2024/03/18

Bhagavad Gita - Song of God - Wikipedia

Bhagavad Gita - Song of God - Wikipedia


Bhagavad Gita - Song of God

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bhagavad Gita - The Song of God
Bhagavad Gita - The Song of God translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood
AuthorVyasa
Original titleBhagavad Gita
TranslatorSwami Prabhavananda and Christipher Isherwood
Cover artistAnna Monday
CountryUnited States of America
LanguageEnglish
SubjectHindu Scripture
GenreReligious Scripture
PublisherVedanta Press
Publication date
1944–2023
Published in English
1944
Media typePaperback
Pages153
ISBN978-0-87481-345-6

Bhagavad Gita - The Song of God is the title of the Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood's translation of the Bhagavad Gītā (Sanskrit: भगवद्गीता, "Song of God"), an important Hindu scripture. It was first published in 1944 with an Introduction by Aldous Huxley.[1] This translation is unusual in that it is a collaboration between a world-renowned English language author and an adept in Vedanta Philosophy and Hindu scripture. With this translation, "...the very purpose of life in Hindu terms becomes luminously clear.”.[2][3] The 2023 edition includes the standardized verse markings that were left out from the original, published in 1944.[4]

Aldous Huxley wrote the introduction and gave advice during the translation process, “Forget that Krishna is speaking to the Hindus in Sanskrit. Forget that this is a translation. Think that Krishna is speaking to an American audience in English.” [5] "Christopher Isherwood could not read Sanskrit; he relied on detailed and intense discussions with Swami Prabhavananda to understand the meaning of each word. Then he cast the ancient Hindu text in a mixture of poetry and prose rooted in the English literary tradition reaching back to Medieval times."[6][7]

Despite the translation's merits, it has been criticized for not including the standard verse numbers, making it difficult to compare to other translations and some critics take issue with the translation of particular verses. However, "To preserve the everlasting simplicity of the Gita's words… Isherwood…and his teacher [Swami Prabhavananda] have collaborated on this latest translation… the result is a distinguished literary work… simpler and freer than other English translations… It may help U.S. readers to understand not only the Gita itself, but also its influence on American letters through one of its greatest U.S. admirers, Ralph Waldo Emerson."[8][9]

The translation was well received in the U.S. and earned reviews in the New York Times, Time Magazine, and was adopted as a text book in many colleges and universities, for comparative religion studies.[10] It sold over 1,000,000 copies since its first publication in 1944.[11]

Origin of Translation[edit]

Swami Vivekananda, the founder of the Ramakrishna Order in India, brought Vedanta to the West beginning with his appearance at the 1893 Chicago Parliament of Religions and establishing the first Vedanta Societies in America.[12][13][14] From his early days in the US, a priority was placed on translating the great scriptures of India into English. Vivekananda wrote:

No foreigner will ever write the English language as well as the native Englishman, and the ideas, when put in good English, will spread farther than in Hindu English. - Swami Vivekananda[15]

Swami Prabhavananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and founder and head of the Vedanta Society of Southern California, first came to the US in 1923, assigned to the Vedanta Society of San Francisco. In 1930, he founded the Vedanta Society of Southern California, and within the decade he had attracted many notable literary disciples, including English authors, Gerald Heard, Aldous Huxley, and Christopher Isherwood.

While the Swami was on vacation in Palm Springs, he was reading an English translation of the Gita and felt the meaning was lost. After consulting with his literary disciples, he decided to take on the effort to produce a new translation.[16][17]

Preface to [the 2023] Edition[edit]

In the preface to the new edition, a more detailed description of the origin of the translation is given. It also explains why this translation does not have the traditional commentary, that is usually given after each verse. Two foundational Swamis of the Ramakrishna Order had this advice: Swami Brahmananda, Prabhavananda's guru, said, “Let your first reading of the Gita be without commentary.” And Swami Saradananda says in his book The Essence of the Gita, “It is not necessary for you to study all those commentaries… It is enough to understand the meaning as it reveals itself to you spontaneously.”[18]

Prabhavananda and Isherwood felt it was more important to incorporate the commentaries into the text itself, rather than have the story of the Gita interrupted by explanations. They also decided not to include the verse numbers. The point is made that the "...sole purpose of this [2023] edition is to include those standardized chapter and verse markings to facilitate comparisons to other translations. Otherwise, this edition is faithful to the Prabhavananda-Isherwood Gita."[19]

Translators’ Preface[edit]

