The Bhagavad-Gita is a revered Hindu scripture that has been studied and revered by millions of people for centuries. It is considered to be one of the most important texts in the Hindu religion and is widely regarded as a source of spiritual guidance and wisdom.
The book “Bhagavad-Gita As It Is” by Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami, also known as the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), provides a modern commentary on this ancient text.
The Bhagavad-Gita is part of the epic poem the Mahabharata and is a conversation between Lord Krishna and his disciple Arjuna. The dialogue takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna is about to engage in a battle against his own family members.
Arjuna becomes overwhelmed with doubts and despair, and it is through Krishna’s guidance that he is able to find clarity and understanding.
In “Bhagavad-Gita As It Is,” Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami provides a verse-by-verse commentary on the text, making it accessible to modern readers. The book is unique in that it is a translation of the Bhagavad-Gita that seeks to preserve the original meaning of the text, rather than offering a personal interpretation.
One of the key teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita is the concept of dharma, which can be translated as “duty” or “righteousness.” Krishna teaches Arjuna that it is his duty to fight in battle, as it is his dharma as a warrior. He explains that one must act according to their dharma, rather than seeking personal gain or pleasure.
The book also delves into the concept of karma, which refers to the idea that every action has a consequence. Krishna explains that one’s actions in this life will determine their fate in the next and that one must act without attachment to the results of their actions.
Another important theme in the Bhagavad-Gita is the idea of devotion to God. Krishna teaches Arjuna that the ultimate goal of life is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death and that the best way to achieve this is through devotion to God. He explains that one must surrender themselves completely to God and that this devotion will ultimately lead to spiritual enlightenment.
Overall, “Bhagavad-Gita As It Is” is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita.
Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami’s commentary provides a clear and concise explanation of the text and offers practical advice on how to apply its teachings to everyday life. It is a timeless book that continues to inspire and enlighten readers around the world.
Why Bhagavad Gita is called as it is?
The Bhagavad Gita is known by its name due to its content and context. The word “Bhagavad” means “of God” or “divine,” and “Gita” means “song” or “recitation.” Therefore, the Bhagavad Gita is often translated as the “Song of God” or the “Divine Song.”
The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the epic poem, the Mahabharata, and is a conversation between Lord Krishna, an incarnation of God, and his disciple Arjuna, who is a warrior prince. The dialogue takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna is about to engage in a battle against his own family members. Arjuna becomes overwhelmed with doubts and despair, and it is through Krishna’s guidance that he is able to find clarity and understanding.
The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be one of the most important texts in the Hindu religion and is widely regarded as a source of spiritual guidance and wisdom. It presents various concepts such as dharma, karma, and moksha, which are essential to Hindu philosophy and way of life.
The “Bhagavad Gita” refers to the divine nature of the teachings presented in the text. It is believed that the wisdom contained in the Bhagavad Gita was revealed by God himself to Arjuna and that it represents the highest knowledge and spiritual truth.
The Bhagavad Gita is called as it is due to its content and context. It is a divine song that contains the teachings of Lord Krishna to his disciple Arjuna and is considered to be one of the most important texts in Hindu philosophy and way of life.
For what reason is Srila Prabhupada’s version of Bhagavad Gita called Bhagavad Gita for all intents and purposes?
Srila Prabhupada’s edition of Bhagavad Gita is called “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” because he believed that the original message of Bhagavad Gita had been misinterpreted over time due to faulty translations and commentaries.
His aim was to present the text in its original form, without any distortions or personal interpretations. He emphasized that the Bhagavad Gita is a book of spiritual knowledge that should be understood as it is, without any deviations or manipulations.
Therefore, he chose to name his edition “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” to emphasize the importance of understanding the text in its pure and unadulterated form.
How is Bhagavad Gita as it is?
The Bhagavad Gita As It Is is a translation and commentary of the Bhagavad Gita by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the pioneer behind the Worldwide Society for Krishna Awareness (ISKCON). The book was first published in 1968 and has since become one of the most widely read and respected translations of the Bhagavad Gita.
The title “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” reflects the unique approach taken by Srila Prabhupada in his translation and commentary. Rather than presenting his own interpretation of the text, he sought to present the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita exactly as they were originally given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. This involved a rigorous study of the Sanskrit language and an in-depth understanding of the Vedic tradition.
Srila Prabhupada’s translation is known for its clarity and accessibility, making the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita accessible to a wide audience. His commentary provides insights into the text and its relevance to modern life, while also drawing on the teachings of previous spiritual masters.
The Bhagavad Gita As It Is has been praised for its authenticity and accuracy in presenting the original teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. It is regarded as a significant contribution to the study and understanding of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
The Bhagavad Gita As It Is is a unique translation and commentary of the Bhagavad Gita by Srila Prabhupada. Its title reflects the approach taken in presenting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita exactly as they were originally given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna.
