Yoga Poses
Kevin Parenteau
October 22, 2026
108 Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Positive Thinking
Introduction
These 108 Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking explore steadiness, ethical action, self-knowledge, and devotion. Each quotation comes from Annie Besant’s 1922 fourth-edition English translation and includes a chapter and verse reference.
About the quotations: The numbered passages follow Annie Besant’s historical translation. By contrast, section introductions, reflection notes, practice tips, and image captions are editorial commentary, not additional quotations. Read the linked chapters for context; positive thinking here means meeting life with clarity rather than denying difficult emotions.
Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking for inspiration to weave into class, or a practitioner seeking balance and perspective, you’ll find a verse here that speaks directly to the heart. May these words remind you that strength and serenity already live within you.
These teachings from the Bhagavad Gita offer a glimpse into yogic wisdom. For those wanting a deeper, structured study of the text and its application to daily life, Living Yoga Philosophy explores the Bhagavad Gita alongside the Yoga Sutras in depth.
- By: Kevin Parenteau
- Published:
- Reviewed: October 19, 2026
Explore: Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Positive Thinking
Background of Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita (‘Song of God’) is a 700-verse dialogue from the Indian epic Mahabharata. In it, the warrior Arjuna seeks guidance from Lord Krishna on how to act with purpose, courage, and compassion.
For centuries, Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking have helped yogis, leaders, and seekers find resilience through awareness.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Mindset and Discipline
To begin, these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking frame discipline as steady effort rather than pressure. They connect clarity with training the senses, practicing moderation, and speaking truthfully.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Steady Focus
1. “The determinate Reason is but one-pointed, O joy of the Kurus; many-branched and endless are the thoughts of the irresolute.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.41. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Reason is Besant’s rendering in this verse; the emphasis is on steadiness rather than wishful thinking.
2. “When, again, as a tortoise draws in on all sides its limbs, he withdraws his senses from the objects of sense, then is his understanding well poised.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.58. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
3. “O son of Kuntî, the excited senses of even a wise man, though he be striving, impetuously carry away his mind.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.60. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
4. “Having restrained them all, he should sit harmonised, I his supreme goal; for, whose senses are mastered, of him the understanding is well poised.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.61. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Them refers to the senses; I refers to Krishna.
Attachment, Anger, and Discernment
5. “Man, musing on the objects of sense, conceiveth an attachment to these; from attachment ariseth desire; from desire anger cometh forth;”
Bhagavad Gita 2.62. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This complete verse begins a sequence continued in 2:63; the final semicolon is retained.
6. “From anger proceedeth delusion; from delusion confused memory; from confused memory the destruction of Reason; from destruction of Reason he perishes.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.63. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This continues the sequence from attachment to anger described in 2:62.
7. “Therefore, O mighty-armed, whose senses are all completely restrained from the objects of sense, of him the understanding is well poised.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.68. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Self-Mastery through Practice and Moderation
8. “Let him raise the self by the Self and not let the self become depressed; for verily is the Self the friend of the self, and also the Self the self’s enemy;”
Bhagavad Gita 6.5. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Besant distinguishes the spiritual Self from the everyday self through capitalization. The verse concerns spiritual self-discipline.
9. “The Self is the friend of the self of him in whom the self by the Self is vanquished; but to the unsubdued self the Self verily becometh hostile as an enemy.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.6. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The translation distinguishes the Self from the self; friend and enemy are images for spiritual self-mastery.
10. “Verily yoga is not for him who eateth too much, nor who abstaineth to excess, nor who is too much addicted to sleep, nor even to wakefulness, O Arjuna.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.16. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The verse commends moderation in the practice of yoga.
11. “Without doubt, O mighty-armed, the mind is hard to curb and restless; but it may be curbed by constant practice and by dispassion.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.35. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Krishna answers Arjuna’s concern about the restless mind in 6:34.
12. “Yoga is hard to attain, methinks, by a self that is uncontrolled; but by the Self-controlled it is attainable by properly directed energy.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.36. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Discipline in Speech, Thought, and Action
13. “Speech causing no annoyance, truthful, pleasant and beneficial, the practice of the study of the Scriptures, are called the austerity of speech.”
Bhagavad Gita 17.15. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Austerity of speech includes truthfulness and benefit, not simply saying agreeable things.
