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

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.

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 shloka3) 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. :)

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.

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

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.

This book is amazing. It contains the true teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Though people may think that this is a spiritual book, in reality it is not. I would say this book is more philosophical than anything. Read this book regardless of your religion or even if your an atheist.Famous people read the Bhagavad Gita and bathe their intellect in in everyday:Such people include:Albert Einstein said, "When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.",Ralph Waldo Emerson, Carl JungHenry David Thoreau who was quoted saying, ""In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita, in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seems puny and trivial."All the greatest minds have read the Bhagavad-Gita , so maybe that tells you something.I'm not religious in any way and I was hesitant to buy this book, but after hearing about all the great men who read this; I had too! I will have this book forever!