Product Description The Bhagavad-Gita is the Gospel of Hinduism, and one of the great religious classics of the world. Its simple, vivid message is a daily inspiration in the lives of millions throughout the world and has been so for countless generations.
Here is a distinguished translation that can be read by every person, not as an archaic monument to an ancient culture, but as a living contemporary message that touches the most urgent personal and social problems.
Great Gita for the pocketFebruary 21, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It is a wonderful version. If you read "The Guru and His Disciple", which is Christopher Isherwood's memoirs in part, he tells the story of how the final version came about. Crestfallen because an editor finally admitted she couldn't tell the difference between the previous draft and all other translations, Isherwood went to his room and half an hour later returned with the first pages completely re-written. It went over so well, he was inspired to convert large pieces in the same poetical style. And rightly so, as the original is, after all, part an epic poem.
I have to give it a four since part of the first chapter is left out because it is "like the list of ships in Homer". And because Huxley was probably the wrong person to write the Intro. What Huxley says is worth reading, of course, but it should be read as Huxley and not representing Prabhavananda or Vedantism.
Otherwise, there are so many copies of this floating around in used bookstores, and at such low prices, and because it is so readable, this is the one to carry in your back pocket or fill with marginalia.
Good book but poor quality of print and paperSeptember 8, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The book is undoubtedly good. It gives a good overview of the Gita and discusses the principles of Hinduism in simple language. I was only disappointed on the quality of paper and print. Barnes & Noble has a good hardcover option on this book, which is a good buy.
timeless wisdom for todayMay 9, 2007 3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I haven't read any other translation of the Gita, so I don't have any opinion about this translation vis a vis any other translation. However, I can say that this translation is simple to read and understand, and that the message of the Gita has had an enormous impact on my life. I read it every day for guidance and inspiration, and it is a wonderful antidote to the toxic messages that bombard us daily from advertisers and the media. I highly recommend this book.
Beautiful and flowing...January 14, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This was my first true introduction to Hinduism. I was very moved by the Gita. It is very beautiful writing and is among the greatest books that I have ever read. It is an excellent addition to the library of a spiritual seeker. The messages are so significant and deep that it deserves additional readings in the future. I believe that a lot of these ideas found in the eastern traditions and western gnostic traditions are so incredibly important in our day. I hope more people discover these messages within themselves.
lucid poetryNovember 10, 2006 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is arguably the best translation of the Gita. Most translations are too scholarly (in an attempt to be precise with the original sanskrit) but since there is no modern language to actually translate sanskrit word for word, it typically results in text that is both heavy and inaccessible.
This one is different. A masterful collaboration of both a hindu and a westerner, this Gita is both verse and prose (in an almost mystical balance) and flows like the river. It is in this verse/prose balance that keeps the reading moving forward where the deeper (and most important) messages of the Gita seem to drive it home.
