Basics of Bhagavad Gita

Hare Krishna!!

From 19th May to 23rd May, Ranchi became a beautiful spiritual home for devotees from all across India during the unforgettable LGLG Summer Retreat 2026. Organized in the divine association of HG Lila Purushottam Prabhuji (Director, IIT Mandi) and HG Gopali Priyadarshani Mataji, the retreat brought together hearts united by devotion, chanting, learning, and service to Krishna.

More than 600 devotees joined from different parts of the country, including devotees from IIT Mandi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Patna, ISKCON Dehradun, ISKCON Ranchi, Bhakti Vedanta Gurukul Vrindavan, Learn Geeta Live Geeta congregations, and many other places across India. Though everyone came from different backgrounds, languages, and cities, the holy name united everyone as one spiritual family.

The retreat focused deeply on the mood of Śaraṇāgati — complete surrender unto Krishna — inspired through the beautiful bhajans of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. Alongside this, devotees were immersed in enlightening discussions on Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta, especially the divine narrations of Jharkhand Lila, and profound classes on Chapter 15 of Bhagavad Gita, revealing the eternal connection between the soul and the Supreme Lord.

Mornings Filled with Devotion

Every day began early in the most auspicious atmosphere with the transcendental vibrations of Maṅgala Ārati. Before sunrise, devotees gathered together in the temple hall with kartāls, mṛdaṅgas, and joyful kīrtan that filled the entire environment with spiritual energy.

After Maṅgala Ārati came peaceful and attentive japa meditation sessions, where devotees chanted the holy names together:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

The mornings continued with deeply enriching Caitanya Caritāmṛta classes, where devotees heard about the beautiful pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, especially His travels through the forests of Jharkhand. Listening to these narrations while being physically present in Jharkhand itself made the experience even more special and emotional.

One of the most cherished parts of every day was the guided chanting session by HG Lila Purushottam Prabhuji. These sessions touched everyone deeply. Through his heartfelt guidance, chanting became not merely a practice but a personal conversation with Krishna. The atmosphere during these sessions was filled with silence, surrender, tears, smiles, and deep spiritual realization.

Afternoons of Learning, Activities and Association

The afternoons of the retreat were filled with joyful learning, creativity, and wonderful association among devotees.

Many engaging activity sessions were organized, including kartaal learning workshops, sanskaar classes, baking sessions, śloka recitation, and many other devotional activities. These sessions gave everyone an opportunity to learn practical devotional skills while spending meaningful time together.

The delicious prasādam served throughout the retreat became another unforgettable part of the experience. Every meal was lovingly prepared and joyfully honored together by devotees from all over the country.

After lunch, devotees gathered once again for chanting sessions and inspiring Bhagavad Gita classes. As evening approached, everyone joined together for beautiful ārati, melodious singing of Caurāṣṭakam, and glowing deep dān, where lamps illuminated the atmosphere with devotion and gratitude.

Each day felt spiritually complete — filled with hearing, chanting, service, learning, and loving association.

The Blissful Charan Pahadi Yatra

One of the most special and spiritually moving experiences of the retreat was the visit to Charan Pahadi Dham.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Jharkhand’s forests and hills, the dham carried a deeply peaceful and sacred atmosphere. As devotees walked together chanting the holy names, it felt as though the pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu were still alive in those forests.

Hearing about Mahāprabhu’s Jharkhand Lila while standing amidst the forests made everyone emotional. It is said that during His journey through Jharkhand, even the wild animals — elephants, tigers, deer, and birds — forgot their natural enmity and danced together in ecstasy upon hearing the holy names of Krishna.

Standing there, many devotees expressed with laughter and emotion:

“We wish we could become the elephants and tigers of the Jharkhand forests and simply dance in ecstasy to the holy names forever.”

The yatra was not just a visit to a holy place; it became an experience of deep longing for pure devotion and complete absorption in Krishna consciousness.

Saṅkīrtana Yatra — Ranchi Became Krishna-mayi

One of the most energetic and memorable moments of the retreat was the grand Saṅkīrtana Yatra from OTC Ground to Galaxia.

Hundreds of devotees came together with mṛdaṅgas, kartāls, dancing, and loud chanting of the maha-mantra. As the saṅkīrtana moved through the streets, the entire city atmosphere transformed.

The roads became completely Krishna-mayi.

People stopped their vehicles, gathered outside shops, watched from balconies, smiled, folded their hands, and many joined the chanting and dancing. The vibrations of the holy name spread throughout the streets of Ranchi, touching the hearts of everyone present.

