Showing posts with label bhagavad gita. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bhagavad gita. Show all posts

2024/03/17

BHAGAVAD GITA: THE SONG OF GOD by Swami Mukundananda | Goodreads

BHAGAVAD GITA: THE SONG OF GOD by Swami Mukundananda | Goodreads

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Swami Mukundananda
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Swami Mukundananda
Global spiritual leader. Authority on mind management. IIT and IIM alumnus. Founder of JKYog. Thought leader. Vedic scholar. Bhakti saint. Bestselling author.

Swami Mukundananda is a world-renowned teacher of Spirituality, Yoga, and Meditation. He is the founder of the yogic system called JKYog also known as Yoga for the Body, Mind, and Soul. Swamiji is a unique sanyasi (monk), who has a distinguished technical and management educational background as well. He completed engineering and management from two world-renowned institutes: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM). However, an illustrious education and a promising corporate career did not quench his thirst for knowing the Absolute Truth. The longing for God was so strong that he renounced his career and traveled throughout India as a sanyasi. During these travels, he had the opportunity to meet and interact with many great acharyas and saints, and learn about the various religious traditions and schools of philosophy in India.

Ultimately, his search took him to the lotus feet of his Spiritual Master, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Under the guidance of Shree Maharajji, he studied the Vedic scriptures and practiced intense sadhana. His Guru then entrusted him with the key task of propagating the ancient knowledge of the Eternal Truth all over the world. For the last three decades, Swamiji has been traveling far and wide, awakening hundreds of thousands of seekers. He has a God-gifted ability to keep all kinds of audiences enthralled and entertained through wisdom-filled anecdotes, humorous stories, and irrefutable logic. The hallmark of his lectures is the ease with which he dispels various myths and misconceptions associated with the various paths of God-realization, and his ability to penetrate even the toughest minds and convince them with depth of understanding and scriptural veracity.

Swamiji cares deeply about imparting Hindu cultural and religious values to the younger generation, especially in the West. To aid this special effort, he has conceived a special personality development program for children and young adults called "Bal-Mukund - Playground for Vedic Wisdom" (www.bal-mukund.org). It includes character building, yoga, meditation, devotional singing, cultural exposure, and religious training. Many Bal-Mukund centers have been started for the benefit of children, both in the US and in India.

For the youth, Swamiji has started the JKYog Youth Club that offers a variety of leadership training and public speaking programs. Swamiji has also conducted programs at prestigious universities, such as Duke, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale. He has been invited to speak at various Fortune 500 companies like Google, Intel, Oracle, Verizon, Yahoo, etc.

In USA, Swamiji has inspired the formation of JKYog (www.jkyog.org) and the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas (www.radhakrishnatemple.net). In India, Swamiji is the founder of many organizations with permanent centres and ashrams, such as JKYog India (www.jkyog.in), Radha Govind Dham (Delhi, www.rgdham.org), Radha Krishna Bhakti Mandir (Cuttack, Odisha) and many more. He has established the Jagadguru Kripalu Yoga and Naturopathy Hospital in Odisha (www.natural-cure.org), which is the largest of its kind in Eastern India. He is presently engaged in the construction of Jagadguru Kripalu University, Odisha (www.jkuniversity.in) on a 100 acre campus.

Shree Swamiji has inspired people all over the world, on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society, and God-realization. His warmth and humility touch all those who have had the fortune to have his association. In fact, his very presence radiates grace and bliss.

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BHAGAVAD GITA: THE SONG OF GOD


Swami Mukundananda

4.61
38 ratings6 reviews

The sacred Bhagavad Gita is much more than an epic for Hindus worldwide; in fact, it is the ultimate universal guide to a life of peace and fulfilment. This song of God not only provides a deeply philosophical understanding of the world, or Brahma Vidya , but it also describes clear-cut techniques to implement spiritual precepts in everyday life. This is why it is also called Yog Shastra ,which includes methodologies—karm yog, jnana yog and bhakti yog—forthe practical application of spiritual knowledge. Set in the narrative frame work of a discourse between Krishna and his disciple Arjun on the verge of the Mahabharat war, the Gita is a comprehensive and easy-to-understand summary ofthe Vedic way of life. Frozen in inaction, Arjun turns to Krishna for succour. Lord Krishna goes beyond his immediate dilemma to give Arjun aprofound discourse on life, both in theory and practice. In it, he encapsulates the essence of spirituality and virtues like courage, honour, death, love and duty. Including original Sanskrit verses, and English transliterations as well as translations,Swami Mukundananda’s commentary on the Gita contains crystal-clearexplanations, scriptural references and highly engaging stories. Through thetext of the scripture, he brings forth a treasure-chest of life lessons for us to imbibe. With his characteristic charm, Swami Mukundananda leads the reader page-by-page on the path to ever-lasting peace and happiness.

GenresReligion



871 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2022


This edition
Format
871 pages, Kindle Edition

Published
September 1, 2022 by Rupa Publications India

ISBN
9789355204516 (ISBN10: 9355204515)

Language
English




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HardcoverWestland Publications2022


HardcoverRupa Publications India2022


HardcoverRadha Govind Dham2020

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Swami Mukundananda34 books61 followers

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews


Sam
2 reviews

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January 9, 2023
The style of presentation and the commentaries are very well thought through and clear. The language is straightforward and simple which make the concepts easy to grasp, specially when compared to other works that overload the reader with too many Sanskrit terms... this approach makes the book far more approachable for a layperson. I've read through quite a few translations with commentaries, and this work is by far one of the best I've come across in recent years.

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Sachin Patil
3 reviews

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August 9, 2022
Excellent book, very good commentary with different references and stories to make understand. Helped me to understand more about life and concepts. Thank you.

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Karthik Govil
43 reviews1 follower

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February 5, 2024
Before starting, I would like to say this is not a review OF the Bhagwat Gita, but just the commentary of it by Swami Mukundananda.

Mukundananda's commentary acts as a good textual guru to guide a reader through understanding the Bhagwat Gita. His commentary is perfect for the beginner who may not know anything about Sanatan Dharm but is familiar with spirituality in general.

His approach pulls from multiple sources, both indian and outside: such as the Upanishads, the Vedas, the Manusmriti, the Ramayan, the Bible, European literature, historical figures, and many other scriptures. It may give a new person a lot of perspective and reference points to understand the Gita.

The same referencing also becomes a weakness for the commentary - sometimes it goes overboard, and one hopes it is explained as it is to them, without so much external context.

