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The Bhagavad Gita: Royal Science of God-Realization
BOOKS
1173 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1940
About the author
Paramahansa Yogananda
707 books1,871 followersParamahansa Yogananda (Bengali: পরমহংস যোগানন্দ Pôromohôngsho Joganondo, Sanskrit: परमहंस योगानंद Paramahaṃsa Yogānaṃda), born Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Bengali: মুকুন্দ লাল ঘোষ Mukundo Lal Ghosh), was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced many westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book,
Autobiography of a Yogi
.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 12, 2013
These books (2 volumes) are the most sacred in my book collection.
I also own the 8 disc series of the Mahabharat, which is a; must watch in conjunction to the Gita.
Reading the Gita and watching the Mahabharat should be on everyones to read/watch list, if everyone read and watched this, the world would be a better place.
I also own the 8 disc series of the Mahabharat, which is a; must watch in conjunction to the Gita.
Reading the Gita and watching the Mahabharat should be on everyones to read/watch list, if everyone read and watched this, the world would be a better place.
August 26, 2012
The book is a master piece. It explains Krishna's teachings with as much conviction as some one who has heard it directly from His Lips. It helps view the whole Kurukshthra battle in a totally different angle. The first chapter which is the biggest in the book, sets the context about each important character in the Mahabharatha and how it Metaphysically relates to our own body and life. Needs to be read with great concentration to get the best out of it and for the techings to sink in. It also highlights at multiple places the commonality between the teachings of Yoga as taught by Krishna and the teachings of Christ. Please note, this book is for those who are serious about understanding the truths mentioned in Gita and NOT for a casual curious reader.
April 7, 2015
न मन्त्रदिकृतस्तत न च नैसर्न्गिको मम , प्रभाव एष सामान्यो , यस्य यस्यचुतः ओ हृदि .
Neither by the repetition of mantras Nor by inherited tendencies, Did I gain perfection, But only through unwavering concentration of the mind on god.
This book is for life. every time you read it, you learn something of great virtue.
Neither by the repetition of mantras Nor by inherited tendencies, Did I gain perfection, But only through unwavering concentration of the mind on god.
This book is for life. every time you read it, you learn something of great virtue.
January 14, 2013
There is nothing that brings immediate peace and calmness to my being then reading the Gita, Yogananda's commentary brings that great writing alive by his explanations of Indian Culture and the Yoga Sutras. There is a great deal of metaphoric language that needs commentary for us in the West. It is a magical experience to engage in reading the Gita, I have often wondered if there is perhaps some primordial sound irrespective of the translated language when studying these sacred scriptures.
November 15, 2014
One of the most direct paths on spirituality......if there was ever a book which changes lives, its this one.
July 12, 2012
Currently reading- "God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita" translated and explained by Paramahansa Yogananda. This book presents the interpretation by Paramahansa Yogananda of an ageless Hindu teaching much like the Christian Bible. However it is more specifically an allegory with characters representing the various parts of mind and emotion. Its purpose is to instruct the reader with a way to conquer negative tendencies in order to reach final perfection in God. It is not a book to read for entertainment as it has deep, moral lessons that require a great deal of thought and internal processing.
July 20, 2012
This is a beautiful edition of the Bhagavad Gita, and Yogananda's explication is very insightful.
October 21, 2012
A masterpiece of spiritual wisdom from the highest realm of consciousness of a greatest yogi himself... never has anything of this stature has ever been written before in the history of entire canon of world spiritual literature * Aum *
February 17, 2014
Science of Kriya-yoga and pranayama meditation as taught in Bhagavad-Gita
Swami Yogananda is the founder of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), and a leading observer of the kriya-yoga as taught in Bhagavad-Gita. His interpretation of Gita differs from other interpreters, but follows the beliefs in yoga philosophy of his progenitors, Yogi Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri (guru of Yogananda). The author finds that the teaching of Lord Krishna has many commonalities with the message of Jesus Christ, and he describes this in great detail throughout the book. In this volume we find the translation of each verse of Gita and its interpretation and how that is related to the overall message of Krishna. References to New Testament may also be found in many chapters.
The summary of the book is as follows: Bhagavadgita, the song of God is a profound scripture of yoga for seeking Eternal Bliss. The instructions are provided in a stepwise fashion in a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. The Gita teaches us the rightful duty in life and how to discharge with dispassion that avoids pain and nurtures wisdom and success in spiritual life. The enigmas of creation, life, suffering, the perpetual cycle of life and death could be avoided if man follows the message of Krishna. The mysteries that veil the Infinite Spirit will be revealed to all sincere devotees of the Lord. The right action, non-attachment to the material things in life and its sense pleasures, one can find union with the Supreme Cosmic Being by the highest yoga of pranayama meditation learned by an enlightened guru. The kriya-yoga taught by Krishna in the verses 4.29 and 5.27-28 is the supreme spiritual science of yoga meditation that leads to the victory of self-realization.
