The Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, a profound literary piece by Eknath Easwaran, is a must-read for anyone interested in spiritual growth. Published by Nilgiri Press in 2007, this book falls under the genre of philosophy and religion. The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. Eknath Easwaran's interpretation of this timeless scripture is highly acclaimed and appreciated for its simplicity and depth. The author's unique ability to relate the spiritual wisdom of the Gita to the challenges of modern life makes it an invaluable guide for anyone seeking inner peace, courage, and clarity of purpose. So, if you're on a spiritual quest or simply curious about Hindu philosophy, The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran, published by Nilgiri Press, is a book you shouldn't miss.

The Bhagavad Gita, “The Song of the Lord,” is probably the best known of all the Indian scriptures, and Easwaran’s clear, accessible translation is the best-selling edition. The Gita opens dramatically, with prince Arjuna collapsing in anguish on the brink of a war that he doesn’t want to fight. Arjuna has lost his way on the battlefield of life, and turns to his spiritual guide, Sri Krishna, the Lord himself. Krishna replies in 700 verses of sublime instruction on living and dying, loving and working, and the nature of the soul.

This book includes an extensive and very readable introduction, which places the Gita in its historical setting, explains the key concepts, and brings out the universality of its teachings. Individual chapter introductions prepare the reader for the main themes, and notes, a Sanskrit glossary, and an index are included.

Although the battlefield is a perfect backdrop, for Easwaran the Gita’s subject is the war within, the struggle for self-mastery that every human being must wage. Arjuna’s dilemma is acutely modern, and the Gita’s message remains as relevant for us now as it was for ancient India.