Still, it is also refreshing to see someone talk honestly and openly about the caste system in Bharat divorced from the perspective of Dulmont; a perspective that has even seeped into today's Shankaracharyas.

Overall, it's a great commentary for beginners and I myself would like to read a denser commentary after this. If anyone is Sanatan-curious, this is the place to start.

8.5-9/10

For more reviews, follow: @cokedupreviews on Instagram!

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Paula Kuklane
12 reviews

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December 26, 2023
Reading this book definitely takes time and patience. Swami Mukundananda's commentaries are clear and will help you understand the texts better.
Some thoughts on the book:
- Do your duty, but remember that the fruits of your actions are not for your enjoyment.
- Concentrate on your efforts.
- Being yourself and concentrating on your duty is more enjoyable than pretending to be someone else.
- Worldly pleasures are temporary.
- Our thoughts affect our future.
- You will have peace of mind if you accept whatever comes your way.

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Dhiraj Pashupati
1 review

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April 10, 2023
Lifesaver !!

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Amit W
12 reviews

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October 18, 2022
If you are tired of reading self-help books or think that they seem incomplete or disorganised or whatever (I do not consider them inferior), please read Bhagavad Gita once and ignore if you think the same about it. I had first read ISKCON's commentary on Bhagavad Gita (by Swami Prabhupada) but could not read it beyond 2-3 chapters. That doesn't mean it is not good. It is just that I could not comprehend it. When I accidentally read this commentary by Swami Mukundananda, I could not resist my urge to read it completely. You can read any commentary you think appropriate because the 700 shlokas are same in any book, what differs is the commentary.

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From Australia

Amrit Pai

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Book!!!! Love you SwamijiReviewed in Australia on 14 March 2023
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I have watched and read Bhagavad Gita numerous times. This book represents with more clear and comprehensive commentary by Swamiji. Shri Prabhupad commentary on Gita is great and wonderful. But Swamiji commentary gives you more examples and compare with modern age examples along with quotes and references from Indian saints.

I ordered this book after watching more than 1000 hrs of video on Gita on Swamiji channel. That inspired me to order the book which can remain with me forever and carry anywhere ai can go.



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From other countries

Soura97
5.0 out of 5 stars Grateful to find thisReviewed in the United States on 30 January 2024
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This is one of the best translation and interpretation of Bhagavad Gita. The language is easy to follow. Swami Mukundananda provided us many gems from Upanishad, Veda and Dharmapada while explaining verses. This version becomes my daily companion.
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Maneesh Singh
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand the divine contentReviewed in Germany on 25 April 2023
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Hi,
Divine knowledge which is explained in easy language with examples. No money can match this knowledge.

One person found this helpfulReport

Bipasha Mahapatra Biswas
5.0 out of 5 stars The best bookReviewed in India on 6 March 2024
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I am speechless about this book and even say in this small lines , multiple features and a truly valuable book that I can't forgot with an good packaging.
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Siddharth A.
5.0 out of 5 stars marvelous expositionReviewed in India on 12 March 2024
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I found this Gita's interpretation to be the most accessible amongst all others I've read.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Should be one in your libraryReviewed in the United States on 25 December 2023
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I own several translations and interpretations of the Holy Gita. Swamiji has made this version easy for everyone to understand and incorporate into their daily lives. In short this has to be in your library.

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Nightdawn
5.0 out of 5 stars Three way tie: Mukundananda, Davis, ParatharasyReviewed in the United States on 17 March 2023
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Already blessed with a number of translations and commentaries of the Bhagavad-Gita, and seeing so many new commentaries appearing which are of lesser quality, I hesitated to order this edition. Researching Swami Mukundananda led me to his websites. I read his translations/commentaries there, and soon made that one of my favorite BG reference spots. Although of a different style, he is as dear to me now, as Nikhilananda, A. Paratharasy, Prabhupada, Roy Eugene Davis. His style is modern in expression and free in translation, colloquial, sensitive, rational and pragmatic, persuasive. This book is one of the six editions of the Bhagavad-Gita that I keep near me and read often.

7 people found this helpfulReport

Deepak Shewakram
5.0 out of 5 stars Humbled to express that I am overjoyedReviewed in India on 18 February 2024
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It is an absolute joy to read the Bhagwad Geeta, compiled in English by Swami Mukundananda, an IIT; IIM. Feel absolutely humbled, and hence submit that I am blessed and really cannot claim that I am reviewing one of the greatest texts of life-lessons of all times. This treasure-book of knowledge is reasonably priced and I am thrilled to have this even though I already have an edition of 'The Bhagvad Geeta as it is' by Srila Prabhupada.

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Sara
5.0 out of 5 stars So grateful for this!Reviewed in the United States on 2 May 2023
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It's well bounded. Has a protected cover for the hard back. I was surprised at how big it is which is great. If you've ever heard Swami Mukundananda on YouTube or any other platform, I strongly suggest you go listen to him. I already have a Gita but after listening to him for a while now, I decided to buy this because his commentary is truly rich in knowledge and life application. I suggest this for all people, all faiths, all religions.


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BALAJI JEEVA
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely a Go to bookReviewed in India on 4 February 2024
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Play VideoAnyone who wants to read Bhagavad Gita in English with proper translations and commentary, I would say this is the right book.

Swami Mukundananda's videos on YouTube clearly shows the level of his wisdom in giving the lecture and the same efforts are put in here to deliver the Bhagavad Gita wisdom clearly.

This book is of 870+ pages I'm telling you this is the best book for Bhagavad Gita if one wish to read.

I know many of us tend to buy Iskcon book but trust me guys this is the genuine wisdom delivered by Swami Mukundananda with 870+ pages of Bhagavad Gita knowledge immensely.

His teachings are always a bliss. So I would recommend for everybody. Have any doubt, once watch out his videos interpretation on YouTube you will change your mind.

I have included a video of the book with few pics so that others can see the book with fewer details. I believe this will satisfy your needs to buy this book.

This is my honest review about the book. Hope this will help and Thank you.