Interpreting verses 8.9-10;, and verses 8.17-19, the author states that the man has a choice to seek kriya-yoga in which consciousness and life energy (prana) are circulated up and down the spine equaling the effect of sun's passage through the signs of zodiac . The adept of kriya-yoga is a deep state of meditation and Samadhi which increasingly multiply the effect of each kriya. By quieting the heart through practice of kriya-yoga pranayama, the yogi disconnects his mind from his senses and breath. With this new freedom from bondage which ties consciousness to the body the yogi dissolves his ego in the blessed soul. Having attained soul perception, the yogi realizes the Cosmic Spirit behind all individual souls and all manifestation in the universe (Gita 9.6-8). The triple qualities of nature (three gunas) produces man's three bodies; physical, astral, and spiritual; the physical body consist of 16 gross elements, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, etc. The astral; body is made of 19 elements; ego, mind, intelligence, feeling, etc. The causal body consists of 35 divine thoughts corresponding to 35 elements of physical and astral bodies. Death does not liberate the soul and unites with Cosmic Spirit, but the astral bodies and causal body within it travel together with soul all encased from the coverings of the three bodies in the after death state. The process of liberation from the three bodies takes time. Even the avatar of Jesus Christ took three days or three periods of spiritual effort to emerge from physical, astral and causal bodies before he rose again. Jesus asks Mary not to touch his body because his resurrection was not complete (John 20.17). By practice of yoga, a devotee can free the coverings of all three bodies before his soul commingles with the Supreme Spirit (Gita 13.1).
The true kriya-yoga way (life-force control) of divine realization is to ascend by leading the ego, mind and life force through the same spinal channel that was used by the soul originally descended into the body (Gita 6.46). In verse 6.47, the author states that there are several paths available to master the yoga. Karma yoga, the path of good actions; bhakti yoga, that path of unfailing deep devotion; Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge and wisdom; and raja yoga, especially the kriya-yoga is the quintessence of all yogas favored by royal sages and great yogis in ancient India. It is through this form of yoga, a yogi can withdraw his life force and mind from the body unites his soul free from ego with the Cosmic Spirit.
In verse 13.22; it is stated that a dreamer is the creator and experience of his own dreams. Similarly, the soul, the reflection of God is the great creator, supporter, enjoyer and transcendental observer of its own dream physical body and all its activities. The soul is the witness and it does not engage itself in the operation human intelligence, mind, and senses. It is an observer of the Cosmic Nature that is instigated by Parkriti and man's individual karma.
Swami Yogananda expresses his beliefs in the three philosophical system in interpreting verses 18.13, and 2.39 and 3.3: The advent of Self knowledge through renunciation of all actions as outlined in the Sankhya philosophy and the consummation of all actions after attaining this realization as described in Vedanta, both have to do with complex nature of action. Yoga philosophy teaches the technique to free ourselves from the threefold human affliction. Without the renunciation enjoyed in Sankhya, and without the technique of yoga, the devotee can not escape the misery producing entanglements of physical consciousness and realize the infinite. Vedanta describes this infinite Spirit, Oneness with the Absolute, beyond the domain of all activities, dissolving all illusions of Maya to enjoy the Eternal Bliss, the Brahman.
Swami Yogananda is the founder of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), and a leading observer of the kriya-yoga as taught in Bhagavad-Gita. His interpretation of Gita differs from other interpreters, but follows the beliefs in yoga philosophy of his progenitors, Yogi Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri (guru of Yogananda). The author finds that the teaching of Lord Krishna has many commonalities with the message of Jesus Christ, and he describes this in great detail throughout the book. In this volume we find the translation of each verse of Gita and its interpretation and how that is related to the overall message of Krishna. References to New Testament may also be found in many chapters.
The summary of the book is as follows: Bhagavadgita, the song of God is a profound scripture of yoga for seeking Eternal Bliss. The instructions are provided in a stepwise fashion in a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. The Gita teaches us the rightful duty in life and how to discharge with dispassion that avoids pain and nurtures wisdom and success in spiritual life. The enigmas of creation, life, suffering, the perpetual cycle of life and death could be avoided if man follows the message of Krishna. The mysteries that veil the Infinite Spirit will be revealed to all sincere devotees of the Lord. The right action, non-attachment to the material things in life and its sense pleasures, one can find union with the Supreme Cosmic Being by the highest yoga of pranayama meditation learned by an enlightened guru. The kriya-yoga taught by Krishna in the verses 4.29 and 5.27-28 is the supreme spiritual science of yoga meditation that leads to the victory of self-realization.
