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Swami PrabhavanandaSwami Prabhavananda
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Bhagavad-Gita: The Song of God Mass Market Paperback – 1 July 2002
by Swami Prabhavananda (Author), Aldous Huxley (Translator), Christopher Isherwood (Translator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 418 ratings
The timeless epic of the Hindu faith, now available from Signet Classics in this edition translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood--with an Introduction by Aldous Huxley.
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.
176 Pages
Publisher Signet
Publication date 2002
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Product details
ASIN : 0451528441
Publisher : Signet; Reprint edition (1 July 2002)
Language : English
Mass Market Paperback : 176 pages
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 418 ratings
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Swami Prabhavananda
Swami Prabhavananda was one of the pioneer swamis sent to America by the direct disciples of Ramakrishna to build on the work started by Swami Vivekananda at the turn of the century.
The swami was born in India on December 26, 1893. In 1914, after graduating from Calcutta University, he joined the Ramakrishna Order of India and was initiated by Swami Brahmananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
In 1923, Swami Prabhavananda came to the United States. After two years as assistant minister of the Vedanta Society of San Francisco, he established the Vedanta Society of Portland. In December 1929, he came to Los Angeles where he founded the Vedanta Society of Southern California the following year.
Under the able care of the swami, the Society grew into one of the largest Vedanta Societies in the West, with monasteries in Hollywood and Trabuco Canyon and convents in Hollywood and Santa Barbara.
Swami Prabhavananda was a man of letters as well as a man of God. He wrote and translated a number of books with the object of making the spiritual classics of India available and understandable to Western readers. He was assisted on several of the projects by Christopher Isherwood or Frederick Manchester. His comprehensive knowledge of philosophy and religion attracted such disciples as Aldous Huxley and Gerald Heard. His publications, which include the Bhagavad-Gita, The Upanishads, Breath of the Eternal, How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Pantanjali, The Eternal Companion, and The Sermon on the Mount According to Vedanta, continue to this day to capture interest and draw people to the Vedanta philosophy.
Swami Prabhavananda passed away on the bicentennial of America's independence, July 4th 1976, fitting for one who gave so much of his life to this country.
Top reviews from Australia
PJ
5.0 out of 5 stars BeautifulReviewed in Australia on 21 November 2014
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A beautiful rendition of the always awesome Song of God
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Amazon Bob
1.0 out of 5 stars Illegal editionReviewed in Australia on 2 April 2014
Better to buy the book from the actual publisher, Vedanta Press. This edition is theft of intellectual property from a non-profit, the Vedanta Society of Southern California. That edition is available from Amazon.
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james m.
5.0 out of 5 stars Well made.Reviewed in the United States on 4 December 2023
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A nice addition to anyones collection.
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Jennifer Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful bookReviewed in Canada on 22 August 2023
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So readable and inspiring
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sravansachin
5.0 out of 5 stars Must readReviewed in India on 22 June 2023
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Nice packaging, quality printing, paper quality is good
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michele biotti
4.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo il formato tascabileReviewed in Italy on 6 February 2020
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Buona traduzione. Ottimo il formato tascabile
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Ingram
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2018
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Magical. Unmissable.
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418 total ratings, 78 with reviews
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alden
5.0 out of 5 stars GreatReviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 January 2013
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As expected. This is a course book for a yoga teacher training session and was exact to my personal needs.
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Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Bhagavad-Gita: The Song of GodReviewed in Canada on 14 April 2019
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One of the most easy to read translations with an introduction by one of the 20th century giants of literature Aldous Huxley. Christopher Isherwood and Sami Probhavananda have captured the Gita without any overblown dramatics and without intellectual poobahisms, keeping to a smart, simply flowing modern translation that seems very genuine.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow, lovelyReviewed in the United States on 14 November 2022
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I got this book for part of a study group on the Bhagavad-Gita and it was quite easy to follow and read. I didn't want to put this book down and am still going back to re-read sections. A must-read for those studying yoga/yoga philosophy. Also love the small size, very travel friendly. Recommend.
2 people found this helpfulReport
Vineet Gaur
5.0 out of 5 stars A great purchaseReviewed in India on 23 January 2022
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A great book. Loved the innovative treatment of translating Gita.
While translation, the book tries to maintain the poetic flow.
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Olivier
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 February 2015
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Good
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Gautam Mukerjee
5.0 out of 5 stars Best readReviewed in India on 26 January 2021
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If you want to own a Bhagavad Gita that you can refer to frequently and get inspired then THIS is the translation you must have
One person found this helpfulReport
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5.0 out of 5 stars BeautifulReviewed in Canada on 26 June 2021
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Beautiful book. So lucky we still have access to this ancient knowledge.
