10 Ancient Gita Verses from Bhagavad Gita to Solve Life's Toughest Problems
Nidhi | May 20, 2025, 19:31 IST
( Image credit : Pexels, Timeslife )
Life can get overwhelming, filled with challenges that test our patience and strength. The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient spiritual guide, offers timeless shlokas that speak directly to these struggles. This article shares 10 powerful verses that bring clarity when you feel lost, courage when you’re afraid, and peace when chaos surrounds you. These teachings aren’t just words—they’re companions that help you face life’s toughest moments with grace and wisdom, no matter where you are on your journey.
श्रीभगवानुवाच —
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।
क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परंतप॥ (BG 2.3)
“Do not yield to unmanliness, O Arjuna. It does not become you. Give up this weakness of heart and arise, O destroyer of enemies.”
Before battle, Arjuna collapsed — not in body, but in spirit. He asked life’s hardest questions: What is the point of duty, love, family, war, and existence itself? And Krishna answered, not with emotion — but eternal wisdom. That’s the Bhagavad Gita. And through its shlokas, it speaks not just to warriors, but to anyone fighting inner wars in everyday life. 
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (BG 2.47)
“You have the right to perform your action, but not to the fruits. Do not let your motive be the result, and do not attach yourself to inaction.”
In a world addicted to success metrics, this shloka tells us: let go of result-fixation. Effort is your offering; outcomes are not your possession. Once you pour your sincerity into the work, step back. When we act only for rewards, our work becomes conditional and anxious. When we act with devotion, it becomes liberating. 
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः।
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्॥ (BG 6.6)
“For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best friend. For one who hasn’t, it becomes the worst enemy.”
The mind can be a sanctuary — or a storm. Most modern suffering arises not from the outside world, but from a restless mind left untrained. Worry, distraction, self-doubt — they aren’t facts, just inner habits. Yoga, meditation, and reflection aren’t spiritual luxuries; they are tools to reclaim your mental sovereignty.अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे।
गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः॥ (BG 2.11)
“You grieve for what is not worthy of grief. The wise do not lament for the living or the dead.”
Pain is part of life, but suffering is often extended by memory and attachment. Loss is real — but grief, when it becomes identity, stops life. This shloka is not cold — it’s compassionate. It tells us to honour what we had, but not be imprisoned by it. Life moves, and so must we — not without love, but with awareness. 
अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति।
नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः॥ (BG 4.40)
“The one who doubts, who lacks faith, is lost. Neither this world nor the next brings joy to the doubting soul.”
Doubt is not always intellectual honesty. Sometimes, it’s emotional fear in disguise. When you over-question your purpose, your relationships, your dreams — you stand frozen. A little doubt tests; too much destroys. Have clarity, build confidence, and remember: belief is not blind faith — it’s focused action.आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं
समुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्।
तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे
स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी॥ (BG 2.70)
“As the ocean remains unmoved by rivers flowing into it, so does the one who is unmoved by desires find peace.”
Peace doesn’t come from killing desire — but from not being consumed by it. You can want things. Just don’t let wanting become needing. The wise are like oceans: desires come, they don't cling. In an age of marketing and materialism, this is your anchor — to have, to enjoy, and yet to remain full within. 
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥ (BG 3.35)
“It is better to fail in your own duty than succeed in someone else’s. Death in your own path is better than fear in another’s.”
Comparison is a disease. The moment you measure your life by another’s yardstick, you lose your centre. This shloka urges authenticity. Your dharma — your calling, truth, temperament — is unique. Don’t chase borrowed dreams. Don’t live in others’ timelines. Your way may be slow, but it’s sacred.न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचित्
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे॥ (BG 2.20)
“The soul is never born and never dies. It is eternal, indestructible, and beyond time — even when the body perishes.”
Our deepest fear is of endings — of death, of loss, of impermanence. But this verse shakes the illusion: you were never the perishable form. You are the silent, eternal observer. When you live from this identity, not only does death lose its sting — but life gains a bold new meaning. You become fearless. 
