Bhagavad Gita Reflections
A sacred offering of stillness, study, and inner clarity.
These readings began at the encouragement of my Guru, as a way to deepen connection to the teachings and transmit them with devotion. They are not polished or perfect — but they are real, human, and alive.
I paused after Chapter 5 when I became unwell. I hope to continue when I am able.
Thank you for being here.
May these teachings meet you where you are, and guide you inward.
Introduction to The Living Gita
In this opening reflection, Maria reads the Introduction to The Living Gita by Swami Satchidananda. This passage explores the cosmic nature of the Vedas, the eternal truth revealed through deep meditation, and the sacred origins of the Bhagavad Gita as part of the Mahabharata.
“Let us begin with reverence.”
The Story Behind the Bhagavad Gita
In this second reading, Maria shares the background of the Bhagavad Gita, as introduced by Swami Satchidananda. This story sets the stage for the Gita's spiritual teachings — a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, rooted in the Mahabharata. We learn of the Pandavas and Kauravas, their sacred lineage, the partitioned kingdom, and the rising conflict that leads to war. It is within this battlefield — both external and internal — that the teachings of the Gita unfold.
“Each of us carries a battlefield within. The Gita speaks to that sacred inner war.”
Chapter 1: The Despondency of Arjuna
In this reading, Maria explores the opening chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, where Arjuna stands torn between duty and despair. Faced with loved ones on both sides of the battlefield, he collapses into emotional turmoil. Through vivid storytelling and yogic wisdom, Swami Satchidananda helps us understand this moment as a universal teaching on attachment, grief, and the search for clarity.
“This is the inner war we all face—between the pull of the heart and the call of the soul.”
Chapter 2: The Yoga of Knowledge
In this pivotal chapter, Maria reads passages from the Bhagavad Gita that lay the foundation for yogic wisdom. Here, Sri Krishna begins to guide Arjuna out of confusion and into discernment, introducing key teachings on duty, the Self, and the nature of action without attachment.
This chapter is often considered the heart of the Gita — containing the essence of spiritual practice and the first full response to Arjuna’s despair.
“The one who sees clearly acts without attachment, and rests in peace — even in the midst of the battle.”
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga — The Yoga of Action
In this chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reminds us that renunciation doesn’t mean withdrawal — it means acting without selfish desire. Karma Yoga invites us to take conscious action for the good of all, not just personal gain. We’re encouraged to follow our svadharma (true path) rather than imitate another’s, to offer our work as service, and to stay engaged in the world with clarity and compassion. Even desire itself is revealed as an obstacle to wisdom. This is a call to serve — fully, skillfully, and without attachment.
“Even a wise person follows his or her own nature... Why try to force anything to be otherwise?”
Chapter 4: The Wisdom Yoga of Action and Renunciation
Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita introduces the sacred transmission of yogic knowledge, passed from teacher to student through time. Krishna reminds us that offering knowledge is the highest form of giving — and that right action, when done without attachment, becomes a form of worship.
Maria reads selections on the humility of the student, the role of the guru, the illusion of the doer, and the deeper purpose of renunciation. This chapter offers the ultimate paradox: we are to act — but without ego, desire, or ownership. From this place, true wisdom is revealed.
“With the keen blade of knowledge, sever any doubts… stand up, Arjuna!”
Chapter 5: The Yoga of Renunciation
In this reflection, Maria reads from Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna explains the two paths of renunciation and action — ultimately affirming that selfless action (Karma Yoga) is the wiser path. This chapter explores what it truly means to act without ego, and how the yogi comes to see all beings with equal vision.
We’re invited to let go of the illusion of being the doer, release attachment to results, and rest in the awareness of the Self. There are teachings on equanimity, meditation, pranayama, and seeing the Divine in everything — until one no longer identifies with the mind or body at all. This is the path to peace, joy, and unity with Brahman.
“Whoever knows me as the Lord of self-sacrifice and asceticism... reaches the state of supreme peace.”