The book is known for its accessibility, authenticity, and accuracy, and is regarded as a significant contribution to the study and understanding of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
Which is the original edition of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is?
The original edition of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is was first published in 1972 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The book was published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), which was founded by Srila Prabhupada to publish his books and distribute the teachings of Lord Krishna.
The original edition of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is is known for its scholarly and authentic presentation of the original Sanskrit text, along with a word-for-word translation, a translation of the text in modern English, and a detailed commentary. The book has since been translated into over 80 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
It is worth noting that there have been several revised editions of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is since its original publication, which was intended to improve the presentation and readability of the text. These revised editions include changes in the formatting, font, and arrangement of the text.
However, the original edition of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is is still highly regarded for its scholarly and authentic presentation of the original teachings of Lord Krishna.
The original edition of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is was first published in 1972 by Srila Prabhupada and the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. The book is known for its scholarly and authentic presentation of the original Sanskrit text and has since been translated into over 80 languages. While there have been several revised editions, the original edition is still highly regarded for its accuracy and authenticity.
What is the main concept of the Bhagavad Gita?
The main concept of the Bhagavad Gita is the spiritual journey of the individual soul and its relationship with the Supreme Soul or God. The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and his disciple Arjuna, which takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is facing a dilemma about whether he should fight his own kinsmen in the war and seeks guidance from Lord Krishna.
The teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita revolve around several key concepts, including:
Dharma: Dharma refers to the righteous way of living or the duty of the individual soul. Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s dharma and following the path of righteousness.
Karma: Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, which states that every action has a consequence. Lord Krishna stresses the importance of performing one’s duties without attachment to the results of those actions.
Jnana: Jnana refers to knowledge or wisdom. Lord Krishna teaches the importance of spiritual knowledge and understanding, which can lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Bhakti: Bhakti refers to devotion or love for God. Lord Krishna explains the importance of cultivating a loving relationship with God through devotion and surrender.
Yoga: Yoga refers to the practice of spiritual discipline or union with God. Lord Krishna teaches several forms of yoga, including karma yoga, jnana yoga, and bhakti yoga, which can help the individual soul to attain spiritual liberation.
In summary, the Bhagavad Gita presents the concept of the spiritual journey of the individual soul and its relationship with God. The key teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita include dharma, karma, jnana, bhakti, and yoga, which can help the individual soul to attain spiritual knowledge and liberation.
How do you read Bhagavad Gita as it is in English?
Reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is in English or any other language is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual teachings of Lord Krishna. Here are some steps that can be followed to read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is in English or other languages:
Obtain a copy of the book: The Bhagavad Gita As It Is is widely available online, in bookstores, or through various spiritual organizations. You can purchase a hard copy or an electronic version of the book.
Choose a comfortable and quiet place to read: It is important to find a peaceful and quiet place to read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, as this will help you to focus on the spiritual teachings.
Read with an open mind and heart: The Bhagavad Gita As It Is is a spiritual text that requires an open mind and heart to understand. Try to read the text with an attitude of openness and receptivity.
Start with an introduction: Most editions of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is include an introduction that provides an overview of the text and its significance. Reading the introduction can help to provide context and background for the text.
Read the Sanskrit verses and translations: The Bhagavad Gita As It Is includes the original Sanskrit verses, along with word-for-word translations and translations in modern English. Read through the Sanskrit verses and translations, focusing on the meaning of each verse.
Read the commentary: The Bhagavad Gita As It Is also includes a detailed commentary by Srila Prabhupada that explains the meaning and significance of each verse. Read through the commentary to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual teachings.
Reflect on what you have read: After reading each verse and its commentary, take some time to reflect on what you have read. Try to apply the teachings to your own life and spiritual journey.
In conclusion, reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is in English or other languages can be a valuable tool for gaining spiritual knowledge and understanding. By following these steps, you can read the text with an open mind and heart, and gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual teachings of Lord Krishna.
Why is Bhagavad Gita so important?
The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be one of the most important and influential texts in the Hindu religion, as well as in the broader spiritual and philosophical traditions of India. There are several reasons why the Bhagavad Gita is so important:
Spiritual guidance: The Bhagavad Gita provides spiritual guidance to individuals seeking to understand their purpose in life and their relationship with God. The teachings of the Gita offer practical advice on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, and how to attain spiritual liberation.
Philosophy: The Bhagavad Gita presents a complex philosophical system that includes concepts such as dharma, karma, jnana, and bhakti. These concepts provide a framework for understanding the nature of reality, the human condition, and the ultimate goal of human life.