Interpreting verses 8.9-10;, and verses 8.17-19, the author states that the man has a choice to seek kriya-yoga in which consciousness and life energy (prana) are circulated up and down the spine equaling the effect of sun's passage through the signs of zodiac . The adept of kriya-yoga is a deep state of meditation and Samadhi which increasingly multiply the effect of each kriya. By quieting the heart through practice of kriya-yoga pranayama, the yogi disconnects his mind from his senses and breath. With this new freedom from bondage which ties consciousness to the body the yogi dissolves his ego in the blessed soul. Having attained soul perception, the yogi realizes the Cosmic Spirit behind all individual souls and all manifestation in the universe (Gita 9.6-8). The triple qualities of nature (three gunas) produces man's three bodies; physical, astral, and spiritual; the physical body consist of 16 gross elements, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, etc. The astral; body is made of 19 elements; ego, mind, intelligence, feeling, etc. The causal body consists of 35 divine thoughts corresponding to 35 elements of physical and astral bodies. Death does not liberate the soul and unites with Cosmic Spirit, but the astral bodies and causal body within it travel together with soul all encased from the coverings of the three bodies in the after death state. The process of liberation from the three bodies takes time. Even the avatar of Jesus Christ took three days or three periods of spiritual effort to emerge from physical, astral and causal bodies before he rose again. Jesus asks Mary not to touch his body because his resurrection was not complete (John 20.17). By practice of yoga, a devotee can free the coverings of all three bodies before his soul commingles with the Supreme Spirit (Gita 13.1).
The true kriya-yoga way (life-force control) of divine realization is to ascend by leading the ego, mind and life force through the same spinal channel that was used by the soul originally descended into the body (Gita 6.46). In verse 6.47, the author states that there are several paths available to master the yoga. Karma yoga, the path of good actions; bhakti yoga, that path of unfailing deep devotion; Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge and wisdom; and raja yoga, especially the kriya-yoga is the quintessence of all yogas favored by royal sages and great yogis in ancient India. It is through this form of yoga, a yogi can withdraw his life force and mind from the body unites his soul free from ego with the Cosmic Spirit.
In verse 13.22; it is stated that a dreamer is the creator and experience of his own dreams. Similarly, the soul, the reflection of God is the great creator, supporter, enjoyer and transcendental observer of its own dream physical body and all its activities. The soul is the witness and it does not engage itself in the operation human intelligence, mind, and senses. It is an observer of the Cosmic Nature that is instigated by Parkriti and man's individual karma.
Swami Yogananda expresses his beliefs in the three philosophical system in interpreting verses 18.13, and 2.39 and 3.3: The advent of Self knowledge through renunciation of all actions as outlined in the Sankhya philosophy and the consummation of all actions after attaining this realization as described in Vedanta, both have to do with complex nature of action. Yoga philosophy teaches the technique to free ourselves from the threefold human affliction. Without the renunciation enjoyed in Sankhya, and without the technique of yoga, the devotee can not escape the misery producing entanglements of physical consciousness and realize the infinite. Vedanta describes this infinite Spirit, Oneness with the Absolute, beyond the domain of all activities, dissolving all illusions of Maya to enjoy the Eternal Bliss, the Brahman.
July 19, 2013
Sometimes you will pick up a book having a set belief in your mind on how it will treat a subject and when you open the pages the book simply blows away your mind. This is one such book.
This is not a normal Gita discourse which explains the holy text the way it is generally done. This bring you a totally different perspective on the story of Mahabharata and also sets the scene for the discourse of Gita by Lord Krishna in a refreshing perspective. It personifies the characters of the battle of Mahabharata into our vices and follies. It also in a subtle way answers the eternal quest for a soul to find inner peace and enlightenment.
I thought that this book would have been more meaningful for me if it had more details on the science and techniques of yoga.
I must also mention that there are a few drawings in this book, and they are simply the most beautiful and mind blowing colourful drawings I have ever come across of the battle of Mahabharata depicting Lord Krishna and Arjuna.
Reading this book will open up your mind.
This is not a normal Gita discourse which explains the holy text the way it is generally done. This bring you a totally different perspective on the story of Mahabharata and also sets the scene for the discourse of Gita by Lord Krishna in a refreshing perspective. It personifies the characters of the battle of Mahabharata into our vices and follies. It also in a subtle way answers the eternal quest for a soul to find inner peace and enlightenment.