14. “Mental happiness, equilibrium, silence, self-control, purity of nature—these are called the austerity of the mind.”
Bhagavad Gita 17.16. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Austerity here means disciplined practice.
15. “Liberated from attachment, not egoistic, endued with firmness and confidence, unchanged by success or failure, that actor is called pure.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.26. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Pure refers to the sattvic actor, characterized by firmness without attachment to success or failure.
16. “The unwavering firmness by which, through Yoga, one restraineth the activity of the mind, of the life breaths and of the sense-organs, that firmness, O Pârtha, is pure.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.33. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Pure refers to sattvic firmness in the text’s threefold classification.
Teacher’s Note: Pause for a few breaths after reading these verses. Notice how clarity grows when the mind steadies itself in focused effort.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Overcoming Doubt and Fear
With that foundation, courage becomes more than the absence of fear. The Gita moves from changing sensations to wisdom and trust, showing how Arjuna’s doubts can lead to a renewed willingness to act.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Courage
17. “The contacts of matter, O son of Kuntî, giving cold and heat, pleasure and pain, they come and go, impermanent; endure them bravely, O Bhârata.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.14. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Krishna discusses the impermanence of sensory pleasure and pain.
18. “The man whom these torment not, O chief of men, balanced in pain and pleasure, steadfast, he is fitted for immortality.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.15. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The preceding verse concerns changing sensory experiences; immortality here belongs to the text’s spiritual teaching.
19. “In this there is no loss of effort, nor is there transgression. Even a little of this knowledge protects from great fear.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.40. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This refers to the discipline of yoga being explained, not a promise that every worldly project will succeed.
Wisdom and Faith
20. “And having known this, thou shalt not again fall into this confusion, O Pândava; for by this thou wilt see all beings without exception in the Self, and thus in Me.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.35. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This refers to the wisdom learned through discipleship, inquiry and service in the preceding verse.
21. “Even if thou art the most sinful of all sinners, yet shalt thou cross over all sin by the raft of wisdom.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.36. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The raft is a metaphor for spiritual wisdom and release from sin.
22. “As the burning fire reduces fuel to ashes, O Arjuna, so doth the fire of wisdom reduce all actions to ashes.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.37. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The fire is a metaphor for wisdom and the dissolution of binding action.
23. “The man who is full of faith obtaineth wisdom, and he also who hath mastery over his senses; and, having obtained wisdom, he goeth swiftly to the supreme Peace.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.39. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Meeting Doubt with Practice
24. “He who hath renounced actions by yoga, who hath cloven asunder doubt by wisdom, who is ruled by the Self, actions do not bind him, O Dhananjaya.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.41. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
25. “Therefore, with the sword of the wisdom of the Self cleaving asunder this ignorance-born doubt dwelling in thy heart, be established in yoga. Stand up, O Bhârata.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.42. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The sword is a metaphor for wisdom cutting through doubt.
26. “That should be known by the name of yoga, this disconnection from the union with pain. This yoga must be clung to with a firm conviction and with undesponding mind.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.23. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The preceding verses describe meditative realization; separation from pain is a spiritual teaching.
27. “For the mind is verily restless, O Krishna; it is impetuous, strong and difficult to bend. I deem it as hard to curb as the wind.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.34; Arjuna speaking. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Arjuna, not Krishna, says this. His admission of mental restlessness is answered by Krishna in 6:35.
Trust and Renewed Resolve
28. “O son of Prithâ, neither in this world nor in the life to come is there destruction for him; never doth any who worketh righteousness, O beloved, tread the path of woe.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.40. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Krishna answers Arjuna’s concern about a practitioner who has not attained perfection; this includes an afterlife teaching.
29. “This divine illusion of Mine, caused by the qualities, is hard to pierce; they who come to Me, they cross over this illusion.”
Bhagavad Gita 7.14. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Mine and Me refer to Krishna; the qualities are the gunas.
30. “Flee unto Him for shelter with all thy being, O Bhârata; by His grace thou shalt obtain supreme peace, the everlasting dwelling-place.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.62. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Him refers to the divine Lord; peace is sought through surrender.
31. “Destroyed is my delusion. I have gained knowledge through Thy grace, O Immutable one. I am firm, my doubts have fled away. I will do according to Thy word.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.73; Arjuna speaking. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Arjuna, not Krishna, says this near the conclusion of the dialogue, expressing renewed clarity and willingness to act.
