Bhagavad Gita Books

The Bhagavad Gita (Classics of Indian Spirituality)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 47 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

As bad as can be 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 18 people found this review helpful.

Eknath Easwaran has not understood the Gita. In fact, it is pretty evident that he had no interest in the Gita. He just wanted the use the Gita to preach his own bogus message. His explanations are so far off from the verses, that you'd wonder whether he considered himself to be smarter than God. Why else should he discard the teachings of God and put his own?

Lifelong Book 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

A great book with a strong translation. At first, I did not appreciate the introductions offered, however after reading the B. Gita, I have come to appreciate the introductions. Sometimes I read them after the section, so as to not gain a bias. The book itself is a wonderful story with a great message that everyone can benefit from. I intend to look for more versions of the B. Gita to expand my collection. I think it is important to read this book from a few different translators. So while I am happy with my first purchase of the B. Gita, it will not be my last, so I can not say if this is the best version out there.

Editorial Review:

In the Bhagavad Gita, Prince Arjuna asks direct, uncompromising  questions of his spiritual guide on the eve of a great battle. In  this expanded edition of the most famous —and popular — of Indian  criptures, Eknath Easwaran contextualizes

the book culturally and historically and explains the key concepts of Hindu religious thought and the technical vocabulary of yoga. Chapter introductions, notes, and a glossary help readers understand the book’s message. Most importantly, this translation uses simple, clear language to impart the poetry, universality, and timelessness of the Gita’s teachings.

Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation

Stephen Mitchell

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Total reviews: 37 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Stephen Mitchell is widely known for his ability to make ancient masterpieces thrillingly new, to step in where many have tried before and create versions that are definitive for our time. His celebrated version of the Tao Te Ching is the most popular edition in print, and his translations of Jesus, Rilke, Genesis, and Job have won the hearts of readers and critics alike. Stephen Mitchell now brings to the Bhagavad Gita his gift for breathing new life into sacred texts.

The Bhagavad Gita is universally acknowledged as one of the world's literary and spiritual masterpieces. It is the core text of the Hindu tradition and has been treasured by American writers from Emerson and Thoreau to T. S. Eliot, who called it the greatest philosophical poem after the Divine Comedy. There have been more than two hundred English translations of the Gita, including many competent literal versions, but not one of them is a superlative literary text in its own right.

Now all that has changed. Stephen Mitchell's Bhagavad Gita sings with the clarity, the vigor, and the intensity of the original Sanskrit. It will, as William Arrowsmith said of Mitchell's translation of The Sonnets to Orpheus, "instantly make every other rendering obsolete."


From the Hardcover edition.

The Bhagavad Gita (Penguin Classics)

Anonymous

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The most readable truest English rendition of the Gita 5 out of 5 stars.
17 of 19 people found this review helpful.

The Bhagavad Gita is the world's most translated scripture. The task for a Gita translator is to effectively take the poetic multilayer Sanskrit original and translate it into English preserving it's flavor allowing it to stand alone without commentary. Few have succeeded. I have read multiple editions of the Gita and,in my Sanskrit studies, read the original in Sanskrit.

While I haven't read all the English translations, Mascaro's translation is the best I have read. It takes the reader to the heart of the Gita, to their own heart and to that of Lord Krishna with practical real instructions on how we should live to be aligned with God. It is a practical nitty gritty instruction manual on how we are to construct and conduct ourselves in our own "life battle".

Gandhi read the Gita as his daily practice; it sustained him. I have found the same experience when I have picked up this volume during my own times of crisis.

If one wants to plumb the depths of the Gita, then I would suggest getting Winthrop Sargent's Bhagavad Gita with the Sanskrit and Sanskrit translation. It is excellent, but a few of the translations are off, and it is dry compared to Mascaro.

There are many commentaries and at present I don't have a favorite one to recommend.

