Bhagavad Gita

What this chapter does

The speaker presents knowledge joined to realization as release from bondage, while saying that those without faith remain in the path of death and rebirth. He describes himself as pervading, sustaining, creating, and withdrawing all beings without being bound by action, and as present in sacrifice, nature, life, death, and the world. Rituals and worship directed to other deities bring their corresponding, limited results, while undivided worship reaches him and is sustained by him. Simple offerings and the dedication of every act free one from karma; the chapter ends by extending the highest goal to those who take refuge and setting the mind, worship, sacrifice, and reverence upon him.

1. 01Secret knowledge promises liberation
2. 02God pervades yet transcends beings
3. 03Creation cycles under divine oversight
4. 04Ritual rewards contrast with devotion
5. 05Dedicated devotion leads to God

Opens

a promise to reveal the most secret knowledge

Closes

single-minded devotion directed wholly toward him