Prabhavananda and Isherwood explain how the Gita is actually just a small part of the epic poem, the Mahabharata (chapters 23–40 of book 6). It's also explained why the original is in all verse, but they decided to be more flexible with the writing, "...we have translated the Gita in a variety of styles, partly prose, partly verse. There is, of course, no justification for this experiment in the text itself. The transitions from one style to another are quite arbitrary. They can be judged from one standpoint only: have we made the book more readable?"[20]

The translators also explains why they were more free with their translation, compared to others, "Extremely literal translations of the Gita already exist. We have aimed, rather, at an interpretation. Here is one of the greatest religious documents of the world: let us not approach it too pedantically as an archaic text which must be jealously preserved by university professors. It has something to say, urgently, to every one of us."[21]

Introduction by Aldous Huxley[edit]

In Huxley's introduction, he takes a sweeping view of the Perennial Philosophy and touches on the history of the concept that there is an underlying reality that all the traditional religions acknowledge - the Godhead, Clear Light of the Void, Brahman, etc. He also gives us a version of his Minimum Working Hypothisis, instructions for how to seek the experience of the highest reality.[22]

Gita and Mahabharata[edit]

The translators give an in-depth description of the events leading up to the plot of the Gita. As the name suggest it is the story of the great (Maha) King Bharata. All of India is drawn into a war, which is used as a metaphor for the battle that we face inside ourselves; the battle of good vs. evil, right conduct vs. failing to act. The principle actors in the poem are Sri Krishna, an incarnation of God, and Arjuna, a "high-souled prince" who falters on the battlefield after seeing friends and family in the enemy's ranks, who Arjuna is called to kill. Arjuna drops his weapons and declares he will not fight.

The rest of the book has Krishna, Arjuna's friend and advisor, explaining duty, the meaning of life, and describes a life of right conduct, through the various Yogas (paths). In the end, Arjuna realizes it is his duty and purpose to fight in the righteous war, and wins.[23]

Chapters[edit]

There are a total of 18 chapters and 700 verses in Gita. These are:

ChapterTraditional TitleTitle in Prabhavananda/Isherwood TranslationTotal Verses
1Arjuna Vishada YogaThe Sorrow of Arjuna47
2Sankhya YogaThe Yoga of Knowledge72
3Karma YogaKarma Yoga50
4Jnana-Karma-Sanyasa YogaRenunciation Through Knowledge42
5Karma-Sanyasa YogaThe Yoga of Renunciation29
6Atma-Samyama YogaThe Yoga of Meditation47
7Jnana-Vijnana YogaKnowledge and Experience30
8Aksara-ParaBrahma YogaThe Way to Eternal Brahman28
9Raja-Vidya-Raja-Guhya YogaThe Yoga of Mysticism34
10Vibhuti YogaDivine Glory42
11Viswarupa-Darsana YogaThe Vision of God in His Universal Form55
12Bhakti YogaThe Yoga of Devotion20
13Ksetra-Ksetrajna-Vibhaga YogaThe field and Its Knower34
14Gunatraya-Vibhaga YogaThe Three Gunas27
15Purushottama YogaDvotion to the Supreme Spirit20
16Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhaga YogaDivine and Demonic Tendencies24
17Shraddhatraya-Vibhaga YogaThree Kinds of Faith28
18Moksha-Sanyasa YogaThe Yoga of Renunciation78
Total=700

The Cosmology of the Gita[edit]

After the 18 Chapters of the Gita itself, there is an Appendix where the translators explain how the Gita fits into the overall philosophy of Hindu religious literature. They also give a summary of Vedic cosmology and descriptions of the various deities in Hindu culture.[24]

The Gita and War[edit]

Christopher Isherwood was a pacifist and Conscientiousness Objector in WWII, having suffered his father's death in WWI and seeing no effort by the allies to avoid plunging head-long into the next war. In England he was a member of the Peace Pledge Union, and during the war while in the US, he did alternative service with the Quakers.[25][26]

In this Appendix, Isherwood explains that the Gita is neither pro- nor anti- war. In certain circumstances, it would be quite alright to refuse to fight. In Arjuna's position, since it's a righteous war, and he's a warrior by birth and trade - he must fight.[27]

In the purely physical sphere of action, Arjuna is, indeed, no longer a free agent. The act of war is upon him; it has evolved out of his previous actions. At any given moment in time, we are what we are; and we have to accept the consequences of being ourselves. Only through this acceptance can we begin to evolve further. We may select the battleground. We cannot avoid the battle.[28]

