The blind leading the blindOctober 22, 1998 5 out of 13 found this review helpful
In the Upanishads, the sacred Vedanta texts of yore, one finds in more than one place the well known metaphor of a blind person leading other blind people astray, to illustrate what happens when an incompetent, styling himself a learned man, attempts to teach others what he knows not himself. This metaphor is very apt to describe Prabhupada's translation and purport for the Bhagavad Gita. For while he claims that his translation and purports follow a "disciplic succession" (see bottom of Prabhupada's Introduction) of traditional commentaries and understanding of the work deriving from the dualistic school of Vedanta founded by the 13th century saint Madhva (number 5 on Prabhupada's claimed list of succession), they in fact show a great divergence and opposition to the traditional understanding found in the latter's works, and even in the works of Prabhupada's own claimed forebears like Bhaktivinoda Thakura (number 29 on the list, who for example reads BG I-10 completely opposite to Prabhupada).
Prabhupada's lack of understanding of even the most basic facts of science and astronomy is manifest, so much so that one wonders if he ever passed high school. Consider for instance what he says under X-21: "There are fifty varieties of winds blowing in space," and later, "It appears from this verse that the moon is one of the stars; therefore the stars that twinkle in the sky also reflect the light of the sun. The theory that there are many suns within the universe is not accepted by Vedic literature. The sun is one, and as by the reflection of the sun the moon illuminates, so also do the stars. Since Bhagavad-gita indicates herein that the moon is one of the stars, the twinkling stars are not suns but are similar to the moon." Incidentally, Madhva reads the verse to say that the moon is *not* like the stars, so Prabhupada's grand delusion that he is in accordance with a "disciplic succession" of understanding "Vedic literature" cannot be taken seriously.
In all, a very poor work, which is to be read and understood only for what it most certainly is not -- a qualified, balanced representation of the meaning of the Bhagavad Gita.
This is the genuine stuff!October 22, 1998 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
What we are reading here is in fact one of the most impressive books written in the history of mankind! Bhaktivedanta has succintly and accurately translated this ancient book from Sanskrit to English. Many may argue that the Sanskrit translations are not accurately done, but we must also remember that this was done not just on the basis of superb scholarship, but also a basis of heartfelt faith in the contents of the book. What more can be said? This ultimate combination for any religious book requires not only an impersonal translation, but also a depth of feeling and intuition which we can see in this Bhagavad Gita as it is. The message contained within is profound and not easily understood, especially when we are misguided by the amount of other translations available on the market. This is highly recommended because it is defnitely the most authoritative version of the Bhagavad Gita around, with all the essential prinicples elucidated and expounded upon with great clarity. A must read for anyone.
The author lived the principles of Bhagavad GitaOctober 17, 1998 7 out of 11 found this review helpful
This edition of Bhagavad Gita is unique in that the author, Bhaktivedanta Swami, is a strict follower of the path of bhakti-yoga, the path of complete surrender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krsna. He represents one of the main authorized disciplic successions of India, (Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya)which goes all the way back to Krsna, Himself.
Bhaktivedanta Swami's life is a perfect example of utilizing everything in the service of God (Krsna). He actually said that he didn't write these books, but Krsna in his heart dictated them, and Bhaktivedanta Swami simply made them available to this world. His scholarly research includes the commentaries of many great acaryas (one who teaches by their own example) who have followed the path of bhakti over several milleniums. Therefore his writings are not mere intellectual speculations, but direct realizations based on his living the philosophy of Bhagavad Gita.
The proof of the potency of Bhagavad Gita - As It Is, is that it has inspired hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world to act on its teachings and develop their long-lost relationship with God Himself, Lord Krsna. Bhaktivedanta Swami's translation comes directly from the original Sanskrit language, from which Krsna spoke Bhagavad Gita 5000 years ago in India. Highly recommended for the sincere seeker.
A must read bookSeptember 13, 1998 4 out of 5 found this review helpful
In a world surrounded by material attachments and the accompanying pain, this book comes as roadmap to life. Reading a page a day can keep your spiritual life rich and your mental state organized.
Best Management Book.July 28, 1998 3 out of 8 found this review helpful
Must read to manage and focus your life, especifically spiritual upliftment. It really helps us to know why we are here and what we must be doing in our life. Must read for young adults to take control of there life.