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Kapil
5.0 out of 5 stars Nobel Prize Winner
Reviewed in the United States on 4 April 2023
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For the first time in history, an English translation of the Gita than a reader can clearly understand and use the divine knowledge from God in everyday life. For anyone on a spiritual path, this knowledge will be a great beginning. This should be read and absorbed in the heart and then read again and again. When it comes to works written on spiritual topic in the modern era, this is by far the most important and the greatest.
2 people found this helpful
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Rajan Mishra
5.0 out of 5 stars A Harmonious Blend of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Living: Unraveling the Bhagavad Gita
Reviewed in India on 6 December 2023
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The notion of discovering profound meaning in our lives, seamlessly integrating age-old wisdom with the challenges of contemporary existence, has always intrigued me. Many proclaim that true spiritual fulfillment arises when we can apply the timeless teachings of ancient texts to our daily struggles. Fortunately, Swami Mukundananda, the insightful author of 'Questions You Always Wanted to Ask,' delves into this pursuit with unparalleled depth and clarity.


Within the pages of his book, Swami Mukundananda not only explores the concept of deriving spiritual insights from the Bhagavad Gita but also provides practical steps to incorporate its teachings into our modern lives. He guides readers through the profound wisdom of the Gita, offering a roadmap to navigate the complexities of life while staying true to our spiritual core.


What sets Swami Mukundananda's approach apart is his ability to seamlessly weave together the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with the challenges of contemporary living. By making the teachings of this ancient scripture accessible and relevant, he empowers readers to find meaning and purpose in their lives.


The Bhagavad Gita, with its profound philosophical and spiritual teachings, holds the key to unlocking the secrets of a fulfilled and purposeful existence. Swami Mukundananda's book acts as a bridge between this ancient wisdom and the modern dilemmas we face, offering a guide to applying the Gita's principles in our everyday lives.


In essence, Swami Mukundananda's work serves as a valuable connection between the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the complexities of modern existence, providing a pathway to spiritual growth and fulfillment in our contemporary world.
5 people found this helpful
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sakar p.
5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive explanation with lots of love by Swamiji
Reviewed in the United States on 15 December 2022
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I will say it is one of the best Gita commentaries out there. Swamiji is such a learned, humble, and loving devotee of Shri Radha Krishna. You can experience the depth of his knowledge and devotion from this commentary.
I still repeat chapters from time to time and get awestruck by the sheer amount of sweet details Swamiji has poured into this commentary of Geeta. After reading the book, I understood how difficult it is to comprehend the philosophy of Gita without a learned scholar shedding his perspective from his direct experience. Swamiji has been able to do all of that and more.


Much love Swami ji!
Radhe Radhe!!
4 people found this helpful
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S.N. Sri krishna
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand
Reviewed in India on 26 February 2024
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Quality of the paper is absolutely great, weight of the book is very less and easy to understand.
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Mohan B
4.0 out of 5 stars Simple and Easily Written Explanations
Reviewed in India on 11 June 2023
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The commentary on BHAGAVAD GITA by Swami
Mukundananda is very fast readable book. The explanations given in the book is very easily understandable. Swamiji had taken efforts to give the meanings of the verses in a simple way so that ordinary citizens like us can comprehend the deepest meanings of the verses in the Gita.
It is a must book to be read by all of us.
4 people found this helpful
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So
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you team
Reviewed in the United States on 3 February 2023
Verified Purchase
I want to thank the seller team for their excellent customer service and kind gesture in sending me another copy without charging as the original delivery got misplaced.


The translation by swamiji is beautiful and always by my side while I am at work. Highly recommend this beautiful work by swamiji.


To the Seller team - thank you for your prompt response time and for sending me the second copy. I wish you the very best, you are doing great Krishna service.


May you be blessed
One person found this helpful
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mahesha s
5.0 out of 5 stars Much needed for a healthy mind
Reviewed in India on 7 January 2024
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Bhagawad Gita is a much read book with commentaries by so many people. I found this commentary by Swamy Mukundananda to be the best. It has balanced views and helps one understand the concepts very well. The format of shlok in Sanskrit followed by same in English script makes it easy to read for those who are not familiar with Devnagari. I found the English translation that follows to be very accurate. The commentary that follows after each shlok not only helps one understand the meaning, one can derive his own impression after reading it. Thank you so much for publishing this.
2 people found this helpful
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Abhishek Das
3.0 out of 5 stars Okay-ish.
Reviewed in the United States on 23 October 2023
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I respect SwamiJi's expositions on ShrimadBhagavad Gita. But authors from some Vaishnava Sampradaya have a tendency to mis-translate and mis-interpret "yoga" as "bhakti-yoga" in ShrimadBhagavad Gita. Take for exampe verse 1 of Chapter 7. I would have appreciated more if SwamiJi hd not repeat the culpable mistakes of Shrila Prabhupad. Shrila Prabhupad and ISKCON essentially disseminated wrong interpretation of Gita worldwide. What an insult of the Lord of the Universe by his so called devotees. May Lord Krishn bless them with Subuddhi.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Most relevant Gita interpretation
Reviewed in India on 9 February 2024
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I read many versions of Gita, but nothing like this one
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Sidhesh Ganeriwala
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita
Reviewed in India on 15 January 2024
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This is one of the best and we'll explained interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita that I have read. The author (Swami Mukund ananda) has also referred to other texts of Hinduism and sometimes even Buddhism to explain the concepts.
If you're looking for an easy to read but comprehensive version of the Bhagavad Gita, would highly suggest this.
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2024/02/16

Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad Gita + Intro / by Swami Rama 1985

Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad Gita - Kindle edition by Swami Rama, Swami Rama. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.


https://archive.org/details/perennialpsychol00rama
https://www.scribd.com/document/442690810/Perennial-Psychology-of-the-Bhagavad-Gita-Swami-Rama-pdf







Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad-Gita


Swami Rama

4.33
128 ratings8 reviews

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most influential spiritual texts of ancient India. In Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad Gita, Swami Rama makes this classic scripture accessible to all students by vividly drawing out the psychological concepts found within. The teachings in this book are based on the understanding that the outside world can be mastered only when one's inner potentials are systematically explored and realized. With the guidance and commentary of Himalayan Master Swami Rama, you can explore the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, which allows one to be vibrant and creative in the external world while maintaining a state of inner tranquility. 

This commentary on the Bhagavad Gita is a unique opportunity to see the Gita through the perspective of a master yogi, and is an excellent version for practitioners of yoga meditation. Spiritual seekers, psychotherapists, and students of Eastern studies will all find a storehouse of wisdom in this volume.

GenresSpiritualityReligion



492 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1985
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Swami Rama139 books192 followers

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Swāmī Rāma was born Brij Kiśore Dhasmana or Brij Kiśore Kumar,to a northern Indian Brahmin family in a small village called Toli in the Garhwal Himalayas. From an early age he was raised in the Himalayas by his master Bengali Baba and, under the guidance of his master, traveled from temple to temple and studied with a variety of Himalayan saints and sages, including his grandmaster, who was living in a remote region of Tibet. 