Editions[edit]

  • First published by The Marcel Rodd Co. Hollywood, CA, 1944
  • Hardback edition by Vedanta Press, 1945
  • Mentor Religious Classics, Harper & Row, NY, 1951
  • Published in England by Phoenix House Ltd.
  • Vedanta Press, Hollywood, CA, 1944–2023

Reviews of this Translation[edit]

"The eternal message of the Gita has been rendered into simple language which is devoid of technicalities of dogma and doctrine and rises into suitable poetry where the sublimity of thought requires it. Swami Prabhavananda's name is a guarantee of the authoritative nature of the translation and its being faithful to the true spirit of the original." - Prabuddha Bharata, March, 1946[29]

"DEMOCRACY would have been impossible without the dissemination of knowledge...For that reason alone this paper-back edition [1954] of one of the most profound books ever written, often compared to the Sermon on the Mount, is a publishing event of major importance. Here the common man...may make the acquaintance of perhaps the greatest clarity that mysticism has ever achieved...The ideas in this philosophical dialogue...are subtle, surprising, precise. The “Gita," however, is also a song. It develops its ideas rhapsodically, ecstatically...The “Gita” is one of the most beautiful books. It explains and it delights...It is presented in one of the outstanding translations of the day." - Gerald Sykes, The New York Times, March 28, 1954[30]

"To preserve the everlasting simplicity of the Gita's words…Isherwood…and his teacher [Swami Prabhavananda] have collaborated on this latest translation…the result is a distinguished literary work…simpler and freer than other English translations…It may help U.S. readers to understand not only the Gita itself, but also its influence on American letters through one of its greatest U.S. admirers, Ralph Waldo Emerson." - Time Magazine, February 12, 1945[31]

"For many Westerners, their introduction to Hinduism came not from yoga or a respected guru, but from a boyish British author, Christopher Isherwood, a Renaissance man of letters, writing plays, short stories, screenplays, poems, novels and nonfiction. Though he is perhaps best known as the author of such works as The Berlin Stories (later made into the hit play and movie, “Cabaret”), his involvement in the Vedanta movement in California from the 1940s through the 1980s left a permanent imprint on the cultural landscape...The English version of the Song of God: Bhagavad Gita was Isherwood's crowning achievement." - Mark Hawthorne, Vedanta's Western Poet, Hinduism Today, September 1, 1999[32]

[From a critique concerning translations] "A translation of literary worth...seemed preferable to a simon-pure translation...As a master translator, Edward Fitzgerald, put it: “Better a live sparrow than a stuffed eagle.” ...In violation of this principle, Mr. Y. has decided to use the Edwin Arnold translation of the Bhagavad Gita rather than—say—the Christopher Isherwood-Swami Prabhavananda version. In my opinion...there is no comparison between the ponderous cadences of the first, and the clean lucidity of the second." - The New York Times, November 11, 1956[33]

"The translation, in poetry and prose, is the celebrated one by Christopher Isherwood and Swami Prabhavananda…the very purpose of life in Hindu terms becomes luminously clear." - Paul Kresh, The New York Times, May 10, 1981[34]

Reviews of the 2023 Edition[edit]

"Translations come in many hues and fulfill different needs. Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God, the translation by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, cuts to the chase by focusing on the essential teaching in every verse—and does this in both poetry and prose that is as elegant as it is insightful. The book effortlessly captures the beauty and the rhythm of the Gita." - Swami Tyagananda, Hindu Chaplain, Harvard and MIT, 2022[35]

"The ageless wisdom of the Gita will never be brought into classic English prose with greater clarity, humanity and selflessness than in this priceless rendition. What a joy to have it brought to us afresh in this new edition, Isherwood's rare elegance married to his beloved teacher's wise command of the scriptures." Pico Iyer, Author of Video Night in Kathmandu, The Lady and the Monk, and The Global Soul. Contributor to Time, Harper's, New York Review of Books, and The New York Times. He also taught at Harvard and Princeton, 2022[36]

"As World War II raged and the dissolution of the British Empire drew near, an Indian and an Englishman, both disillusioned radicals, collaborated in Hollywood on this singular translation. In Vedanta, they had found the peace and freedom that politics had failed to deliver. Christopher Isherwood could not read Sanskrit; he relied on detailed and intense discussions with Swami Prabhavananda to understand the meaning of each word. Then he cast the ancient Hindu text in a mixture of poetry and prose rooted in the English literary tradition reaching back to Medieval times. For clarity, economy and sheer excitement, their English rendering of the Bhagavad Gita has never been equaled." - Katherine Bucknell, editor of Christopher Isherwood's DIARIES and Director of The Christopher Isherwood Foundation, 2023[37]

