Customer Reviews

The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, As Remembered by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(3)

 

 

The first version of the Gita that I read through completely, was a small book written by Christopher Isherwood. A disciple of Swami Prabhavananda (see 'My Guru and his Disciple' by Christopher Isherwood), it was given out by the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in California. In vers libre format, it burnished my budding apetite for genuine spirituality at the time (early 1980's) with new wings. I soared with the loftiness of the message deeply resonating with the glorious descriptions of the magnificience of the Self during those early and halcyon days of my quest.

26 years later, I find a new version of the same holy book. Also by a Westerner, but probably one who understands the Hindu religion and what it stands for, better than most practising Hindus do. Reading this book, got the same lofty feelings to well forth, but this time I sense deep undercurrents of feeling attached to the concepts of this age old treatise, yielding a new dimension and richness to the presentation of these holy truths. Having been born and bred an American, Kriyananda has been able to convey the holy message of this text in a way that is tailored to the demands of a fast paced modern society, going increasingly global every day.

In the early chapters of this book, the allegorical link between the five Pandava brothers and the chakra system is explained. This is relatively esoteric material that has never appeared before, at least to my knowledge. Later on, the Gita is analyzed, stanza by stanza, beginning with a Sanskrit paragraph and its literal English translation, followed by an extensive commentary in each case. In these commentaries, Kriyananda puts down in writing his own memories of his Guru's comments on the various passages of the Bhagavad Gita. For the benefit of those interested in reincarnation, Yogananda had said that he himself had been an incarnation of Arjuna, the Pandava prince, who received the information from Krishna firsthand. That fact could probably be one of the factors that account for the interpretational depth of these writings. Wherever possible, connections to other major religions are cited and the explanations are forthright and lucid. In particular, there is a section on the physical aspects of Kriya Yoga which is the science of breath as taught by Paramahamsa Yogananda and which has only been recently released to the general public. The physiological consequences of a regular practice of this process are explored. This is also material that has never appeared before.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it is a fast read and holds one's attention, even as these eternal truths unfold one by one. This work is unquestionably a labour of love, being Kriyananda's magnum opus after eighty plus books.

In closing, I would like to mention, that like all Scripture, the Bhagavad Gita is only a book. It is a miniscule version of the ecstasy that ISNESS emanates, although one may and does feel whiffs of the same from the reading. The real task of experiencing the ISNESS is, of course, a different story, but this book could be a useful tool along the way.

I have been a yogi for over 25 years, and have loved the Bhagavad Gita for almost as long. As a result I have read many translations, and quite a few commentaries, earnestly seeking to understand the depth of Krishna's message. Being a devotee of Yogananda's and having read all of SRF and Ananda's books over the years, I really didn't think I would learn anything new in reading this Gita. How very wrong I was! Swamiji explains at great depth, but with disarming (and charming) simplicity, what Krishna means "in essence," and how to apply these lessons in our thoughts, our actions, and in every aspect of our daily lives. He explains thoughtfully, clearly, how to think about our lives on this planet, what our goals ought to be, the pitfalls of limited choices. Best of all, he assures the reader why the only eventual result for all of us MUST be success, liberation, and returning to the Self and the Home we long for.

As someone who has hundreds of books, many of which have been my cherished teachers and friends, I can state with absolute certainty that if I could have only one book to read for the rest of my life, THIS would be it. If I knew everything Swamiji states in this book, as Krishna says in the Gita, "there would be nothing more to know."

Buy it, keep an open mind, and persist in reading it, even if an idea challenges the way you "used" to think about things. This book will change your life.

The Gita contains the distilled essence of religious practice. Too bad that all of the interpretations, so far, have been hemmed-in by the culture of India. Or, they've been so poetically terse or scholarly dry as to obscure their practical application.

I think of this book as an "American Gita" because it's just incredibly readable, continually interesting, and wonderfully plainspoken. It never talks down or becomes hazy or heavy, but speaks to the reader as a friend. I'm familiar with Yogananda, how he said of these Gita interpretations that millions would "find God through this book -- not thousands. Millions! I know, I have seen it!" This book has that kind of power. Reading it, one feels in touch with a sacred dispensation. It is a blessing to hold it in one's hands. Doubly amazing, then, that it is so open-hearted, joyous, and humanly compassionate. This is religion freed from old forms of doctrinal rigidity and sectarian hate; it's religion that speaks to the individual seeker directly - thatt calls to the human heart to form a direct, personal relationship with God. Best of all, it reveals the practical steps to that inner communion. I say thank heaven for Kriyananda and his Guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. They have left us a gift of great value.

Once again, this reviewer feels the restriction of a Five Star maximum vote. This book deserves more than that--much more.

I have read other versions and interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita. All of them raised some confusion in my mind. None of them had the clarity and transforming power of this one.

Swami Kriyananda has done a magnificent job, not only of recalling and setting down for posterity the matchless insights of his guru, but of presenting a spiritual handbook for the coming millennium.

