Bhagavad Gita as It Is

The Bhagavad Gita as It Is presents the original Sanskrit text of this ancient Hindu scripture alongside English translations and detailed commentary by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The text captures a dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Prabhupada's translation stays faithful to the Vedic tradition while making the philosophical concepts accessible to modern readers. His commentary provides context from other Vedic texts and explains the practical applications of the teachings. The work contains 18 chapters, with each Sanskrit verse followed by word-for-word translations, full English translations, and extensive purports. The format allows readers to engage with the text at multiple levels of depth. This seminal text addresses fundamental questions about duty, morality, and the nature of consciousness through the lens of bhakti yoga. The teachings outline paths to self-realization while emphasizing devotional service to Krishna as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.

Readers appreciate this translation's accessibility and detailed commentary explaining complex Hindu concepts. Many note that having Sanskrit verses alongside word-for-word translations helps their understanding. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of karma, dharma, and reincarnation - Practical applications to modern life - Thorough cultural and historical context Common criticisms: - Commentary seen as too focused on ISKCON interpretations - Some find the writing style repetitive - Several readers note the author's criticism of other religions/philosophies Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (23,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (5,000+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Makes ancient wisdom accessible without oversimplifying" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much interpretation mixed with translation" - Amazon reviewer "Helped me understand concepts I struggled with for years" - Reddit user "Commentary sometimes overshadows the original text" - Goodreads reviewer

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🕉️ The author, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, began this translation at age 70 and completed most of his life's major works after this age, demonstrating it's never too late to start a spiritual journey. 📚 This version contains the original Sanskrit text, roman transliteration, English equivalents, translation, and elaborate commentary—making it one of the most comprehensive editions of the Bhagavad Gita available. 🌏 The book has been translated into over 59 languages and has sold more than 23 million copies worldwide since its first publication in 1972. ⚔️ The dialogue takes place on a battlefield right before a massive war, between the warrior Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as Arjuna's charioteer—making it perhaps the world's most famous philosophical conversation in a military setting. 🙏 Mahatma Gandhi considered the Bhagavad Gita his "spiritual dictionary" and read it daily for guidance, while Albert Einstein kept a copy on his desk and called it "the most beautiful philosophical song existing in any known tongue."