The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for WesternersJuly 27, 2004 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Jack Hawley has taken an honored ancient story from a distant tradition and put it in language that brings not only the story but the principles within it into clear focus, thus making it both inspiring and easy to understand. This is an outstanding piece of work and is, by far, the best translation I have come across.
Accessible to allApril 4, 2002 4 out of 6 found this review helpful
I have struggled over the past few years to try and make sense of various translations of the Gita. I would need to have glossary in hand and still, became increasingly confused by the language and felt I was lost in finding the meaning of this important piece of yogic literature. Jack Hawley has allowed me to find the beauty and the message of the Gita through a version that tells the story so clearly, that there is no confusion as to the lessons we are given.Key elements are continuously reinforced so we do not have to flip back for reference. A valuable addition to a yoga library of books and recomended as a first exposure to the famous scripture before attempting a more traditional version.
Knowing thyselfMarch 5, 2002 9 out of 11 found this review helpful
Like my favorite collection of Eastern wisdom, "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" by Taro Gold, this translation of the Bhagavad Gita is less about Eastern philosophy and more about the struggle within to 'know thyself'. The war spoken about in this book is the war that we all can relate to, the dualities, the fears, the skepticism and then realization of the incomprehensible. The beauty in the Bhagavad Gita resembles the poetry of life, calm but forceful, stern while also sympathetic and compassionate. This book doesn't question beliefs, but it somehow insures that there is a belief, and offers different perceptions toward our own personal outlooks.
Awakening Reading experience.February 23, 2002 1 out of 4 found this review helpful
Jack Hawley has done great service to the Holy Ghagavad Gita. Making it clearly more readable while maintining good accuracy of the message it gives us.
For those who seriously wish to see Krishna's personal and detailed intructions on the spriritual life, I doubt if there is a revlation so far in the world that surpasses the Gita.
The captured essence of the Godys SongFebruary 13, 2002 8 out of 10 found this review helpful
It is evident from the outset of this book that Jack Hawley is more concerned with delivering the spirit and meaning of the Bhagavad Gita than a scholarly translation. On my way to India I began reading this book, and when I arrived, I found that there were many aspects of the Bhagavad Gita expressed very simply by Jack Hawley that some of the Hindus didn't fully understand themselves! Although, some of the beauty seems to be lost in over westernization of terms a couple times, it is very good through out. (Sorry, I can't remember the words I'm referring to here...) I think this book would be perfect for people looking to understand the Bhagavad Gita; either as by itself as an introduction, as a supplement to a more scholarly version for the student, or as a refresher for those already familiar with Hinduism.