I thought that this book would have been more meaningful for me if it had more details on the science and techniques of yoga.
I must also mention that there are a few drawings in this book, and they are simply the most beautiful and mind blowing colourful drawings I have ever come across of the battle of Mahabharata depicting Lord Krishna and Arjuna.
Reading this book will open up your mind.
August 16, 2013
The Best version that I have ever read!
July 26, 2019
I have a two volume hardbound version of this...
It sits within easy reach and I refer to it quite often.
I love this translation. 🙏🙏🙏💗💗💗
It sits within easy reach and I refer to it quite often.
I love this translation. 🙏🙏🙏💗💗💗
July 31, 2021
[In case this gets combined with other editions of the Bhagavad Gita on Goodreads, I'm specifically referring to "The Bhagavad Gita According to Paramhansa Yogananda."]
This is a very readable, understandable edition of the Bhagavad Gita, designed to make the spiritual meaning as accessible as possible, short of actual commentary. Occasional parenthetical additions to the text are unobtrusively explanatory and very helpful. The best choice for anyone looking to get the true meaning out of the Gita itself. (Though best with the associated book of commentary: The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, As Remembered by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda.)
This is a very readable, understandable edition of the Bhagavad Gita, designed to make the spiritual meaning as accessible as possible, short of actual commentary. Occasional parenthetical additions to the text are unobtrusively explanatory and very helpful. The best choice for anyone looking to get the true meaning out of the Gita itself. (Though best with the associated book of commentary: The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, As Remembered by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda.)
November 19, 2016
One of most profound and concise interpretation of the Gita ever written. A must read for all no matter where he/she is in their spiritual journey. Yogananda has in great detail, explained the journey back to god realization.
I ask everyone who reads this book, to reflect on the interpretation to truly imbibe it and apply it in your life. A marvelous work.
I ask everyone who reads this book, to reflect on the interpretation to truly imbibe it and apply it in your life. A marvelous work.
April 30, 2023
"God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita: Royal Science of God Realization. The Immortal Dialogue Between Soul and Spirit" comes in two volumes, and this review is of the first volume that contains the first five chapters of the Bhagavad Gita that has 18 chapters.
The Bhagavad Gita (aka Gita), sometimes called "The Song by God" (especially in the West), contains 700 verses, a dialogue between a warrior called Arjuna and his cousin Sri Krishna, who is none other than the primeval force of the universe. The Gita is actually an excerpt from the Mahabharata, where the dialogue is found in chapters 23–40 of book 6 of the epic. Undoubtedly, it is one of the holiest texts of Hinduism, and of all living religions of the world today.
There are innumerable commentaries on the Gita, most of them can be safely ignored, however; there are also a number of others, like the one I am writing about, that occupy a very important place in the lives of serious spiritual aspirants. What one finds in the text that I am reviewing is the commentary on the Gita by Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi.
Paramahansa Yogananda, who belongs to the Advaitic school, explains the 700 verses from the Vedantic point of view, which identifies the individual self (atman) with the ground of reality (brahman). According to Advaita all reality and everything in the experienced world has its root in Brahman, which is unchanging Consciousness; there is no duality between a Creator and the created universe. All objects, all experiences, all matter, all consciousness, all awareness are somehow also this one fundamental reality Brahman. That is the gist of Swami Yogananda's commentary on chapters 1 to 5.
In his commentaries, one also finds useful advice to aspirants who are desirous of self-realisation. Replete with scientific, philosophical and scriptural anecdotes, analogies, examples and citations, the work scintillates with extreme brilliance. It is not marred by sectarian bias and bigotry, a hallmark of Srila Prabhupada's "Bhagavad Gita As it is".
The Sanskrit transliteration and translations in "God Talks With Arjuna" are accurate, authentic and reliable. This is a book for scholars and lay persons alike.
The Bhagavad Gita (aka Gita), sometimes called "The Song by God" (especially in the West), contains 700 verses, a dialogue between a warrior called Arjuna and his cousin Sri Krishna, who is none other than the primeval force of the universe. The Gita is actually an excerpt from the Mahabharata, where the dialogue is found in chapters 23–40 of book 6 of the epic. Undoubtedly, it is one of the holiest texts of Hinduism, and of all living religions of the world today.
There are innumerable commentaries on the Gita, most of them can be safely ignored, however; there are also a number of others, like the one I am writing about, that occupy a very important place in the lives of serious spiritual aspirants. What one finds in the text that I am reviewing is the commentary on the Gita by Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi.
