Srimad Bhagavad Gita

One of the most important books on Yoga is Sriman Mahabharatha. Srimad Bhagavad Gita is in Sriman Mahabharata, one of the great epics of the Hindus and is written by the Sage Veda Vyasa.

There are 700 slokas (verses) in Srimad Bhagavad Gita and are grouped into eighteen chapters. Each chapter is considered as a form of Yoga.

Arjuna vishaada yoga is the yoga of dejection. Vishada means a dejection. Dejection is a mental state. In this state, the individual has no other thought except the thoughts of dejection.

Samkya yoga is the yoga of knowledge. In this chapter, the most important discussion of Srimad Bhagavad Gita takes place. Here, the discrimination occupies an important place.The wisdom to attain equanimity is explained.

Karma yoga is the yoga of disinterested action. In this chapter, it is described about the performance of action which should be taken for the welfare of the others without any selfish motives to attain and by this action how to attain equanimity is explained.

Jnana karma sanynasa yoga is the yoga of karma, duty and jnana, knowledge. In this chapter, Sri Krishna gives the special emphasis on the knowledge while performing the duties; the knowledge about the action.

In this chapter, the explanation of karma yoga, that is, the disinterested action is given.Karma yoga is superior to jnana yoga.

Atma sannyasa yoga is the yoga of self-control. In this chapter, the importance of the control of the body, the senses, the mind, and the intellect are explained.

Jnana Vijnana Yoga is the yoga of knowledge and realization. In this chapter, there is a description of the knowledge and the realization. There is an unfolding of the knowledge with the realization. The root of the entire universe is the knowledge. In the entire universe, there is nothing but the Lord.

Akshara Brahma yoga is the yoga of Imperishable Brahman. In this chapter, Sri Krishna answers the questions of Arjuna who wants to know the imperishable Brahman and how can this Absolute be realized at the time of death.

Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga is the yoga of Sovereign Science and Sovereign Secret. In this chapter, there is the explanation of the mysterious knowledge that is, the most profound knowledge and its realization. Realization is possible only by the total surrender.

Vibhuti Yoga is the yoga of Divine Glories. In this chapter. Sri Krishna states, The Absolute is the cause of the whole creation. The Absolute is the Self seated in the heart of all beings. The Absolute is the beginning, the middle and the end of all creations.

Vishwarupa Darshana Yoga is the yoga of the Revelation of the Cosmic Form. In this chapter, there is the explanation of the vision of the merits of the exclusive devotion, and the traits of such a devotee.

Bhakthi Yoga is the yoga of Devotion. In this chapter, the description of the devotees who are engaged in the devotional practices and the services are given. The Supreme faith is better. Sri Krishna says, the perfect yogis are those who fix the mind on the Absolute; worship the Absolute with devotion, and are those who are endowed with supreme faith attained by restraining all the senses.

This chapter describes the distinction between prakriti and purusha; the matter and the spirit. Here is the description of the attributeless Brahman.

Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga is the yoga of Division of the three gunas. In this chapter, the means to rise above the three modes as well as the divine nature is explained. All beings or the bodies take birth in the different wombs.

In this chapter, Sri Krishna teaches the most secret and hidden shastra, the Purushottama yoga. Sri Krishna says, There is a person who is different from the perishable body and the soul called jivatma which is imperishable.

This is the yoga of Division between Divine and Demoniacal traits. In this chapter, the explanation of divine nature and demoniac nature is given

This yoga is the Yoga of Division of the Threefold Faith. In this chapter, there is the description of the three evolutes of nature, that is, sattva, rajas and tamas.

Moksha sannyasa yoga is the yoga of Liberation by Renunciation. Sri Krishna advises, ‘One should perform all the duties and the actions giving up attachment and desires.