If one wants to explore both the flavor and the depth of the Gita, I would recommend undertaking Sanskrit studies with Vyaas Houston www.americansanskrit.com . He gives weekend trainings to begin to learn Sanskrit as well as immersions into the Gita.
I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.

If you don't have the time or money, Mascaro's translation is a gold mine.

Editorial Review:

A vivid new translation of the jewel of Hindu spirituality

ONE OF THE GLORIES of Sanskrit poetry, The Bhagavad Gita is the ancient spiritual text that forms a sublime synthesis of the many strands of Hindu belief. Taken from the Mahabharata epic, it details a dialogue between the divine Krishna and the human warrior Arjuna before a mighty battle in which Arjuna must decide whether to wage war against his own family. Krishna imparts spiritual enlightenment to Arjuna, teaching him the paths of knowledge, devotion, action, and meditation, and helping him to see beyond the temporal to the eternal. This new translation captures both the clarity of Hindu philosophy and the beauty of Sanskrit poetry.

The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita : A Commentary for Modern Readers

Swami Satchidananda

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Living Gita for Living People 5 out of 5 stars.
43 of 45 people found this review helpful.

I have explored several versions of the Bhagavad Gita with commentaries, among them, that by William Q. Judge and the one provided by Paramahansa Yogananda. Previous to reading The Living Gita, I have been confused and haven't understood the ideas expressed. Sri Swami Satchidananda presents the text in easy-to-understand English, and offers concrete examples drawn from our everyday life to support his version and the commentaries he makes. The superficial story is of opposing armies on the battlefield, but the underlying meaning relates more to our everyday fight with our more selfish instincts, and how we can rise above our natural self-centered inclinations. I appreciate the insights that Swami Satchidananda gives us in our daily struggle to be better human beings.

Editorial Review:

A finalist for the Publishers' Marketing Association Spiritual Book of the Year Award, this modern translation and commentary makes the deep spiritual truths of India' s timeless classic available to the Western mind in a way never before thought possible. As it is said, The wisest man makes the difficult seem simple.The book includes every verse of the Bhagavad Gita and can also serve well as a lively, enjoyable textbook.

50 Self-Help Classics (Unabridged)

Tom Butler-Bowdon

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Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Which self-help books can really change lives? This acclaimed, award-winning guide to the literature of possibility surveys 50 of the all-time classics, giving listeners the key ideas, insights and applications of these legendary works. From the ancient teachings of Buddha and Lao-Tzu, to the early American wisdom of Franklin and Emerson, to such contemporary giants as Carnegie, Covey, Campbell and Carlson, these are the most influential thinkers and motivators spanning the worlds religions, cultures, philosophies and centuries. Each entry presents key excerpts, a nutshell summary, explanation of the main ideas, author bio and an expert summary overview that helps listeners put it all in practical perspective. As they learn about the landmark works of such blockbuster bestselling authors as Deepak Chopra, Phil McGraw, Anthony Robbins, Marianne Williamson and more, listeners will: Explore the life-changing ideas of some of our most popular and enduring teachers Experience the inspiring wisdom of ancient philosophy and religion Gain insights from the gurus of growth and the psychology of personal satisfaction A comprehensive course in personal development, 50 SELF-HELP CLASSICS is a must for any self-help listener.

The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita: An Introduction to India's Universal Science of God-realization

Paramahansa Yogananda

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Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

With penetrating insight, Paramahansa Yogananda sheds a clarifying light on the deeper meaning of the Bhagavad Gita's symbology, and the true intent of India's timeless and universal scripture. He shows how the warriors doing battle on the field of Kurukshetra represent the negative tendencies of the human ego pitted against the divine qualities of the soul, and how the science of Yoga can help us achieve the joy of material and spiritual victory on the battlefield of daily life. An inspiring and concise introduction to the spiritual truths of India's most beloved scripture, these selections from Yogananda's critically acclaimed two-volume translation of and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (God Talks With Arjuna) explain the step-by-step methods of yoga meditation and right action to achieve union with Spirit and ultimate liberation. Features Paramahansa Yogananda's original translation of the Bhagavad Gita for the first time in sequential form. Topics include:
•Using self-analysis and introspection for continuous personal growth
•Yoga methods for creating a life of peace and inner harmony
•Understanding the psychological forces that help - and those that hinder - spiritual progress
•Creating an ideal balance of material and spiritual goals
•How to experience the deeper states of meditation and divine illumination.