For those moments, it truly felt as though the whole city was immersed in devotion.

Hare Krishna Festival — A Grand Krishna-mayi Celebration

On 22nd May, the retreat witnessed the spectacular Hare Krishna Festival, which became one of the grandest highlights of the entire event.

What a musical, colorful, and Krishna-filled evening it was!

More than 2000 visitors attended the festival and became mesmerized by the devotional atmosphere. From captivating drama performances and beautiful devotional dances to soul-touching kīrtans and the energetic finale of Bhajan Clubbing, every moment overflowed with joy and devotion.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the visit of Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Governor of Jharkhand. Deeply appreciating the devotional atmosphere and the positive impact of the movement, he remarked:

His words reflected appreciation for the inclusive spirit and spiritual upliftment that Krishna consciousness can bring to every section of society.

The entire festival atmosphere radiated happiness, unity, and devotion. Visitors joyfully honored the delicious prasādam and many experienced the warmth and joy of devotional culture for the very first time.

A Retreat That Will Remain in Hearts Forever

As the retreat came to an end on 23rd May, hearts became filled with gratitude, realizations, smiles, tears, and countless beautiful memories.

The final feedback sessions became emotional as devotees shared how deeply the retreat had touched their lives — through chanting, classes, association, service, kīrtan, and the mercy of devotees.

For many, these five days were not just a retreat. They were a reminder of what true happiness feels like — a life centered around Krishna, filled with simplicity, devotion, and loving association.

A heartfelt gratitude goes to ISKCON Ranchi, all the organizers, volunteers, devotees, and servants who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the entire retreat smooth, joyful, and spiritually uplifting.

The Ranchi Summer Retreat 2026 was not merely an event.
It was an experience of devotion.
It was a family united by the holy name.
It was a glimpse of spiritual happiness.

And as everyone departed from Ranchi carrying memories, friendships, and spiritual inspiration, one thought remained in every heart:

“When will we experience such bliss again?”

Haribol!

Hare Krishna!!

Courses links

1. Gita Thematic Hindi
2. Gita Comprehensive English

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There is a famous saying that “There is nothing permanent except Change”. Yes it is, everything in this material world is prone to change. It could be a small thing to bigger one eg. our behaviour, body, circumstances, relationships, climate, everything you can imagine. Why is this so? Lord Krishna says in Bg. 2.27 that “One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again.” So in this material world things which have taken birth or created are sure to die or end one day.

Hare Krishna!!

We all are engrossed by three tight knots of illusory energy. Nobody, in this material world, can deny it. How this illusory energy works?? Obviously, we should know about it, so that we can get out of the terrible stings of this dreadful bee.

Moving Towards an Auspicious Life!!!

Hare Krishna!!

Our lives are filled, today, with the poison of inauspiciousness. No matter how proudly we deny, we are dying every moment with anxieties, doubts, fears and unstablility. Everytime, we practice new and new methodologies to get our of these poisonous shackles of material modes of nature.

Let us have a brief discussion on this wonderful topic taking the sip of divine nectar of our Vedic wisdom!!!

IMPORTANT PARAMETERS OF DEVELOPMENT

Hare Krishna!!

Development is what everyone seek for. Nobody wants to go progressing towards a negative slope. If we want to check anyone’s progress, we judge him by the qualities or qualifications he acquire. What will be the utility if there is no such qualification we have, that the company or boss need?? NO UTILITY!!

Let’s talk about this wonderful topic with scriptural insight…

Visiting the Holy Dhama

Hare Krishna!!

We all are interested to go outside for a visit or tour. We like to have a visit with our family members. It is a great fun with them.

Let’s have a short discussion on this topic…

In our daily life, we all go through the two phases or dualities of life. We all want to relish its one phase, but say ‘NO’ to the other phase. We all want to seek good relationships with our friends, relatives and colleagues. However, we don’t want to go through the reverses of life. Some people do not want to accept this, thus they gravely say ‘Chodo ghar dwar, chalo Haridwar’. Bhagavad Gita fails this logic of detachment as a whole. In BG (6.34), Arjuna states the nature of mind (cañcalam hi manah krsna) that is more difficult than controlling the wind. How could one detach by mind? The mind is the root cause of all problems. Avanti Brahman spends his household life in no charity. He was so miser that his family members and his earnings could not help him at the last stage of life. He then understands that his mind is bringing all the material problems.

