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The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary for Modern Readers Paperback – January 15, 1988

4.7 out of 5 stars 494

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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.

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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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Integral Yoga Publications; First Edition (January 15, 1988)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 326 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0932040276
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0932040275
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 0.035 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 494

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
494 global ratings
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This is a very deep book and I have been reading it slowly only to discover that pages 215-238 are missing. Clearly quality control was not done on this item. Very disappointing.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2011
The first version of the Gita I read was the translated by E. Easwaran. It was an excellent introduction to this Vedic classic and Easwaran's commentary (though relatively limited) served as good basis for understanding the Gita beyond its prose. Wanting to both read a different translation and to delve deeper into this spiritual cornerstone I chose "The Living Gita". This book delivers precisely what it claims- a commentary for modern readers. Even if you are unfamiliar with Hinduism/Vedic scripture or their spiritual practices this Gita commentary offers a bridge between the modern reader and the ancient context. Swami Satchidananda explains the meaning and implications of Krishna's teachings in a way that is simple though not insulting. His devotion and wisdom are tangible as he brings to life material that continues to influence religious and spiritually minded people. With this commentary it is easy to see why men like Gandhi chose this book for daily reading. The text is rich as is; but for those of us in the West who may not have the time or resources to seek out a Guru this commentary may be the next best thing. Satchidananda's voice is familiar and void of pretense. It is clear that his efforts to bring the beauty and richness of this Eastern staple to the Western reader originated from a heart that is familiar with its content, yet continues to be awed by it. If you wish to understand the Gita more, or the roots of Hinduism/Vedic religion, this book is an excellent start. Like all scriptures it can (and should) be read and re-read. It is accessible and practical and can be turned to for any situation that life may bring. I highly recommend this commentary.
40 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015
This is apt for modern readers, since...
1) It directly presents the shlokas in very simple English (so we can understand it)
2) Then explains Why Krishna/Arjuna recited that shloka
3) Then explains how it relates to us in general (in case of some important shlokas)
I always wanted to read a scripture that is an easy read, and I can understand the reasons behind the shlokas. This book is suitable in that sense.
We are losing the essence of our religion only because most of the great books are still in their original heavy duty form.
Unless we know the purpose behind the shlokas and how it relates to us, what is the point?
So, I generally tend Not to go into heavy duty books, since I would not be able finish even the first chapter in that case.
...
Thankfully, I bought the Kindle version, and I actually add my own notes of what I should or should not do in my own life, based on the knowledge gained from the important shlokas.
Or I can even just highlight a shloka.
I can bookmark the important pages.
This will help me re-read just the important parts later on, when I feel like reading the book again. :)
With the Kindle papaerwhite (with wifi), Kindle readability (with brightness adjustment) & usage is cool too. Its light weight and small size makes it far more suitable for reading than my Ipad. :)
19 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
Swami was my introduction to eastern meditation in 1972, via a record album. I soon moved on to TM for more personalized instruction and have stuck with that for 50 years. I chose this commentary by dowsing the many versions available. Funny to come back to an early influence. I like his commentary. It is practical yet profound. The TM founder, Maharishi, did a extensive commentary but only the first six chapters have been published and I wanted to get all 18 chapters. The Gita is as fresh now as it was 50 years ago.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2014
As a student of yoga it is always recommended that the Bhagavad Gita be read. I had tried many different translations and could not quite determine why it was so essential. However, when I started teacher training in earnest my instructor required this reading and I am so grateful she did. It finally gives a "modern" approach to the Gita in a form that is readable and easy to understand. I now feel as though I know why it's required reading for yoga students - it lays the foundation for all that yoga is. It discusses not only the physical practice but also the psychological and spiritual practice of yoga. It also compares to the other religious documents that are used currently - the Bible, the Torah, the Koran and the Dharma of the Buddha. It has been a huge help to me in the studies and also in my asana practice.
38 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2013
An engaging narration of the revered Gita. The Swami has a sense of humour and employs some interesting anecdotes and analogies. His approach is pragmatic, although, at times, one can sense that he injects a bit too much of his own opinions and interpretations.

But overall, a good read, especially for Gita-beginners.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2017
Robert Oppenheimer, with his pertinence to Donald Trump, was my motivation for buying the book. I recalled the statement he issued after watching the first Atomic Explosition, quoting the BhagavadGita, "Now I am death, the destroyer of Worlds". Oppenheimer was a student of of the Gita and other such teachings. He even studied Sanskrit to get closer to the true meaning of the Gita. When I started to fear the notion of a Trump Presidency and his possible winning, my fears grew as his impulsive behavior and demagogic ideas took flight, especially his quoted public comments about nuclear War, as if he were talking about the consequences of a football game. The Gita is tough read but worth it as I'm far from getting through it. Not being a Religious person so to speak, I do treasure the wisdom of the ages as relates to living a humane life in congess with others. The Gita is one such story with its teachings, along with other sages of the present and past
13 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Andrea Diblik Villaseñor
5.0 out of 5 stars Debes tenerlo si quieres entender la filosofía del yoga
Reviewed in Mexico on March 24, 2020
Me encanto ,siento que explica de una manera linda y con la que te puedes sentir identificado algo tan profundo .
melanie
5.0 out of 5 stars Easily understood, hard hitting lessons, a must read if you are human
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2020
Just a beautiful meaningful story of how to live life
Satva
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Reviewed in Germany on April 9, 2019
Very good
Eva
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
Reviewed in Spain on December 30, 2018
Very good book. Good explanations for normal westerners. It is the first time I am able to read the Gita.
Amaranthe
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the beginner
Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2022
Love the easy way in which this is set out to read and understand. It provides great context for the novice and is written in such a relatable and relaxed manner. I particularly enjoy how the commentary is weaved into the verses like a glue to bind it all together. It feels as if you are in the presence of a teacher, lovingly taking you on a journey. The book quality itself is rather poor in terms of the cover being very flimsy and transparent, but this book is worth it and is sadly hard to come by.
Customer image
Amaranthe
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the beginner
Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2022
Love the easy way in which this is set out to read and understand. It provides great context for the novice and is written in such a relatable and relaxed manner. I particularly enjoy how the commentary is weaved into the verses like a glue to bind it all together. It feels as if you are in the presence of a teacher, lovingly taking you on a journey. The book quality itself is rather poor in terms of the cover being very flimsy and transparent, but this book is worth it and is sadly hard to come by.
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