The Bhagavad-Gita : Krishna's Counsel in Time of War (Bantam Classics)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Wore out my first copy -- came here to order another one [Muslim Reviewer] 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Salaam to all,

I can not claim to speak authoritatively regarding the accuracy and fidelity of the translator's work, but it speaks to me and I am *quite* fond of this translation of the Gita.

I would like to address a few points raised by other reviewers.

Lets start with the sub-title: The "war" is between the illusory world of senses (and delusional 'imagination') and The-Eternal-Absolute, aka Al-Samad to Muslims, and YHVY to Israelites. This book is an 'exposition' on the Greater Jihad (Greater Struggle) spoken of by The Prophet (ALLAH's Salaam and Blessings Be upon him, his house, his progeny, his companions, and his Umma.)

The second item that needed to be addressed was implicitly addressed above. Is this 'book' congruent with the Religion of Abraham (ALLAH's Salaam and Blessings Be upon him and his progeny) and his Chosen Israel (ALLAH' Salaam and Blessing Be upon Israel) and HIS Anointed King of Israel, the Word made flesh (And ALLAH's Salaam Is Ever upon him) and *finally* with the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (ALLAH's Salaam and Blessings Be upon him, his house, his progeny, his companions, and his Umma)? In my 'reading' of The Book -- The Torah, The Pslams, The Gospels, and The Qur'an -- the answer is a resounding 'Yes'.

Who is this book addressed to? This book is an 'exposition' of matters Divine by Al-Samad to HIS Friends, HIS Friends being those Sentient that wish to find an 'eternal abode' with HIM, The Un-Changing. (In The Qur'an, these Friends of ALLAH are called 'Those Who are Granted *Nearness to HIM*'.) Thus, in this manual of the Greater Jihad -- which is the Inner Striving to strip away that which is 'not' -- we have The-GOD manifesting HIM-Self to Arjuna as his "Friend", "Teacher", and "Pilot".

Gandhi read this book every day. It certainly has a place in the daily reading list of any Friend of The-GOD, Who IS our Source and our Destiny.

This book will help with the task of 'choosing' the manner in which you, my fellow Sentient, shall 'Return' unto HIM.

Editorial Review:

The Bhagavad-Gita has been an essential text of Hindu culture in India since the time of its composition in the first century A.D. One of the great classics of world literature, it has inspired such diverse thinkers as Henry David Thoreau, Mahatma Gandhi, and T.S. Eliot; most recently, it formed the core of Peter Brook's celebrated production of the Mahabharata.

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 103 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I had assumed Hare Krsnas were more different from fundamentalist Christians 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

There are of course some profundities to be found in the ancient text itself. But this is the Hare Krsna edition, and the Calvinist mood of its Vedic interpretations surprised the hell out of me. Sex is a "sin," by tempting men into this sin women distract us from the true path, and they should obey their husbands. The lower castes and the poor deserve what they get because of impiety in past lives, so if you're feeling charitable you should give your money to Hare Krsna gurus instead. Also, thinking is dangerous because you might end up thinking something that goes against Hare Krsna dogma. So don't think: for true spiritual wisdom you should ask a Hare Krsna guru and then just believe whatever he tells you. I have no idea how George Harrison got from '60s counterculture to this puritanical, authoritarian weirdness, and I think the backpack button "My karma ran over your dogma" is verbally clever but totally nonsensical. These karma people are as dogmatic as the Catholic Church.

