BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS [NEPALI LANGUAGE].
![BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS [NEPALI LANGUAGE]. —](/img/bhagavad-gita-as-it-is-nepali-language-ac-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada-883290.webp)
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BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS [NEPALI LANGUAGE].
The Nepali language edition of the Bhagavad Gita, as presented by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, offers a singular devotional perspective on this ancient text. Prabhupada's voluminous commentary, first appearing in the English edition of 1972, is reproduced here, aiming to make the Gita accessible to a Nepali-speaking audience within the framework of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The translation's strength lies in its consistent articulation of *bhakti* as the supreme spiritual path, a viewpoint that has resonated with millions. However, for readers unfamiliar with Prabhupada's specific theological framework, the extensive and sometimes repetitive explanations can be challenging to parse. The emphasis on Krishna as the sole Supreme Personality of Godhead, while central to the commentary, may not align with other interpretations of the Gita. A particularly illustrative section is the discourse on the *gunas* (modes of material nature) in Chapter 14, where Prabhupada elaborates on how these forces bind the soul and how one can transcend them through Krishna consciousness. This edition serves as a potent tool for devotees but requires a critical approach for those seeking broader philosophical engagement. It is a focused, rather than comprehensive, gateway to the Gita.
📝 Description
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This 2019 Nepali edition presents the Bhagavad Gita with commentary by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
This volume is the Nepali language rendition of the Bhagavad Gita, accompanied by the commentary of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The Bhagavad Gita itself is an ancient Hindu scripture, a narrative dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna set on a battlefield. It addresses core concepts such as dharma (duty), the soul's nature, and the divine. Prabhupada's work aims to present the text through the lens of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, a specific devotional school within Hinduism.
The intended audience includes Nepali speakers interested in Hindu philosophy and its spiritual teachings. It is also relevant for members of ISKCON, the religious organization founded by Prabhupada, and for those studying comparative religions or the devotional practices of Vaishnavism. The book serves both as an introduction for newcomers to the Bhagavad Gita and as a resource for those already familiar with its teachings.
The Bhagavad Gita is a central text within Hindu traditions, particularly Vedanta and Vaishnavism. Prabhupada's commentary aligns with the Gaudiya Vaishnavism school, which emphasizes a personal relationship with the divine, specifically Krishna, as the ultimate spiritual goal. This interpretation views the Gita not just as philosophical discourse but as a guide to achieving spiritual liberation through pure devotion. The text, within this tradition, is seen as a direct transmission of divine knowledge intended to uplift consciousness.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will learn about the concept of *dharma* as duty, specifically how Krishna instructs Arjuna on fulfilling his warrior responsibilities on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, offering a unique ethical framework. • You will gain insight into *bhakti-yoga*, the path of devotional service to Krishna, understanding its prominence as the highest spiritual practice according to Prabhupada's interpretation. • You will encounter the philosophical framework of the three *gunas* (modes of material nature) as presented in Chapter 14, learning how they influence consciousness and actions, and how to transcend them.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bhagavad Gita and why is it important in Hinduism?
The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Sanskrit scripture from ancient India, forming part of the epic Mahabharata. It is considered a central text in Hinduism, presenting a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, covering philosophy, duty, and devotion.
Who was A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada?
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) was an Indian spiritual teacher who founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is known for his prolific translations and commentaries on Vedic scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita.
What does 'as it is' signify in the title?
The phrase 'as it is' in the title signifies Prabhupada's claim that his translation and commentary present the Bhagavad Gita's teachings without alteration or misinterpretation, adhering strictly to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
Is this the original Bhagavad Gita text?
This is a translation and commentary of the Bhagavad Gita in Nepali, based on Prabhupada's interpretation. The original text is in Sanskrit and dates back to ancient India, with scholarly estimates placing its composition between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE.
What is the primary language of this specific edition?
The primary language of this specific edition is Nepali. It is a translation of the Bhagavad Gita, with commentary by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, originally published in English and then translated into numerous languages, including Nepali.
What is the significance of Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita?
Lord Krishna acts as the divine charioteer and spiritual teacher, imparting wisdom to Prince Arjuna, who is depicted as a warrior facing a moral dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Battlefield of Dharma
The narrative unfolds on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, a potent symbol of the internal and external struggles individuals face. Prince Arjuna's existential crisis serves as the catalyst for Krishna's teachings on *dharma*, or one's prescribed duty. This edition emphasizes fulfilling one's responsibilities without attachment to the fruits of action, illustrating how spiritual understanding can be applied even in the midst of conflict and difficult choices. The setting underscores that spiritual practice is not an escape from worldly duties but an integration of divine principles into them.
Bhakti-Yoga: The Supreme Path
Central to Prabhupada's commentary is the assertion that *bhakti-yoga*, the path of selfless devotion and surrender to Lord Krishna, is the most accessible and potent means of spiritual liberation. The text details various forms of devotional service, from hearing and chanting to remembering and serving the divine. This edition presents Krishna not merely as a philosopher but as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose grace is paramount. The emphasis is on cultivating a loving relationship with the divine as the ultimate goal of existence, transcending other yogic paths.
The Nature of the Soul and Material Existence
The Bhagavad Gita, as interpreted here, rigorously distinguishes between the eternal, spiritual self (*atma*) and the temporary material body. It explains the concept of transmigration of the soul through the cycle of birth and death, influenced by the three *gunas* (modes of material nature: goodness, passion, and ignorance). This edition provides a detailed analysis of how these *gunas* bind the soul to material existence and how through spiritual knowledge and devotion, one can achieve *moksha*, liberation from this cycle and attainment of a spiritual realm.