Top 10 Modern Applications of the Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings – In today’s challenging world, unsettling events can serve as reminders of the darkness and dangers around us. Nevertheless, the Bhagavad Gita urges us to embrace our responsibilities earnestly, draw strength from spirituality, and approach life with a spirit of service. By embodying these principles, we actively contribute to creating a more compassionate and radiant corner of the world. By embracing a service attitude and recognizing our connection with the divine, we can play our part in bringing light to our corner of the world brighter instead of darker.

भगवद्गीता से नेतृत्व के 10 प्रमुख सूत्र – भगवद्गीता नेतृत्व का एक अदृष्ट उदारहण है क्योंकि भगवद्गीता जो कि स्वयं कृष्ण द्वारा बोली गयी कृष्ण ने अपना बचपन एक ग्वाल बाल के रूप मे बिताया फिर मथुरा जाकर कंस जैसे असुर का वध किया तथा अपने माता पिता और राजा उग्रसेन को कंस के कारागार से मुक्त कराया | तत पश्चात राजा का पद स्वयं ग्रहण न करके उस पर राजा उग्रसेन को बनाया | इससे उन्होंने उदाहरण प्रस्तुत किया पद से अधिक महत्पूर्ण योगदान होता है | नेता कभी भी पद को महत्त्व नहीं देते वह सदैव योगदान को महत्त्व देते है | इसके बाद जब भी जिम्मेदारी उठाने की बारी आती मथुरा मे या द्वारका मे कोई भी परेशानी आती तो श्रीकृष्ण सबसे आगे होते थे जिम्मेदारी उठाने मे | इस प्रकार उन्होंने नेतृत्व का एक अद्भुत उदारहण प्रस्तुत किया |

Embarking on a Journey Through Bhagavad Gita’s Stories: Unveiling Spiritual Wisdom – Step into the profound world of the Bhagavad Gita, where timeless stories and parables paint a vibrant picture of self-discovery and divine connection. This sacred text, nestled within the epic Mahabharata, weaves a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Beyond its historical roots, the Bhagavad Gita’s verses offer universal wisdom, accompanied by captivating parables that bring its teachings to life.

भगवद्गीता के शांति प्रदान करने वाले १० प्रमुख श्लोक – भगवद्गीता  समस्त वेदों का सार है तथा यह वेदों का प्रमुख उपनिषद है | यह स्वयं भगवान के मुख से अवतरित हुई है | जिस प्रकार गंगा भगवान के चरणकमलो से निकलती है तथा इसमें स्नान करने वाले व्यक्ति के समस्त पापों का उद्धार कर देती है, उसी प्रकार गीता भगवान के मुख से अवतरित हुई है तथा वह व्यक्ति को भवबंधन से मुक्ति दिला सकती है | भगवद्गीता श्रीकृष्ण ने उस समय कही जब अर्जुन बहुत अधिक दुविधा मे थे तथा असमंजस मे थे | अर्जुन कृष्ण के शरणागत होते है तथा उनसे प्रश्न करते है इस अवस्था मे उन्हें क्या करना चाहिए ? भगवद गीता मे ७०० श्लोक है यहाँ हम भगवद्गीता के शांति प्रदान करने वाले १० प्रमुख श्लोक पर चर्चा करगे जो मनुष्य को विपरीत परिस्थिति मे शांति प्रदान करते है |

Top 10 Quotes From Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita – The Bhagavad Gita is the greatest of India’s ancient spiritual classics. It is the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upanisads in Vedic literature. If we want to take any particular medicine, then we need to follow the directions written on the label. We cannot take the medicine according to our whim or the direction of a friend. It must be taken according to the direction on the label or as directed by the physician. 

Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita should be taken or accepted as it is directed by the speaker himself.  The speaker of the Bhagavad Gita is Lord Sri Krishna. He is mentioned on every page of the Bhagavad Gita as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan. Therefore we should take Bhagavad-gita As It Is directed by the Personality of Godhead Himself.