From 1949 to 1952 he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham in South India. After returning to his master in 1952 and practising further for many years in the Himalayan caves, Swami Rama was encouraged by his teacher to go to the West, where he spent a considerable portion of his life teaching, specifically in the United States and Europe.

He is especially notable as one of the first yogis to allow himself to be studied by Western scientists.
Swami Rama authored several books in which he describes the path he took to becoming a yogi and lays out the philosophy and benefits behind practices such as meditation
One of the common themes expressed in such books as "Enlightenment Without God" and "Living with the Himalayan Masters" is the ability of any person to achieve peace without the need for a structured religion. He was critical of the tendency for yogis to use supernatural feats to demonstrate their enlightenment, arguing that these only demonstrated the ability to perform a feat.



2022/04/02

[[Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita: Dass, Ram: 9781400054039: Amazon.com: Books

Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita: Dass, Ram: 9781400054039: Amazon.com: Books






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Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita Paperback – October 25, 2005
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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.

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Editorial Reviews

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“Blessed brilliance and luminous heart wisdom—Ram Dass at his best. These lectures were joyous to attend and exquisite to read.” —Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart

“With wisdom, humor, and great compassion, Paths to God illuminates the liberating power of the Gita—a rare gift in these unsettled times.” —Joseph Goldstein, author of One Dharma: The Emerging Western Buddhism

“Through offering a wide variety of approaches to spiritual happiness, Paths to God is one of the most inclusive and inviting books available to us.” —Sharon Salzberg, author of Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience
From the Back Cover
For centuries, readers have turned to the Bhagavad Gita for inspiration and guidance as they chart their own spiritual paths. As profound and powerful as this classic text has been for generations of seekers, integrating its lessons into the ordinary patterns of our lives can ultimately seem beyond our reach. Now, in a fascinating series of reflections, anecdotes, stories, and exercises, Ram Dass gives us a unique and accessible road map for experiencing divinity in everyday life. In the engaging, conversational style that has made his teachings so popular for decades, Ram Dass traces our journey of consciousness as it is reflected in one of Hinduism's most sacred texts. The Gita teaches a system of yogas, or "paths for coming to union with God."
In "Paths to God, Ram Dass brings the heart of that system to light for a Western audience and translates the Gita's principles into the manual for living the yoga of contemporary life.
While being a guide to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, "Paths to God is also a template for expanding our definition of ourselves and allowing us to appreciate a new level of meaning in our lives.

"From the Hardcover edition.

About the Author
Ram Dass has served on the faculty at Stanford and Harvard Universities. In the 1960s, he traveled to India, where he met his guru. Since then, he has pursued a variety of spiritual practices, including guru kripa, devotional yoga, karma yoga, many forms of meditation, and Sufi and Jewish studies. Many of his books, including Be Here Now, are international bestsellers and classics of their kind.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Chapter 1

Context and Conflict

Before we approach the Bhagavad Gita, we need to have a contextual framework for the way it fits into the Mahabharata, of which it's a part. The Mahabharata is one of the two great Indian epics (the Ramayana being the other). The Mahabharata is a huge book-a typical edition runs to nearly six thousand pages. It is said to be the longest literary work in the world; it is seven times the length of The Iliad and The Odyssey combined, and the only unabridged English edition runs to twelve volumes. It's thought to have been written somewhere between 500 and 200 b.c., and it covers a distant period of Indian history: tradition places the battle of Kurukshetra in 3102 b.c., although historians say it was probably more like 1400 b.c. when the events that inspired the Mahabharata took place.

At one level, the Mahabharata is an historical study of a kingdom; but at another level, it is an extraordinary symbological study of all human interactions, of all human emotions and motivations. It's like an incredible psychology book cast in the form of a drama, and it's written from a very conscious point of view, which means that although it can be read just for its romantic, melodramatic story line, it can also be read to uncover its deeper symbolism. And right in the middle of the Mahabharata, on the eve of the climactic battle between the kingdom's two warring families, comes the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna that's called the Bhagavad Gita, or "the Song of God."

The story of the Mahabharata concerns the kingdom of Bharat, in northern India. The king of Bharat had two sons, Dhritarashtra and Pandu. Dhritarashtra was the elder brother, and ordinarily would have been next in line to inherit the throne after their father died; but he had been born blind, and the traditions of the time didn't allow for a blind king, so Pandu became the king instead, and ruled the kingdom.

Now, what it is that Dhritarashtra's blindness represents in the story is something that has been expounded upon with great relish by countless Hindu pundits over the centuries. Some say his blindness represents his attachment to his son, Duryodhana, which makes him blind to the dharma, blind to truth or to higher wisdom. Some say the blindness represents the nature of the human condition, which is blind because it lacks the higher intellect. The symbolism is very rich.

Pandu, the younger brother, the king, had two wives-Kunti and Madri-and he had five children by them. Of these five children (and these turn out to be the good guys, by the way-the Pandavas), Yuddhisthira was the eldest. Yuddhisthira was virtually the embodiment of dharma, although he did have one minor failing, which was that he gambled-he liked to play dice-and that, we will see, is what ultimately leads us to the predicament we find ourselves in at Kurukshetra. Bhima, Pandu's second son, was very strong and rather reckless. Arjuna, the third, was pure, noble, chivalrous, and heroic; he turns out to be our hero in the Gita. And there were two younger sons, twins by Madri.

Dhritarashtra-the elder, blind brother-had a hundred children, all by one wife. (I know a hundred children-but we're just going to have to allow for these strange things in the Mahabharata. We make room for them in the Old Testament, with 120-year-old men having scores of children. So let's just assume that things are different in different times.) Dhritarashtra's wife, Gandhari, was incredibly devoted to him. She was so devoted that since he couldn't see, she kept her own eyes bandaged throughout her entire married life, because she said that it would be unseemly for her to see when her husband was blind. That's devoted!

Well, a few years into his reign, Pandu accidentally killed a Brahmin. Killing a Brahmin, even by accident, is a very bad thing to do, so to atone for it, Pandu retired to the forest to do tapasya (penances), leaving the kingdom in the care of Dhritarashtra. After some years, while he was still away in the forest, Pandu died as the result of a curse, and Dhritarashtra just went on ruling Bharat.

