Learn SANSKRIT !!January 3, 2005 6 out of 11 found this review helpful
Its impossible to rate this book. See the Bhagwad Gita is a well known literary text in Sanskrit. The original language in which it was written. And millions of pandits and other learned people in India know the verses exactly the same..but in sanskrit. So if you really want to know what is actually being said..learn sanskrit.
As it AINT.December 8, 2004 18 out of 32 found this review helpful
This is a thoroughly propagandous distortion of the Bhagavad-Gita. Why even waste your money on the purchase to find out? You can read it in its entirety at (www.asitis.com).
Case in point. Take chapter 2 verse 72 (the last) of the original:
This verse simply says "That is 'Brahman-status', O' prince. After obtaining it, a person is not discombobulated; the one who is situated in it even at endtime (death?) does attain the 'Nirvana' that is 'Brahman'." Bhaktivedanta twists the technical terms to come up with "That is the way of the spiritual and godly life, after attaining which a man is not bewildered. Being so situated, even at the hour of death, one can enter into the kingdom of God."
Another example I have comes in that same chapter, earlier in Verse 10, when Krshna is amused by Arjuna's spiritual ignorance and begins to correct him. The word used to describe Krshna's mien is "prahasan" which clearly means "bursting out laughing." Bhaktivedanta renders it as "smiling," evidently to make the divine interlocutor appear more compassionate.
This book is plainly promotion of the Hari Krshna cult beliefs with few qualms about not giving an honest presentation. If someone was ever to write an encyclopedia entry for "translations with an agenda," this one ought to hold high honors. The real Bhagavad Gita contains much greater philosophical and literary complexity than a single fundamentalist sect's narrow view can do justice. It is a pastiche of multiple religious traditions and systems, and this interfaith character of the work probably has much to do with its enduring popularity in the Indian subcontinent. Pick up the Radhakrishnan or Edgerton translation if you want the readable and accurate work of an expert with a good introduction and one that is free from the heavy (mis)interpretation of this swami's preachy tome. Barbara Miller's version is very good too, but I don't think it captures the poetic beauty quite as well as the others.
Give it a restJuly 13, 2004 13 out of 22 found this review helpful
Prabhupada's translation seems gracious enough, though the commentary and illustrations go for a literal reading of the text. That has always been the snag of fundamentalism, regardless of what religion is being professed. Here the venerable swami berates those who come to the text seeking wisdom, but are unwilling to see the words as an absolute, revealed truth. He points to the text as if it were the sole recipe for one's moral and spiritual development. If you are inclined to believe that, then this edition of the Gita may be the one for you.
One particular iillustration shows a man eating a lobster being reincarnated as a pig in his next life. Enough. There are good souls who eat meat: the world is wide enough to allow for this reality. This commentary is not. My contention is that this is a modern take of an ancient text. Let the original text speak to the reader in such manner that he chooses vegetables of his own accord. As for me, I cook meat and am not specifically a follower of Krishna. Call me a pig, and refer to passages of the Gita to suggest that my errancy has been revealed by "The Supreme Personality of Godhead." This is what fundamentalism does. It tells you that you are not part of the fold if you do not succumb to its tenets on all accounts. The Gita is too beautiful a text to be interpreted in such a way.
On the other hand, notable scholars, including Merton, have praised this edition. It is certainly worth reading, albeit with the discretion of one's own God-given reason. You may find there are useful things that Prabhupada has to offer. You do get a glance of what it's like to be a true believer. Moreover, despite the literal reading, not all he has to say is counterproductive to reality. He does offer sharp commentary on a number of contemporary issues. One to grow on: just keep in mind there are other editions out there, and you probably won't be reincarnated as a pig for choosing to read them.
Bhagavad Gita Wisdom and practicesApril 15, 2004 10 out of 15 found this review helpful
After having read this version of the Bhagavad Gita, I still do not in any way shape or form consider myself to be a follower of the Hare Krishna religion. I read this primarily as a seeker who was curious to read another version of the Gita. I want to make it clear that this version is definately a religious version of the Gita. It is the bible of the Hare Krishnas. With that said, I want to say that even though I still mainly have an interest in other systems of spiritual thought other than the Hare Krishna religion, there are some very good guidelines laid out here for many. The main thing I want to praise is the great power and simplicity of the Mantra that is put forth in these teachings. I have tried many different spiritual practices and I feel that one of the easiest and most powerful is chanting the Name of God (japa). The Mantra offered here is a great practice that we can all follow. I tend to be somewhat of an intellectual when it comes to spirtuality and I resisted chanting because it seemed...well...stupid. I finally tried it after reading a different book that spoke of the great power of chanting the name of God, I rememembered the Hare Krishna mantra and I am deeply impressed with the results. I know of no other spiritual practice that is so simple (you can even down it while driving) and yet as powerful. After a session of chanting you feel deeply connected to your Self. Even for those that do not intend to convert to this religion, if your looking for a great and simple spiritual practice, you can't go wrong with this chant. I leave you with the Maha Mantra: HARE KRISNA, HARE KRISHA, KRISHNA, KRISHNA, HARE HARE, HARE RAMA, HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA, HARE HARE.
Shows teen the way back to GodheadApril 10, 2004 11 out of 16 found this review helpful
Hare Krishna! I am a 17 year old catholic-born high school student in new orleans. I have been searching for the Truth for many years and in many places. I have found glimpses of the Truth and pearls of wisdom in many scriptures and religions but this is the only Scripture which has truly shown me the Way back home, back to Godhead. I realized by reading this that Krishna is the source of all pleasure and I will continue to chant the Holy Names of the Lord. God bless you all.