Teacher’s Note: Fear dissolves when you stay present. Let these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking remind you that inner steadiness is stronger than uncertainty.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Detachment and Balance
In turn, these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking explore equanimity: staying centered in success and failure so that judgment is not ruled by every change in circumstance.
Balance in Success and Setback
32. “The Vedas deal with the three attributes; be thou above these three attributes, O Arjuna; beyond the pairs of opposites, ever steadfast in purity, careless of possessions, full of the Self.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.45. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The three attributes are the gunas, the qualities of material nature in this teaching.
33. “Perform action, O Dhananjaya, dwelling in union with the divine, renouncing attachments and balanced evenly in success and failure: equilibrium is called yoga.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.48. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Similarly, this verse connects action with balance rather than fixation on success or failure.
34. “When a man abandoneth, O Pârtha, all the desires of the heart, and is satisfied in the Self by the Self, then is he called stable in mind.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.55. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
35. “He whose mind is free from anxiety amid pains, indifferent amid pleasures, loosed from passion, fear and anger, is called a sage of stable mind.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.56. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Here, the sage’s steadiness is described through freedom from agitation, fear, and anger.
Freedom from Attachment
36. “He who on every side is without attachments, whatever hap of fair and foul, who neither likes nor dislikes, of such a one the understanding is well poised.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.57. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: In other words, steadiness is tested by how a person meets both favorable and unfavorable events.
37. “The objects of sense, but not the relish for them, turn away from an abstemious dweller in the body; and even relish turneth away from him after the Supreme is seen.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.59. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
38. “Content with whatsoever he obtaineth without effort, free from the pairs of opposites, without envy, balanced in success and failure, though acting he is not bound.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.22. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Likewise, contentment does not require abandoning action; the emphasis is on freedom from envy and attachment to results.
39. “He should be known as a perpetual ascetic, who neither hateth nor desireth; free from the pairs of opposites, O mighty-armed, he is easily set free from bondage.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.3. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Steadiness in Pleasure and Pain
40. “Even here on earth everything is overcome by those whose mind remains balanced; the Eternal is incorruptible and balanced; therefore they are established in the Eternal.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.19. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The Eternal denotes spiritual reality; the verse is not a claim that composure removes every external difficulty.
41. “With Reason firm, unperplexed, the knower of the Eternal established in the Eternal, neither rejoiceth on obtaining what is pleasant, nor sorroweth on obtaining what is unpleasant.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.20. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
42. “He, whose self is unattached to external contacts and findeth joy in the Self, having the self harmonised with the Eternal by yoga, enjoys imperishable bliss.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.21. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
43. “He who is able to endure here on earth, ere he be liberated from the body, the force born from desire and passion, he is harmonised, he is a happy man.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.23. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Similarly, the verse connects self-restraint with a more settled life.
Equanimity beyond Praise and Blame
44. “The higher Self of him who is Self-controlled and peaceful is uniform in cold and heat, pleasure and pain, as well as in honour and dishonour.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.7. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: For example, the paired opposites illustrate a steadiness that does not depend on comfort or recognition.
45. “The Yogî who is satisfied with wisdom and knowledge, unwavering, whose senses are subdued, to whom a lump of earth, a stone and gold are the same, is said to be harmonised.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.8. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: In this description, wisdom and restraint matter more than the difference between earth, stone, and gold.
46. “Balanced in pleasure and pain, self-reliant, to whom a lump of earth, a rock and gold are alike, the same to loved and unloved, firm, the same in censure and in praise,”
Bhagavad Gita 14.24. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This is the complete verse. The description continues in 14:25, which follows it in this collection; the final comma is retained.
47. “The same in honour and ignominy, the same to friend and foe, abandoning all undertakings—he is said to have crossed over the qualities.”
Bhagavad Gita 14.25. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This completes the description in 14:24; the qualities are the gunas.
Practice Tip: After reading, reflect on a moment when you stayed centered amid stress. That is yoga in action.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Self-Knowledge and Purpose
Beyond outward success, these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking turn to self-knowledge. The following passages connect spiritual understanding with learning, discernment, and responsibility.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on the Enduring Self
48. “The unreal hath no being; the real never ceaseth to be; the truth about both hath been perceived by the seers of the essence of things.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.16. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This is a metaphysical distinction between the real and unreal.
