The Bhagavad Gita, translated from the Sanskrit by Swami Nikhilananda (aff link).
The Bhagavad Gita (aff link) often referred to as the Gita, is considered by some to be the Hindu Bible. It does, however, transcend religion and is a useful companion to all spiritual seekers. The Gita’s written form is believed to be more than 2,000 years old, and, like most Indian scriptures, oral transmission goes back to prerecorded times.
The Bhagavad Gita is deceptively short, only 18 chapters, but it’s packed with the sort of wisdom that takes a lifetime to learn and assimilate. The Gita is a poem found within the longest of the Indian epics, the Mahabharata, where the scene is set on a battlefield with two families about to engage in war. The characters of the Gita, Krishna and Arjuna, may be considered an allegory to the conflicts in our own minds. Many human questions and problems, along with their solutions, are offered in the Gita. It transcends time; although an ancient text, its principles are still applicable today.
These quotes from famous thinkers demonstrate how deeply the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita has reached into Western culture:
“The Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value is subject not only to India but to all of humanity.” — Aldous Huxley
“I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavad Gita. It was the first of books; it was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which exercise us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita . . . in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial.” — Henry David Thoreau
The Bhagavad Gita is an essential element to any Eastern philosopher’s library. It contains many familiar quotes to spiritual seekers. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
On peace and happiness:
“The man whose mind is not under his control has no Self-knowledge and no contemplation either. Without contemplation he can have no peace; and without peace, how can he have happiness?” (Bhagavad Gita 2:66)
On moderation:
“Yoga is not for him who eats too much nor for him who eats too little. It is not for him who sleeps too much nor for him who sleeps too little.” (Bhagavad Gita 6:16)
On universal unity:
“With the heart concentrated by yoga, viewing all things with equal regard, he beholds himself in all beings and all beings in himself.” (Bhagavad Gita 6:6)
Teachings in the Bhagavad Gita
The Gita is meant to be applied personally. Like the Bible, it should be studied throughout our lives. As we grow in wisdom, the advice of the Gita takes on more meaning.
The teachings contained in the Bhagavad Gita touch upon nearly every yogic concept. Many of those are also parts of other spiritual disciplines, including Buddhism and Christianity. In it you will find reference to various traditional spiritual paths: renunciation, selfless service, meditation, knowledge, and Divine love. The Gita also describes the state of the enlightened person.
The translation by Swami Nikhilananda is true to the Sanskrit and contains very little commentary. Nikhilananda’s introduction is a concise description of both the history of the Gita and its teachings—a perfect beginning for anyone interested in the spiritual principles of yoga.
This book is compact, fitting conveniently into places like a pocket or a purse, available for frequent reference. And because this version is so free from commentary, it’s a good companion to Gitas that have been translated by other scholars or saints, with or without commentaries.
No other Indian scripture so clearly and succinctly shows the way to spiritual enlightenment. The Bhagavad Gita (aff link) is so rich in teachings that you could use it as your only scriptural reference. However, my recommendation to most students is this: take one phrase, verse, or principle and apply it daily in your life, day after day. Days become years very quickly; you will discover that the teachings become an integral part of your personality. You will be that much closer to realizing the Divine within yourself.
Chityānanda has been a disciple of Svāmī Gurupremānanda Sarasvatī since 1975. She teaches meditation and yoga as a spiritual path in Santa Cruz, California.
Thanks for the review and intro. We own translations of BG by five different authors, but we don’t have the one by Swami Nikhilananda. I will use this BG to augment the teachings of my Guru.
Thank you, Tosh. There are, indeed, countless translations and commentaries on this little book. That fact speaks volumes for its value!
This book is rich in practical teachings. I could carry it with me in the world to keep my mind peaceful and thoughts and actions positive.
Thank you for your comment, Sue. I know you’ll enjoy this version of the Bhagavad Gita. Namaste.
I appreciate this particular quote you pulled out:
“The man whose mind is not under his control has no Self-knowledge and no contemplation either. Without contemplation he can have no peace; and without peace, how can he have happiness?”
This reminds that If I want to feel happy and peaceful at the end of my days, I need to do the work today to have my mind under control.
PS: It was illuminating to read Rob’s comment that the inability to buy everything displayed on Amazon is the root cause of most people’s anger. That never occurred to me.
Thank you for your contribution, Rob II. For the sake of our readers, I’d like to point out that there are two Robs making comments on this post. Rob II is not commenting on his own comment, made by another Rob.
I like your emphasis on the fact that happiness requires peace, peace requires contemplation (just another word for meditation and other spiritual practices), and practices require control over one’s mind. Although that might suggest that happiness is just too difficult to achieve, I’d like to point out that the spiritual life is a process. That process is rarely sequential. So, while we do our spiritual practices, happiness gradually arises because the practices support peace and contemplation. In a way, everything happens at once. Namaste, Rob II.
I got the Bhagavad Gita on Kindle, and am reading the verses at random. I like this from chapter 2, verse 62. “When a man dwells on objects, he feels an attachment for them. Attachment gives rise to desire, and desire breed anger.”
I like it because it is so practical. And now I see why most people are angry, because they are unable to buy everything in sight.
Thank you for your comment, Rob. I’m delighted that you showed us how practical this ancient Indian scripture can be. Namaste.
I have been reading all of your articles and enjoying them very much. In a world that’s geared to keeping the mind continuously active it’s great to spend time with them and follow what you teach. It helps to quiet the mind and that,s a good thing. I will start reading this Gita again. Thank you.
Thank you for your comments, Gary. You are right; we need to find ways to quiet our busy minds, and “the world” is not going to provide that for us. I have no doubt that you will enjoy the Gita and find ways to apply it to your own circumstances. Namaste.
Thank you Svami Chityananda for reminding us about The Gita. I can see Krishna and Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield. I see the wise Krishna patiently instructing a reluctant Arjuna to fight bad tendencies so that virtue wins. This is my life. Peace, Moe.
Thank you for your comment, Modesto. It’s especially helpful on the spiritual path to relate to the teachings as you’ve described. Namaste.
I pulled my copy out off my library and will do what you are suggestion. Thanks from an old man for the kind reminder.
An excellent idea, John! I’m sure you will enjoy the preface and introduction as a part of your refresher.
I really like this translation of the Bhagavad Gita, and I am glad you have published this review of the book. Much appreciated.
Thank you, Tim. I agree; this is a particularly nice translation. It’s easy to read and free from distracting commentaries. Enjoy!
From Nikhilananda’s introduction, “Man’s supreme duty is the attainment of freedom from the bondage and suffering of the world.” “This is attained through Self-knowledge” . . . which can be facilitated by a careful study and contemplation of the teachings.
The addition of the glossary of the characters, as well as the philosophical and yogic terms, makes it a helpful and informative addition to this concise translation.
Thank you for your comments, Pauline. I see you’ve had time to take a deeper look into this little volume. I hope you continue to enjoy your studies. Namaste.
I like the reference to the war between the families, as an allegory of the war in ones mind between their higher nature and their lower nature.
Thank you, Richard. I’m happy to know that little detail caught your eye!
Thank you for this article. Your pointer, “A perfect beginning for anyone interested in the spiritual principles of yoga” is much appreciated.
Thank you, Elizabeth. I think it’s very beneficial to hold on to that “beginner’s attitude.” Sometimes, when someone has been on a spiritual path for a number of years, their mind closes to new ways of seeing the teachings. The Bhagavad Gita’s principles are applicable to seekers of all faiths and levels of experience. I hope you enjoy it!