The Bhagavad Gita
Tags: Hinduism, Non-Fiction, Religion, Spirituality
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Started reading:
December 15, 2006
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Finished reading:
April 15, 2007
Review
I’m giving high marks here primarily because of Easwaran’s translation. I mean, let’s be honest… Is it really fair to be doling out “book ratings” on ancient spiritual texts? How exactly does one “rate” The Bible, The Analects, or The Koran? This is a story — yes — but it’s also a look at life, death, body and spirit. Regardless of your interpretation and understanding of where/how this text came to be, it’s impossible to read it and not see the larger, universal truths contained within. From what I understand, Easwaran’s translation is perhaps the most accurate (and unbiased) of the currently available English versions. What’s more, his thoughtful commentary is invaluable in guiding a Western mind through the sometimes confusing cast of characters, ideals and ephemeral mists of thought that are so deeply ingrained (and thus taken for granted) in the Hindu culture. If you have any interest whatsoever in checking out the great religions of the world, this is a superb starting point for Hinduism.