As the children grew up, Duryodhana, Dhritarashtra's eldest son, grew more and more jealous of Yuddhisthira, the eldest son of Pandu. You can see that the laws of succession would be a little hazy in this situation, but it looked as though Yuddhisthira, as the eldest Pandu son, was going to be the one to inherit the kingdom whenever Dhritarashtra died-and Duryodhana wanted it for himself. He pulled every dirty trick in the books to try to get it; the Mahabharata devotes hundreds of pages to descriptions of all the ways Duryodhana went about scheming to get rid of the Pandavas, so he could take over the kingdom. Finally, Duryodhana held a huge celebration, and invited all the Pandavas to attend. He had a magnificent palace built to house them, but he had it made of some very flammable material, and during the night, when he expected all the Pandavas to be asleep inside, he set the building afire. Luckily, the Pandavas had been forewarned by a loyal servant, and so they-the five boys and their mother-had escaped through an underground passage and gone off into the jungle, into hiding.

Now, just to give you a little more of the flavor of this story: While they were in hiding, living in a cave in the jungle, the Pandava boys heard that there was to be a swayamvara, a husband-selecting ceremony, for Draupadi, the beautiful daughter of a very high king, to find a suitable mate for her. All the princes would be there, of course, because they all wanted to marry this rich, beautiful lady.

At the gathering, a number of tasks were set for the would-be suitors: stringing a magical bow, shooting a target by looking at its reflection in a pool of water, feats like that. All the princes tried, and all the princes failed. Then this poor young Brahmin priest came along, and he easily accomplished all the tasks, one after the other. That was Arjuna in drag, of course. So Arjuna won Draupadi's hand, and he and his brothers took her and headed back to their cave in the jungle.

As they approached the cave where they were living, the boys yelled out to Kunti, their mother, Come out, Ma! See what we have brought today!

Kunti was in the cave and couldn't see her sons, but she called out, Whatever it be, share it equally among all of you. That's a good thing for a mother to say to her five children-usually! But this time it meant that all five brothers ended up being the husbands of Draupadi-she had five husbands by the mother's "boon."

Well, after some years in hiding, the Pandavas made their way back to the kingdom of Bharat, and Dhritarashtra (who wasn't a bad guy, really-it was his son who was out of control) insisted that Duryodhana give them a piece of land to rule. Duryodhana, as you'd expect, picked out the worst piece of land in the kingdom to give to the Pandavas; it had nothing going for it. But in spite of that, Yuddhisthira and his brothers made a go of it, and created a very good kingdom, prosperous and well ruled. That just made Duryodhana more jealous than ever, of course; he grew insanely jealous, and all he could think about was plotting against the Pandavas.

Duryodhana remembered that Yuddhishthira, the oldest Pandava brother, really liked playing dice, so he challenged Yuddhisthira to a dice game, and got a crooked dice player to play opposite him. The two of them played out their dice game, and in the course of it Yuddhishthira lost everything: He lost his kingdom, he forfeited his brothers into servitude, he sold Draupadi down the river-everything he had, went.

Duryodhana was ecstatic! He was so haughty about what he'd done that he had Draupadi brought in, planning to strip her naked in front of the court, to shame her. But when he went to pull off her sari, he found that no matter how many saris he pulled away, there was always one more underneath. He had piles of saris everywhere, but Draupadi was still clothed, because she was protected by the purity of the dharma. (And, of course, Krishna, whom the Pandavas had met while they were off in hiding, was helping secretly, on the side.)

When Dhritarashtra heard about the episode with Draupadi, he was so embarrassed by his son's behavior that he offered Draupadi three boons. She said, Well, for the first one, let my husbands go free, and for the second, give them back their weapons. And that's enough-I won't even need the third boon. They'll be able to take care of things from there."

Well, Dhritarashtra kept his promise and freed the Pandavas; but as soon as the brothers were free, Duryodhana sucked Yuddhisthira into another dice game. (Yuddhisthira just never seems to learn, does he?) In this dice game, the losers (who, of course, turned out to be Yuddhisthira and his four brothers) had to go off and live in the jungle for twelve years. And then, in the thirteenth year, it got even worse: They had to hide out for that whole year, because if they were found by Duryodhana during the thirteenth year, they'd have to do still another twelve years in the jungle. But if they made it through all that, Duryodhana promised that at the end of their exile they'd get their kingdom back.

So back they went to the jungle. They did their twelve years, and in the thirteenth year, in order to hide out, they became servants to a king in a neighboring kingdom. Duryodhana tried everything to find them, but he couldn't. At the end of the thirteenth year, they came back to Bharat and presented themselves before Duryodhana and said, "OK, we did it. Now we want our kingdom."

Duryodhana said, Tough. I'm keeping it. He said, I wouldn't even give you enough land to carry on the tip of a needle.

Now that is the background to the situation in which we find ourselves at the time when the events in the Bhagavad Gita are about to take place. That is, Duryodhana has finally pushed the Pandavas too far, and they have no choice now but to fight. Injustice has taken over their kingdom. Arjuna and his brothers have been cheated and lied to; truth has been trampled on. The dharma has to reassert itself-the good guys have to make a statement. War is their only recourse.

At this point in the story, an interesting event takes place: Arjuna and Duryodhana both go to Krishna, who happens to be God in an avataric form, and they both ask him for his help. In a kind of Solomon-like decision, Krishna says to them, "OK, here are your options: One of you can have all of my weapons and all of my armies...and the other one can have me, but without any armies or weapons." Arjuna immediately says, "Well, I want you-forget about the armies." His mind was turned toward God, and so he said, "All I want is God on my side."

Well, Duryodhana was very pleased with that! He, being the worldly, adharmic fellow, said, "That's perfect! I'm very happy. I get all the arms and all the might." So now the bad guys have this huge army, while the good guys have a much smaller force. And Krishna, although he's God, is only the charioteer for Arjuna-he's not even carrying a bow.

At this point, let me introduce you to a little more of Krishna's story, so we can see how he came to this moment on the battlefield. Krishna was the child of Vasudev and Devaki, and Devaki had a very mean brother named Kamsa. Kamsa was so mean that he put his own father in jail, just in order to take over the kingdom.

But mean though he was, Kamsa had a soft spot in his heart for his sister Devaki. So when she married Vasudev, Kamsa threw a big celebration for her, with a great feast, and afterward announced that he would drive the chariot himself to take the couple to their new home. While they were on their way there, however, a great voice suddenly spoke from the sky and said to Kamsa, "Beware! The eighth child of this couple will kill you."

