Easy Bhagavad Gita translation?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hey!

I’ve tried reading the Bhagavad Gita a few times but I’m finding it too difficult to interpret by myself.

I’m Christian so I’m not interested in becoming Hindu, but I do respect and am intrigued by the Hindu philosophies and would like to learn more about it…

Can anyone recommend a book, which is either a ‘easy to understand’ translation of the Gita, or perhaps something which gives a summary of it or lists its main messages?

Thanks :smiley:

#2

Yogananda’s version and commentary I would imagine is pretty rockin.

Eknath Easwaran’s translation I am familiar with. Nice general introduction with brief chapter introductions as well.

There are different layers to the gita which will become more apparent through study and reading the commentaries.

If you come to a stumbling point, something doesn’t make sense it will eventually be made more clear through easy perseverance, study, and reading the various commentaries.

Homage to Vyasa.

#3

This web site should help: http://www.gita4free.com/english_completegita.html

#4

That site is no good.

Dogmatic. Heavy Handed. Unbalanced.

Interms of a beautifully poetic translation you can’t go wrong with AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s offering. Their commentary though I find to be dogmatic, heavy handed and unbalanced. Which is so un-gita.

Yogananda’s commentary.

Eknath Easwaran’s commentary.

#5

Than you both for your input.

#6

I agree that Eknath Easwaren’s commentary is very beautiful and easy to read.

#7

I have enjoyed Stephen Mitchell’s translation. It is set up in very easy to read quatrines…Not overwhelming. Does anyone else have thoughts on this translation?

#8

Sivananda edition of Bhagavad Gita. The verses are explained clearly and concisely. Put aside the concept of ‘religion,’ Yoga doesn’t belong to the present day misconception of religion, as it promotes health and unity without dogma.