Bhagavad Gita for children: 7 meaningful shlokas with deep message | – Times of India

A work of knowledge that speaks to people of all ages is the Bhagavad Gita. It is a prominent religious scripture in Hinduism that takes the form of a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Krishna, an avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The sacred book is a source of profound wisdom and knowledge and every single shloka of Bhagwat Gita has deep and profound meaning.
Although its lessons serve as a guide for adults, children can also benefit much from them. Children can learn important lessons, cultivate a positive outlook, and acquire a fresh outlook on life by being exposed to some of its shlokas. Here are 7 carefully chosen Bhagwat Gita shlokas that all kids should read.

Focus on your actions, not the results

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन | मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ||
“Karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
Mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi”
This verse emphasizes focusing on effort rather than outcomes. It teaches children that they have the right to work hard but not to obsess over results. For example, while studying, the joy should come from learning rather than worrying about grades. This mindset creates a sense of responsibility without anxiety.

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Let go of anger, greed, and lust

त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन: | काम: क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् ||

“Tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśhanam ātmanaḥ
Kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet”
Anger, greed, and extreme desire are like gates to trouble. This shloka advises children to control their tempers, avoid jealousy, and be content with what they have. For example, instead of getting angry during a game or feeling jealous of a friend’s toy, they can focus on enjoying their time with friends.

The side effects of anger

क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रम: | स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति ||

“Krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ sammohāt smṛiti-vibhramaḥ
Smṛiti-bhranśhād buddhi-nāśho buddhi-nāśhāt praṇaśhyati”
Anger clouds judgment and leads to poor decisions. This shloka highlights how losing one’s temper can harm not just themselves but also others. For children, it’s a gentle reminder to stay calm during conflicts, whether it’s a disagreement with siblings or friends.

One should always have faith

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत । अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥

“Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata
Abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛijāmyaham”
This shloka gives children hope and teaches them how to have faith. Even when results don’t match their efforts, they should continue working hard with faith that everything will eventually be fine.

The beauty of giving with love

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति। तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन:॥

“Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktyā prayachchhati
Tadaham bhaktyupahṛtam aśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ”
This shloka teaches children that the intention behind a gift matters more than its value. A simple leaf, flower, or fruit offered with love is more meaningful than expensive gifts given without affection. It’s a beautiful way to encourage kids to express love and gratitude, even in small ways, like writing a heartfelt card.

Balance is an important key

योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय। सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते।।

“Yogasthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañjaya
Siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā samatvaṁ yoga uchyate”
Staying balanced in both success and failure is a true sign of growth. This shloka helps children understand that life is not just about winning or losing but about giving their best with a calm and steady mind. Whether they win a race or lose a match, the lesson is to focus on the journey.

Be your own best friend

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्। आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः।।

“Uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet
Ātmaiva hyātmano bandhura ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ”
This verse inspires children to believe in themselves. It teaches them that they can be their own biggest cheerleader or harshest critic. Encouraging children to set goals and work diligently turns them into their own best friends while doubting themselves holds them back.