Paramahansa Yogananda, who belongs to the Advaitic school, explains the 700 verses from the Vedantic point of view, which identifies the individual self (atman) with the ground of reality (brahman). According to Advaita all reality and everything in the experienced world has its root in Brahman, which is unchanging Consciousness; there is no duality between a Creator and the created universe. All objects, all experiences, all matter, all consciousness, all awareness are somehow also this one fundamental reality Brahman. That is the gist of Swami Yogananda's commentary on chapters 1 to 5.
In his commentaries, one also finds useful advice to aspirants who are desirous of self-realisation. Replete with scientific, philosophical and scriptural anecdotes, analogies, examples and citations, the work scintillates with extreme brilliance. It is not marred by sectarian bias and bigotry, a hallmark of Srila Prabhupada's "Bhagavad Gita As it is".
The Sanskrit transliteration and translations in "God Talks With Arjuna" are accurate, authentic and reliable. This is a book for scholars and lay persons alike.
May 30, 2017
I hate to be a bit condescending--but this book is quite a bit too long and repetitive. It starte off fascinating--the first time around. It appears pretty exhaustive, but ultimatley becomes a bit too "Woo Woo" (particularly the Chakra and Yoga parts) for an agnostic/atheist who considers themself fairly openminded. Footnotes about new scientific finding making it possible for the literal golden age of humanity to have occured 10,000 years ago throw up a few cringeworthy aspects--especially when I was compelled as the battle of Kurkushthra being a metaphor as the daily battle that occurs and most be reflected upon each night. It's a bit too obtuse for someone who's more of casual interest and wanted to read about some cosmic epic battles.
July 20, 2017
Paramahansa Yogananda has always been one of my favorite authors, but these books are the best by far. Interpreting the Gita is a feat of great scholarship. These volumes are the most clear and concise explanation of the Bhagavad Gita from the standpoint of the true yoga practitioner. Yogananda compares the battlefield of the body, mind, and spirit to that of the classic battlefield we find Arjuna in. It is critical to read these books front to back to gain deeper understanding of our own war against the self. And when one does, they will be all the more aware of the mechanisms which cause suffering and the tools we all have to free ourselves from them. An enlightening read.
December 24, 2020
Any review of this interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita will be inadequate, simply because of how deep and layered this is, and yet it feels like it is describing me, my life. That is the magic of this book. The first time I read the Gita (not this version) it went all over me. Once I started reading this I was instantly hooked because it opened up hitherto unopened vistas.
This needs multiple reads, perhaps lifelong reads. As you progress along the spiritual path, this interpretation helps you not just understand the verses, but actually integrate and imbibe them in your life, every read opens up newer layers, and a deeper understanding. A life changing experience.
This needs multiple reads, perhaps lifelong reads. As you progress along the spiritual path, this interpretation helps you not just understand the verses, but actually integrate and imbibe them in your life, every read opens up newer layers, and a deeper understanding. A life changing experience.
June 11, 2017
Of course the Gita kindles the Spirit and Soul within us all, but Yogananda's commentary raises the Divine flame of service to all even higher. He also, being in the Kriya yoga tradition, gives many a unique interpretation. The names of the warriors in the first chapter for example; they are not mere historical figures, but have other profound meanings.
June 27, 2021
I have read many versions of the Bhagvad Gita. Found this to be the most logical translation. Also, the depth of experience with which Yogananada writes is unparalleled. After reading this, I felt other translations are superficial.
May 29, 2014
Dense, comprehensive, phenomenal. It's going to take me a while to wade through this one.
May 16, 2011
This is best ever commentry of Bhagwad Geeta..
September 26, 2013
This books goes into so much detail about the teachings from Krishna that it'll take you months if not longer to fully understand. A must read
September 4, 2015
A must-read for any "Christian" who would like to know what Jesus was REALLY teaching.
Currently reading
January 16, 2015The best translation into English I've found yet!
April 4, 2015
Not just the Bhagavad Gita, whole of Indian philosophy. Hardcore stuff, suitable for advanced spiritual seekers. Deals a lot with psychology.
January 17, 2017
This is an amazing 2 vol. set! Yogananda is such a great teacher, I try to read everything he has written.
May 28, 2017
This is the best interpretation of the Gita I have read. I will be re-reading this for many years to come.
June 23, 2019
I love Yogananda. His books are sublime and very inspiring.
I have first encountered him in Autobiography of a Yogi, but I love his render of Bhagavad Gita as well. Very recommended!
I have first encountered him in Autobiography of a Yogi, but I love his render of Bhagavad Gita as well. Very recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews