Bhagavad Gita as It Is
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Bhagavad Gita as It Is
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" is not merely a translation; it is an extensive exegesis, a devotional manifesto presented alongside the ancient text. The commentary, deeply embedded within the Vaishnava tradition, offers a particular lens through which the Gita’s verses are to be understood, emphasizing Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead and `bhakti` as the supreme path. This unwavering focus, while a strength for adherents, can present a limitation for those seeking a broader comparative analysis or a more secular philosophical exploration. The detailed explanations often draw parallels to the author’s own spiritual lineage, providing a rich, albeit singular, perspective. The exposition on Arjuna's lament on the battlefield, for instance, is framed not just as existential angst but as the soul’s initial bewilderment before surrendering to divine guidance. This edition functions less as a scholarly dissection and more as a spiritual guide, aiming to initiate the reader into a specific devotional understanding. It succeeds in its stated aim of presenting the Gita from the viewpoint of `bhakti` scholars.
📝 Description
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Published in 2011, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" provides extensive commentary on the ancient Sanskrit text.
This edition of the Bhagavad Gita, authored by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, presents the ancient Sanskrit scripture with substantial commentary. It first appeared in 2011. The work offers a devotional interpretation rooted in the Vaishnava tradition, specifically following the teachings of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Prabhupada’s spiritual guide. The aim is to convey the Gita's original message as understood by a lineage of spiritual teachers, highlighting the personal nature of God and the path of loving devotion, known as bhakti-yoga.
This version is intended for individuals seeking a devotional and orthodox understanding of the Bhagavad Gita. It will appeal to those interested in the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON), which Prabhupada founded, and its theological framework. Readers who appreciate detailed commentary, a clear emphasis on the author’s spiritual lineage, and a focus on bhakti will find this edition valuable. It is less suitable for purely academic or philosophical analyses that lack a strong theological perspective.
The Bhagavad Gita itself dates back to antiquity, likely compiled between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE, and has been a central text in Hindu thought. Prabhupada’s translation and commentary, initially published in 1965, gained prominence in the mid-20th century amidst growing Western interest in Eastern religions. This 2011 edition continues ISKCON’s efforts to disseminate this specific interpretation, which has achieved significant global recognition.
The Bhagavad Gita, a text dating back to antiquity, is a foundational scripture within the Hindu tradition. Prabhupada's "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" specifically aligns with the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya, a lineage that emphasizes devotion to Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This interpretation focuses on the devotional path (bhakti) as the primary means of spiritual realization, presented through extensive commentary that elaborates on the teachings passed down through a line of spiritual masters, including Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain an understanding of the `bhakti-yoga` path as the preeminent spiritual discipline, as detailed in Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. • Explore the philosophical underpinnings of the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON), understanding its theological roots and Prabhupada's specific interpretive lineage dating back to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. • Grasp the concept of `dharma` as presented in this edition, focusing on fulfilling one's duty in service to the Divine, a central tenet discussed throughout the text.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary spiritual path emphasized in Bhagavad Gita As It Is?
This edition strongly emphasizes `bhakti-yoga`, the path of devotional service to Lord Krishna, presenting it as the most direct and effective means of spiritual realization and union with the Divine.
Who was A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada?
He was the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a prominent spiritual teacher who brought the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Vaishnavism to a global audience starting in the mid-20th century.
What does 'As It Is' signify in the title?
The 'As It Is' in the title signifies that the translation and commentary aim to present the Bhagavad Gita's teachings directly from the perspective of the Vaishnava tradition, without altering or diluting them to fit other philosophical schools.
When was the Bhagavad Gita originally composed?
While exact dating is debated among scholars, the Bhagavad Gita is generally believed to have been composed between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE, making it an ancient scripture.
What is the significance of the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the Bhagavad Gita?
Kurukshetra serves as the setting for the divine discourse between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. It symbolizes the battlefield of life, where one faces moral dilemmas and the need to act according to `dharma`.
What is the role of `dharma` in this interpretation?
`Dharma` is presented as one's prescribed duty, particularly in relation to spiritual understanding and service to the Supreme. Fulfilling one's `dharma` is crucial for spiritual progress according to this commentary.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Bhakti as the Supreme Path
This edition unequivocally positions devotional service (`bhakti`) to Krishna as the highest and most effective means of spiritual realization. It interprets Arjuna's journey as one of learning to surrender and offer all actions in love to the Divine. The commentary elaborates on various forms of devotional service, from hearing and chanting to remembering and serving, presenting them as integral to understanding the Gita's ultimate message beyond mere philosophical inquiry or ritualistic action.
The Nature of the Soul and Material Existence
A central theme is the distinction between the eternal, spiritual soul (`atma`) and the temporary material body. The work explains that the soul is distinct from the physical form, unaffected by birth or death. Material existence is characterized by `maya` (illusion), which binds the soul through desires and attachments. Understanding this fundamental difference is presented as the first step towards liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Dharma and Duty
The concept of `dharma`, often translated as duty or righteousness, is explored in depth. For Arjuna, his `dharma` as a warrior involves fighting a righteous war. The commentary extends this to suggest that one's occupational duty (`varna-ashrama-dharma`) should be performed with an attitude of service to God, thereby purifying the consciousness and leading to spiritual advancement. This transforms mundane tasks into spiritual practice.
Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead
This interpretation presents Lord Krishna not merely as a teacher or avatar but as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all existence. The commentary consistently refers to Krishna’s divine nature and supremacy, framing the entire dialogue as a revelation of Godhead to His devotee. Understanding Krishna’s identity is therefore paramount to grasping the Gita’s core teachings on surrender and devotion.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
““The Bhagavad-gita is the science of self-realization and is the most important book in the world for spiritual realization.””
— This statement highlights the author's view of the Gita not just as a religious text, but as a practical science. It asserts its exceptional importance in guiding individuals toward understanding their true spiritual nature and achieving liberation.
““Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.””
— This is a foundational tenet of the commentary, asserting Krishna's absolute supremacy and divine identity as the source of all beings and the ultimate object of worship and devotion.
““One who is constantly engaged in devotional service… is not affected by the reactions of fruitive activities.””
— This highlights the purifying power of `bhakti`. By dedicating actions and their results to Krishna, the devotee transcends the karmic consequences that bind others to the cycle of birth and death.
““The battlefield of Kurukshetra is a symbolic representation of the human heart.””
— This interpretation suggests that Arjuna's dilemma on the battlefield mirrors the internal struggles and moral choices faced by individuals within their own consciousness, making the Gita's teachings universally applicable.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
“The living entity is by nature a servant of Krishna.”
This paraphrase captures the essence of the soul's innate relationship with Krishna. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from recognizing and embracing this natural servitude, aligning one's will with the Divine.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work is deeply rooted in the Vaishnava tradition, a major branch of Hinduism that venerates Vishnu, and specifically Krishna, as the Supreme Godhead. Within this lineage, it follows the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya, emphasizing `bhakti` (loving devotion) as the ultimate spiritual practice. It departs from more impersonal or monistic interpretations (like some Advaita Vedanta perspectives) by stressing the personal nature of the Divine and the importance of a loving relationship between the devotee and God.
Symbolism
Key symbols include the chariot, representing the human body with its senses and mind controlled by the intelligence (soul), guided by the Divine (Krishna). The battlefield of Kurukshetra symbolizes the arena of life's moral and spiritual struggles. The lotus flower, often associated with purity and spiritual unfolding, represents the soul's potential for divine awakening, untainted by material existence.
Modern Relevance
The teachings resonate with contemporary movements focused on mindfulness, ethical living, and the pursuit of spiritual connection outside of traditional institutional religion. Various yoga and meditation centers, particularly those with a devotional focus, draw upon the Gita's concepts. Thinkers exploring Eastern philosophies and their application to modern life often reference its principles of duty, detachment, and the nature of consciousness.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals exploring devotional paths within Hinduism, particularly those interested in Krishna consciousness and the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. • Students of comparative religion and philosophy seeking to understand a prominent interpretation of a key Sanskrit scripture from the mid-20th century onwards. • Seekers of spiritual guidance looking for a text that emphasizes action in the world coupled with inner devotion and detachment from material outcomes.
📜 Historical Context
The Bhagavad Gita, a foundational text of Hinduism, likely emerged between the 5th and 2nd centuries BCE, forming part of the epic Mahabharata. Its philosophical discourse on duty (`dharma`), action (`karma`), and devotion (`bhakti`) has influenced Indian thought for millennia. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" gained prominence in the West during the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s, a period marked by widespread interest in Eastern spirituality, often as an alternative to prevailing Western religious and philosophical traditions. This specific 2011 edition represents the continued global dissemination of Prabhupada's teachings through ISKCON. While competing schools of thought, such as Advaita Vedanta championed by figures like Adi Shankara centuries prior, offered paths emphasizing knowledge (`jnana`), Prabhupada’s work championed `bhakti` (devotion) as the primary and most accessible path, directly engaging with and reinterpreting the text through a specific Vaishnava lens.
📔 Journal Prompts
Arjuna's dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukshetra: Reflect on a moment you faced a difficult duty.
The concept of `maya`: How does illusion influence your perception of reality?
The soul (`atma`) as distinct from the body: Consider your sense of self beyond physical attributes.
Krishna's instructions on `dharma`: How can you align your daily actions with a higher purpose?
The practice of `bhakti-yoga`: Explore ways to cultivate love and devotion in your spiritual life.
🗂️ Glossary
Bhakti-yoga
The yoga or path of devotional service to God, characterized by love, surrender, and engagement in activities that please the Divine.
Dharma
One's intrinsic nature, duty, righteousness, or religious obligations. In this context, it often refers to fulfilling one's prescribed role in society and spiritual life.
Karma
The law of action and reaction; the principle that every action has a consequence, influencing future experiences and the cycle of rebirth.
Maya
Cosmic illusion; the power that conceals the true nature of reality and binds living beings to the material world through attachment and ignorance.
Atma
The soul; the eternal, spiritual essence of a living being, distinct from the physical body and mind.
Moksha
Liberation or release from the cycle of birth, death, and suffering; the ultimate spiritual goal.
Vaishnavism
A major tradition within Hinduism that worships Lord Vishnu (including his avatars like Krishna and Rama) as the Supreme Godhead.
