The Bhagavad-gītā is one of the foundational books of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, yet many readers find it difficult to grasp. Often, we understand individual verses but miss the overall progression, or we finish the book remembering the conclusion while forgetting most of the arguments that sustain it. In this way, although we study the Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, we often fail to capture the complete thread of Kṛṣṇa’s teachings.
This book was written as a companion to Bhagavad-gītā As It Is by Śrīla Prabhupāda. It is not meant to replace the original text but to help you understand the structure, progression, and practical application of the teachings. Here, the verses are grouped and explained according to the natural progression of Kṛṣṇa’s argument, making it easier to see how one point leads to the next, how the different sections fit together, and how Śrīla Prabhupāda’s purports reveal the meaning and implications of each passage. Studying in this way, you can understand each verse individually while also capturing the thread of the conversation and seeing how everything comes together to form a unified message.
The first six chapters of the Gītā—discussed in the first volume—explain the yoga processes that elevate the soul, bringing us back to our original position of service to the Lord, while the next six—discussed in this second volume—explain both the goal itself and the process for attaining it: knowing Kṛṣṇa, always remembering Him, developing our natural love for Him, and serving Him through the process of devotional service.
We are now entering the heart of the Bhagavad-gītā.
➡️ Read the book online (ongoing):
+ Introduction: The path so far: a recap of the first six chapters
+ CHAPTER SEVEN:
Knowledge of the Absolute (Jñāna-vijñāna yoga)
Knowing Kṛṣṇa in full (Bg 7.1 to 7.3)
The components of everything that exists (Bg 7.4 to 7.7)
The power behind everything (Bg 7.8)
Kṛṣṇa is the essence of everything (Bg 7.9 to 7.12)
Four classes of people who never surrender to Kṛṣṇa (Bg 7.13 to 7.15)
From material need to complete surrender (Bg 7.16 to 7.19)
Demigod worship and its temporary results (Bg 7.20 to 7.23)
Kṛṣṇa remains hidden from the unintelligent (Bg 7.24 to 7.26)
Freedom from delusion at the time of death (Bg 7.27 to 7.30)
A map of the seventh chapter
+ CHAPTER EIGHT:
Attaining the Supreme (Akṣara-parabrahma yoga)
Arjuna’s seven questions (Bg 8.1 to 8.4)
Remembering Kṛṣṇa at the time of death (Bg 8.5 to 8.8)
The process used by mystic yogīs (Bg 8.9 to 8.13)
Kṛṣṇa is easily attained by the pure devotee (Bg 8.14 to 8.16)
The eternity of the transcendental abode (Bg 8.17 to 8.22)
Two paths at death, and the devotee beyond both (Bg 8.23 to 8.27)
The supremacy of the path of devotional service (Bg 8.28)
A map of the eighth chapter
+ CHAPTER NINE:
The Most Confidential Knowledge (Rāja-vidyā-rāja-guhya yoga)
The path to perfection (Bg 9.1 to 9.3)
Kṛṣṇa’s relationship with the material creation (Bg 9.4 to 9.10)
Fools who deride Kṛṣṇa and great souls who worship Him (Bg 9.11 to 9.14)
The three lower classes of worshippers (Bg 9.15)
Kṛṣṇa is behind all Vedic and cosmic functions (Bg 9.16 to 9.19)
Everyone should come to Kṛṣṇa (Bg 9.20 to 9.25)
The glories of pure devotional service (Bg 9.26 to 9.28)
My devotee never perishes (Bg 9.29 to 9.31)
Always think of me, become my devotee (Bg 9.32 to 9.34)
A map of the ninth chapter
+ CHAPTER TEN:
The Opulence of the Absolute (Vibhūti yoga)
Kṛṣṇa is unknowable, but the devotee knows Him (Bg 10.1 to 10.3)
The source of the cosmic population (Bg 10.4 to 10.7)
The catur-ślokī Gītā (Bg 10.8 to 10.11)
Arjuna asks about Kṛṣṇa’s opulences (Bg 10.12 to 10.18)
Kṛṣṇa reveals His principal opulences (Bg 10.19 to 10.25)
Recognizing Kṛṣṇa in all extraordinary manifestations (Bg 10.26 to 10.31)
Kṛṣṇa is behind all existence (Bg 10.32 to 10.39)
Just a spark of His splendor (Bg 10.40 to 10.42)
A map of the tenth chapter
+ CHAPTER ELEVEN:
The Universal Form (Viśvarūpa-darśana yoga)
Arjuna asks to see Kṛṣṇa’s universal form (Bg 11.1 to 11.4)
Kṛṣṇa gives Arjuna divine vision (Bg 11.5 to 11.14)
Arjuna’s wonder turns into fear (Bg 11.15 to 11.25)
Kṛṣṇa’s terrifying aspect as time (Bg 11.26 to 11.34)
Arjuna glorifies Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Lord (Bg 11.35 to 11.40)
Kṛṣṇa is the source of Viṣṇu (Bg 11.41 to 11.46)
Kṛṣṇa returns to His original form (Bg 11.47 to 11.51)
Only pure devotion reveals Kṛṣṇa as He is (Bg 11.52 to 11.55)
A map of the eleventh chapter
+ CHAPTER TWELVE:
Transcendental Knowledge (Bhakti-yoga)
The trouble of the impersonal path (Bg 12.1 to 12.5)
Kṛṣṇa personally delivers His devotee (Bg 12.6 and 12.7)
A path for everyone: the transcendental ladder (Bg 12.8 to 12.12)
Qualities that make a devotee very dear to Kṛṣṇa (Bg 12.13 to 12.19)
Making Kṛṣṇa the supreme goal (Bg 12.20)
A map of the twelfth chapter
This is a publication for thoughtful readers who want to go deeper into Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I publish daily, trying to offer high-quality spiritual content, and all posts are available to free subscribers. If you wish, you can support this work with a monthly contribution. When you subscribe, you can choose between a free subscription and a monthly contribution, and you can switch from a free subscriber to a supporter at any time.