Well, that, of course, freaked the brother completely! He was about to kill Devaki and Vasudev right on the spot, but they begged for their lives, and he finally relented. He said, OK, I won't kill you. But you'll have to agree to live in jail for the rest of your lives, and to give me all your children as soon as they're born.

What could they do? They agreed.

So Devaki and Vasudev were imprisoned, and their first seven children were taken away the minute they were born. The first six were killed by Kamsa; the seventh has a complicated story of his own, which we won't go into here.

When the time came for the eighth birth, Kamsa was especially wary. He put extra guards on duty at the prison, and he locked Vasudev and Devaki in chains. But as the time of the birth approached, the guards began to feel very sleepy, and they all dozed off. And then the baby was born. As he came out of the womb, the baby (who, of course, was Krishna) said, "Take me to Gokul, to Nanda's house, and there you will find a girl-child. Substitute me for that baby girl."

Vasudev said, "How can I take you to Gokul? The doors are locked, and I'm in chains." At that point, Vasudev's chains dropped away and the prison door flew open. Well, Vasudev felt that was a pretty clear message, so he took baby Krishna to Gokul and brought the baby girl back in his place. The guards woke up and saw the baby, and went to tell Kamsa. The wicked brother came to the cell, and thinking that the little girl was his sister's child, he grabbed the baby by her feet, planning to throw her to the floor. But as he touched her feet, she flew out of his hands and up into the sky. As she was going, she called back, "I would have killed you, but you touched my feet; and even though you did that intending to kill me, I will treat it as though you were honoring me and let you go this time." Then she disappeared up into heaven.
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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1400054036
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harmony; Reprint edition (October 25, 2005)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781400054039
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1400054039
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.16 x 0.91 x 7.97 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #52,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#14 in Bhagavad Gita (Books)
#64 in Religion & Philosophy (Books)
#116 in Yoga (Books)
Customer Reviews:
4.8 out of 5 stars 362 ratings




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Ram Dass



Ram Dass, formerly Dr. Richard Alpert, became a multigenerational spiritual teacher and cultural icon spanning from the 1960s through his peaceful passing at his home on December 22, 2019. His zeitgeist shifting book Be Here Now sparked a watershed of Eastern spiritual traditions and practices to become accessible to a Western audience. After a life-altering stroke, Ram Dass spent the remainder of his life on Maui, continuing to write books, share teachings, and hold retreats. His many books include Walking Each Other Home, Polishing the Mirror, Be Love Now, Paths to God, Still Here, and The Only Dance There Is. Ram Dass devoted his life to service, founding the Love Serve Remember Foundation, the Hanuman Foundation, and co-founding the Seva Foundation, Lama Foundation, and the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos, New Mexico. For talks, podcasts, or more information, visit ramdass.org.

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Marian Marroquín-Sempé

5.0 out of 5 stars Blew my mindReviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
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I really didn’t expect this book to impact me the way it did, but here I am, taking the time to let others who are considering buying this book to READ IT. When I came across this book, I was looking for a commentary on the Gita, a life-changing book for me, that I read last year. So I bought this book, expecting it to clarify and further deepen my understanding of the teachings of the Gita. What I got was that and much more. It really isn’t a commentary but the base of a course taught by Ram Dass at Naropa during the 70’s that takes the key aspects of the Gita and teaches them in a way you can use in your everyday life. If the Gita has impacted your life and want to further deepen the way you can work with it everyday, GET THIS BOOK.

16 people found this helpful

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Saavik

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and worth the readReviewed in the United States on July 5, 2021
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Great addition to Ram Dass the collection.

I attempted to read the Bhagvad Gita few times but never fully grasped the allegorical references. It was kind of like reading Melville's Moby Dick without Cliff notes.

After I read Paths to God, I finally understood the inner battle Arjuna faced. Ram Dass might be on a different plane but he still can bring enlightenment to us on this plane of existence.

Thank you, Ram Dass. Thank you to all who collaborated to piece this book together. Love everyone and don't lie

6 people found this helpful

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jessica dukes

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2021
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I’ve read mannnyyy spiritual books and this one is the best! He uses the gita as prompts then applies it to real life. He touches on almost every point of his philosophy so its great book to learn more about his teachings.

7 people found this helpful

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Pippen

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening, uplifting & mind blowingReviewed in the United States on October 14, 2021
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They say the right teacher or teaching appears,when the student is ready. This book is a must have for all conscious students of life. It is beautifully written & full of key insights to contemplate on the path of awakening.

2 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars Very complexReviewed in the United States on August 22, 2018
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It was not what I expected but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought it would be a more literal interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita. If you like Ram Dass, you'll probably like this.

10 people found this helpful

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James

5.0 out of 5 stars Life changingReviewed in the United States on November 22, 2018
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I have this as a digital copy and an audio book, it helps put my spirit back inline when it gets to bleak. Great book very enlightening

11 people found this helpful

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Mona Barnes

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy nowReviewed in the United States on January 24, 2022
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This book is great. Goes in understandable detail about how you can use the Gita to grow on your spiritual journey. If your inquiring about Buddhism and Hinduism and it’s overall universal applications than this is a good book for you. I have enjoyed the pictures of Ram Dass along with photographs of some original work he has done. Less traditional style that helps put some spice in your life.


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Julie Rose

5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on March 22, 2017
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Now that I'm retired its wonderful to have a curriculum for spiritual work.

13 people found this helpful

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Infinity Drive
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2010
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I highly recommend this book. It took me ages to read this book, not because it is a very long book, but because what was in it made me often stop reading and pondering philosophical the concepts the author was putting forth. It made me do lots of pondering between paragraphs and the like (and for this reason I easily lost my place). I was in hospital at the time and found it be a great spiritual support in a very negative environment.

Certainly, what is presented here is a spiritual classic - the author goes through many topics, in particular I found his explanations of reincarnation and karma to be very insightful and gave me new perspective on these ideas.

The book also has some charming and fascinating ancedotes about Ram Dass life with Baba and his adventures in meditation - I found the story about his meditations with the Zen masters Koan very entertaining.

A book writetn with great wisdom and humility from a modern spiritual master. If you are just a little bit interested in these topics - I'd highly recommend this book.
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Neophyte
5.0 out of 5 stars The path less ravelledReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 1, 2014
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I found this to be an honest and clear book on paths to God, primarily from within the bhakti yoga path but very inclusive of others. I was particularly moved by Ram Dass's recognition that he needed to surrender to a guru, that this was the right path for him, a Western academic of some standing. It also gave me the freedom to recognise that this is not my path, and the confidence to explore my own. I also found the chapter on karma very enlightening. I was for the first time able to personally penetrate what this meant in my own life. To be read with the heart open.