49. “Know That to be indestructible by whom all this is pervaded. Nor can any work the destruction of that imperishable One.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.17. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: That and the imperishable One refer to the enduring spiritual reality discussed in this passage.
50. “As a man, casting off worn-out garments, taketh new ones, so the dweller in the body, casting off worn-out bodies, entereth into others that are new.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.22. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: A teaching about the embodied self and rebirth, not merely a metaphor for changing habits.
51. “Uncleavable he, incombustible he, and indeed neither to be wetted nor dried away; perpetual, all-pervasive, stable, immovable, ancient.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.24. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: He refers to the enduring self, rather than the physical body.
52. “Unmanifest, unthinkable, immutable, he is called; therefore knowing him as such, thou shouldst not grieve.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.25. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: He refers to the enduring self in the surrounding discussion of mortality.
Clarity and Spiritual Knowledge
53. “When thy mind shall escape from this tangle of delusion, then thou shalt rise to indifference as to what has been heard and shall be heard.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.52. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Here, clearer understanding means moving beyond confusion and the pull of everything one has heard.
54. “But the man who rejoiceth in the Self, with the Self is satisfied, and is content in the Self, for him verily there is nothing to do;”
Bhagavad Gita 3.17. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This refers to one satisfied in the Self; it is not a general endorsement of neglecting responsibilities.
55. “Better than the sacrifice of any objects is the sacrifice of wisdom, O Parantapa. All actions in their entirety, O Pârtha, culminate in wisdom.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.33. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Learning and Seeing Unity
56. “Learn thou this by discipleship, by investigation, and by service. The wise, the seers of the essence of things, will instruct thee in wisdom.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.34. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
57. “Verily there is no purifier in this world like wisdom; he that is perfected in yoga finds it in the Self in due season.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.38. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Over time, sustained practice is described as revealing the purifying power of wisdom.
58. “Verily, in whom unwisdom is destroyed by the wisdom of the Self, in them wisdom, shining as the sun, reveals the Supreme.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.16. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
59. “The self, harmonised by yoga, seeth the Self abiding in all beings, all beings in the Self; everywhere he seeth the same.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.29. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The Self is a spiritual concept; seeing unity in beings is not a claim that their circumstances are identical.
60. “That by which one indestructible Being is seen in all beings, inseparate in the separated, know thou that knowledge as pure.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.20. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: One indestructible Being refers to spiritual unity rather than erasure of individual differences.
Duty and Imperfection
61. “Man reacheth perfection by each being intent on his own duty. Listen thou how perfection is won by him who is intent on his own duty.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.45. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The surrounding discussion connects duty with one’s nature and traditional social roles, rather than modern career choice.
62. “Better is one’s own duty though destitute of merits than the well-executed duty of another. He who doeth the duty laid down by his own nature incurreth not sin.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.47. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The surrounding discussion connects duty with one’s nature and traditional social roles, rather than modern career choice.
63. “Congenital duty, O son of Kunti, though defective, ought not to be abandoned. All undertakings indeed are clouded by defects as fire by smoke.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.48. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The surrounding discussion concerns duties arising from one’s nature; defects in undertakings are compared with smoke around fire.
Teacher’s Note: When journaling on these verses, write one way you can act today from self-awareness rather than comparison.
You Love Yoga, We Love Yoga—Let’s Stay Connected
Get yoga tips, a little inspiration, and friendly emails—because yoga is better with friends.
🔒 No spam. No selling your data. Ever.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Action without Attachment
With that perspective, these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking explore action without attachment. Offer your best effort while letting go of control over the result; detachment is not an excuse for inaction.
Effort without Attachment
64. “Thy business is with the action only, never with its fruits; so let not the fruit of action be thy motive, nor be thou to inaction attached.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.47. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: In practice, the emphasis is on the quality of action rather than a claim to its reward.
65. “United to the Pure Reason one abandoneth here both good and evil deeds; therefore cleave thou to yoga; yoga is skill in action.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.50. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The verse links skill in action to yoga and spiritual freedom, not merely productivity.
66. “The Sages, united to the Pure Reason, renounce the fruit which action yieldeth, and, liberated from the bonds of birth, they go to the blissful seat.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.51. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Liberation from birth is a religious teaching in the text.
