5 Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita with Full Verses and Practical Applications
Continuing to delve into the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, here are five more shlokas that provide valuable insights into living a balanced, harmonious life. These shlokas offer guidance on spiritual awareness, self-discipline, and understanding the deeper nature of existence.
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—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can achieve peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy such desires.”
Application in Life:
This shloka teaches that true peace comes not from fulfilling desires but from staying calm and composed, even as desires arise. A wise person remains undisturbed, like the ocean, no matter how many desires flow into their mind.
Example:
When faced with desires for material possessions or accomplishments, focus on remaining balanced and not letting these desires disturb your peace. Understand that chasing after every desire leads to restlessness, whereas inner calm brings lasting peace.
2. Shloka: Chapter 5, Verse 18
विद्या विनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि। शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिता: समदर्शिन:॥
Translation: “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 (outcaste).”
Application in Life:
This shloka highlights the importance of seeing all beings equally. A truly wise person does not differentiate between people or creatures based on their external appearances or societal roles, but views everyone with the same respect and compassion.
Example:
Practice equality and humility in your daily interactions, whether you are dealing with people from different social backgrounds or with animals. Cultivating this equal vision can help you develop a more compassionate and inclusive perspective on life.
3. Shloka: Chapter 2, Verse 14
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदु:खदा:। आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥
Translation: “O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”
Application in Life:
This shloka teaches the importance of developing tolerance toward the ups and downs of life. Just like the seasons change, so do situations of happiness and distress. By remaining steady and patient, you can maintain inner peace despite external fluctuations.
Example:
When facing difficult times, remind yourself that these phases are temporary, much like seasons. Stay calm and patient, knowing that both good and bad times will pass. This practice can help you navigate life’s challenges with more ease and resilience.
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, these five are its causes.”
Application in Life:
This shloka reminds us that every action has multiple contributing factors, including the body, speech, and mind. Therefore, it is essential to act mindfully and responsibly, understanding the consequences of our actions.
Example:
Before taking any action, consider its impact on your body, your words, and your thoughts. Strive to align all three with positive intentions, so that your actions lead to beneficial outcomes for yourself and others.
5. Shloka: Chapter 10, Verse 20
अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थित:। अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च॥
Translation: “I am the Self, O Gudakesha, seated in the hearts of all creatures. I am the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.”
Application in Life:
This shloka emphasizes the divine presence within every living being and the interconnectedness of all life forms. Recognizing that the divine exists in all creatures helps foster a sense of unity and compassion toward others.
Example:
In moments of conflict or when dealing with others, remind yourself that the same divine essence that is within you also resides in them. This understanding can help you approach situations with greater empathy and compassion, leading to more harmonious relationships.
Conclusion
These additional shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita offer profound wisdom on maintaining inner peace, equality, tolerance, mindfulness, and recognizing the divine presence within all beings. By applying these teachings in your life, you can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, balance, and compassion in everything you do.