While the Bhagavad Gita is widely known for shlokas like “Karmanye vadhikaraste” and “Yogasthah kuru karmani,” it contains several powerful but lesser-known verses that offer guidance on self-discipline, detachment, and spiritual growth.
Shloka on Equanimity (Chapter 2, Verse 48)
Shloka:
योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते॥
Meaning:
O Arjuna, perform your duties with focus and detachment. Be equal in success and failure. This state of balance is called yoga.
Significance:
This shloka teaches us equanimity, encouraging calmness regardless of results. It reminds us that attachment often leads to stress, while balance brings peace.
Shloka on Self-Knowledge (Chapter 4, Verse 38)
Shloka:
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते।
तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति॥
Meaning:
There is nothing purer than knowledge. A self-realized yogi gains it in time.
Significance:
This verse highlights the power of knowledge. Spiritual wisdom purifies the mind, and through practice, one attains self-realization.
Also Read: Geeta Shlokas That Inspire: Messages for Every Stage of Life
Shloka on Devotion and Detachment (Chapter 12, Verse 13-14)
Shloka:
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च।
निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी॥
Meaning:
One who hates none, is friendly and compassionate to all, free from possessiveness and ego, equal in happiness and sorrow, and forgiving, is dear to me.
Significance:
This shloka shows true devotion. A person who practices love, forgiveness, and detachment aligns with divine qualities.
Shloka on Controlling the Mind (Chapter 6, Verse 5)
Shloka:
उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानं अवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥
Meaning:
One should elevate oneself through self-discipline and not degrade oneself. The self is one’s own friend and one’s own enemy.
Significance:
This shloka emphasizes self-mastery. By controlling our mind, we either become our best ally or our worst enemy.
Also Read: Bhagavad Gita Shloka That Teaches Self-Control, Courage, and Wisdom
Shloka on Performing Duties Without Attachment (Chapter 3, Verse 19)
Shloka:
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥
Meaning:
Therefore, perform your duties without attachment. By performing duties without being attached to results, one attains the highest goal.
Significance:
This verse reiterates the Karma Yoga principle, encouraging action with detachment to attain spiritual fulfillment.
The Bhagavad Gita contains countless hidden gems beyond the popular shlokas. These lesser-known verses provide practical guidance on self-discipline, detachment, equanimity, and devotion. By understanding and applying them in daily life, one can achieve inner peace, higher wisdom, and spiritual growth.
Also Read: Hidden Gems Of Bhagvad Geeta; What This Ancient Shloka Teaches About True Knowledge
