The Holy Geeta

by Chinmayananda

The Holy Geeta portrays this great spiritual struggle with man and guides him towards his inherent divinity and positivity. In doing so, the Celestial Song explains the nature of man, his purpose in the world and the means for him to attain his goals.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 817597074X
• ISBN13: 9788175970748
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Central Chinmaya Mission Trust
• Length: 1254 Pages
• Weight: 1.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.5" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A masterpiece

This is a very elegant commentary on the Geeta. All the 701 verses in Sanskrit have been reproduced along with an English translation. However, the best part is the treatise discussing the philosophy (from Advaita/Non-dualist school's perspective) of every single verse. Swami Chinmayananda readily connects to the reader providing examples from modern, everyday life. Drawing on knowledge from sources such as the Upanishads, he provides a very engrossing discussion of the philosophy contained in the Divine Song. Abstract concepts such as Brahman, Ego, Caste system, three kinds of gunas, illusion, real, unreal, shraddha etc. have been thoroughly discussed. He has strived to provide a rational and thorough explanation of the philosophy instead of counting on blind faith of the spiritual seekers. I am sure that this book will act as a valuable transition for students before taking up a serious study of terse commentaries such as the one of Adi Shankara.

A Modern and Practical Interpretation

I am now of the opinion that commentaries are unnecessary for a student of the Geeta. One, the Geeta is a very simple and straight-forward scripture. It is not an obscure work that needs a scholar's explanation. Two, we must understand its words in the light of our own experience and within the limitations of our own knowledge. That is the whole point of studying the Geeta. There is no need for someone more spiritually advanced to show us the "hidden meaning" of the verses. Having said that, there is something about Chinmaya's version that makes it worth reading. His approach is fresh, modern and practical. The Geeta is Brahmavidya (knowledge of the Absolute) and Yogashastra (science of Yoga). The Brahmavidya part tends towards abstract metaphysics, as it should. It is interpreted from the Advaita Vedanta standpoint, to which school Chinmaya belongs. As Yogashastra, the Geeta is a book that teaches us how to live and work in this world. This is the part where Chinmaya really scores. His commentary on the Karma Yoga verses (Chapters 2-6) is appealing and useful to the modern, practical man. The English translation of the verses is workable and adequate.

Life explained

I have never been a fan of the proclaimed "Gurus" from anywhere in the world. However, this book is not a mere tranlsation of the phrases in Gita by a Swami. Swami Chinmayananda gives thoughtful insights into what Lord Krishna is trying to say in his sermon to Arjuna. Its been only a couple of months since I started reading it and its been slow- although the translation is very well done, the content itself is at a higher intellectual level. It takes time to understand and more importantly apply it to everyday life. I will say, though - no matter which translation, you cannot go wrong with The Gita. Its perhaps the oldest and in my eyes the best explanation of our feelings towards life and what composes it. If you are looking for quick and easy summary of The Gita you are looking for-this is not a book for you (no hasty read!). If it is the answer to life's endless questions you seek, and are ready to devote time and thought to it- this is the book for you. As for me, I think this is the best book that I have ever read!