Editorial Review:

The Bhagavad-gita is the main source-book on yoga and a concise summary of India's Vedic wisdom. Yet remarkably, the setting for this classic of spiritual literature is an ancient Indian battlefield. At the last moment, the great warrior Arjuna begins to wonder about the real meaning of his life. In the Bhagavadgita, Lord Krsna brings His disciple from perplexity to spiritual enlightenment. Bhagavad-gita As It Is is the largest-selling, most widely used edition of the Gita in the world.

Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita

Ram Dass

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good if you like watered-down Hinduism 1 out of 5 stars.
9 of 19 people found this review helpful.

The twelfth canto of the Bhagavata Purana describes how, in the present age of Kali Yuga, irreligion replaces religion. This does not occur overnight; it is a gradual process. And one catalyst of the process is the "watering down" of religion.

Just as when acid comes into contact with milk, the milk is transformed (into curds and whey), similarly, when beatnik and hippie philosophy mingles with Eastern thought, you get the watering down of Hinduism (and Buddhism).

Such is the case with this book. I started reading this book with an open mind; after all, even the Bible has a few pearls of wisdom in it.

However, one only has to read a few pages to see how shallow and hollow this book is.

The clincher for me was in Chapter 7 ("Renunciation and Purification"). Here the author discusses the concept of ahimsa (non-violence, particularly towards animals). In a nutshell: the author says that he gave up being a vegetarian so that he would not be proud of being a vegetarian.

This type of thinking is absolute nonsense, and can be shown by following similar logic: "I should become a thief so that I will not be proud of not being a thief". "I should become a murderer so that I will not be proud of not being a murderer." The author should just admit that he can't control himself, and his taste buds are controlling him. So much for him being a teacher of transcendence!

The person who has no knowledge of Hinduism, and is sincerely inquisitive of it, will walk way with the dismaying impression that Hinduism is a happy-go-lucky, "do your own thing", "everything goes" pseudo-religion, with no real substance. But Hinduism has schools of thought (for example, the Gaudiya-Vaishnava school) that is nothing short of the science of religion and philosophy par excellence.

The bottom line is, I am very sorry I bought this book. I don't want to donate it to the local Public Library or sell it on eBay (as I usually do with unwanted books), because I do not want to be a party to spreading nescience. If I had caged birds, you know what I would do with the pages of this book. But I don't, so it looks like this book is heading for the recycle bin.

Editorial Review:

World-renowned philosopher and spiritual teacher Ram Dass—author of the groundbreaking classic Be Here Now—presents the contemporary Western audience with a lively, accessible guide to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the classic Hindu text that has been called the ultimate instruction manual for living a spiritual life.

Bhagavad-Gita:: The Song of God

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

timeless wisdom for today 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I haven't read any other translation of the Gita, so I don't have any opinion about this translation vis a vis any other translation. However, I can say that this translation is simple to read and understand, and that the message of the Gita has had an enormous impact on my life. I read it every day for guidance and inspiration, and it is a wonderful antidote to the toxic messages that bombard us daily from advertisers and the media. I highly recommend this book.

lucid poetry 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is arguably the best translation of the Gita. Most translations are too scholarly (in an attempt to be precise with the original sanskrit) but since there is no modern language to actually translate sanskrit word for word, it typically results in text that is both heavy and inaccessible.

This one is different. A masterful collaboration of both a hindu and a westerner, this Gita is both verse and prose (in an almost mystical balance) and flows like the river. It is in this verse/prose balance that keeps the reading moving forward where the deeper (and most important) messages of the Gita seem to drive it home.

Editorial Review:

The Bhagavad-Gita is the Gospel of Hinduism, and one of the great religious classics of the world. Its simple, vivid message is a daily inspiration in the lives of millions throughout the world and has been so for countless generations.

Here is a distinguished translation that can be read by every person, not as an archaic monument to an ancient culture, but as a living contemporary message that touches the most urgent personal and social problems.