Description
Book SynopsisAn ancient classic that can become a companion for your own spiritual journey. Millions of people turn daily to India's most beloved holy book, the Bhagavad Gita ("Song of the Lord"), to instruct their spiritual practice. A Hindu classic, it has universal appeal for people of all faith traditions who turn to its inspirational support in the struggles of life, its consolation in times of grief and its deeply moving promise of God's love and guidance. Composed in Sanskrit verse thousands of years ago, this timeless text tells the story of a distraught warrior on the verge of battle and the compassionate counsel he receives from Krishna—God in human form. In just seven hundred lines, the Gita presents concise teachings on such topics as the immortality of the soul, meditation and yoga, worship and sacrifice, the ideal of selfless action and the oneness of all life in the Divine. Now you can read and understand the Gita with no previous knowledge of Hinduism required. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains references and philosophical terms, shares the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers and addresses questions such as the inner meaning of India's caste system and why this sublime discourse on inner peace is set against the background of a violent civil war.
Table of ContentsForeword by Andrew Harvey ix About the Bhagavad Gita xv About the Translation and Annotation xxi 1. The Despondency of Arjuna 2 2. The Philosophy of Discrimination: Samkhya Yoga 10 3. The Path of Action: Karma Yoga 24 4. The Path of Wisdom: Jnana Yoga 32 5. The Renunciation of Action 42 6. Meditation and Self-Control: Dhyana Yoga 48 7. Knowledge and Experience 58 8. The Supreme Spirit 64 9. The Sovereign Secret 70 10. The Divine Manifestations 78 11. The Cosmic Vision 86 12. The Path of Love: Bhakti Yoga 98 13. Matter and Spirit 104 14. The Three Qualities 112 15. The Lord God 118 16. The Divine and Demoniac Civilizations 124 17. The Threefold Faith 130 18. The Spirit of Renunciation 136 Notes 152 Suggested Readings and Resources 159 List of Special Terms 163 Credits 165