67. “Man winneth not freedom from action by abstaining from activity, nor by mere renunciation doth he rise to perfection.”
Bhagavad Gita 3.4. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Instead of treating withdrawal as sufficient, this verse insists that spiritual discipline involves more than avoiding activity.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Responsibility
68. “But who, controlling the senses by the mind, O Arjuna, with the organs of action without attachment, performeth yoga by action, he is worthy.”
Bhagavad Gita 3.7. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
69. “Perform thou right action, for, action is superior to inaction, and, inactive, even the maintenance of thy body would not be possible.”
Bhagavad Gita 3.8. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Therefore, fulfilling responsibilities matters; even caring for the body calls for action.
70. “The world is bound by action, unless performed for the sake of sacrifice; for that sake, free from attachment, O son of Kuntî, perform thou action.”
Bhagavad Gita 3.9. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: At the same time, action is framed as sacrifice rather than a way to secure personal rewards.
71. “Therefore, without attachment, constantly perform action which is duty, for, by performing action without attachment, man verily reacheth the Supreme.”
Bhagavad Gita 3.19. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Duty is action to be performed without attachment to its fruit, not merely a preferred career.
Action and the Welfare of the World
72. “Whatsoever a great man doeth, that other men also do; the standard he setteth up, by that the people go.”
Bhagavad Gita 3.21. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: For example, the conduct of a respected person becomes a standard that others follow.
73. “As the ignorant act from attachment to action, O Bhârata, so should the wise act without attachment, desiring the welfare of the world.”
Bhagavad Gita 3.25. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Accordingly, the wise are called to work for the world’s welfare without clinging to the action.
74. “He who seeth inaction in action, and action in inaction, he is wise among men, he is harmonious, even while performing all action.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.18. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The action/inaction contrast is a spiritual paradox about agency and freedom, not an instruction to be passive.
75. “Whose works are all free from the moulding of desire, whose actions are burned up by the fire of wisdom, him the wise have called a Sage.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.19. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Freedom while Acting
76. “Having abandoned attachment to the fruit of action, always content, nowhere seeking refuge, he is not doing anything, although doing actions.”
Bhagavad Gita 4.20. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Not doing anything describes freedom from binding attachment while acting, not literal inactivity.
77. “He who acteth, placing all actions in the Eternal, abandoning attachment, is unaffected by sin as a lotus leaf by the waters.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.10. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The lotus-leaf image concerns acting without attachment.
78. “Yogis, having abandoned attachment, perform action only by the body, by the mind, by the Reason, and even by the senses, for the purification of the self.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.11. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
79. “An action which is ordained, done by one undesirous of fruit, devoid of attachment, without love or hate, that is called pure.”
Bhagavad Gita 18.23. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Pure refers to sattvic action in the text’s classification by the gunas.
Teacher’s Note: On the mat, practice moving with intention but without judgment. Every breath is an offering
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Inner Peace and Meditation
Alongside action, these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking explore meditation as a practice of steady attention, moderation, and inner calm. The verses move from concentration to returning a wandering mind to the Self.
Concentration and Peace
80. “When thy mind, bewildered by the Scriptures, shall stand immovable, fixed in contemplation, then shalt thou attain unto yoga.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.53. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Here, contemplation gives the unsettled mind a steadier direction.
81. “But the disciplined self, moving among sense-objects with senses free from attraction and repulsion, mastered by the Self, goeth to peace.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.64. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: In turn, freedom from attraction and repulsion supports peace.
82. “In that Peace the extinction of all pains ariseth for him, for of him whose heart is peaceful the Reason soon attaineth equilibrium.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.65. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The extinction of pain is described within the text’s spiritual framework.
83. “There is no Pure Reason for the non-harmonised, nor for the non-harmonised is there concentration; for him without concentration there is no peace, and for the unpeaceful how can there be happiness?”
Bhagavad Gita 2.66. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: By contrast, the verse asks how peace can arise when concentration and inner harmony are absent.
Inner Contentment
84. “He attaineth Peace, into whom all desires flow as rivers flow into the ocean, which is filled with water, but remaineth unmoved—not he who desireth desires.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.70. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
85. “Whoso forsaketh all desires and goeth onwards free from yearnings, selfless and without egoism—he goeth to Peace.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.71. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Thus, peace is linked with loosening possessiveness and egoism.
86. “He who is happy within, who rejoiceth within, who is illuminated within, that Yogî, becoming the Eternal, goeth to the Peace of the Eternal.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.24. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Becoming the Eternal is spiritual language within the translation.
87. “The Peace of the Eternal lies near to those who know themselves, who are disjoined from desire and passion, subdued in nature, of subdued thoughts.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.26. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Similarly, this passage places self-knowledge alongside restraint of desire and thought.
Preparing the Mind for Meditation
88. “Let the Yogî constantly engage himself in yoga, remaining in a secret place by himself, with thought and self subdued, free from hope and greed.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.10. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
89. “The Yogî ever united thus with the Self, with the mind controlled, goeth to Peace, to the supreme Bliss that abideth in Me.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.15. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Me refers to Krishna; peace is situated within union with the Self.
90. “When his subdued thought is fixed on the Self, free from longing after all desirable things, then it is said, “he is harmonised.””
Bhagavad Gita 6.18. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: Here, harmony describes attention settled on the Self rather than pulled toward desired objects.
Returning Attention to the Self
91. “As a lamp in a windless place flickereth not, to such is likened the Yogî of subdued thought, absorbed in the yoga of the Self.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.19. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: For example, the unflickering lamp offers an image of steady attention.
92. “Little by little let him gain tranquillity, by means of Reason controlled by steadiness; having made the mind abide in the Self, let him not think of anything.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.25. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This instruction belongs to the practice of meditation, rather than everyday suppression of thought.
93. “As often as the wavering and unsteady mind goeth forth, so often reining it in, let him bring it under the control of the Self.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.26. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
94. “Supreme joy is for this Yogi whose mind is peaceful, whose passion-nature is calmed, who is sinless and of the nature of the Eternal.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.27. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Practice Tip: Read one of these verses before Savasana. Notice how even the thought of peace begins to slow your breath.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Love, Devotion and Service
Finally, read these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking as invitations to put devotion into practice. These passages connect love of Krishna with care for other beings, everyday offerings, and giving without expecting a return.
Bhagavad Gita Quotes on Devotion and Care
95. “Rishis, their sins destroyed, their duality removed, their selves controlled, intent upon the welfare of all beings, obtain the Peace of the Eternal.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.25. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Rishis are sages; the verse explicitly includes concern for the welfare of all beings.
96. “Having known Me, as the Enjoyer of sacrifice and of austerity, the mighty Ruler of all the worlds, and the Lover of all beings, he goeth to Peace.”
Bhagavad Gita 5.29. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
97. “He who seeth Me everywhere, and seeth everything in Me, of him will I never lose hold, and he shall never lose hold of Me.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.30. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
- Reflection: In this way, devotion is connected with recognizing Krishna’s presence everywhere.
98. “He who, established in unity, worshippeth Me abiding in all beings, that Yogi liveth in Me, whatever his mode of living.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.31. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Me refers to Krishna; the verse connects devotion with seeing the divine in all beings.
Everyday Acts as Offerings
99. “And among all Yogîs, he who, full of faith, with the inner Self abiding in Me, adoreth Me, he is considered by Me to be the most completely harmonised.”
Bhagavad Gita 6.47. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Me refers to Krishna; the verse explicitly concerns devotion.
100. “He who offereth to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, water, that I accept from the striving self, offered as it is with devotion.”
Bhagavad Gita 9.26. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Me refers to Krishna; ordinary offerings are valued for their devotion.
101. “Whatsoever thou doest, whatsoever thou eatest, whatsoever thou offerest, whatsoever thou givest, whatsoever thou doest of austerity, O Kaunteya, do thou that as an offering unto Me.”
Bhagavad Gita 9.27. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: Me refers to Krishna; action is presented as devotional offering.
102. “The same am I to all beings; there is none hateful to Me nor dear. They verily who worship Me with devotion, they are in Me, and I also in them.”
Bhagavad Gita 9.29. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
103. “If also thou art not equal to constant practice, be intent on My service; performing actions for My sake, thou shalt attain perfection.”
Bhagavad Gita 12.10. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: My refers to Krishna; the context is a path of devotional practice.
Renunciation, Compassion, and Giving
104. “Better indeed is wisdom than constant-practice; than wisdom, meditation is better; than meditation, renunciation of the fruit of action; on renunciation follows peace.”