"Back in the late 1960s when many young Americans were interested in self-actualization via Asian religions, I (and thousands of others, I'm sure) were first drawn to study Vedanta after reading the Bhagavad-Gita as translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood. The former deeply understood the message of the text and the latter knew how to convey that message in masterful English. The mixture was captivating, leading many to start on a life-long quest to dig deeper into the substance of Vedanta. This is a literary rather than a literal translation, for reasons mainly related to the flow of the text and making the message clear in English, to an English speaking audience; I find the true teachings to be fully intact, so the appeal is there for a new audience in modern times. Moreover, this new edition includes the verse references that were missing from the original 1944 edition, a welcome and necessary addition, for comparison to other translations and scholarly study." - Dana Sawyer, Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Maine Arts College, Author of Huston Smith: Wisdomkeeper, the authorized biography, and author of Aldous Huxley: A Biography, 2023[38]

"The Bhagavad Gita–or simply the Gita, for those who know and love it well–is of course a classic of Indian literature, and of world spiritual literature, as well as being a sacred text for Hindus. This particular translation of the Gita, by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, is itself a classic in the genre of Gita translations. It has been, for many, a gateway to Hindu thought and to the profound philosophy of Vedanta. Beautifully and clearly written, it was designed specifically with an American audience in mind. But it has proven to be an accessible introduction to this text for readers around the world, even within India itself. This latest edition does not alter the work of Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood at all; but by providing the original verse numbers of the source text, it makes this translation of even greater value for students and scholars than it already was. It is a most welcome addition to any library, personal or public, and it will no doubt continue to open minds to the message of the Gita well into the twenty-first century and beyond." - Jeffery D. Long, Author Hinduism in America, Professor of Religion, Philosophy, and Asian Studies, Elizabethtown College[39]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Isherwood, Christopher (1980). My Guru and His Disciple. Farrar Straus Giroux. p. 199. ISBN 978-0-374-21702-0.
  2. ^ Paul Kresh, New York Times, Review of a Recorded Reading, May 10, 1981
  3. ^ Jackson, Carl (1994). Vedanta for the West. Indiana University Press. p. 117. ISBN 0-253-33098-X.
  4. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  5. ^ From the preface to the 2023 edition, page 1.
  6. ^ Katherine Bucknell, editor of Christopher Isherwood's DIARIES and Director of The Christopher Isherwood Foundation, Review of 2023 Edition, Bhagavad Gita - Song of God page 151
  7. ^ Sawyer, Dana (2002). Aldous Huxley: A Biography. Crossroads Publishing Company. p. 52. ISBN 0-8245-1987-6.
  8. ^ Time Magazine, February 12, 1945
  9. ^ Jackson, Carl (1994). Vedanta for the West. Indiana University Press. p. 115. ISBN 0-253-33098-X.
  10. ^ Jackson, Carl (1994). Vedanta for the West. Indiana University Press. p. 117. ISBN 0-253-33098-X.
  11. ^ Goldberg, Philip (2010). American Veda. Harmony Books. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-385-52134-5.
  12. ^ Jackson, Carl (1994). Vedanta for the West. Indiana University Press. p. 115. ISBN 0-253-33098-X.
  13. ^ Goldberg, Phillip (2010). American Veda. Harmony Books. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-385-52134-5.
  14. ^ Isherwood, Christopher (1965). Ramakrishna and His Disciples. Methuen & Co. Ltd. p. 248.
  15. ^ Letter to Dr. Nanjunda Rao. From England: July 14, 1896. Complete Works, Vol. 5, page 108.
  16. ^ Jackson, Carl (1994). Vedanta for the West. Indiana University Press. p. 115. ISBN 0-253-33098-X.
  17. ^ Isherwood, Christopher (1980). My Guru and His Disciple. Farrar Straus Giroux. p. 199. ISBN 978-0-374-21702-0.
  18. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, Preface to 2023 Edition, page 1
  19. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, Preface to 2023 Edition, page 1
  20. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, Translator's Preface, page 4
  21. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, Translator's Preface, page 4
  22. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, Introduction, page 8
  23. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, The Gita and the Mahabhrata, page 17
  24. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, The Cosmology of the Gita, page 141
  25. ^ "Christopher Isherwood, Whose Tales Inspired 'Cabaret,' Dies". Los Angeles Times. 1986-01-06. Archived from the original on 2023-04-11.
  26. ^ "CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD IS DEAD AT 81 (Published 1986)". The New York Times. 6 January 1986. Archived from the original on 2023-03-07.
  27. ^ Isherwood, Christo6pher (1996). Diaries: Volume 1, 1939-1960, Edited and Introduced by Katherine Bucknell. HarperFlamingo. p. Introduction XII. ISBN 978-0061180002.
  28. ^ Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, 2023 Edition, The Gita and War, page 149
  29. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  30. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  31. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  32. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  33. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  34. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  35. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  36. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  37. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  38. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
  39. ^ http://gemstone-av.com/Gita23.htm List of major reviews since first published in 1944
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2024/03/17

