Bhagavad Gita

This book has identified “the good of all” as the single most important criterion of excellence of any socio-spiritual approach to life’s problems–particularly in the context of the conflict-ridden society of today. The comprehensive coverage of this criterion, as presented in this study, has strong links with (like Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) three life-sustaining streams of thought. The first stream refers to the lokasamgraha-message of the Gita which has been formulated in that scripture from ten different but inter-connected angles. The second stream refers to the jagmangal-message of the Manas which is simpler to grasp and which can also be explained from the same ten angles as applied to the Gita. The third stream refers to the repeated expressions of the concern for “the good of all” which began with the Vedas and which continued as an integral part of the Indian tradition–a steady source that strengthened the calls of the Gita and Manas also.

By putting all these ideas together and by maintaining the interest of the readers, this book has opened the door to a new field of study and research, viz. the Indian contribution to the theory and practice of “the good of all.”

Review(s)

“His arguments are forceful and convincing. The book is a gem which is worth acquiring by all those interested in the subject.”

NATIONAL HERALD

About the Author(s)

Dr. Satya P. Agarwal is a Social Scientist. His academic honors include five gold medals and numerous merit scholarships and research fellowships at various universities. The Governor of the State of Maryland conferred upon him “The Governor’s Citation”, in recognition of his pioneering books as also his contribution to social service. He is the author of several books besides the present one which are widely acclaimed and appreciated by discerning readers. Other honors conferred on him include (i) the Kunti Goyal International Award, (ii) the Special Award of Manas Sangam, and (iii) the International Tulasi Award.

This contemporary companion to the Bhagavad Gita addresses the heart of human yearning. It offers the possibility of transforming the battle of life into a path to Truth, a living process. Each chapter presents a road toward our inner, universal Self, bringing a deeper and wider perspective along the way.

A psychological orientation invites the reader to move from abstract idea to individual insight. As the book proceeds, the relationship between the personal and the eternal gradually unfolds in an ever-expanding process of self-discovery.

Quotes from the great teachers are included in the text to inspire, uplift and help us cross over the sea of illusion.

When we can link our heart to that which has been called the first cause, the causeless cause, the way it will carry the momentum of our life toward ultimate fulfillment. This is Krishna’s promise to the person who surrenders his ego to the will of the higher force, be He called Krishna, Christ, Buddha, Yaweh, Self or the Divine Mother.

To live one’s life on the foundation of this secret brings true self-confidence.

For those who worship me alone,

thinking of no “other”

I provide for all they need.

Bhagavad Gita 9:22

Review(s)

About the Author(s)

Naina Lepes is the author of From Maya to Oneness and The Cat Guru. Her teachers are Sai Baba, Swami Chinmayananda and Mother Nature, whereas her formal education includes degrees in music, psychology and counseling.

Formerly, Naina worked as a Jungian-trained psychotherapist in New York, and now lives in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas.

Visit the author’s websites at www.thegitaspace.com and www.catguru.com.

We live in a world that functions by seeming ‘dualism’, a perspective that keeps us in bondage. In this book, dualism is addressed and shown to be illusionary, since every pair of opposites implies a third element: the notion of a difference implied by both opposites.

The Original Gita, which predates the Bhagavad Gita, focuses on the basic philosophical and practical essentials of life and living. Here dualism is addressed and shown to be illusionary, since every pair of opposites implies a third element: the notion of a different implied by both opposites. The discussion of what is an ever-present ‘difference’ in such a triunity and how it impacts everything we perceive is pivotal to awakening to a new dimension of observation. It is in the unseen difference that we become aware of opposites, such as long-short, day-night, true-false.

In the first part of the book, the questions-What is thought? What is space-time? What is life-death? – are examined in concise form to give a foundation for the understanding of the philosophy of the Gita. Using this basis of Eastern wisdom, the author comments on the 209 verses of The Original Gita, and a Sanskrit-to-English translation is given of the related 319 verses in the classic Bhagavad Gita that correspond to these verses; these 319 verses can therefore be considered as the core of the Bhagavad Gita. There is no reference in The Original Gita to the battle fought by the Bharatas, nor is there support for the caste system, which were interpolations added later to the Bhagavad Gita. The book includes a glossary for clarification of a number of germane Sanskrit terms, a bibliography, and an index.

