The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary for Modern Readers [Paperback]

Sri Swami Satchidananda (Author), Swami Satchidananda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1997

The Bhagavad Gita tells the story of how Arjuna, the great warrior, is seated in his chariot about to engage in battle, when he sees his own kinsmen and his revered teacher arrayed in battle against him, and feels that he cannot fight. It is then that Krishna, the Cosmic Lord, comes to counsel him. Arjuna represents the human soul seated in the chariot of the body and Krishna is the inner Spirit, the God within, who is there to consel him. Today we see humanity divided against itself and threatened with nuclear war and mutual destruction. No political means are adequate to deal with this problem, and many are driven to despair. It is then that the message of the Gita comes to teach us that it is only when we rise above human schemes and calculations and awake to the presence of the indwelling Spirit that we can hope to find the answer to our need.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Just as the many great yogis of the past bequeathed commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita to the people of India, Swami Satchidananda, who is a master of communicating the way of yoga with western words and images, has finally done the same for us. All popular English editions of the Gita must now take a backseat to this exquisite new edition. -- Meditation Magazine

About the Author

His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidananda is one of the most revered Yoga Masters of our time. A much-loved teacher, well known for his combination of practical wisdom and spiritual insight, he gave his life to the service of humanity, demonstrating by his own example the means of finding abiding peace. His message of peace, both individual and universal, has been heard worldwide. Each year, he received hundreds of invitations to speak at conferences, colleges, medical groups, and houses of worship around the globe.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 326 pages
• Publisher: Integral Yoga Publications (January 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932040276
• ISBN-13: 978-0932040275
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Bhagavad Gita
  • #40 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Hinduism
  • #44 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Living Gita for Living People, May 28, 2000

By 

Joan J. Williams (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary for Modern Readers (Paperback)

I have explored several versions of the Bhagavad Gita with commentaries, among them, that by William Q. Judge and the one provided by Paramahansa Yogananda. Previous to reading The Living Gita, I have been confused and haven't understood the ideas expressed. Sri Swami Satchidananda presents the text in easy-to-understand English, and offers concrete examples drawn from our everyday life to support his version and the commentaries he makes. The superficial story is of opposing armies on the battlefield, but the underlying meaning relates more to our everyday fight with our more selfish instincts, and how we can rise above our natural self-centered inclinations. I appreciate the insights that Swami Satchidananda gives us in our daily struggle to be better human beings.

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Living the Bhagavad Gita., July 4, 2002

By 

BRENDEN SKUDDER (Auckland New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary for Modern Readers (Paperback)

Sri Swami Satchidananda has brought to life the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita for the modern seeker. The Bhagavad Gita is the beautiful and famous lessons on life that Krishna gave Arjuna on the battle field. The Gita starts with the great war on the battle field Kurukshetra between two families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Arjuna belonging to the Pandavas must fight to up hold righteousness against the evil Kauravas. But on seeing the Kauravas on the battlefield and realizing that he knows many of them as teacher, friend and kin, Arjuna finds that he cannot go in to battle. Krishna observing Arjunas inner conflict gives Arjuna lessons on the reality of life. Reading the story we see that the battlefield is not the Kurukshetra but our own body. The evil Kauravas our learned habits formed by ego and its manifestations. The Pandavas our pure qualities of love, non-violence, peace and truth. Arjuna is our inner being having conflict with our actions and expressions and Krishna the Lord every loving in his guidance.
The Bhagavad Gita is truely a great scripture with much truth contained with in its lessons. However as a modern society we often struggle to assimilate spiritual teachings in to our present expression of life. Some find it hard to relate to our present life and a lesson that happened thousands of years ago. Here is where Sri Swami Satchidananda has gifted us with a modern commentary on the Bhagavad Gita that relates to our modern mind and environment. To capture the beauty of this book is to express the teachings through action in our every day. life. I brought this book for my brother who showed an interest in my love of Vedic teachings. I brought him this commentary and read some of it before I sent it to him. I liked Sri Swami Satchidananda's commentary so much that I went and brought another copy for myself. Full of truth and so easy to relate too!

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and easily understood translation of the Gita, August 22, 2006

By 

Jay Mehta - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary for Modern Readers (Paperback)

The Gita can be read very easily without much understanding. This translation and commentary is relatively easy to understand. Its lessons can be incorporated into daily life. It is also reassuring that the interpretation is coming from a swami. Swami Satchidananda uses simple examples from life to clarify even the most obscure sentences in this text. BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE A SEEKER!