Bhagavad Gita quotes on anxiety and stress, with meaning

The Gita was spoken to a man shaking with anxiety. Arjuna’s hands trembled and his mind spun — so Krishna’s answers are, among other things, the oldest guide we have to a stressed mind. Here are the verses people return to most.

When the future feels heavy

1. Bhagavad Gita 2.47

   कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।
   मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥

   You have a right to your actions, never to their results. Don’t make the result your motive, and don’t give up acting either.

   When you’re anxious about results — exams, interviews, a deal.

   Read the full meaning →Copy quote
2. Bhagavad Gita 2.14

   मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः ।
   आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥

   Pleasure and pain come and go like cold and heat. They don’t last. Bear them patiently.

   When a wave of anxiety feels permanent. It isn’t.

   Copy quote
3. Bhagavad Gita 2.48

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

   Do your work steady in yoga, letting go of attachment, the same in success and failure. That evenness is called yoga.

   Before a big day, to steady yourself whatever happens.

   Copy quote
4. Bhagavad Gita 9.22

   अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते ।
   तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥

   To those who think of me with undivided hearts, I bring what they lack and protect what they have.

   When you feel you have to carry everything alone.

   Copy quote

When the mind won’t settle

1. Bhagavad Gita 6.35

   असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् ।
   अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते ॥

   Without doubt the mind is restless and hard to hold. But it is held through practice and letting go.

   For overthinking — Krishna agrees it’s hard, and tells you how.

   Read the full meaning →Copy quote
2. Bhagavad Gita 6.26

   यतो यतो निश्चरति मनश्चञ्चलमस्थिरम् ।
   ततस्ततो नियम्यैतदात्मन्येव वशं नयेत् ॥

   Wherever the restless, unsteady mind wanders, bring it back from there and rest it in the Self.

   During meditation or prayer, every time the mind drifts.

   Copy quote
3. Bhagavad Gita 2.56

   दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः ।
   वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते ॥

   One whose mind is not shaken by sorrow, who does not crave pleasure, and who is free of attachment, fear and anger, is called steady in wisdom.

   As a picture of who you’re slowly becoming.

   Copy quote
4. Bhagavad Gita 18.66

   सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज ।
   अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ॥

   Set aside every other support and take refuge in me alone. I will free you from all wrongs. Do not grieve.

   When you’ve done all you can and need to let go.

   Read the full meaning →Copy quote

If anxiety is constant, or comes with panic, please see a doctor or a counsellor. In India, Tele-MANAS (14416) offers free support, 24×7.

Questions people ask