive habits to become your friend, and avoid allowing negative thoughts to dictate your actions.
3. Shloka: Chapter 9, Verse 29
समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रिय:। ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम्॥
Translation: “I am equal to all beings; none are hateful to Me, nor am I partial to anyone. But those who worship Me with devotion are in Me, and I am in them.”
Application in Life:
This shloka teaches the equality of all beings in the eyes of the divine. While the divine is impartial and equally disposed towards all, those who approach life with devotion and dedication to higher principles form a deeper connection with the divine.
Example:
Treat everyone with fairness and respect, recognizing the divine in all beings. Foster a sense of devotion in your daily activities, seeing each action as a means of connecting to something higher, whether through service, work, or personal growth.
4. Shloka: Chapter 8, Verse 7
तस्मात्सर्वेषु कालेषु मामनुस्मर युध्य च। मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्मामेवैष्यस्यसंशयम्॥
Translation: “Therefore, always think of Me and fight. With your mind and intellect fixed on Me, without doubt, you will come to Me.”
Application in Life:
This shloka advises us to engage in life’s battles with constant remembrance of the divine. It doesn’t mean avoiding challenges, but rather facing them while maintaining a sense of higher purpose and spiritual focus.
Example:
In moments of stress or difficulty, stay connected to your values and higher purpose. Let go of worry about outcomes and stay committed to doing your best with the knowledge that you are guided and supported by a greater force.
5. Shloka: Chapter 13, Verse 27
समं सर्वेषु भूतेषु तिष्ठन्तं परमेश्वरम्। विनश्यत्स्वविनश्यन्तं य: पश्यति स पश्यति॥
Translation: “One who sees the Supreme Lord existing equally in all beings, the imperishable among the perishable, truly sees.”
Application in Life:
This shloka teaches that true wisdom lies in recognizing the eternal divine presence within all living beings, despite their temporary physical forms. This awareness leads to compassion, respect, and spiritual insight.
Example:
Cultivate a mindset of equality by seeing the same divine spark in every person you meet, regardless of their external appearance or status. This perspective helps in building stronger relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Conclusion
These five shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita provide deep insights into self-mastery, equality, divine connection, and finding peace amidst desires. Applying these teachings in your daily life can lead to greater emotional balance, spiritual growth, and fulfillment.