मानापमानयोः तुल्यस्तुल्यो मित्रारिपक्षयोः।
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी गुणातीतः स उच्यते॥ (BG 14.25)
“One who is equal in honour and dishonour, friend and foe, and has renounced ego-driven effort — transcends the three gunas.”
The world will always swing between applause and criticism. If you rise or fall with it, you’ll never know peace. This shloka is a shield — to remain centred regardless of the outer noise. Whether you're adored or ignored, stay grounded. Real dignity comes not from fame, but from inner poise.प्रकाशं च प्रवृत्तिं च मोहमेव च पाण्डव।
न द्वेष्टि सम्प्रवृत्तानि न निवृत्तानि काङ्क्षति॥ (BG 14.22–23)
“When clarity, action, or delusion arise, the wise do not resist or crave. They simply witness.”
Mood swings, motivation, laziness, clarity — they’re not personal flaws. They’re movements of the three gunas: sattva, rajas, tamas. This shloka teaches detachment from identity with emotion. Observe what passes through you. Don’t label yourself by what’s temporary. The sky is never affected by the clouds.सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥ (BG 18.66)
“Abandon all forms of righteousness and surrender unto Me alone. I shall deliver you from all sin. Do not grieve.”
After all philosophies, questions, and duties — Krishna offers this final truth: surrender. Not to weakness, but to wisdom. Surrender is trust. It means, “I’ve done what I could. Now I release it to the Divine.” Whether you call it God, the Universe, or the Higher Self — the moment of surrender is the beginning of peace.
When a Verse Becomes a Companion
The Gita doesn’t promise a life without problems. It teaches a way to face them — with steadiness, clarity, and inner strength. These shlokas aren’t just verses to recite; they are tools to realign your life with timeless wisdom. In moments of doubt, they offer perspective. In moments of pain, they offer peace. You don’t need to master all of it — just start with one verse. Live it. Reflect on it. Let it shape how you think, act, and respond. Because sometimes, the answers we seek are not new — they’re just waiting to be remembered.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
क्लैब्यं मा स्म गमः पार्थ नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते।
क्षुद्रं हृदयदौर्बल्यं त्यक्त्वोत्तिष्ठ परंतप॥ (BG 2.3)
“Do not yield to unmanliness, O Arjuna. It does not become you. Give up this weakness of heart and arise, O destroyer of enemies.”
Before battle, Arjuna collapsed — not in body, but in spirit. He asked life’s hardest questions: What is the point of duty, love, family, war, and existence itself? And Krishna answered, not with emotion — but eternal wisdom. That’s the Bhagavad Gita. And through its shlokas, it speaks not just to warriors, but to anyone fighting inner wars in everyday life.
1. Act Without Obsession — Work Is Worship, Not Transaction
Act Without Obsession
( Image credit : Pexels )
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ (BG 2.47)
“You have the right to perform your action, but not to the fruits. Do not let your motive be the result, and do not attach yourself to inaction.”
In a world addicted to success metrics, this shloka tells us: let go of result-fixation. Effort is your offering; outcomes are not your possession. Once you pour your sincerity into the work, step back. When we act only for rewards, our work becomes conditional and anxious. When we act with devotion, it becomes liberating.
2. Master the Mind — Or Be Ruled by It
Illusion of Mind
( Image credit : Pexels )
बन्धुरात्मात्मनस्तस्य येनात्मैवात्मना जितः।
अनात्मनस्तु शत्रुत्वे वर्तेतात्मैव शत्रुवत्॥ (BG 6.6)
“For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best friend. For one who hasn’t, it becomes the worst enemy.”
The mind can be a sanctuary — or a storm. Most modern suffering arises not from the outside world, but from a restless mind left untrained. Worry, distraction, self-doubt — they aren’t facts, just inner habits. Yoga, meditation, and reflection aren’t spiritual luxuries; they are tools to reclaim your mental sovereignty.
3. Don’t Weep for What You Cannot Change
गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिताः॥ (BG 2.11)
“You grieve for what is not worthy of grief. The wise do not lament for the living or the dead.”
