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The traditional number of verses of the Gita is defined by the teacherSankara (788-820 CE) as being 700. However, a number of 745 versesresults from the Gitamana, an inserted stanza that gives the number ofverses spoken by each speaker in the Gita. The Gitamana is found mostlyin Kashmirian versions of the Mahabharata, inserted directly after theBhagavadgita, and is not found in Bengali and southern recensions.The Gitamana is placed just before the 51 verses of the Gitasara, which isthe summary of the Gita. Adding the Gitasara to the Bhagavadgita extendsthe Bhagavadgita, and can be made to comply with the specifications givenin the Gitamana. Perhaps this is the first translation into English of theGitasara, reveals thoughts not found in the Gita and worth meditatingon, even the passages that are difficult.

The Shiva Sutra was revealed to and written down by Vasugupta (ca 875-925 CE). The Sutra is considered mystical and of divine origin. For Kashmir Shaivism, it is one of the most important key sources. It outlines the teachings of Shaiva non-dualism, where the focus is on attaining the Ultimate Reality in which everything is created and dissolved. This ultimate state is called Param Shiva and is beyond description. For attaining this state of Shiva for those who remember to reside in their own inherent-self-nature, which is of the nature of Shiva, no effort or no way is needed. For everyone else there are three ways for the attainment of Param Shiva described in the Shiva Sutra. There is no strict order given for meditating on the Sutra. It depends on one's stage of evolution. May this new translation contribute to the appreciation of the Shiva Sutra and deepen your meditation.