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In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna employs various teaching methods to aid Arjuna’s comprehension and to remove his misunderstandings. He often explains a difficult statement with the aid of a simile drawn from everyday human experience and the Bhagavad Gita contains some of the most suggestive and beautiful similes in the entire sacred literature of Hinduism. The similes of Krishna add a beautiful visual dimension to words and invite reflection and exploration.

In this text, Prof. Rambachan has chosen twelve similes for reflection. They deal with diverse but interrelated matters such as the nature of the self, death, scriptures, self-control, peace, wisdom, and the nature of God. These similes offer an exciting entrance into the Hindu worldview and the author invites us to explore the inexhaustible richness of each image.

Review(s)

“…Each of the similes contains an inexhaustible richness of meaning to which the author adds significant classification. The similes open up an easy entrance to the basic Hindu thought which otherwise could be elusive for easy comprehension. An inte

About the Author(s)

ANANTANAND RAMBACHAN is an Associate Professor of Religion at St. Olaf

College in Minnesota. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Rambachan earned

his Ph.D. at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. He was awarded

Trinidad’s second-highest national honor, the Chaconia Gold Medal, for

public service in 1987.

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.

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