Bhagavad Gita Reading Guide: Among all creations of the Supreme Lord, human life is regarded as the most superior. Our human life holds a noble purpose and responsibility — the pursuit of spiritual truth. Questions like “Who am I?”, “Where did I come from?”, and “Why do I have to endure pain in this world?” are not just philosophical; they are essential for spiritual awakening. Until we find the answers to these questions, we cannot truly understand the essence of being human.
The Right Way to Read the Gita
This human life is rare and immensely valuable. If we do not make proper use of it, it is a wasted opportunity. To find answers to these deep questions, it is our duty to study one of the most important scriptures of Sanatan Dharma — the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
Why Reading the Gita Is Essential
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a divine guide for our lives. Lord Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, has personally revealed through the Gita the true vision and purpose of human life. However, many people hesitate to read the Gita because they are unsure about the correct rules or feel they won’t understand the Sanskrit verses.
In reality, there are no strict or complicated rules when it comes to reading the Bhagavad Gita. What truly counts is your heartfelt devotion and genuine intention. No matter your background or life situation, anyone can start reading the Gita with faith and respect for the Divine. It is a boundless ocean of wisdom that has the power to enlighten the mind and bring deep transformation to our lives.
Correct Rules for Reading the Bhagavad Gita
Preparation Before Reading:
One must purify themselves by bathing and wear clean, sacred clothes. Choose a pure, peaceful place for recitation. Sit on an asana (mat) facing either the north or east direction. “Start with Achaman by sipping sacred water, followed by meditative remembrance of Lord Vishnu.”
Start With This Mantra:
“Om Tat Sat” — the sacred declaration of truth.
Guru Vandana (Prayer to the Spiritual Master):
“Om ajnana timirandhasya jnananjana shalakaya,
Chakshur-unmilitam yena tasmai shri gurave namah.”
(“In the deep darkness of ignorance I was lost, until my divine Guru illuminated my path with the radiant light of true wisdom. With utmost reverence, I bow down at his sacred feet.”)
Saraswati & Vyasa Prayer:
“Narayanam namaskritya naram chaiva narottamam
Deveem Saraswateem Vyasam tato jayam udirayet.”
(“Having bowed down to Narayana, Nara the supreme man, the goddess Saraswati, and Sage Vyasa, we begin the sacred discourse.”)
Sri Krishna Vandana:
“He Krishna karuna sindhu, dina bandhu jagat pate,
Gopesa gopika kanta Radha kanta namo’stute.
Namah brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya cha,
Jagad-dhitaya Krishnaya Govindaya namo namah.”
(“O Krishna, the infinite source of compassion and the refuge for all who suffer, the supreme Lord of all creation, cherished by the gopis and Radha alike — I humbly bow before You. O guardian of cows and sages, the benevolent protector of the cosmos, Govinda, I offer my endless reverence and salutations.”)
Radha Rani Vandana:
“Tapta-kanchana-gaurangi Radhe Vrindavaneshwari,
Vrishabhanu-sute Devi pranamami Hari-priye.”
(“O radiant Radha, golden in complexion, divine princess of Vrindavan and cherished daughter of King Vrishabhanu — I offer my heartfelt obeisance unto You, the dearest consort of Lord Hari.”)
Vaishnava Vandana:
“Vanchakalpatarubhyashcha kripa-sindhubhya eva cha,
Patitanam pavanebhyo Vaishnavebhyo namo namah.”
(“I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Vaishnavas, who are like wish-fulfilling trees and oceans of mercy. They deliver fallen souls like me.”)
Steps of Bhagavad Gita Recitation:
1. Announce the Chapter and Verses:
Before starting the reading, clearly state the chapter name and the verses to be read.
Example:
“Now begins Chapter 4 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita – Jnana Yoga – from Verse 38 to Verse 42.”
2. Recite the Shloka:
“Shri Bhagavan Uvacha:
Na hi jnanena sadrisham pavitram iha vidyate;
Tat svayam yoga-samsiddhah kalenatmani vindati.”
(“The Divine Lord explained that nothing in this universe is as cleansing and elevating as the wisdom of the divine. One who masters yoga gradually discovers this sacred knowledge within their own self.”)
3. Read the Translation:
Speak the English (or preferred language) translation of the shloka.
Example:
“In this world, nothing is as pure and divine as true knowledge. A person who attains mastery through yoga ultimately discovers this profound wisdom at the right moment.”
4. Meaning and Interpretation:
After reciting, try to understand the deeper meaning and context of the shloka. Reflect on how it applies to your life and spiritual growth.
Final Rituals After Reciting the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Reading Guide
1. Chant the 18 Sacred Names of the Bhagavad Gita:
Om Ganga, Geeta cha, Savitri, Sita, Satya, Pativrata, Brahmavali, Brahmavidya, Trisandhya, Muktigehini, Ardhamaatra, Chidananda, Bhavaghni, Bhranti Nashini, Vedatrayi, Parananda, Tattvartha, Jnanamanjari.
2. Chant the Pancha Tattva and Hare Krishna Mahamantra:
Shri Krishna Chaitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Shri Advaita Gadadhara, Shrivasaadi Gaura Bhakta Vrinda.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
3. Recite the Forgiveness Mantra:
“Yad Aksharam Paribhraṣṭam Mātrāhīnañcha Yad Bhavet, Pūrṇaṁ Bhavatu Tat Sarvaṁ Tatprasādāt Janārdanaḥ.”
“O Lord Janardana! Please forgive any errors in pronunciation or meter. May all be considered complete by Your grace.”
4. Conclude with the Shanti Mantra:
“Om Sarve Sukhinaḥ Bhavantu, Sarve Santu Nirāmayāḥ
Sarve Bhadrāṇi Paśyantu, Mā Kaśchidduḥkha Bhāgbhavet.”
“Let happiness surround every soul. Let all be free from disease and pain.
May everyone witness goodness in life. May no being face sorrow or suffering.”
Important Guidelines to Remember While Reading the Bhagavad Gita
- Strive to recite each shloka with correct pronunciation, but sincerity and devotion matter most.
- Try to read one chapter daily. If that’s not possible, even a few verses are enough.
- Read with a calm mind and complete concentration.
- Don’t limit the Gita to just reading — aim to apply its philosophy in daily life.
- To understand the deeper meanings, seek guidance from a Guru or an experienced teacher.
- Regular reading brings positive transformation and enhances inner peace.
Benefits of Reading the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita
Studying the Gita fosters inner calm and provides solutions to life’s challenging issues. It supports personal growth and enhances our inner strength and determination. When the teachings of the Gita are applied in daily life, they lead to positive changes in one’s behavior and character. The Gita is not just a religious scripture, but a profound philosophy of life that shows the true path of truth, righteousness, duty, and action
Conclusion
Reading the Gita is not merely a religious ritual but a unique way to understand the true meaning of life. When approached with faith and devotion towards the Divine, the Gita brings peace and prosperity into one’s life. Sincerity is far more important than strict adherence to rules or rituals. Therefore, read the Gita with heartfelt devotion and realize the ultimate purpose of life. The Gita guides us on the path of self-realization and morality, enabling positive transformation in every aspect of our lives.