भगवद गीता के अनुसार हमारा धर्म और कर्तव्य – Hare Krishna भगवद गीता के अनुसार हमारा धर्म और कर्तव्य भगवद्गीता को गीतोपनिषद भी कहा जाता है। यह वैदिक ज्ञान का सार है और वैदिक साहित्य का सर्वाधिक महत्वपूर्ण उपनिषद,है ।

भगवत गीता के वक्ता भगवान श्रीकृष्ण है।भगवद्गीता के प्रत्येक पृष्ठ पर उनका उल्लेख भगवान् के रूप में हुआ हैं। भगवान ने भी स्वयं भगवदगीता में अपने को परम पुरुषोत्तम भगवान कहा और ब्रह्म-संहिता तथा अन्य पुराणो में विशेषत्या श्रीमद भागवतम जो भागवत पुराण के नाम से विख्यात  है, वे इसी रूप में स्वीकार किये गये है (कृष्णुस्तु भगवान स्वयम्)| अतएव भगवद्गीता हमे भगवान ने जैसे  बताई है, वैसे ही स्वीकार करनी चाहिए।

अध्याय ११ – विराट रूप ( सार ) – अध्याय दस मे श्रीकृष्ण के ऐश्वर्य का वर्णन है तथा अध्याय दस के अंत मे भगवान अर्जुन से कहते है कि मैं अपने एक अंशमात्र से सम्पूर्ण ब्रहमांड मे व्याप्त होकर इसे धारण करता हूँ | यह सुनकर अर्जुन भगवान से प्रार्थना करते है कि वह उन्हें अपना विराट रूप दिखाए | अर्जुन इस बात को स्वीकार करते है कि श्रीकृष्ण एक साधारण मनुष्य नहीं है, अपितु समस्त कारणों के कारण है | किन्तु वह यह जानते है कि दूसरे लोग नहीं मानेंगे। अत: इस अध्याय में वह सबों के लिए कृष्ण की अलौकिकता स्थापित करने के लिए कृष्ण से प्रार्थना करता है कि वे अपना विराट रूप दिखलाएँ।

वस्तुत: जब कोई अर्जुन की ही तरह कृष्ण के विराट रूप का दर्शन करता है, तो वह डर जाता है, किन्तु कृष्ण इतने दयालु हैं कि इस स्वरूप को दिखाने के तुरन्त बाद वे अपना मूलरूप धारण कर लेते हैं। भगवान् कृष्ण अर्जुन को दिव्य दृष्टि प्रदान करते हैं और विश्व-रूप में अपना अद्भुत असीम रूप प्रकट करते हैं। इस प्रकार वे अपनी दिव्यता स्थापित करते हैं। कृष्ण बतलाते हैं कि उनका सर्व आकर्षक मानव-रूप ही ईश्वर का आदि रूप है। मनुष्य शुद्ध भक्ति के द्वारा ही इस रूप का दर्शन कर सकता है।

The Importance of a Guru in Learning Bhagavad Gita – Hare Krishna! As a devotee of Lord Sri Krishna, I believe that the Bhagavad Gita is not just a text, but a living guide to a fulfilling and meaningful life. However, The path of spiritual realization is undoubtedly difficult.

जो अंधकार का निरोध करता है, उसे गुरु कहा जाता है ।

सच्चा गुरु भगवान का प्रतिनिधि होता है, और वह केवल भगवान के बारे में ही कहता है और कुछ नहीं। सच्चा गुरु वही है , जिसकी रुचि भौतिकवादी जीवन में नहीं होती। वह केवल और केवल भगवान की ही खोज में रहता है , यदि गुरु भगवान का प्रतिनिधित्व कर रहा है तो वह गुरु है।

केवल एक गुरु (सिद्ध पुरुष), जो ईश्वर को जानता है, दूसरों को सही ढंग से ईश्वर के बारे में शिक्षा दे सकता है। व्यक्ति को अपनी दिव्यता को पुनः पाने के लिए एक ऐसा ही सद्गुरु चाहिए। जो निष्ठापूर्वक सद्गुरु का अनुसरण करता है वह उसके समान हो जाता है, क्योंकि गुरु अपने शिष्य को अपने ही स्तर तक उठने में सहायता करता है।

महाभारत के युद्ध के समय जब अर्जुन युद्ध करने से मना करते हैं तब श्री कृष्ण उन्हें उपदेश देते है और कर्म व धर्म के सच्चे आध्यात्मिक ज्ञान से अवगत कराते हैं। स्वाभाविक प्रश्न यह उठता है कि हम आध्यात्मिक ज्ञान कैसे प्राप्त कर सकते हैं? इसका उत्तर श्रीकृष्ण इस श्लोक में देते हैं।

