Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
The first six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita contain some of the most influential teaching in Indian thought: Krishna’s response to Arjuna’s crisis on the battlefield, and the path of karma yoga, selfless action, that flows from it.
This course is a verse-by-verse study of chapters 1–6. We set the Gita in context within the Mahabharata, then follow Arjuna’s dilemma and Krishna’s guidance through the nature of the self, duty, detachment, and renunciation, ending with the yoga of meditation in chapter 6. Along the way we draw on the great commentators, including Shankara and Ramanuja, and consider how the text speaks to real dilemmas of work, duty, and inner life.
The course runs over eight sessions, with 7 hours 20 minutes of video lectures, 218 pages of course notes, and an essay assessment. A free introductory chapter is available to download below.
Self, Duty, and the Path of Action
We set the stage for a close, verse-by-verse study of Bhagavad Gita Chapters 1–6. We examine the Gita’s place in the Mahabharata, outline key themes like karma-yoga and meditation, and introduce influential commentators such as Shankara and Ramanuja. The aim here is to reveal the text’s philosophical richness and multiple layers of meaning, inviting personal contemplation and deeper understanding. Download the introductory chapter.
This session introduces Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita. As the warrior-prince Arjuna faces the prospect of battling his own family, he is overcome doubt, raising deep questions about duty, morality, and the costs of conflict. We see how these themes connect the Gita to broader issues, and how Arjuna’s struggle prepares the way for Krishna’s transformative guidance in later chapters.
Krishna responds to Arjuna’s reluctance to fight by addressing themes of compassion, and duty. Krishna teaches about the eternal nature of the self, explaining why Arjuna should not grieve for those who must die in battle. This section sets up the crucial distinction between body and soul, preparing Arjuna (and us) for the practical spiritual guidance that follows later in the Gita.
This session explores the second half of Chapter 2, focusing on karma-yoga: acting without selfish desire. Krishna explains how to maintain inner balance amidst life’s dualities, introducing the ideal of selfless action. We also discuss criticisms of ritualism and the qualities of a truly enlightened person.
By focusing the intellect in this way (buddhi-yukto), one sets aside both righteous and unrighteous deeds. Therefore, engage yourself in this yoga, for yoga is the true art of performing action.
Bhagavad Gita 2.50
This session further explores karma-yoga. Arjuna questions the balance between wisdom and action, and Krishna clarifies that everyone must act, even the wise. The importance of performing one’s duty without attachment is emphasised, as is the role of desire.
Chapter 4 introduces Krishna’s divine identity and the ancient origins of karma-yoga. Krishna shares the doctrine of avatara (his descent to restore dharma). The session covers how true renunciation and spiritual knowledge lead to selfless action, and how the Gita’s vision of sacrifice expands beyond ritual to spiritual practice.
When action is given over to the practice of yoga, when doubts are destroyed by knowledge, and when the mind is brought under control, a person’s actions cannot bind them.
Bhagavad Gita 4.41
We now turn to Chapter 5, where Arjuna asks which is superior: action or renunciation? Krishna explains that both can lead to spiritual success, but karma-yoga – acting selflessly without attachment – is preferable and more practical. The discussion also examines the relationship between philosophical knowledge (Samkhya) and the practice of yoga, stressing that wisdom and action should work together. The session concludes by highlighting the state of the true renunciant: inner tranquility and freedom from worldly attachments.
Krishna outlines practical methods for meditation, drawing parallels with Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, and emphasises that inner renunciation and mental discipline are key. By mastering the mind and senses, the yogi achieves tranquility and self-realisation, experiencing a state of lasting happiness and liberation.
In this final session, Arjuna expresses doubts about mastering meditation. Krishna reassures him that, while difficult, success comes with steady practice and determination. The discussion emphasises that effort on the yogic path is never wasted, and everyone making sincere progress will eventually reach spiritual fulfilment.
Course Tutor
Nick is the Director – and the heart and soul – of the OCHS Continuing Education Department. He is a dedicated teacher with decades of experience in making sometimes-confusing traditions relevant. He has created over a dozen online courses and is working on many more. He has written translations and commentary on Bhagavad Gītā and the Yoga Sūtra. Nick received his Phd from Lancaster University (1995). His thesis was on the religious teachings of the Mahabharata.