Inspiration: The Bhagavad Gita has inspired generations of people to live a life of devotion, service, and self-realization. Its teachings have been a source of comfort and inspiration to people in times of hardship and struggle.
Universal appeal: The Bhagavad Gita transcends religious and cultural boundaries, and its teachings have relevance for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Its message of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening resonates with people around the world.
Influence: The Bhagavad Gita has had a profound influence on Indian culture and society, as well as on the broader spiritual and philosophical traditions of the world. Its teachings have inspired countless scholars, artists, and thinkers over the centuries.
In summary, the Bhagavad Gita is important because it provides spiritual guidance, presents a complex philosophical system, inspires people to live a life of devotion, has universal appeal, and has affected culture and society.
What are the primary concerns of the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is a complex and profound spiritual text that contains many important teachings. Here are some of the main points of the Bhagavad Gita:
Self-realization: The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the ultimate goal of human life is self-realization or the realization of one’s true nature as an eternal soul or Atman.
Karma yoga: The Gita emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duties selflessly, without attachment to the results of one’s actions. This is known as karma yoga or the path of selfless action.
Bhakti yoga: The Gita also teaches the importance of devotion to God or bhakti yoga. Through devotion, one can develop a deep and loving relationship with God.
Dharma: The Gita emphasizes the importance of living according to one’s dharma, or duty, which is determined by one’s social position and stage of life.
Renunciation: The Gita teaches the importance of detachment from material possessions and desires, and of renouncing the fruits of one’s actions.
Jnana yoga: The Gita presents a path of spiritual knowledge, or jnana yoga, which involves gaining a deep understanding of the nature of reality and the true nature of the self.
Liberation: The ultimate goal of the Gita is liberation from the cycle of birth and death and the attainment of the eternal spiritual realm of God.
Overall, the Bhagavad Gita presents a comprehensive spiritual philosophy that encompasses many different paths to the ultimate goal of self-realization and liberation.
What is the importance of the Bhagavad Gita in students’ life?
The Bhagavad Gita has great importance in students’ lives as it provides valuable guidance and teachings that can help them navigate through the challenges and opportunities of their academic and personal lives. Here are some ways in which the Bhagavad Gita can be beneficial for students:
Values and ethics: The Bhagavad Gita teaches important values such as honesty, integrity, discipline, and compassion. These values can help students to develop a strong ethical foundation and make wise decisions.
Self-awareness: The Gita encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, which can help students to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to develop a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Stress management: The teachings of the Gita can be helpful in managing stress and anxiety, as it emphasizes the importance of detachment and mindfulness.
Leadership skills: The Gita presents valuable teachings on leadership, including the importance of leading by example, making decisions based on principles, and empowering others.
Academic success: Gita’s teachings on focus, perseverance, and self-discipline can help students to achieve academic success and excel in their studies.
Spiritual growth: The Gita provides guidance on the path to spiritual growth and self-realization, which can help students to develop a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
Overall, the Bhagavad Gita can be a valuable resource for students seeking to develop their character, leadership skills, and spiritual growth. Its teachings can help students to navigate the challenges and opportunities of their academic and personal lives with wisdom, clarity, and purpose.
Why is the Bhagavad Gita important to Hindus?
The Bhagavad Gita is an important text for Hindus for several reasons:
Spiritual guidance: The Gita provides spiritual guidance and teachings that are central to Hindu philosophy and spirituality. It is considered one of the primary sources of knowledge on the path to self-realization and liberation.
Integration of different philosophies: The Gita integrates various Hindu philosophies, including Vedanta, Yoga, and Samkhya. It presents a comprehensive spiritual philosophy that encompasses many different paths to the ultimate goal of self-realization and liberation.
Relationship with God: The Gita emphasizes the importance of developing a loving relationship with God, and provides guidance on how to do so through devotion and selfless service.
Ethical and moral principles: The Gita teaches important ethical and moral principles such as honesty, integrity, and compassion, which are central to Hindu culture and society.
Dharma: The Gita emphasizes the importance of living according to one’s dharma, or duty, which is an important concept in Hinduism. It teaches that living according to one’s dharma is essential for spiritual progress.
Cultural significance: The Bhagavad Gita is an integral part of Hindu culture and has been celebrated and revered for centuries. It is often recited and studied during religious ceremonies and festivals.
Overall, the Bhagavad Gita is an important text for Hindus as it provides guidance on spiritual and ethical principles, and integrates various Hindu philosophies into a comprehensive spiritual philosophy that is central to Hindu culture and spirituality.
Why it is necessary to read Bhagavad Gita As It Is?
