The Bhagavad Gita

Eknath Easwaran gives us a brilliant gem--a version of the Gita that is poetic, accurate, readable, and meaningful.Like the Sermon on the Mount, the Gita summarizes deep and timeless religious thought in a small amount of space. It gives us truths that transcend creed and denomination. If the reader reads with an open heart and mind, the Gita is truly transformative, no matter what the reader's religious beliefs.I have read several English translations of the Gita--Stephen Mitchell's, Prabhupada's "Bhagavad Gita as It Is" , etc--and while each has its merits, for my money this version speaks most directly to the heart and emotions. A thoughtful reading can truly be life-altering.Easwaran's opening chapter, and Diana Morrison's chapter headings, help with understanding basic concepts that may not be familiar to the western reader without burdening the reader with dogma.A beautiful book.

I purchased this copy of the gita because I wanted a simple, accurate translation of the gita. This slim volume gives me precisely that, with an excellent explanatory introduction, and brief chapter introductions.What I like most is his sensible perspective - there is little bias and what is said is just enough to allow the reader to grasp the deeper significance of the words in the gita, making the reading an active and exciting process. I believe this is how the Gita is to be read, no matter how much accurate and helpful analysis is available, because the value gained from the words is in discovering these insights for yourself.There is a little bias in his interpretation. While he elaborates on Sankhya and Jnana, his views on the exalted status of Karma and Bhakti show clearly. I also feel some principles have been toned down. The ultimate goal of the Gita is a state beyond likes and dislikes, and external enjoyments. Were the whole world to collapse or attain some form of utopia, the realized soul would be undisturbed. Easwaran's suggestions fall far short of that state, for though caring for the world is noble, it too is a source of attachment and misery. Therefore, Easwaran's guide is best for beginners, and that too only those who are instinctively attracted to karma yoga and bhakti yoga.I encourage you to start or supplement your study of the gita. I give it four starts purely because I feel the devanagiri script is essential. Hardly a problem for those who are interested only in the english translation.

This is a beautiful book. Once you understand the power of the words, the book becomes even more enjoyable. This translation in particular is very accessible and explains thoroughly the concepts that arise in each chapter. I can't wait to move on to the next book.I'm not a religious person, although I would say I am spiritual. A Hindu friend of mine recommended this to me. It was after we had both done Landmark Education courses, which I think is a great connection to have with this book, since Landmark draws on many principles exercised in the Gita.

A Real good small book. Everything contained in its 200 odd pgs. Very easy to understand the concepts. Anyone who wants to know about Bhagvad Gita and have less time to spare, then this is the best choice. After having comptd reading this book, my thinking process has changed to some extent. For non-Indian readers - the characters of Mahabaratha are listed in Glossary making it more meaningful.

An ancient text that itself is extremely profound.The author makes the text more understandable and easily absorbed by Western readers...Very readable and useful

The supreme instructions of Krishna are given in the final chapter's final verses: 18:64 to 18:71.They are his supreme instructions because he himself says so in verse 18:64 i.e. 'sarva guhyatamam bhuyah shrunu mae paramam vachah' which is 'Listen to my supreme, most confidential (deep) instruction'.Anyone with some sanskrit knowledge can tell that the above is an accurate translation.Mr. Easwaran waters it down completely:These are the last words I shall speak to you, dear one.Is this crazy or what?!!!! Mr. Easwaran, what was the point of translating the Gita and screwing it up at the climax?I give it 2 stars since Easwaran's gita is better than having no Gita. I wasted my money and I whole-heartedly recommend the hare-Krishna 'Bhagavad Gita As It Is'

Delivery got few days delayed but it was really worth it.This book every one should read it to have peace of mind & very essential to live in this planet

an excellent writer