Bhagavad Gita 12.12. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The verse compares spiritual disciplines and links relinquishment of action’s fruit with peace.
105. “He who beareth no ill-will to any being, friendly and compassionate, without attachment and egoism, balanced in pleasure and pain, and forgiving,”
Bhagavad Gita 12.13. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This is the complete verse. Its sentence continues in 12:14, which follows it in this collection; the final comma is retained.
106. “Ever content, harmonious, with the self-controlled, resolute, with mind and Reason dedicated to Me, he, My devotee, is dear to Me.”
Bhagavad Gita 12.14. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: This completes the sentence begun in 12:13; Me refers to Krishna.
107. “He from whom the world doth not shrink away, who doth not shrink away from the world, freed from the anxieties of joy, anger, and fear, he is dear to me.”
Bhagavad Gita 12.15. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
108. “That alms given to one who does nothing in return, believing that a gift ought to be made in a fit place and time to a worthy person, that alms is accounted pure.”
Bhagavad Gita 17.20. Translation: Annie Besant (1922).
Context: The verse describes giving without expectation of repayment.
Teacher’s Note: End your day by dedicating one good deed to someone else. This is bhakti in motion
Bhagavad Gita FAQ
How can I use Bhagavad Gita quotes in yoga class?
First, choose a passage that fits your class theme, such as courage, balance, or devotion. Then, introduce it as a quotation from Annie Besant’s English translation and give its chapter and verse. Keep your own explanation separate from the quotation. Finally, leave a few seconds of silence afterward so students can reflect.
What does the Bhagavad Gita teach about positive thinking?
The Gita does not treat optimism as a promise that everything will go well. Instead, these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking emphasize clear perception and acting with integrity, regardless of the outcome.
Are these direct quotations or paraphrases?
The 108 numbered passages are direct quotations from Annie Besant’s 1922 fourth-edition English translation, not modern paraphrases. Each has a chapter and verse reference and a link to its source chapter. In contrast, the section introductions, context notes, reflections, practice tips, and image captions are editorial commentary. Historical spelling and capitalization are retained; source footnote markers are not part of the quotations.
What is the main message of the Bhagavad Gita?
The Gita teaches clarity, balance, and compassionate action. In short, it invites readers to live fully while remaining rooted in peace.
How can Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking help daily life?
These Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking connect optimism with awareness and purposeful action. In other words, they encourage engagement with life rather than denial or wishful thinking.
Why are there 108 quotes?
This collection contains 108 distinct, numbered verses from the Bhagavad Gita, selected for themes including steadiness, courage, balance, self-knowledge, action, meditation, and devotion. Each verse appears once. To be clear, context notes, image captions, and practice tips are not counted as quotations.
Final Reflection
Taken together, these Bhagavad Gita quotes on positive thinking invite you to practice optimism grounded in truth and awareness. For example, return to a verse when you need perspective, then consider one small way to apply it.
Reviewed & updated October 19, 2026 by Kevin Parenteau, ERYT & YACEP
Bhagavad Gita source and reading notes
- Annie Besant, The Bhagavad-Gita, or The Lord’s Song, fourth edition (G. A. Natesan & Co., Madras, 1922). The 108 numbered quotations use this public-domain English translation. Each links to its source discourse (chapter) and identifies its verse.
- Historical spelling, capitalization, and verse wording follow the linked transcription; reference footnote markers are omitted. Verse numbering follows this edition. Some complete verses continue a sentence into the next verse; these are identified in the context notes.
- Section introductions, context notes, reflections, practice tips, and image captions are editorial commentary. Krishna is the speaker unless an entry identifies Arjuna. The divine first person refers to Krishna.
- The Self, rebirth, devotion, and liberation belong to the Gita’s religious and philosophical context. The passages are offered for study and reflection, not as medical advice or promises of particular outcomes.
Kevin Parenteau
Kevin is the Founder and CEO of Asana at Home Online Yoga.
He is a long-time Ashtanga and Yin Yoga Practitioner. Vipassana Meditator, Yoga teacher,
and all-around Yoga Nerd.
Writes on Yoga Asana Practice, Meditation, Chakras, Yoga Education, and Philosophy
All Posts
New On the Yoga Blog
Beginner Yoga Blog
Christina Raskin
October 15, 2026
Beginner Yoga Blog
Christina Raskin
October 13, 2026