It is necessary to read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is for several reasons:
Accurate interpretation: The Bhagavad Gita As It Is is a translation and commentary on the original text that was written in Sanskrit. It provides an accurate and faithful interpretation of the text, ensuring that readers can fully understand the teachings of the Gita.
Clear explanations: The commentary provided in the Bhagavad Gita As It Is provides clear and concise explanations of the teachings of the Gita, making it easier for readers to understand and apply them to their lives.
Spiritual guidance: The Gita provides valuable spiritual guidance on various aspects of life, including karma, dharma, and self-realization. By reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, readers can gain a deeper understanding of these teachings and how to apply them to their lives.
Self-improvement: The teachings of the Gita are not only relevant to spiritual growth but also to personal growth and self-improvement. The Bhagavad Gita As It Is can provide valuable guidance on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.
Cultural significance: The Bhagavad Gita is an integral part of Hindu culture and has been celebrated and revered for centuries. By reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Hindu culture and spirituality.
Overall, reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is can provide valuable guidance and insight into various aspects of life, and can help readers to lead a more meaningful and purposeful life. It is a text that has been celebrated and revered for centuries and has the potential to transform the lives of those who study it.
What did Einstein say about Bhagavad Gita?
Albert Einstein, a famous physicist, was known to have a deep interest in the philosophical and spiritual aspects of life. He was also known to have read the Bhagavad Gita and was impressed by its teachings.
Einstein was quoted as saying, “When I read the Bhagavad Gita and reflect about how God created this universe, everything else seems so superfluous.” This quote reflects Einstein’s appreciation for the profound insights into the nature of existence that are presented in the Bhagavad Gita.
Einstein was likewise cited as saying, “The Bhagavad-Gita affects the soul of humanity by its commitment to God which is appeared by activities.” This statement features the significance of Gita’s accentuation on the significance of dedication to God and the job that this dedication plays in directing human activity.
Overall, Einstein was deeply impressed by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and recognized its value in guiding spiritual and philosophical thought. His appreciation for Gita’s teachings highlights the text’s universal appeal and relevance to people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Overall, the Bhagavad Gita As It Is has received high praise from many spiritual teachers, scholars, and readers worldwide, and is widely regarded as one of the most authentic and insightful translations of this ancient text available today.
the Bhagavad Gita As It Is is a book for all, regardless of their religion, culture, or background. Although it is a sacred text for Hindus, the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings transcend religious boundaries and are applicable to people of all faiths and beliefs.
The book presents universal spiritual principles and teachings that can benefit anyone seeking guidance and wisdom in their lives. Gita’s teachings on topics such as self-awareness, self-realization, ethical and moral principles, and the nature of the self and God can help individuals of all backgrounds to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In fact, the Bhagavad Gita has been translated into many languages and has been read and studied by people all over the world, regardless of their religious affiliation. It is considered one of the greatest spiritual and philosophical works in history and has influenced many great thinkers and leaders throughout the ages.
So, anyone seeking spiritual guidance, wisdom, and inspiration can benefit from reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is.
Know about Iskcon
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a religious organization dedicated to the teachings of Lord Krishna as presented in the ancient Indian scripture, the Bhagavad-gita. It was founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, also known as Srila Prabhupada, in New York City.
ISKCON’s primary aim is to promote the teachings of Lord Krishna and to provide individuals with a path to spiritual enlightenment. The organization believes that by following the principles of Bhakti Yoga, which involves devotion and service to God, one can achieve spiritual perfection and ultimately attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
ISKCON also seeks to create a community of like-minded individuals who share a common interest in spirituality and service. The organization runs numerous temples and centers around the world, where devotees can come together to worship, study, and serve together.
Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, was born in India in 1896 and spent many years studying the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and other Vedic scriptures. In 1965, at the age of 69, he traveled to New York City to spread the teachings of Krishna consciousness to the Western world. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, he was able to establish ISKCON as a global organization with thousands of members.
One of the key teachings of ISKCON is the importance of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, which is considered to be the most powerful means of attaining spiritual enlightenment. The organization also emphasizes the importance of living a simple and austere lifestyle, free from material distractions and attachments.
ISKCON’s teachings have had a significant impact on the spiritual landscape of the world, and the organization continues to attract new followers to this day. Its temples and centers are known for their vibrant and colorful celebrations of Krishna consciousness, which include music, dance, and feasting.
In summary, ISKCON is a religious organization dedicated to the teachings of Lord Krishna and the practice of Bhakti Yoga. Its aim is to provide individuals with a path to spiritual enlightenment and to create a community of like-minded individuals who share a common interest in spirituality and service.
The organization was founded by Srila Prabhupada, who spent many years studying the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and other Vedic scriptures. Today, ISKCON continues to attract followers from all around the world and to promote the teachings of Lord Krishna to a global audience.
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