Review(s)

About the Author(s)

Dr. Gerard D. C. Kuiken received his Ph.D. from the Delft University of Technology, where he lectured in the fields of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. He is the author of Thermodynamics of Irreversible Processes: Applications to Diffusion and Rheology, published by John Wiley & Sons. He has studied yoga since his youth, and resides in both The Hague in The Netherlands, and Santa barbara in California, USA.

The Geeta is an intimate dialogue between God and man. The God-incarnate is Lord Krishna and man is represented by the Mahabharata hero Arjuna. It is intimate because the esoteric wisdom imparted therein, says the Lords, is “is more secret than secrecy itself” (XVII. 63).

A great battle is to ensue between the two royal clans of Kauravas and Pandavas. Arjuna requests

Krishna, who is acting as his charioteer, to take him between the two standing armies so that he

may have a look at those who have gathered to fight with him. There Arjuna is overcome with grief and refuses to raise his bow against his respected gurus and elders, and other kith and kin. At this critical juncture Lord Krishna explains to him what is right and what is wrong, and how by adhering to dharma a person can earn the highest virtue.

Every human heart is like a battlefield of good and evil forces. At times a person is not able to

decide the right course of action. He is deluded and confused. When confronted with such a

situation, he can turn to the Geeta, it will not fail him. The book therefore is of universal appeal which offers satisfactory solution to basic human problems. Whatever page you turn, and whichever verse you read, it is bound to elevate and inspire. It is not the book of a particular race or religion but the common heritage of the entire mankind.

The general theme of the dialogue is the realization of the Supreme-Self through the constant practice of Yogic entity. Sri Krishna declares that those who strive, endowed with the spirit of selfless action, Yajna and Yoga, perceive the Lord dwelling in the self. Sri Krishna gives a

definite promise of His grace in the words, “Resigning all the Dharmas, seek refuge in Me

alone. I shall liberate you from all sins Grieve not.”

Review(s)

The explanations of verse are elaborate and elegant … . Laced with inspiring anecdotes, it is a remarkable commentary which will enlighten the learned as well as the laymen, in India and also in foreign lands. – BALDEO SAHAI Fellow, Indian National Science Academy

Mrs. Prabha Duneja has presented the universal and timeless message of The Bhagawad Geeta in a scholarly yet practical way. – Swami Prabuddhananda, Vedanta Society of Northern California, USA

The Legacy of Yoga in Bhagawad Geeta is a unique scholarly achievement and one, which will greatly benefit all who encounter it. I heartily recommend it. – Prof. Norris W. Palmer, Ph.D. Saint Mary’s College of California, USA

From the moment, I picked up Prabha Duneja’s translation of The Bhagawad Geeta, I knew this was an inspired work. Not only is her rendition an academic contribution in clear English but it retains the power of the original Sanskrit. – Prof. Sujan Burgeson Ph.D., Yuba College, California, USA

About the Author(s)

Founder and president of the Geeta Society, is also an active member of the Women’s Federation for world peace and the United Nations Association, USA. She is also the chairwoman of the Women’s Interfaith Circle of Service/CC-URI and a recipient of the Global Citizen award, given by UNA-the Commonwealth Club San Francisco, the Parliament of World’s Religions, schools, universities, churches, mosques, and interfaith conferences.

Mrs. Duneja, a graduate from the Sanskrit University of Kurukshetra, is a well-known Vedic scholar and a devotee of Lord Krishna. She is the author of the Legacy of Yoga in Bhagawad Geeta, Mantra and the Modern Man, Bhagawad Geeta: The Gospel of Timeless Wisdom, and has also recorded several series of lectures on the science of yoga and meditation, the secret powers of mantra, and the Bhagawad Geeta. For more information visit her website: holygeeta.org and contact her at duneja@aol.com