Customer Reviews

Bhagavadgita

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S. Radhakrishnan's is the best commentary I have ever read on the background to the meaning of the Gita and it's application to correct daily living. I own eleven translations of the Gita that I have read and studied for the past ten years and this is by far the most moving of them all. Each verse or group of verses is dealt with in a sensitive and often times inspiring manner. If one loves the Gita one will grow to love the God who inspired it even more by reading and rereading this text. A close second, in depth and feeling is Juan Muscaro's introduction to his translation of the Gita (Penguin Classics). If you want to learn to live a better life, this is a highly recommended source of wisdom.

The Bhagavadgita (the Lord's Song) is the heart of the great classical Indian Epic, the Mahabharata. The hero of this epic is given the choice, just before a great war, whether to take the offer of a mighty army- or to choose a single charioteer. Of course, that charioteer is Krishna (the avatar of the god Vishnu on earth.) Krishna will not be able to intervene supernaturally in the conflict, but only offer teaching and advice. The hero, Arjuna, chooses Krishna and his advice over the mighty army, for he knows that to be in accord with God's will is all that truly matters. Besides, he also realises that Vishnu only incarnates on our plane of existence when things have deteriorated far out of control and it is time for Him to once again restore peace, justice, and harmony to the world. In other words, he KNOWS that he will be on the side of God, for God will literally be at his side.

This text represents the teachings that Krishna imparts to the hero, Arjuna. It is a message of how to put one's self and soul into accord, and in doing so, put one's self into mystic union with the divine. It is a message that one should do one's duty in the world without becoming too attached to one's actions or rewards (to be in the world but not of it.) It is also an assurance that the body is merely the body- to lose it is not to cease to exist. It is also a declaration that doing right for the sake of right is far more important that observing rigid rules and rituals of religious conduct.

This text is the excellent verse translation of Sir Edwin Arnold (1832-1904.) The Sanscrit terminology is all explained either in the forward, in footnotes, or immediately in the poetical, but highly comprehendable, text. I am not sure why this particular volume is listed as "abridged" for it is not. It is only abridged in the sense that the Bhagavadgita is an abridgment of the larger Mahabharata.

This is yet another marvelous selection in the highly affordable and tastefully selected Dover Thrift Editions collection.

Bhagvad Gita is a Wonderful Poem in Indian Literature (Sanskrit language). But given the fact that this language is no longer spoken (just like Latin), the contents of the great works such as Bhagvad Gita have to be read in translated forms.

Sir Arnold's translation is in poetic form, unlike most translations, which are mainly prose.

It makes for a concise reading, without really missing the the essence.

The Gita is my Manager, and I have personally benefitted immensely in dealing with main daily life sitiuations both in family and work. It has made a profound diference to my decision making ability qand leadership qualities.

I sincerely hope that every ambitious person takes time to read this and beenfit from the relevant parts of the text.

Gandhi found this translation of the Gita to be the best he was able to find. Little more need be said.

The Bhagavadgita is one of the world's true classics of literature. Since it is not part of "western culture" it is often not included in the curriculum of school in the US, much to our loss. This translation is one of the most common, and the Dover edition is incredibly affordale. Being abridged, it is not a text for scholarly studies, but instead provides a great introduction to wisdom from the east... Highly recommended for students and casual readers.

The GITA is as inspiring as it is poetic, in Edwin Arnold's translation. I found my greatest spiritual direction from it years ago, and still do . Above, there is a quote from the dictionary about the 2nd century AD. The reason for this thinking came from the 19th century when the scripture was finding it's way into Europe, becuase scholars saw it's message was so close to that of Jesus Christ's message, they erroneously assumed it was written AD. We have learned much about Indology since then. It was probably written circa 800 BC or earlier. Krishna lived in 3000 BC, and Hindus give him the same status that Christians do to Jesus. If Jesus words seem so similar, and they do, this is further evidence of Jesus long stay in India with the Hindu Yogis during his missing years.

The Gita's symbology has been very skillfully explained by Paramahansa Yogananda in his Gita comentary "God Talks With Arjuna" .Anyone who enjoys the Gita's wisdom, will marvel at the inner meanings it can divulge....

I have read 3 different interpretations of the Holy Gita. Nothing comes close to this one. Radhakrishnan's commentary is simply phenomenal.

This translation of the Gita is the best one that I have come across. It is far superior to the "Bhagavad-Gita As It Is" translation. I especially like how cogent the interpretation is. Highly recommended!

This is a privately owned thrift paperback so I didn't expect much. It is smaller than some other books of its kind but suffices. The seller packed it as well as she would have a more expensive book. I am content.

This beautiful scripture is easy to read, and provides incredible insight into the religious views represented. The story is a beautiful dilemma, and while I disagree with the outcome and the Hindu religion, I appreciate the literary contribution.