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Beata D
5.0 out of 5 stars excellentReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2018
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If you are serious about spiritual life you must read / listen to cd
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Liz in Looe
5.0 out of 5 stars A Yoga must read!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2012
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I have owned this book for a couple of weeks now and am on my third read. Ram Dass makes the Gita so accessible and has some excellent pointers for enabling Westerners to live the Gita in daily life. I was lucky enough to be able to read this whilst travelling to a course on the Gita, and having the two together was just incredible. Thank you so much Ram Dass!!

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cathmclean
5.0 out of 5 stars Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad GitaReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2012
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I found Ram Dass's writing to be an really enjoyable, enlightening and educational read. I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in understanding the Bhagavad Gita or is studying yoga.

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Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita

 4.43  ·   Rating details ·  992 ratings  ·  71 reviews
For centuries, readers have turned to the Bhagavad Gita for inspiration and guidance as they chart their own spiritual paths. As profound and powerful as this classic text has been for generations of seekers, integrating its lessons into the ordinary patterns of our lives can ultimately seem beyond our reach. Now, in a fascinating series of reflections, anecdotes, stories, and exercises, Ram Dass gives us a unique and accessible road map for experiencing divinity in everyday life. In the engaging, conversational style that has made his teachings so popular for decades, Ram Dass traces our journey of consciousness as it is reflected in one of Hinduism's most sacred texts. The Gita teaches a system of yogas, or "paths for coming to union with God."


In Paths to God, Ram Dass brings the heart of that system to light for a Western audience and translates the Gita's principles into the manual for living the yoga of contemporary life.


While being a guide to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Paths to God is also a template for expanding our definition of ourselves and allowing us to appreciate a new level of meaning in our lives.

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Paperback352 pages
Published October 25th 2005 by Harmony (first published 2004)
Review ofISBN 9781400054039
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1351st )
FormatPaperback edit
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April 1, 2022 – Shelved as: to-read
April 1, 2022 – Shelved
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 Average rating4.43  · 
 ·  992 ratings  ·  71 reviews


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Sejin, start your review of Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita
J-russ
Mar 03, 2008rated it it was amazing
Recommends it for: everyone
Shelves: re-reading
This book was incredible. Ram Dass walks you through the Gita without it being a book report. He supplements every chapter with excercises and further readings so you don't just read it, you feel it. The book is also inclusive of most religions. He quotes the Bible to explain attachment in a western light and enriches the meaning with his personal experience and texts from the Vedas.
This book is not a beginners book though. He relies on the reader to have a fundemental understanding of Arjuna and his tribulations. Without having read the story and having a grasp on eastern thought and core values as expressed by Jesus one would be left searching for explainations or facts to back up statements the author treats as truthes.
The book requires that the reader have some kind of relationship with God but it does not have to be any particular persuastion. Ram Dass would assure you that when you are ready, you will be reading this book! 
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Grant
I like Ram Dass. He has a sweetness and approachability to his writting that makes my heart float with his company. He makes me a better person, humble, kind, loving, caring, present, filled with curiosity, God, and love for man.
I skimmed this book. It made me want to read the Gita.
I really like what he says about Hatha Yoga and its ability to change a persons perspective towards their body, especially in relation to consumption.
Tracy
Jun 27, 2012rated it it was amazing
I absolutely loved this book. An easy read. It presented the Gita in such a easy and natural read. I am very familure with the ideas in this book, and it just solidified them for me. I think its a great book for beginners, and those who have been on the spiritual path for awhile. I really like Ram Dass. The book kind of made me want to take drugs though...lol.
Joe
Jan 19, 2018rated it it was amazing
The perfect companion to my favorite holy text. The Bhagavad Gita offers something for everyone, but it can be a little obtuse for those not educated in Hindu and Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Enter Ram Dass: spiritual leader, honest as a dog, and an excellent writer who captures concepts in a way sure to bring understanding to both beginners and experts alike. His chapters on karma and reincarnation are both standouts, but the whole book offers so much it's hard to pick favorites. From the suggested exercises to the extended references, Ram Dass nails it, through and through. (less)
Denise
Sep 23, 2014rated it it was amazing
Ram Dass is my number one upaguru. His style and wit speak to my heart like no other. I've found the Bhagavad Gita difficult to understand and apply but RD has a way of making such things more clear. I've learned so much from him but his books are worth reading for his excellent story telling alone. He's a character and beautifully meshuga. (less)
Kendall
Dec 05, 2017rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
THIS BOOK IS STRAIGHT FIRE. LOved it. Essential for your spiritual journey
Leo Walsh
Nov 11, 2020rated it really liked it
A solid spiritual classic. Sure, it's dated, suffering from Ram Dass's 60's acidhead syndrome, like Timothy Leary worship and seeing all mystical spiritual practice, from Vedic to Buddhist to shamanic, originating in psychedelics. That's spurious.

And I find it hard to accept what Dass says about wealthy "gurus" driving around in Bentleys and eating from golden bowls: that they're so evolved that they're looking "beyond this world." Sure, some may, but in my experience, those people are often cons. They're the Billy Grahams of the New Age movement, holding splashy tent revivals and not doing the real, lived-in, day-to-day work that a pastor must do to help their parishioners live a good life in an often cold, cruel world.

And I also object to his white-washing of the traditional hindu caste system, a repressive social order writ large and given "religious" justification.

However...

The book offers a solid look at basic, non-technical practice of an honest-to-God Vedic religious outlook. This is not New Age Hinduism Lite, but the real deal. It forces the reader to examine their life through the Vedic holy book THE BHAGAVADGITA, which argues for radical engagement in the world.

What's more, I've always had the sense that Ram Dass believes what he writes. This is not throw away schlock, like THE SECRET. At the time he wrote this, Dass had spent decades living as a yogi, a mendicant monk, ensconced in Vedic teachings and absorbing the spirit of the Hindu deities. Which makes most of his insights at least thought-provoking. And Dass is a harvard-educated social scientist, so his adopted life intrigues.