Hans Wilhelm - Wikipedia

Hans Wilhelm - Wikipedia

Hans Wilhelm

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the screenwriter, see Hans Wilhelm (screenwriter).

Hans Wilhelm (born September 21, 1945) is a German-American writer, children's book author and illustrator, and artist. Hans Wilhelm has written and/or illustrated over 200 books – mostly for children. They have been translated in more than thirty languages and have won numerous international awards and prizes. Many of them have been made into animated television series. Presently there are over forty two million books by Hans Wilhelm in print. Some of his best-known books include "I'll Always Love You", "Bunny Trouble" series, "Tyrone The Horrible" series, "Waldo" series, and the "Noodles" books.

Wilhelm was born in Bremen, (Germany) where he grew up. Following his studies of art and business, he moved for 12 years to South Africa where he worked, painted, and was an acting member of a satirical theater group. His writing career began when he embarked on a two-year trip around the world where he lived in Bali, Spain, England and many other places.

He's also host to the "Life Explained" video series, which aims to visually explain a number of spiritual phenomena from his personal point of view.[1]

Books by Wilhelm (selected)[edit]

  • I'll Always Love You
  • The Trapp Family Book (also TV series)
  • Bunny Trouble (series)
  • Tyrone the Horrible (series)
  • Waldo (book and TV series)
  • Wake Up, Sun (written by David L. Harrison)
  • What Does God Do?
  • The Bremen Town Musicians
  • Dinofour (series) written by Steve Metzger
  • Holiday Cats (series, written by Jean Marzollo)
  • Noodles book series
  • The Book of Courage
and 200 more.

Art[edit]

Wilhelm's art is in permanent collections of the Mazza Museum, the Dodd Center of University of Connecticut, the Kerlan Collection at University of Minnesota, and the De Grummond Children's Literature Collection of University of Southern Mississippi.

Awards[edit]

The Trapp Family Book was named Best Book of the Year by Eltern magazine, Germany. Tales From the Land Under My Table was selected by Time magazine as one of the best Best Children's Book of the Year. Blackberry Ink (written by Eve Merriam) received the Parent's Choice Award. A New Home – A New Friend received the Children's book Award from the International Reading Association. Blackberry Ink (written by Eve Merriam), The Funniest Knock-Knock Book Ever, and Let's Be Friends Again were chosen as one of Child Study Association of America's Children's Book of the Year. What Does God Do? was awarded the Gold Medallion Book Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Home". LIFEexplained.com. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  • Biographies published in:
  • Something About The Author, Volume 135, Publishers: The Gale Group, Detroit, MI, copyright 2003
  • Something About The Author, Autobiography Series, Volume 21, Publishers: Gale Research, Detroit, MI, copyright 1996
  • Contemporary Authors, Volume 48, Publishers: Gale Research, Detroit, MI, copyright 1995
  • The Address Book of Children's Authors and Illustrators, By Howard Bount, Jr. Publishers: T.S. Denison & Company Inc. Minneapolis MS, copyright 1994
  • Meet the Authors and Illustrators, Volume 2, By Deborah Kovacs and James Preller, Publishers: Scholastic Inc., New York, copyright 1993
  • Something About the Author, Volume 58, Publishers: Gale Research, Detroit, MI, copyright 1990

External links[edit]

Posted by at

HOW KARMA WORKS explained by Hans Wilhelm

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CHRIST TAUGHT REINCARNATION explained by Hans Wilhelm

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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!!
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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.
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So
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you team
Reviewed in the United States on 3 February 2023
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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
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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.
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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.
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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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