Krishna as the Supreme Divine
A defining characteristic of this edition is its unwavering focus on Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all existence. Prabhupada's extensive explanations elaborate on Krishna's divine attributes, His cosmic form, and His role as the controller of the universe. The text encourages a direct devotional relationship with Krishna, presenting Him as the ultimate object of worship and the bestower of spiritual perfection. This perspective shapes the interpretation of Arjuna's questions and Krishna's answers throughout the dialogue.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“Whenever and wherever there are a decline of religious practices, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself.”
— This verse, from Chapter 4, highlights the divine interventionist aspect of Krishna's role. It suggests a cyclical view of cosmic history where divine avatars appear to restore spiritual order when humanity strays too far from righteousness.
“The living entity in the material world is by nature the servant of the supreme being.”
— This statement emphasizes the soul's inherent spiritual identity and its natural relationship with the divine. It posits that true fulfillment comes from recognizing and accepting this servant-master relationship with Krishna.
“One who is not connected to the fruit of action can achieve the supreme goal of liberation.”
— This captures the principle of *karma-yoga*, performing one's duties without attachment to the results. It suggests that detachment from outcomes is key to spiritual progress and freedom from the cycle of action and reaction.
“The modes of material nature (gunas) are the binding agents.”
— This refers to the three qualities: goodness (sattva), passion (rajas), and ignorance (tamas). The interpretation posits that these modes influence perception and action, creating the illusion of material reality and binding the soul.
“Simply by remembering Krishna one can achieve liberation.”
— This highlights the power of constant remembrance and meditation on the divine. It suggests that through focused devotion and contemplation of Krishna, one can attain the highest spiritual state, irrespective of other practices.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work aligns strongly with the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, a devotional branch of Hinduism that emerged in Bengal in the 15th century CE, founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. While the Bhagavad Gita is a canonical text for many Hindu traditions, Prabhupada's commentary specifically interprets it through the lens of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, positing Lord Krishna as the Svayam Bhagavan (Supreme Personality of Godhead) and emphasizing *bhakti-yoga* (devotional service) as the ultimate spiritual path. It departs from purely Advaita Vedanta interpretations that stress impersonal Brahman.
Symbolism
Key symbols include the battlefield of Kurukshetra, representing the arena of moral and spiritual struggle where duty (*dharma*) must be confronted. The chariot, driven by Krishna and carrying Arjuna, symbolizes the body steered by the soul (Arjuna) under the guidance of divine intelligence (Krishna). The conch shell, often blown by Krishna, signifies the divine call to spiritual awakening and the dispelling of ignorance.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practitioners of Krishna consciousness, particularly within ISKCON, continue to draw heavily on this text and commentary for their spiritual practice. Its teachings on duty, detachment, and devotion also find echoes in various modern mindfulness and self-help movements that explore Eastern philosophies, though often without the specific theological framework presented here.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Devotees of Lord Krishna and followers of ISKCON seeking a foundational text in their native Nepali language. • Students of comparative religion interested in the specific devotional interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita within the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. • Nepali-speaking individuals exploring Hindu philosophy and seeking guidance on concepts like *dharma*, *karma*, and spiritual liberation from a traditional commentary.
📜 Historical Context
The Bhagavad Gita itself is an ancient Indian scripture, with scholarly consensus placing its composition between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE, likely within the context of the epic Mahabharata. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's complete translation and commentary, first published in English in 1972 as 'Bhagavad Gita As It Is,' emerged during a period of significant Western interest in Eastern spirituality, partly fueled by the counterculture movement and earlier introductions by figures like Swami Vivekananda. Prabhupada's work, however, presented a distinctively orthodox Gaudiya Vaishnava perspective, emphasizing Krishna consciousness as the sole path to salvation, which diverged from more philosophical or universalist interpretations popular at the time, such as those offered by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The book's reception was substantial, leading to the rapid global expansion of ISKCON, often referred to as the Hare Krishna movement. This 2019 Nepali edition represents the continued propagation of Prabhupada's specific interpretation to a new linguistic audience.
📔 Journal Prompts
Arjuna's dilemma on the battlefield: The weight of duty versus personal reluctance.
The three modes of material nature (gunas) and their influence on daily decisions.
The practice of selfless action (karma-yoga) without attachment to results.
Understanding Krishna's instructions on the eternal nature of the soul (atma).
Cultivating *bhakti* (devotion) through hearing and chanting.
🗂️ Glossary
Dharma
Often translated as duty, righteousness, or religious law. In the Bhagavad Gita, it refers to one's prescribed role and responsibilities in life, particularly in relation to cosmic order and spiritual progression.
Atma
The soul or self. It is considered eternal, unchanging, and distinct from the physical body. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes understanding the true nature of the atma.
Bhakti-yoga
The spiritual path of devotional service and love towards the Supreme Being, in this context, Lord Krishna. It is presented as a primary means of achieving spiritual perfection.
Gunas
The three modes or qualities of material nature: goodness (sattva), passion (rajas), and ignorance (tamas). These modes influence consciousness, actions, and the cycle of rebirth.
Karma
Action and its consequences. The law of karma states that one reaps the results of one's deeds, influencing one's present and future lives.
Moksha
Liberation or release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It is the ultimate spiritual goal in many Indian religions.
Samsara
The continuous cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation, driven by karma and ignorance. Escaping samsara is the objective of spiritual practice.
