KARMA YOGA
(Chapters 1-6)
Chapter 1
Arjuna observes the armies and becomes overwhelmed by compassion for relatives. Foreseeing no enjoyment in victory, fearful of sinful reactions and concerned about the harmful effects of destroying families. Arjuna decides not to fight.
Dhrtarashtra becomes hopeful of not losing the Kingdom for his sons. But Sanjay describes how Krishna inspires Arjuna to fight.
Chapter 2
Summary of the Gita : Arjun accepts, Krishna as guru and Krishna describes Jñāna (ज्ञान) (knowledge of body and soul), Sakam (सकाम) Karma (doing duty and attaining enjoyment), Buddhi yoga or Nishkam(निष्काम) karma yoga (working with detachment & knowledge) and the qualities of a sthita-prajna (स्थित प्रज्ञ).
In 2.49, Krishna told Arjuna to keep all abominable actions far away by Buddhi yoga. So, Arjuna asks which of the two – renunciation and action – is better (3.1)
Chapter 3
Karma Yoga : Krishna prescribes action based on niskama karma yoga rather than premature renunciation based on Jñāna yoga. Even if Arjuna is qualified for renunciation, he should still do niskama karma yoga to set the right example. Lust is a formidable enemy on the path of yoga and one has to conquer it by deliberate spirtual intelligence.
Krishna presents transcendental knowledge by which one can be protected from the bondage of lust.
Chapter 4
Transcedental knowledge descends from Krishna in disciplic succession. Knowing the divine nature of Lord Krishna’s appearance gives liberation. Karma can be understood on the platform of Jñāna and one can attain Jñāna through Yajna(यज्ञ) (sacrifice), and form a bona fide guru.
Krishna spoke of attaining peace by Jñāna (4.39) and renouncing karma by Jñāna (in 4.41), but again asked Arjuna to take up karma yoga (in 4.42). So, Arjuna again asks about renunciation (sannyasa) and action (karma yoga) (5.1)
Chapter 5
Karma yoga – Action in Krishna Consciousness: Krishna says they both are equal but karma yoga is easier. Niskama karma yoga frees one from bondage. One can attain liberation by focusing on the Supreme. Astanga yoga and bhakti yoga give liberation.
Having mentioned about astanga yoga in brief, Krishna now describes it in greater details
Chapter 6
Dhyana Yoga or Astanga yoga has two stages Yogaruruksa (beginnning) to Yogarudha (advanced). Astanga yoga has various practices and its perfection is to realizing the Supersoul. In yoga it is necessity to control the mind by practice and detachment. Even an unsuccessful yogi is given another oppurtunity to attain perfection. Bhakti yogi is the topmost yogi.
In 6.47, Krishna says that bhakti is the highest form of yoga. From Chapter 7, he describes bhakti yoga elaborately.