Four stars. It could be five, but the rah-rah for the caste system leaves me cold. It smacks of southerners mythologizing plantation owners as "benevolent overseers" of their slaves instead of the often cruel slave owners they really were. They did, after all, profit off of the misery of people they owned and felt superior to.
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Ben
Sep 18, 2021rated it it was amazing
I read this as I read through my first two readings of The Bhagavad Gita. Soon to do my third reading of the Gita while practicing the exercises at the end. Much like in the book Remember: Be Here Now, this work starts off with the explanations of what it's all about, and it has all it's exercises in the back. When this was compiled, it was done so as a university course. I would recommend that, at the end of each section of this book which you read, take some time to go over the stuff at the end and incorporate it into your readings and practices. There's no one to grade you but yourself, no way to fail. If anything, this book gives one great wisdom into their study of the Gita. Highly recommended for those looking to better understand Indian philosophy or deepen their spirit. (less)
Bruce Geils
Nov 19, 2019rated it it was amazing
This book arrived perfectly on time.
Nikki
Nov 18, 2009rated it really liked it
Despite the fact that the author is a total hippy, I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the perspective of a Westerner converting to Hinduism...I found it very interesting seeing the differences in how Westerners/Easterners think. I learned a lot about the various practices involved in leading an 'enlightened' life. And I enjoyed his interpretation of the Gita. He included quotes from all the great religious leaders (Christ, Buddha, etc), which I appreciated.

I learned to ignore his discussi
 ...more
Countp
Oct 09, 2018rated it it was amazing
Simply superb! Ram Dass’ exquisite take on the main themes of the Bhagavad Gita is a must read for anyone interested in different approaches to achieve spiritual freedom. The various aspects and techniques of karma yoga (action), bhakti yoga (devotion), jnana yoga (wisdom), sacrifice and mantra, renunciation & purification are discussed in a poetic, humourous and captivating way. At the end of the book are many extra articles explaining the ins and outs of different types of meditation practices and simple exercises to apply these to your own life. I have thouroughly enjoyed reading this book from the first to the last page and will often be returning to the wisdom contained in it. (less)
Monica McCarthy
Feb 03, 2008rated it really liked it
Recommended to Monica by: Yoga peeps
Funny enough, I read this book while home over Christmas. I had tried reading this book months before but I couldn't get into it. Once the right time for me to delve into the ideas however, I became more and more interested in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, and learning more about the true source of yoga and not just our westernized versions of the practice. I also appreciated Mr. Daas' honesty and candor and immediately recommended and lent my copy to a friend interested in eastern philosophy (less)
Rose Fuller
Apr 10, 2013rated it it was amazing
This book is awesome! Ram Dass is a great writer, he's lead an interesting life, travelling to India and living without money. The book covers different types of yoga, including Bhakti yoga the devotional service to God. Ram talks about his Jewish background, his family, the death of his mother. Buddhism is covered in detail with regards to his experience of the death of his mother and a close friend, with whom he was with while she was dying. The book covers the authors drug experiences on LSD and his temporary lapse of vegetarianism. I will read Rams other books for certain. (less)
Jessica M
Aug 23, 2018rated it really liked it
This is a great companion to the Gita, and has some thoughtful 'homework' readings and exercises at the back of the book. If you are a fan of Ram Dass, you will love it for being full of his anecdotes in his gently comical style. If you are looking for something a little more scholarly and less personal (although that is the point of this book--how to bring the teachings of the Gita into your personal life), you might do better with a different commentary. And of course you should already have read the Bhagavad Gita a couple times before reading this one. (less)
Marguerite Bradley
Jun 06, 2014rated it really liked it
Great read wonderful insight crossing over to the Eastern religions and meeting with the western. Turns out that if you seek it you will find. Open ur heart and mind. Author is funny down to earth hippie that opened his mind with Timothy Leary in the 70s by magic mushrooms and studied eastern religion to find the answers about God. Crosses both east and west cultures bringing full circle to the one the supreme being and to find it within.
Julie
Jul 07, 2014rated it it was amazing
A great book. I enjoyed Ram Dass's writing style. He incorporates the Bhagavad Gita into real life situations by using his own life as examples. He does go off on some explanations and seems to get carried away in his stories, but his stories are wonderful, thoughtful and lived. And it is through his living them and in the sharing of them that are able to learn and apply his wisdom in our own life. (less)
Nate
Jan 12, 2019rated it it was amazing
Wisdom is the path from knowing to being. We can know knowledge, but only be wise. Understanding is the function of many centers, as opposed to knowing, which occurs in only one center. Intuitive wisdom is a non-conceptual appreciation for something by becoming one with it. Intuition is driven by an understanding of the interconnectedness of everything that is being. Bodies, hearts and minds - an organ for each type of yoga.
Malcolm
Nov 12, 2010rated it really liked it
Fascinating book where Ram Dass tries to explain his views of reality, God-ness, and the relationship between western understanding and eastern ideas. I always find his books quite interesting. This book also includes a compendium at the end with a full program for meditation and spritual awakening.
Visit my writing website www.authorsden.com/malcolmwatts
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Hanuman Dass
Jan 18, 2013rated it it was amazing
This is the closest work we have to a commentary by Ram Dass on the Bhagavad Gita. It is based on an extensive course taught in America in the 1970s. There is also over 12 Hours of excellent audio available free on youtube.

I have placed a link to the first session below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYa81H...

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Charles
Feb 05, 2017rated it really liked it
Ram Dass really knows how to spellbind in his oral raps that then get transcribed. Be advised, however, that this book is not really focused on the Bhagavad-Gita, at least not in a systematic way. But despite its lack of scholarly rigor, or perhaps thanks to that lack, the book is extremely readable, with chapters on Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga that are remarkable.
Nicole
Dec 03, 2017rated it really liked it
Shelves: spirituality
This is based off of a course that Ram Dass taught at Naropa University.

It was good, but never inspired me to write any quotations or notes. Still an interesting read. It doesn't so much address the Gita as it talks about concepts that are found within. At the end there is section suggesting many forms of spiritual practice, and I took some mental notes from there that I found helpful.
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Valerie Kehoe
Mar 26, 2018rated it it was amazing
So much love for Ram Dass. This book was such a beautiful read. I really took time to read it slowly and think about the different teachings. I learned so much and It has affected my life in such a divine way. Very eye opening. Ram Dass has such a loving way of teaching and it was really easy for me to understand. I love this🙏
Samuel Lewis
Nov 09, 2014rated it it was amazing
Ram Dass is the most amazing teacher. His work speaks directly to me and this book serves as an amazing way to connect with his teachings. I found it incredibly valuable that it contains a syllabus for the class!