The Bhagavad 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."

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.

Commentary on 'The Bhagavad Geeta' by Swami Mukundananda

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 With the prevalence of literacy, many hundreds of published and unpublished translations and commentaries abound.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?

Why does one face sorrow and problems in life? What can allay the anxiety and stress inherent in the materialistic modern society? How can one get in touch with higher consciousness and strike a balance between the spiritual and worldly goals? If you are looking for answers to questions like these and searching for ways to empower your life, begin the quest with this volume, which presents the essence of one of the world’s most sacred texts in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. The Bhagavad Gita, a treasure trove of divine wisdom, was shared by Lord Krishna with Arjuna, the Pandava prince, at the battlefield of Kurukshetra, right before the Mahabharata or the ‘Great War’ began. It comprises 700 Sanskrit shlokas translated into English, which inspire one to seek and understand the profound truths of life through the ancient principles of Karma Yoga (the art of work), Gyan Yoga (the art of knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (the art of devotion). These eternal principles help to live life to the fullest, so that one can work better, think better and live better by tapping into higher consciousness, accessing the spiritual dimension and nurturing the pure self. The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita is a perfect source to discover the art of self-empowerment by exploring the various facets of this most sacred text and imbibing its all-encompassing wisdom to attain unending joy, peace and success.

"The words of Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita," writes Paramahansa Yogananda, "are at once a profound scripture the science of Yoga, union with God, and a textbook for everyday living." The Bhagavad Gita has been revered by truth seekers of both the Eas...