A Priceless MasterpieceOctober 16, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There are other translations and other commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, but this is by far the best I've seen. The author explains the deep allegory that the book represents. The story takes place on a battlefield, but the battle is one that everyone must fight. There is a constant struggle inside of us all between the spiritual and the material, between the eternal and the transient, between good and evil. Paramahansa Yogananda provides excellent insights into this fight, and inspires the reader to fight harder and with more determination. I strongly recommend this book to all spiritual seekers.
God Talks with ArjunaOctober 5, 2007 3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I am a big fan of Paramahansa Yogananda, but quite frankly I was a little disappointed by this book. Instead of commenting directly about the verses from Bhagavad Gita there is an artificial link being made to Paramhansa's other teachings. Don't get me wrong his teachings are great but don't try to force them into Gita interpretations. If you really want to understand Bhagavd Gita, I would recommend 'Holy Gita' by Swamy Chinmayananda.
Recieved in good time and book was in good condition.January 9, 2007 2 out of 12 found this review helpful
Recieved in good time and book was in good condition.
The Guru of TruthJanuary 1, 2007 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I have read four or five interpretations of the Gita. This one is the most "alive" for me. When I am "in" it, my life changes. Just reading it, slowly, digesting it piece by pieces, takes me into the Mystic and out of my Karma. Yogananda's translation and interpretation of the Gita is the most clear, efficient and engaging that I have ever read.
Very Good but is it Good enough, two things lackingJanuary 7, 2006 21 out of 25 found this review helpful
The self realization fellowship's translation of the Bhagawad Gita is oriented towards Kriya Yoga, since the interpretation primarily is based on Patanjali's yoga sutras. The SRF still use orthodox hindu philosophy. In the sarvadarshana Samgraha of Madhavacharya, the Patanjali and allied systems this text refers to fall under the Ashtika or extremely orthodox vedantic premise; albeit they are probably one of the more recent developments of the system.
The SRF also try using scientific know-how about the human physiology, kep concepts of psychology and also the mystical/esoteric functionings of the body as elucidated in yogic scripture. As such each verse of the Gita has profound eludication ranging from various different sources.
The depth and uncompromising clarity of the book has made it one of the most popular renditions of the Gita. It is far more developed in thought than the works of Radhakrishna and various other translators.
But like Radhrakrishna's rendition it does dont give variant readings to a verse, suggesting that the explanation given is the only one to a specific stanza. This is a good thing for those who just want to understand the Gita as is, and later try to apply that very message in day to day living as well as holistically in thier prayers and spiritual practices.
The one think it lacks is backing up its interpretation with Upanishads and Veda. Gita is classified under the term Smriti (Tradition or Custom) and is out ranked by Shruti (That which is heard; direct revelations from the Divine). The reason for the Gita's placement is as a result of its compilation as opposed to the question whether Krishna did get the revelation (Which, irrefutably he did).
The Upanishads are the highest elucidation on the raw revelations (i.e. Vedas) of Hindu scripture. It is revelation that expounds on previous revelation and therefore concisely summarizes key components of Vedic and Divine thought.
I would have liked to seen more of the Upanishads than Patanjali, but this is my opinion. Disregarding the aforementioned notion this Gita is probably one of the Best I have come across.
I suggest also looking at works of Lahiri Mahashaya, "Spiritual Gita", The Geeta Vahini of Sathya Sai Baba, Gita Bhasya of Adi Shankara and the Upanishads themselves. If you dont have the time then this book has most of it, but the above mentioned texts will only increase a person's appreciation of the Gita from saints and personages who possess the experience and innate know-how of and about the Gita.
