Gita Explained

Rarely in a lifetime does a new spiritual classic appear that has the power to change people's lives and transform future generations. This is such a book. The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda shares the profound insights of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, as remembered by one of his few remaining direct disciples, Swami Kriyananda. This revelation of India's best-loved scripture approaches it from an entirely fresh perspective, showing its deep allegorical meaning and also its down-to-earth practicality. The themes presented are universal: how to achieve victory in life in union with the divine; how to prepare for life's "final exam," death, and what happens afterward; how to triumph over all pain and suffering. This book is itself a triumph. Swami Kriyananda worked with Paramhansa Yogananda in 1950 while the Master completed his commentary. At that time Yogananda commissioned him to disseminate his teachings world-wide. Kriyananda has in his lifetime lectured, taught, and written eighty-five books based on Yogananda's teachings. The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, Kriyananda's eighty-sixth book, is the crowning achievement of his highly productive life. In this, his masterpiece, he declares, "Yogananda's insights into the Gita are the most amazing, thrilling, and helpful of any I have ever read."

Commentary on 'The Bhagavad Geeta' by Swami Mukundananda

This commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, the daily scripture for over 1 billion people, is designed to unlock its depthless wisdom with striking clarity and focus for a modern audience.

The Bhagavad Gita Simplified is a collection of poems and translations of the pearls of wisdom delivered by Lord Krishna to rejuvenate Arjuna from inaction on the battle field, as depicted in the Mahabharatha written by Saint Vyasa. It is the essence of the ancient epic and vedas condensed into eighteen chapters, with each chapter elaborating on a yoga - a skill. The following chapters are a series of interpretations of the vedic poems for self-upliftment. Sankhya yoga explains the two paths; karma and knowledge. To achieve ultimate knowledge, one should follow both. In karma yoga, the need to perform karma is explained, because karma is the only means to achieve anything. In jnana – karma sanyasa yoga, the need for relinquishment is stressed. The yoga of meditation is very important, as it is said that without meditation, peace and enlightenment is impossible. Thus each chapter teaches a different skill, ultimately leading the reader to God Realization.

'The truth is, Partha,' Krishna said, 'that there is no "better" path. Both paths – the path of knowledge and the path of action – work just as well. It is up to you to pick the one that you are suited to.' The Bhagavad Gita is a profound book from India that people have cherished for over 2500 years. It emphasises kindness and understanding when we make mistakes, and tells a compelling story about Prince Arjuna and his friend Krishna. They engage in a crucial conversation about the war against the most powerful and dangerous enemy of all – the one that lives within our minds. Roopa Pai's spirited, one-of-a-kind retelling is engaging, easy to grasp, and leaves a lasting impact. After you finish reading, you'll find yourself contemplating its wisdom and feeling a sense of inner strength.

As a philosophical treatise and a religious canon, Bhagavad-Gita stood the test of time. With the prevalence of literacy, many hundreds of published and unpublished translations and commentaries abound. People find solace in the philosophy of Gītā and existential security in the promises given by Sri Krishna. Gītā was abused and is still subjected to harassment by philosophers and preachers who find it necessary to use it to support their doctrines and claims. This translation shows what Sri Krishna explained to Arjuna in terms of their cultural situation. At least in so far as the Mahābhārata described. This translation stands apart from others by its lack of exploitation of the Gītā for missionary or for philosophical purposes. Once you begin reading this, you may be reluctant to put it down. This really can put you in touch with Lord Krishna and with Arjuna, the initially discouraged but later courageous and enlightened warrior. Most of all, this volume opens the door to understanding the life style of persons who lived in the time of Śrī Krishna. With that clarification, you can methodically and consistently integrate the Gītā. As a philosophical treatise and a religious canon, Bhagavad-Gītā endured the test of time. With the prevalence of literacy, many hundreds of published and unpublished translations and commentaries abound. People find solace in the philosophy of Gītā and existential security in the promises given by Sri Krishna. This exceptional translation and commentary opens an avenue to Krishna's explanations about the mysteries of material existence, the individual self and the Supreme Being. It answers many questions, some of which are: Who are we? What is our purpose? Is there an eternal self? Is this physical world the one and only dimension?

For centuries, readers have turned to the Bhagavad Gita for inspiration and guidance as they chart their own spiritual paths. As profound and powerful as this classic text has been for generations of seekers, integrating its lessons into the ordinary patterns of our lives can ultimately seem beyond our reach. Now, in a fascinating series of reflections, anecdotes, stories, and exercises, Ram Dass gives us a unique and accessible road map for experiencing divinity in everyday life. In the engaging, conversational style that has made his teachings so popular for decades, Ram Dass traces our journey of consciousness as it is reflected in one of Hinduism’s most sacred texts. The Gita teaches a system of yogas, or “paths for coming to union with God.” In Paths to God, Ram Dass brings the heart of that system to light for a Western audience and translates the Gita’s principles into the manual for living the yoga of contemporary life. While being a guide to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Paths to God is also a template for expanding our definition of ourselves and allowing us to appreciate a new level of meaning in our lives.