The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda

I have re-read this book so many times. I found that the author does an excellent job of setting the stage and explaining the underlying story. I find that I often recommend this to people that have read the Upanishads and are looking for that next big thing. You can re-read this many times and see something different. Many Many layers to this book.

The first version of the Gita that I read through completely, was a small book written by Christopher Isherwood. A disciple of Swami Prabhavananda (see 'My Guru and his Disciple' by Christopher Isherwood), it was given out by the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in California. In vers libre format, it burnished my budding apetite for genuine spirituality at the time (early 1980's) with new wings. I soared with the loftiness of the message deeply resonating with the glorious descriptions of the magnificience of the Self during those early and halcyon days of my quest.26 years later, I find a new version of the same holy book. Also by a Westerner, but probably one who understands the Hindu religion and what it stands for, better than most practising Hindus do. Reading this book, got the same lofty feelings to well forth, but this time I sense deep undercurrents of feeling attached to the concepts of this age old treatise, yielding a new dimension and richness to the presentation of these holy truths. Having been born and bred an American, Kriyananda has been able to convey the holy message of this text in a way that is tailored to the demands of a fast paced modern society, going increasingly global every day.In the early chapters of this book, the allegorical link between the five Pandava brothers and the chakra system is explained. This is relatively esoteric material that has never appeared before, at least to my knowledge. Later on, the Gita is analyzed, stanza by stanza, beginning with a Sanskrit paragraph and its literal English translation, followed by an extensive commentary in each case. In these commentaries, Kriyananda puts down in writing his own memories of his Guru's comments on the various passages of the Bhagavad Gita. For the benefit of those interested in reincarnation, Yogananda had said that he himself had been an incarnation of Arjuna, the Pandava prince, who received the information from Krishna firsthand. That fact could probably be one of the factors that account for the interpretational depth of these writings. Wherever possible, connections to other major religions are cited and the explanations are forthright and lucid. In particular, there is a section on the physical aspects of Kriya Yoga which is the science of breath as taught by Paramahamsa Yogananda and which has only been recently released to the general public. The physiological consequences of a regular practice of this process are explored. This is also material that has never appeared before.One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it is a fast read and holds one's attention, even as these eternal truths unfold one by one. This work is unquestionably a labour of love, being Kriyananda's magnum opus after eighty plus books.In closing, I would like to mention, that like all Scripture, the Bhagavad Gita is only a book. It is a miniscule version of the ecstasy that ISNESS emanates, although one may and does feel whiffs of the same from the reading. The real task of experiencing the ISNESS is, of course, a different story, but this book could be a useful tool along the way.

If you have read the ancient "Bhagavad Gita" and need help understanding this book, read, study, and live with tis work- it will heal you. There is a big reason why this has been kept a secret in our modern capitalistic, market/ for profit driven world owned by banksters- you won't have to buy anything to feel great! If you are someone like me who feels modern american culture is based on false pre-deteremined premises- read this bookIf your relationships need help- read this book; if your life is directionless- or maybe you are depressed- read this book.

I am reading this translation of the Gita. right now and am about half way through. This book is stunning in its beauty and is so easy to read. I have two other versions of this holy text and this is the one I will keep and order copies for friends. It's the most spiritual book in the world and this version is written in a style that it is understandable and engaging. I believe it is truly inspired by God. Everyone should read this book.

In trying to understand Hinduism I have heard from other sources that the Bhagavad Gita is the most popular story among Hindus, and I have heard that Paramhansa Yogananda is highly respected in America for this most excellent explanation of the story. A book written in another language can not simply be translated because many of the words in the foreign language do not have an equivalent word in English. Thus explanations are needed at every turn. I love this book, for its in depth, thought provoking presentation of this most famous story!

I cannot put into words the impact this book has had on me. This is my 4th translation of this text and this one is the best. Originally I started reading the Bhagavad Gita as it has a calibration of 910 (David Hawkins, Power vs. Force. It is a cosmic text which reaching out of the book and touches ones soul. This version is a joy to read. It is a dessert fresh from a tree. It is a day not too hot with gentle breezes. God becomes the companion rather than the gloom and doom king/parent/authority. Many of my friends now have this book just from seeing the joyful change in me.