Pain is part of life, but suffering is often extended by memory and attachment. Loss is real — but grief, when it becomes identity, stops life. This shloka is not cold — it’s compassionate. It tells us to honour what we had, but not be imprisoned by it. Life moves, and so must we — not without love, but with awareness.
4. Kill Doubt Before It Kills Your Courage
Observing
( Image credit : Pexels )
अज्ञश्चाश्रद्दधानश्च संशयात्मा विनश्यति।
नायं लोकोऽस्ति न परो न सुखं संशयात्मनः॥ (BG 4.40)
“The one who doubts, who lacks faith, is lost. Neither this world nor the next brings joy to the doubting soul.”
Doubt is not always intellectual honesty. Sometimes, it’s emotional fear in disguise. When you over-question your purpose, your relationships, your dreams — you stand frozen. A little doubt tests; too much destroys. Have clarity, build confidence, and remember: belief is not blind faith — it’s focused action.
5. Desires Can Flow — Just Don’t Let Them Drown You
समुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत्।
तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे
स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी॥ (BG 2.70)
“As the ocean remains unmoved by rivers flowing into it, so does the one who is unmoved by desires find peace.”
Peace doesn’t come from killing desire — but from not being consumed by it. You can want things. Just don’t let wanting become needing. The wise are like oceans: desires come, they don't cling. In an age of marketing and materialism, this is your anchor — to have, to enjoy, and yet to remain full within.
6. Follow Your Path — Not Someone Else’s Shadow
Path
( Image credit : Pexels )
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥ (BG 3.35)
“It is better to fail in your own duty than succeed in someone else’s. Death in your own path is better than fear in another’s.”
Comparison is a disease. The moment you measure your life by another’s yardstick, you lose your centre. This shloka urges authenticity. Your dharma — your calling, truth, temperament — is unique. Don’t chase borrowed dreams. Don’t live in others’ timelines. Your way may be slow, but it’s sacred.
7. You Are Not This Body — You Are the Witness
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः।
अजो नित्यः शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे॥ (BG 2.20)
“The soul is never born and never dies. It is eternal, indestructible, and beyond time — even when the body perishes.”
Our deepest fear is of endings — of death, of loss, of impermanence. But this verse shakes the illusion: you were never the perishable form. You are the silent, eternal observer. When you live from this identity, not only does death lose its sting — but life gains a bold new meaning. You become fearless.
8. Be Unshaken by Praise or Insult
Be Unaffected
( Image credit : Pexels )
मानापमानयोः तुल्यस्तुल्यो मित्रारिपक्षयोः।
सर्वारम्भपरित्यागी गुणातीतः स उच्यते॥ (BG 14.25)
“One who is equal in honour and dishonour, friend and foe, and has renounced ego-driven effort — transcends the three gunas.”
The world will always swing between applause and criticism. If you rise or fall with it, you’ll never know peace. This shloka is a shield — to remain centred regardless of the outer noise. Whether you're adored or ignored, stay grounded. Real dignity comes not from fame, but from inner poise.
9. Let the Gunas Flow — Don’t Get Stuck in Them
न द्वेष्टि सम्प्रवृत्तानि न निवृत्तानि काङ्क्षति॥ (BG 14.22–23)
“When clarity, action, or delusion arise, the wise do not resist or crave. They simply witness.”
Mood swings, motivation, laziness, clarity — they’re not personal flaws. They’re movements of the three gunas: sattva, rajas, tamas. This shloka teaches detachment from identity with emotion. Observe what passes through you. Don’t label yourself by what’s temporary. The sky is never affected by the clouds.
10. In the End, Surrender Brings the Highest Strength
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः॥ (BG 18.66)
“Abandon all forms of righteousness and surrender unto Me alone. I shall deliver you from all sin. Do not grieve.”
After all philosophies, questions, and duties — Krishna offers this final truth: surrender. Not to weakness, but to wisdom. Surrender is trust. It means, “I’ve done what I could. Now I release it to the Divine.” Whether you call it God, the Universe, or the Higher Self — the moment of surrender is the beginning of peace.
When a Verse Becomes a Companion
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!