The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a manual for living, a book of direct experience. It provides in structure on how to live a productive life, attaining fulfillment here and now. Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda breathed, lived and talked Bhagavad Gita throughout His life. He carried the message of the Gita to kindle the knowledge of the Self in millions worldwide! And, for that reason, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita is the heart of Chinmaya Mission.
Why Chant Gita?
Chant, Learn & Live Gita is the powerful instruction given by our Pujya Gurudev to enable us to live noble and inspired lives. From the recitation of the Bhagavad Gita arises the desire to know it’s meaning. Thence arises the Knowledge (of the Self). From this Knowledge arises fulfillment. The study of the Gita is thus the key to opening the vast treasure of God’s love for us. It starts with chanting, then study, and over time, assimilating (embracing) that same love wholeheartedly and completely.
Gita Chanting allows one to begin this journey here and now, and open themselves to the embrace of the infinite love.
Gita Chanting Competition
The annual Bhagavad Gita Chanting Competition (GCC) serves as a vehicle for inspiring and motivating children and adults to learn, memorize and assimilate the sacred verses of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. In keeping with Pujya Gurudev’s vision and mission, GCC helps sow the seed of Gita Jnana in every Chinmaya Mission member. Through chanting and comprehension, we become more and more aware of the Knowledge of the Self and the true purpose of our life.
Gita Chanting Program 2025-2026
In celebration of Chinmaya Mission’s 75th anniversary in 2026, this year’s Gita Chanting program will include both Chapter 15 and Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga will be covered during Fall 2025.
- The 2026 Gita Chanting Competition will focus on Chapter 12.
We look forward to a year of joyful learning and spiritual growth as we honor this milestone together.
Chapter 15: Purushottama Yoga – The Yoga of the Supreme Spirit
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, known as Purushottama Yoga, describes the nature of the Supreme Being and the path to liberation. It uses the analogy of an upside-down Ashvattha tree to represent the material world and its impermanence. The chapter emphasizes the importance of detachment and self-realization to transcend the cycle of birth and death.
Chapter 12: Bhakti Yoga – The Yoga of Supreme Devotion
Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita, also known as Bhakti Yoga, focuses on the path of devotion to God. It explores the relative merits of worshipping God without qualities (Nirguna), worshipping God with qualities (Saguna) and following the path of Action. Bhagawan Krishna declares that the perfect devotee is dearest to Him and expounds upon qualities of that perfect devotee.
Gita Panchamrit
Pujya Guruji and Pujya Swami Swaroopananda ji have selected 5 verses from Bhagavad Gita for every one to memorize. These select verses encompass the essence of teaching of the Bhagavad Gītā.
Please refer to this presentation unveiled during the Mahasamadhi Camp this year:
These five verses are requested to be taught, chanted daily, and memorized by all. There is no competition associated with these verses. Our goal is to have each and every child and adult know these verses of GITA.
Learning resources for Chapter 12 and Chapter 15
Chapter 12 Chanting Resources:
Shloka lyrics – Sanskrit and English side-by-side
Shlokas lyrics Transliteration
Chapter 12 Vocabulary Lists:
Chapter 15 Chanting Resources:
Shloka lyrics Sanskrit and English side-by-side
Shlokas audio recording (to be uploaded soon)