This is a Gita that, through its embodiment of universal truth, transcends the boundaries of religious sectarianism. It is a true Song of the Lord, with each note of the divine melody clearly marked. The world owes a debt of gratitude to Paramhansa Yogananda and his disciple, Swami Kriyananda, for this priceless offering.

To anyone of any spiritual inclination whatsoever, I say, buy this book. THIS IS IT. THIS IS THE ONE. It will do more than answer your questions; it will bring you bliss.

Richard Salva--author of Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh [UNABRIDGED]

Paramhansa Yogananda told Swami Kriyananda (the author) that millions would find God through Yogananda's insights on the Gita, and this book truly contains the essence of those insights without over-burdening the reader with metaphysical intricacies.

It very clearly and directly goes into the prime aspect of spirituality: the movement of energy in the spine and how our choices and decisions (the inward battle of Kurukshetra) affect that movement. This is why this book is a spiritual classic, not a religious treatise. For while the Bhagavad Gita is a scripture revered by Hindus, the Gita is not about Hinduism: it's about the true goal of every religion, inner communion with God. It's applicable to people of all faiths.

Rich with gems of wisdom, and applicable to people in all stages and walks of life, it is worthy of repeated reading and study and most importantly, putting into active practice. Chapter 30 "The Three Levels of Spiritual Practice," for example, is simply loaded with clear counsel living according to the highest values and truths. It's a book that belongs not on the shelf, but in the open hands of every spiritual seeker.

This book is a must read for all sincere spiritual aspirants, no matter what his/her religion is. This is truly a cosmic text which reaches deep into one's soul. It is a perfect introduction for newcomers to the power and depth of the Bhagavad Gita and for those who seek inspiration daily upon its deep wisdom. The author clearly shows that the Bhagavad Gita is actually deeply allegorical in nature. This book will definitely help the reader to achieve inner bliss if he/she is very sincere about his/her spiritual life.

Swami Kriyananda has produced another gem of wisdom and compassion with this book. If you have nor read the Gita before, this is indeed an excellent recommendation because it is non-sectarian in its approach, compared to some of the books on the Gita out there. This book is simply galvanizing!

Lastly, I would also like to recommend the book The Bhagavad Gita: Royal Science of God-Realization: God Talks with Arjuna: The Immortal Dialogue Between Soul and Spirit (2 volumes) by Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda's guru as well. That book is an equally great masterpiece as well!

This commentary on the Gita makes deep spiritual truths clear and understandable. It's a how-to book on the most important subject of all: How to Win the Battle of Life! This treasure will not only give you a deeper understanding of the inner and outer battle, but is also extremely encouraging, making the highest spiritual realizations actually seem possible.

The joy and inner realization of the author permeates the book. The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita is not written in the lofty, esoteric, impersonal style of so many 'profound' books - but with warmth, clarity, and inspiration.

Whatever your spiritual inclination or practice - devotion, wisdom, service, renunciation, meditation, yoga - you'll find this book to be a friend for life.

The Essence Of The Bhagavad Gita by Paramhansa Yogananda (The first Indian Yoga Master to establish his life work in the west) as remembered by his Disciple Swani Kriyananda (founder of Ananda Sangha) is an exhaustive explanation of the Bhagavad Gita, sacred text to Hindus worldwide, in terms accessible to lay readers and religious scholars alike. Introductory chapters walk the reader through the origin and allegory of the Bhagavad Gita, but the bulk of The Essence Of The Bhagavad Gita takes the sacred text passage by passage and explicates at length the literal, spiritual, allegorical, cultural and other implications. Written with particular care and clarification for readers who may be personally unfamiliar with ancient Indian history, Hindu belief tenets, and similar matters, The Essence Of The Bhagavad Gita is enthusiastically recommended for public and college library shelves, as well as the personal shelves of any reader curious about what Hindu holy men have to say about this classic sacred text.

Remembering the teachings of one's master and then explaining them to the world is the harrowing task undertaken by Swami Kriyananda in "The Essence of Bhagavad Gita", a book of 649 pages dedicated to the mindset of Yoga and its use in the modern world. Focusing on things even people who aren't followers of Yoga can appreciate, such as bringing one's soul to unite with the divine while still living life, preparing for life's final exams, and overcoming pain and suffering, "The Essence of Bhagavad Gita" is highly recommended for community library spirituality collections.

I have spent almost 12 years of my life preoccupied with spirituality and religion. I have read many books on those subjects. I have also been meditating for a long while. But everytime I picked up a version of the Bhagavad Gita, somehow the explanation or interpretation seemed to be not quite right. It was just an intuitive feeling that the Bhagavad Gita must mean something more, or something else, than what I was reading. So I would just put the book back on the shelf and move on to another book. But I was always awaiting the moment when the Bhagavad Gita would jump out at me. It finally happened when I flipped through this book. It gave a perspective that was truly a revelation for me. I have been reading it everynight and I have been quoting passages from it over emails to many of my friends. This is truly a gem. I highly recommend that you get a copy of this book if you consider yourself to be even slightly spiritually inclined.