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zenmaestro
5.0 out of 5 stars buy the hardback versionReviewed in the United States on 12 February 2014
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i originally purchased the mass market paperback version of this title and like some of the negative reviews mentioned, i found it difficult to read and nearly illegible. the printing of the mass market is quite poor -looks like something photocopied several times- and i also found the typesetting and paper stock of the mass market version less than desirable.
the hardback version, on the other hand, is beautifully printed and bound. i find each much, much easier to read. i feel motivated to pick it up and read and keep reading versus the mass market version.
as far as content: many of the other reviews accurately depict the content. it's excellent -easy to read and absorb. i own numerous versions of the gita and stephen mitchell's version of the gita is my favorite. i read mitchell's version more all the others. it's absolute poetry. i also appreciate eknath easwaran's version as well. prabhavananda's version, this one,is definitely a keeper as well. i recommend owning multiple versions of the gita. it's likely that one version may touch you in way that another does not.
bottom-line: highly recommended -at least the hardback version.
26 people found this helpfulReport
Arun
4.0 out of 5 stars Good translation in prose format makes this a great buyReviewed in India on 20 November 2014
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This is a pocket size book which is in a prose format. The quality of the paper is ok but the translation completely makes it up for it.
The cover shown here differs from the one I received. Maybe Amazon should update that.
Verdict: A great buy for what it's worth.
4 people found this helpfulReport
ashes099
5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived exactly when it was supposed to and in perfect condition. It of the same quality printing as ...Reviewed in Canada on 15 February 2017
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Arrived exactly when it was supposed to and in perfect condition.
It of the same quality printing as any other paperback book in any bookstore.
For the price ( less than $7 ) I have no complaints and am happy to own it...
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AF Perry
3.0 out of 5 stars Missing the first 22 pagesReviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 June 2019
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An excellent commentary on the Gita but this edition is missing the first 22 pages of the original, which means no Translators' Preface and no Introduction by Aldous Huxley.
One person found this helpfulReport
Private Joker
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best EditionsReviewed in the United States on 22 January 2018
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This is an excellent translation in a beautiful edition. The translation is clear and lovely, not either too technical or too poetic, as some others. And I have read more than one. This edition is well worth the price in my opinion. It is rugged and attractive, with a hard cover, leatherbound look and high-quality end papers. Pages are thick and the print is sharp and dark.
As for the meaning and beauty of the Bhagavad Gita, I will not touch that question in this review, for it is an enormous topic. But if you seek a good, clear English translation, without external commentary and other distractions, this is an excellent choice.
Peace.
27 people found this helpfulReport
U. K. NagaRaju.
5.0 out of 5 stars Gem of a book on Bhagavad geetha.Reviewed in India on 2 August 2021
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Simple and direct. Even a peasant can understand.
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Robin Drennan
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful edition of the Bhagavad Gita.Reviewed in Canada on 9 February 2018
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Loved the preface by Aldous Huxley and the beauty of the GIta.
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corrina c field
1.0 out of 5 stars Missing pages.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 January 2020
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No comment on the quality of the book. I had to return it due to the first 22 pages were omitted from the book.
One person found this helpfulReport
Yogini Linda
4.0 out of 5 stars A basic reference for all yogisReviewed in the United States on 3 September 2016
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This is an ancient text, so ratings categories above may not apply. Persons interested in yoga will identify with the Bhagavad-Gita, as it is often referred to. Whether or not it is 5-star will depend much on your perspective (and religious affiliation). Much of the text is applicable regardless of religion. It is hard to compare it to modern-day writings.
2 people found this helpfulReport
Happy Poet
5.0 out of 5 stars The introduction by Huxley, on the "perennial philosophy" is worth the price of the entire book.Reviewed in the United States on 16 February 2017
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This is a great translation of the Bhagavad Gita. The introduction by Huxley, on the "perennial philosophy" is worth the price of the entire book. If you've read versions of the Gita but not this one, give it a try. I've compared it with all the major versions/translations and, from my perspective, this one is the best. I am a retired PhD in philosophy and religion and have the credentials and the experience to assess different versions/translations and also the knowledge to appreciate the grand essay by Huxley.
16 people found this helpfulReport
Mohit K.
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the translation of Bhagavad-Gita I recommend.Reviewed in India on 4 July 2020
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Certainly a masterpiece! This is the best translation of Bhagavad-Gita. I strongly recommend it.
2 people found this helpfulReport
Norma Leonard
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!Reviewed in the United States on 22 December 2016
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This was ordered as a gift for our church library. I have read and loved this beautiful Hindu scripture for many years -- especially the Isherwood-Prabhavananda translation. The introduction describes the background and sets the tone for the text; correcting many misconceptions about Hindu beliefs. I believe that truth is to be found in the scriptures of every world religion and that much disagreement and prejudice might be mitigated by an open minded reading of such texts.
6 people found this helpfulReport
Manpreet
1.0 out of 5 stars Do not buy this one!!!Reviewed in Canada on 1 November 2021
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It's just an English translation. They didn't even translate properly and the book is too small
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth a readReviewed in India on 27 July 2019
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Very good book
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koondy3
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderous!Reviewed in the United States on 5 June 2021
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The best book I ever read. And as Karma would have it, I should have read it 50 years ago.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Ashwin Prakash
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing translation of a profound textReviewed in the United States on 21 November 2020
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I have read many translations and this is one of the best. It is obviously not an easy book to understand but every time I read it, I unwrap one more layer.
