“Reading and comprehending the core values of the Bhagavad Gita Slokas for kids can motivate and help children develop positive values.”
Little introduction of Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, written by Ved Vyasa over 5000 years ago, is a special conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. This talk happened during a big war and became a famous book full of inspiration.
The Gita is an important part of India’s culture, history, and knowledge. But as life got busier with new technology, people started forgetting its lessons.
Gita’s teachings are not just for personal life but can also help in work and daily challenges. Now, many people in India and other countries use the wisdom of the Gita to guide them in their busy lives. You can read my earlier blog on Daily Slokas here.
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Sloka 1 (Chapter 2, Verse 47)
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन |
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi
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Core philosophy: By living this way, we learn to act with dedication, remain calm in success or failure, and find harmony within ourselves. It’s a powerful lesson for leading a balanced, purposeful life.
Here is the translation of the Bhagavad Gita sloka (Chapter 2, Verse 47):
“You have a right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions. Do not let the results of your work be your motive, nor let your attachment lead you to inaction.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s responsibilities without becoming attached to the outcomes. It teaches selfless action and detachment from the results.
Interpretation of the Verse (Bhagavad Gita 2.47):
This verse teaches the principle of “karma yoga” —acting without attachment to the results. Here’s what it means:
1. Focus on Duty, Not Outcomes:
– We are responsible for performing our duties sincerely and to the best of our abilities. However, the results are beyond our control. Worrying about outcomes distracts us from the quality of our efforts.
2. Avoid Attachment to Results:
– When we become overly attached to success or fear failure, we may feel stress, disappointment, or anxiety. This attachment can cloud our judgment and hinder our progress.
3. Act Without Expecting Rewards:
– The verse encourages selfless action—doing good and working hard without expecting a reward. Such action leads to inner peace and fulfillment.
4. Don’t Let Fear Stop You:
– “Do not be attached to inaction” reminds us not to avoid responsibility out of fear of failure. Avoiding work or challenges is not the solution.
By living this way, we learn to act with dedication, remain calm in success or failure, and find harmony within ourselves. It’s a powerful lesson for leading a balanced, purposeful life.
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Sloka 2 (Chapter 2, Verse 20)
न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचि
नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूय: |
अजो नित्य: शाश्वतोऽयं पुराणो
न हन्यते हन्यमाने शरीरे ||
na jāyate mriyate vā kadāchin
nāyaṁ bhūtvā bhavitā vā na bhūyaḥ
ajo nityaḥ śhāśhvato ’yaṁ purāṇo
na hanyate hanyamāne śharīre
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Core philosophy: Don’t be scared of life. Be fearless — the soul is never born and never dies.
Here is the translation of the Bhagavad Gita sloka (Chapter 2, Verse 20):
“The soul is never born and never dies. It always exists and never ends, even when the body is gone. The soul is eternal, unchanging, and forever old yet always new.”
This verse teaches that our true self is the soul, not just the body. The soul is indestructible and eternal, reminding kids that while the body changes, the soul remains the same. It helps them understand the idea of inner strength and the importance of focusing on what’s everlasting rather than temporary.
Interpretation for Kids (Bhagavad Gita 2.20):
This verse explains that we are more than just our bodies—we have a soul inside us, which is our true self. The soul:
- Lives Forever:
- The soul is never born, and it never dies. Even when our body grows old or stops working, the soul stays alive.
- Never Changes:
- The soul doesn’t get old, break, or disappear. It is always the same.
- Is Strong and Eternal:
- Nothing can harm or destroy the soul, no matter what happens to the body.
What Kids Can Learn:
This verse teaches children that they are much more than their physical appearance. When they face challenges or feel sad, they can remember that their inner self, the soul, is strong and unchanging. It also helps them understand that life is a cycle, and the soul is forever. This can encourage them to stay calm, be kind, and focus on doing good things.
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Sloka 3 (Chapter 2, Verse 14)
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदु: खदा: |
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ||
mātrā-sparśhās tu kaunteya śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ
āgamāpāyino ’nityās tans-titikṣhasva bhārata
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Core philosophy: Practice patience — everything in this world is temporary.
“O Son of Kunti (Arjuna), the feelings of heat and cold, pleasure and pain are caused by the contact of the senses with their objects. They come and go and are temporary. Therefore, learn to endure them, O Bharata.”
Here is the translation of the Bhagavad Gita sloka (Chapter 2, Verse 14):
“Feelings like happiness and sadness, or hot and cold, come and go. They don’t last forever. So, learn to stay calm and strong when things change.”
Interpretation for Kids (Bhagavad Gita 2.14):
This verse teaches children that life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we feel joyful, and other times we feel upset. Some moments are simple, while others are challenging. These feelings are like the weather—they change all the time and don’t stay forever.
What Kids Can Learn:
Stay Calm: When you feel upset or uncomfortable, remember that it won’t last forever.
Be Patient: Don’t give up when things are hard. Be strong and wait for better times.
Balance Your Emotions: Try not to get too excited when happy or too upset when sad. Stay steady and balanced.
This lesson helps kids understand that life’s changes are normal and teaches them to handle challenges with patience and courage.
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Sloka 4 (Chapter 2, Verse 63)
क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रम: |
स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति ||
krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ sammohāt smṛiti-vibhramaḥ
smṛiti-bhranśhād buddhi-nāśho buddhi-nāśhāt praṇaśhyati
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Core Philosophy: Control your anger—calmness leads to better decisions and a peaceful life.