For a clear understanding of the Gita, this book is the best. It embodies the understanding of a true saint, Yogananda. Kriyananda was a close disciple of Yogananda and the best writer of his inner circle.There are several reviewers who make personal attacks on Kriyananda. These attacks are politically motivated, as was the infamous lawsuit against Kriyananda orchestrated by Self Realization Fellowship. If you read the book, however, you will quickly realize that Kriyananda simply expresses Yogananda's insights in clear, grammatical English. Even if you buy the smear campaign, it has no relevance.

This is a must reading for every esoteric, spiritual and or metaphysical student ofYoga or spiritual aspirant. Explained by Yogananda, through his direct student,Kriyananda. Easy to read and understand. The Gita is a book about you andyour spiritual journey throughout the universe. This story is explained andinterpreted for anyone to understand and practice. It flows smoothly,like all thebooks written by Kriyananda, from Yogananda. This will be your reference andconstant guide on the spiritual path, now and beyond the five senses.

This book was recommended to me to read before reading the more academic God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita By Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. I have found that a good course of action.

This book, as far as its content and provenance or pedigree go, is truly as wonderful as people say.However, I just wanted to put it in small note here: I ordered the hardcover version from Amazon UK. It was shipped to me from India. Nothing against India, India is my favorite country; but those Westerners who ordered the hardcover version of this book might be surprised to find that the binding is only firm cardboard, not true "hardcover" as old-fashioned book lovers would have expected. And: the paper of the pages is so thin, that even when opened flat, with the page that you are reading laid perfectly flat against all the other pages behind it, you can still see, not only the printed letters and words on the page you are reading, but also the printed letters and words that are actually on the reverse side of the page you are reading, and even those that are on the next page, and on the reverse side of that next page, as well.Customers familiar with Indian publishing will perhaps not be surprised at this "extra thrifty quality", but to me it seems to be a sub-par quality, making the designation of "hardcover" on this site somewhat deceptive.Still, even with this small problem, I would recommend, strongly, buying this book. Your eyes get used to it, and it is, as I said before, just as wonderful a volume as everybody here is saying. I only wish I could find another printing, printed on heavier paper, and with a better binding; of course because I will be reading it for decades to come. I do not actually know if a better such printing is available anywhere, because I bought it from here first, without having searched any other sites.

Paramhansa Yogananda is said to have put his consciousness in tune with Veda Vyasa himself while writing/dictating his commentary on Gita. And after finishing, he is said to have exclaimed that a new scripture has been born. Indeed! Swami Kriyananda was helping him with the editing of his commentary then (early 1950s I think) and using his recollections, he has written this book decades later. His manner of writing is concise and yet very lucid. I am actually listening to his audio narration on Audible and find it quite engaging. As I journey through this book, I feel only Yoganandaji could have brought out such depth with clarity. This book gives a holistic view of the message in Gita and not looking solely from any one point of view (Gyana, Bhakti or Karma Yoga). It explains a lot of allegorical and unknown meanings (at least unknown to me!) behind Mahabharata in general and Gita in particular. But more importantly, 'seekers' would find here profound guidance on all aspects of the yogic path. I highly recommend this book to all. And if possible, please go for the audiobook as well; listening to Swamiji is a joy in itself.

Apart from making it easy for the reader to understand by breaking things down and giving useful examples and advices for spiritualizing every day live, Swami Kriyananda gives beautiful insights in how it has been to be a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. He remembers everything first hand as he spend a lot of time with this great guru just in the years before his death.I can really recommend this book highly to everyone as it already gave me already so many insights and amazes me still realizing so many coherences between these teachings and others. He puts it all together and breaks it down to simple truths, drawing the line between great religions too, and explains why in their essence they all teach the same, which is union with God.

I love this version of the Gita, mainly because Swamiji makes it so easy to understand and fathom! So inspiring, full of analogies and symbols that are easy to comprehend.