When we think of the Bhagavad Gita, certain iconic verses come to mind almost immediately: "Karmanye vadhikaraste..." or "Yada yada hi dharmasya..." But beyond these oft-quoted gems lies a treasure trove of lesser-known shlokas that carry immense philosophical weight and practical wisdom.
Here are ten such verses that may not be as frequently cited, but hold profound insights into life, action, and the self:
1. The Ocean of Equanimity
Chapter 2, Verse 70
"Āpūryamāṇam achala-pratiṣṭhaṁ samudram āpaḥ praviśanti yadvat, tadvat kāmāṁ yaṁ praviśanti sarve sa śāntim āpnoti na kāma-kāmī."
Just as rivers flow into the vast ocean without causing disturbance, so do desires enter the mind of a peaceful person who is not obsessed with cravings. Profound inner peace, says Krishna, lies not in the suppression of desire but in rising above its pull.
2. The Vain Life of Self-Indulgence
Chapter 3, Verse 16
"Evam pravartitam cakram nānuvartayatīha yaḥ, aghāyur indriyārāmo moghaṁ pārtha sa jīvati."
The wheel of creation and duty is ever in motion. Those who live only for sensory pleasure, ignoring their responsibilities, live a wasted life. A timeless warning against selfishness and disengagement.
3. The Purity of True Knowledge
Chapter 4, Verse 38
"Na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ pavitram iha vidyate, tat svayaṁ yoga-saṁsiddhaḥ kālena ātmani vindati."
Nothing is as purifying as knowledge. With time, a sincere seeker finds this inner wisdom through dedicated practice. The Gita exalts knowledge not just as intellect, but as a spiritual cleanser.
4. Be Your Own Best Friend
Chapter 6, Verse 5
"Uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet, ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ."
One must elevate oneself by one's own effort. The self is both the greatest ally and the greatest enemy. Few verses capture the empowering core of the Gita like this one.
5. Four Kinds of Devotees
Chapter 7, Verse 16
"Catur-vidhā bhajante māṁ janāḥ sukṛtino 'rjuna, ārto jijñāsur arthārthī jñānī ca bharatarṣabha."
People turn to the divine for many reasons: distress, curiosity, material needs, or wisdom. All are welcomed. This verse breaks the myth that only saints can connect with the divine.
6. Divine Insurance
Chapter 9, Verse 22
"Ananyāś cintayanto māṁ ye janāḥ paryupāsate, teṣāṁ nityābhiyuktānāṁ yoga-kṣemaṁ vahāmy aham."
To those who are devoted and undistracted, Krishna promises to provide what is lacking and preserve what is already possessed. A divine assurance of support that transcends logic.
7. Emotional Stability = Devotion
Chapter 12, Verse 15
"Yasmān nodvijate loko lokān nodvijate ca yaḥ, harṣāmarṣa-bhayodvegair mukto yaḥ sa ca me priyaḥ."
He who does not disturb the world and is not disturbed by it, who is free from emotional extremes, is dear to the Divine. This verse lays out a blueprint for spiritual emotional intelligence.
8. Seeing the Pain of Existence
Chapter 13, Verses 9–11 (excerpt)
"Janma-mṛtyu-jarā-vyādhi-duẅkha-doṣānudarśanam..."
True knowledge includes seeing the inherent suffering in birth, death, aging, and illness. It advocates for realism—not to depress us, but to anchor us in truth.
9. Beyond Praise and Blame
Chapter 14, Verse 24
"Sama-duṃkha-sukhaḥ sva-sthaḥ sama-loṣṭāśma-kāñcanaḥ, tulya-priyāpriyo dhīras tulya-nindātma-saṁstutiḥ."
One who remains steady amidst pain and pleasure, praise and criticism, and treats a stone and gold alike—such a person has transcended the three gunas (modes of nature). A zen-like ideal.
10. The Right to Choose
Chapter 18, Verse 63
"Iti te jñānam ākhyātaṁ guhyād guhyataraṁ mayā, vimṛśyaitad aśeṣeṇa yathecchasi tathā kuru."
After all the teachings, Krishna steps back and says: "Now reflect and choose your path." Even the divine does not force. Free will is sacred.
Final Thoughts: These shlokas may not headline popular discourses, but they offer timeless wisdom for those willing to look deeper. The Bhagavad Gita isn't just a philosophical treatise; it's a manual for inner transformation. And sometimes, the quieter verses carry the loudest truths.
Disclaimer: AIGC
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