Here is the translation of the Bhagavad Gita sloka (Chapter 2, Verse 63):
“When you get angry, it confuses your mind. Confusion makes you forget what is right, and this leads to poor decisions. Bad decisions can cause problems and lead you to trouble.”
Interpretation for Kids (Bhagavad Gita 2.63):
This verse explains how anger can create problems:
Anger Confuses Your Mind: When you get angry, it’s hard to think clearly. You may forget what is right or wrong.
Confusion Leads to Bad Choices: When your mind is confused, you might make decisions without thinking, and those choices can create more trouble.
Trouble Affects Your Happiness: Bad decisions can harm you and others, making life harder and less peaceful.
What Kids Can Learn:
Stay in Control: When you feel angry, take a deep breath or step away for a moment. This helps you calm down and think better.
Think Before Acting: Instead of reacting quickly, pause and ask yourself, “Is this the right thing to do?”
Practice Patience: Being patient helps you solve problems without making mistakes.
This verse teaches kids the importance of staying calm and controlling their emotions to make better decisions and live a happier, more peaceful life.
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Soka 5 (Chapter 2, Verse 38)
सुखदु:खे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ |
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि || 38||
sukha-duḥkhe same kṛitvā lābhālābhau jayājayau
tato yuddhāya yujyasva naivaṁ pāpam avāpsyasi
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Core Philosophy: Stay balanced—focus on doing your duty without worrying about success or failure.
Simple Translation for Kids (Bhagavad Gita 2.38):
“Treat happiness and sadness, gain and loss, success and failure as the same. Do your duty without worrying about the results, and you won’t do anything wrong.”
Interpretation for Kids:
This verse teaches us that life is full of ups and downs—sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose. What’s important is to do what is right, no matter what happens.
What Kids Can Learn:
- Stay Balanced: Don’t get too happy when you win or too upset when you lose. Try to stay calm in both situations.
- Focus on Doing Your Best: Do your work or duty without worrying about what you will get in return.
- Learn from Every Experience: Whether it’s success or failure, treat it as a lesson and keep moving forward.
This verse helps kids understand that life is not always about winning or losing but about doing their best and staying balanced in all situations.
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Sloka 6 (Chapter 6, Verse 5)
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् |
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ||
uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hyātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ
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Core Philosophy: Be your own best friend—lift yourself up with positive actions and thoughts.
Simple Translation for Kids (Bhagavad Gita 6.5):
“Lift yourself up with your own efforts. Don’t put yourself down. You are your own best friend if you help yourself, and your own enemy if you don’t.”
Interpretation for Kids:
This verse teaches that we are responsible for our own growth and happiness. Our thoughts and actions decide whether we succeed or fail in life.
What Kids Can Learn:
- Believe in Yourself: Always think positive and encourage yourself to do better.
- Take Responsibility: Don’t blame others for your problems. Focus on improving yourself.
- Be Your Own Friend: Treat yourself with kindness and make choices that help you grow, learn, and stay happy.
- Avoid Negative Thoughts: Don’t let bad habits or negative thinking stop you from achieving your goals.
This verse inspires kids to be strong, take charge of their actions, and always aim to improve themselves.
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Sloka 7 (Chapter 16, Verse 21)
त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन: |
काम: क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् ||
tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśhanam ātmanaḥ
kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet
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Core Philosophy: Avoid desire, anger, and greed—they lead to unhappiness and trouble.
Simple Translation for Kids (Bhagavad Gita 16.21):
“There are three things that lead to trouble and unhappiness: desire, anger, and greed. Stay away from these three to live a good and happy life.”
Interpretation for Kids:
This verse teaches that certain bad habits can harm us and take us away from a happy life. These habits are:
- Desire (Wanting too much): When we keep wanting more and more, we never feel satisfied.
- Anger: Getting angry too often can hurt us and the people around us.
- Greed: Wanting everything for ourselves makes us selfish and unhappy.
What Kids Can Learn:
- Be Content: Appreciate what you have instead of always wanting more.
- Stay Calm: Control your anger by taking deep breaths or walking away when you feel upset.
- Share and Care: Don’t be greedy. Learn to share and be kind to others.
By avoiding these bad habits, kids can lead a peaceful, kind, and joyful life.
Key Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita for Kids:
Although the Bhagavad Gita was written long ago, its wisdom is timeless and can teach us valuable lessons about life. Understanding its messages helps us learn how to deal with everyday situations better. Reading the Bhagavad Gita has many benefits, especially for kids. It can encourage self-reflection and help them see life in a more positive and practical way. These are some important lessons for kids:
1. Duty and Responsibility
– Do your duties sincerely without worrying too much about the results. Focus on doing the right thing.
2. Mindfulness and Self-Control
– Control your thoughts and actions to stay focused and make better decisions.
3. Equality and Respect
– Treat everyone equally and with kindness. Respect and care for others.
4. Courage and Determination
-Stay strong and keep going, even when things get tough. Never give up.
5. Inner Peace and Harmony
– Stay calm and balanced, even during tough times. Find peace within yourself.
6. Knowledge and Learning
– Always be curious to learn new things. Remember, learning never ends.
7. Devotion and Faith
– Believe in something greater than yourself, whether it’s a higher power or your own abilities.
These teachings can help kids grow into thoughtful, kind, and confident individuals.