Bhagavad Gita

Although the Bhagavad-gita has traditionally been regarded as a poem of primarily religious significance, Dr. Agarwal shows that with the proper interpretation its message may be ransformed into a set of practical ethical guidelines. This practical aspect of the Gitaês teaching, its insistence that involvement with the world is an ethically correct function of human behaviour, is the focus of this book. That involvement with the worldês is expressed by the term ‘Lokasamgraha’. The term covers a multitude of social and political forms of behaviour and attitudes of mind and is perhaps more central to the meaning the Gita should have for modern man than its traditional other-worldly interpretation.

Dr. Agarwal has examined the various ways in which India has reacted to the impact of many powerful foreign influences over the past two centuries. He has done so by studying the lives and the activities of select Hindu thinkers who through their writings and their ways of life showed their awareness of a need to preserve an Indian identity. All of them undertook to define these differences and thus established their views on what might be acceptable alternatives for India and the Indian genius vis-a-vis those principles and customs that run counter to the Indian tradition. But they were not unanimous in either their conclusions or the strategies they devised for attaining their common goal. The author has concentrated on the role the Bhagavad-gita has played in the lives and works of these thinkers.

Review(s)

About the Author(s)

Dr. Satya P. Agarwal is a Social Scientist. His academic honours 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 author of several books besides the present one which are widely acclaimed and appreciated by the discerning readers. Other honours conferred on him include: (i) Kunti Goyal International Award, (ii) Special Award of Manas Sangam and (iii) International Tulasi Award.

The Gita is a song-not just any song, but a very special song, the song of God-sung by the

Divine Being of infinite consciousness to His most beloved devotee, Arjuna. Arjuna in Sanskrit means clear white light, the brightness and clarity, the name of the man who manifested the clarity of pure devotion by which the Lord’s wisdom may be heard, and by which the universal form may be perceived. And what a song it is! A symphony of soul’s longing for divinity, of the search for clarity, the explanations of yoga-what constitutes divine union, and how one gets there. No

subject of spiritual evolution remains neglected by the Gita.

The Gita has been translated into more languages than any other literary work. In English

alone there are more renditions than can be counted. Each one has its own character, each one

a slightly different analysis. Some are poetic, some philosophical, some dogmatic, some universal.

This translation by Dr. Prasad is just beautiful-so simple and clear. He uses just enough sanskrit to convey the majesty and beauty of the language and the intensity of the dialogue, and yet does not leave the reader dumbfounded in an unintelligible maze of vocabulary. The universal principle of the philosophy he espouses are filled with poetic grace and style. He captures so much of the Grace of the Gita, even in the prose of English, that the orchestrations of wisdom cannot but help lull our hearts after every chapter.

From Confusion’s first desire to neglect one’s duty or responsibilities, to the infinite vision of

the Lord as a consequence of total surrender to the will of God, Prasad’s rendering takes the

reader from doubts and misgivings to perfect efficiency in all that one undertakes.

The Bhagavad-Gita has the original Sanskrit text with Roman transliteration, and a lucid English rendition. Concise and to the point commentaries on two hundred twenty-seven selected key verses are provided. One hundred thirty three verses are printed in red to enable the first-time readers to study these verses before delving deep into the vast ocean of transcendental knowledge. The teachings of saints and sages of major religious denominations as well as world leaders and scholars have been included. Quotations from the Vedas, Puranas, Upanisads, Smrtis, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhakti-sutras, Brahma-sutra, Yoga-sutra, as well as other major scriptures of the world such as the Bible, Dhammapad and Koran have been incorporated to underline the basic unity of all religious thoughts and to promote the universal brotherhood of mankind. Epilogue, references, Sanskrit transliteration and pronuciation guide, glossary and index are provided. A guide to meditation, beautiful pictures and Gita Calisa are included for daily Sadhana.

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“The Gita is a doctrine of universal truth, the Sanatana dharma, commonly known as Hinduism. It has the capacity to come down to the level of the reader and raise him to peace of mind.” – The Adyar Library Bulletin-1996 – K.K. Raja

The originally of the author/compiler lies in providing a suitable glass on all the important stanzas. While doing this, he has drawn upon authentic sources of Indian philosophy and history, and has juxtaposed quotes from the teachings of other religions. – Prabuddha Bharata Vol.102, December 1997 – Dr. Narendranath B. Patil, Mumbai

About the Author(s)

The gita is a doctrine of universal truth, the Sanatana dharma, commonly known as Hinduism. It has the capacity to come down to the level of the reader and raise him to peace of mind. (The Adyar Library Bulletin-1996) -KK. Raja, The originality of the author/compiler lies in providing a suitable gloss on all the important stanzas. While doing this, he has drawn upon authentic sources of Indian philosophy and history, and has juxtaposed quotes from the teachings of other religions. (Prabuddha Bharata, Vol 102, Dec. 1997) -Dr. Narendranath B. Patil, Mumbai.