जैसा की हम जानते है कक हमारे देश मे हर शुभ कार्य को करने का मुहूतय होता है जैसे हववाह मुहूतय, गृहप्रवेश मुहूतय, लगन मुहूतय और कोई भी शुभ काम जैसे नर्ा व्यवसार् आरंभ करना हो अथवा बालक का प्रथम अन्नप्राशन र्ा मुंडन करना और हवद्यारम्भ सब मुहूतय देख कर ककर्े जाते है | परन्तु क्र्ा अपने कभी सोचा है शास्त्र अध्र्र्न र्ा भगवद्गीता जो कक साक्षात् श्रीकृष्ण के मुख से अवतररत हुई है और इसे पढ़ना सबसे शुभ कार्य है, उसे भी पढने का कोई मुहूतय है | भगवद्गीता सम्पूणय मनुष्र्ों के लाभ के हलए एक महत्वपूणय पुस्तक है र्ह स्वर् भगवान श्रीकृष्ण द्वारा अजुयन को कुरुक्षेत्र के र्ुद्ध मे जब अजुयन कतयव्य हवमूढ़ हो गए थे, अजुयन जो कक भगवान के हमत्र तथा भक्त है उन्हें ज्ञान प्रदान करने के हलए कही गर्ी तथा इसका संकलन व्यासदेव जी ने ककर्ा है |

In Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna sees his near and dear ones, teachers, and friends on the opposing side of the battlefield, ready to sacrifice their lives in the war. He becomes overwhelmed with grief and compassion, loses his strength, and his mind becomes bewildered; thus, he abandons his resolve to fight. In the second chapter, a Summary of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna, as a disciple, takes refuge in Lord Sri Krishna, and Krishna begins his teachings by explaining the distinction between the impermanent physical body and the eternal soul. Lord Sri Krishna describes the process of transmigration, the selfless service of the Supreme Lord, and the qualities of a self-realized person. We will divide this chapter into various sections and analyze the sections in depth.

अध्याय ८ – अक्षरब्रहम योग (सार) – अध्याय ७ के अंत मे श्रीकृष्ण बताते है कि मनुष्य किस प्रकार ज्ञान अर्जन करें ?  जिससे वह पूर्णता को प्राप्त कर भगवद्धाम वापस जा सके | अष्टम् अध्याय मे श्रीकृष्ण बताते है कि भगवान के बारे मे जानने की विभिन्न प्रक्रिया है लेकिन भक्ति द्वारा तथा भगवान के भक्त बनकर हम आसानी से श्रीकृष्ण को जान सकते है तथा प्रयाण काल मे परम ज्ञान मे स्थिर होकर भगवान का स्मरण कर भगवद्धाम को प्राप्त कर सकते है |

अध्याय ५ : कर्म – संन्यास योग – भगवद्गीता के पंचम अध्याय मे भगवान बताते है कि भक्तिपूर्वक किया गया कर्म, शुष्क चिंतन से बेहतर है | तृतीय अध्याय मे बताया गया कि जो व्यक्ति ज्ञान मे स्थित है उसके लिए कोई कर्म शेष नहीं रहता और चतुर्थ अध्याय मे बताया गया है कि सारे यज्ञों का सार ज्ञान प्राप्त करना है तथा भगवान कृष्णअर्जुन को निर्देश देते है,  “खड़े हो जाओ और ज्ञान में स्थित होकर युद्ध करो” | श्रीकृष्ण इस प्रकार भक्ति मे कर्म तथा ज्ञान से अकर्म करने को प्रोत्साहित कर रहे है | इससे अर्जुन दुविधा मे आ जाते है तथा पंचम अध्याय की शुरुआत इसी प्रश्न से होती है कि क्या बेहतर है,  “कर्म त्याग करना या भक्तिपूर्वक कर्म करना ?” | इसके समाधान में श्रीकृष्ण बताते है कि सभी कार्यो को श्री कृष्ण को समर्पित कर देना ही वास्तविक सन्यास है |

Benefits of Memorizing Bhagavad Gita Slokas – Bhagavad Gita is the cream or essence of the entire Vedic literature compressed in just 700 slokas. It is also nectar directly emanating from the mouth of the supreme personality of Godhead, Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Reincarnation: A Matter of Chance or a Matter of Consciousness (08.06.2021) – A conditioned soul has a certain consciousness and according to that consciousness, the Supersoul brings it to the semen of a man and guides it to the womb of a woman. Thereafter there is the formation of a single cell and from that single cell again by the guidance of the Supersoul starts to multiply. So if there is the consciousness of a dog, the soul would go to a dog’s body. So the subtle body consciousness is very important. The consciousness has a form that depends on whether one has performed piously or sinfully in previous births. And therefore it gets guided to a particular species where it gets a form accordingly. The body creates a restriction on the consciousness.