4 people found this helpfulReport
Rosemary
5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read and study the Perennial Philosophy!Reviewed in the United States on 3 February 2018
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I had checked the original out of the Library. I did find it on Amazon for $134.00! I settled for the next edition😬 the main reason I wanted my own copy was for the introduction by Aldous Hexley. Great explanation of The Perennial Philosophy. That in itself is a must read.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Daisy
5.0 out of 5 stars Bhagavad GitaReviewed in the United States on 4 March 2021
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Most beautiful comprehensive explanation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Divine message presented for the everyday human.
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brandt parker
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful translation. Sublime imagery.Reviewed in the United States on 2 November 2021
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Wonderful translation. Sublime imagery.
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Taylor McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic easy to read copy of the GitaReviewed in the United States on 25 May 2018
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This is a fantastic easy to read copy of the Gita. There are so many versions with added interpretations by swamis that make the book feel cumbersome and tough to read. The best version of the Gita is the Gita itself.
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Jason C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and flowing...Reviewed in the United States on 14 January 2007
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This was my first true introduction to Hinduism. I was very moved by the Gita. It is very beautiful writing and is among the greatest books that I have ever read. It is an excellent addition to the library of a spiritual seeker. The messages are so significant and deep that it deserves additional readings in the future. I believe that a lot of these ideas found in the eastern traditions and western gnostic traditions are so incredibly important in our day. I hope more people discover these messages within themselves.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary read of a yogiReviewed in the United States on 16 February 2021
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A necessary book for yogi... good translation, thank you 🙏
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nada
5.0 out of 5 stars timeless wisdom for todayReviewed in the United States on 9 May 2007
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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.
6 people found this helpfulReport
From other countries
Hugh Sansom
1.0 out of 5 stars Great Translation, Absolutely Awful PrintingReviewed in the United States on 16 May 2011
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I have not seen _any_ book in recent years that was as badly printed as this edition of the Bhagavad Gita. It's so badly printed as to make reading unpleasant. The text was clearly scanned or photographed from an earlier printing; you can seen the line screen (the dots that come with a digital reproduction of a low-resolution scan or photo). The text is muddy, blurry, unclear. The paper quality is _worse_ than most newspapers. It's little better than the earth-friendly, recycled toilet paper you may have seen.
If you don't mind the quality of printing, then you'll be fine with this. But the print quality makes reading needlessly tiresome. Reprehensibly bad print.
Update: The reviewer who commented that this copy is an illegal copy of one from the Vedanta Press is absolutely right. Search for "The Song of God Bhagavad Gita". Same translator, same preface. Larger trim size (larger pages), better paper -- better altogether. How Signet got away with its knock-off, I don't know.
25 people found this helpfulReport
S. Madonna
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful BookReviewed in the United States on 30 January 2020
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Best version I have come across in a long time. Simply wonderful. Thank you!
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Shawnni
2.0 out of 5 stars Know what you’re looking forReviewed in the United States on 14 October 2021
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I bought this for YTT and it is a good edition. I’d recommend you do your research and find a translation that appeals to you. I find myself still doing research beyond the book so it’s personal preference and based on your current understanding
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elgreco
5.0 out of 5 stars Good philosophical readReviewed in the United States on 15 November 2015
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The evaluation boxes for this book seem somewhat inappropriate because this is not a crime store novel but a thoughtful book on Indian Mysticism and philosophy. It needs to be read slowly and thoughtfully. I am enlightened as a westerner and that was my goal.
One person found this helpfulReport
Theresa h.
4.0 out of 5 stars Learn something newReviewed in the United States on 10 December 2019
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Interesting read.
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Judith A. Jacobson
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent IntroductionReviewed in the United States on 23 February 2014
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The best English edition I have found. The introduction is worth the price of the book. I'm not enough of a linguist to evaluate the translation . . . but I found it readable and illuminating.
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NANDAN M NADGAR
5.0 out of 5 stars I recommended this book to my relatives and friendsReviewed in the United States on 21 July 2017
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Concise translation and well written to understand the philosophy of the GITA. I recommended this book to my relatives and friends.
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R. Akerson
5.0 out of 5 stars I am RATHER MORE than a cameraReviewed in the United States on 25 May 2013
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I've read several translations of the Gita simultaneously, to try and facilitate my understanding. This was easily my favorite. One never loses the sense of song, which is a masterful accomplishment in itself.
8 people found this helpfulReport
William D. Shirley
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for students of comparative religion/mythologyReviewed in the United States on 19 September 2015
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Excellent book for students of comparative religion/mythology. I'm taking a class for Lifetime Learning since I am retired now and this is the textbook we are using.
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Kane
5.0 out of 5 stars Those Aryans created such masterpieces around the world.Reviewed in the United States on 23 April 2019
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Beautiful piece of literature.
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