Philosophy of The Bhagavad Gita: A Contemporary Introduction presents a complete philosophical guide and new translation of the most celebrated text of Hinduism. While usually treated as mystical and religious poetry, this new translation focuses on the philosophy underpinning the story of a battle between two sets of cousins of the Aryan clan. Designed for use in the classroom, this lively and readable translation: - Situates the text in its philosophical and cultural contexts - Features summaries and chapter analyses and questions at the opening and end of each of the eighteen chapters encouraging further study - Highlights points of comparison and overlap between Indian and Western philosophical concepts and themes such as just war, care ethics, integrity and authenticity - Includes a glossary allowing the reader to determine the meaning of central concepts Written with clarity and without presupposing any prior knowledge of Hinduism, Philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita: A Contemporary Introduction reveals the importance and value of reading the Gita philosophically.

The lectures herein, given under the auspices of the University of Madras, are an attempt to expound the ethical philosophy of the Gita by adopting Western methods of critical enquiry. Bringing out the essentials of the ethical religion of the Upanisads, the Bhagavad Gita thus dispels the misconception that Vedanta does not stress the moral values of experience.

The Bhagavad Gita is a unique literary creation but deciphering its meaning and philosophy is not easy or simple. This careful study of the Bhagavad Gita approaches the ancient text with a modern mind and offers a unifying structure which is of a universal relevance. Combining the philosophical-theoretical with the ethical-practical, Ithamar Theodor locates his study within comparative theology and identifies the various layers of meaning. The full text of the Bhagavad Gita is presented in new translation, divided into sections, and accompanied by in-depth commentary. This book makes the Bhagavad Gita accessible to a wide variety of readers, helping to make sense of this great spiritual classic which is one of the most important texts of religious Hinduism.

The Bhagavard Gita represents perhaps the earliest consistent attempt by man to arrive at an integral view of existence. Created between the 5th and 4th century B.C., it has been a vital factor in the religio/philosophic literature of the world ever since. Today, when there is an urgent need for humanity to comprehend the holistic movement of life-this ancient tradition is keenly relevant.

In this companion to his best-selling translation of the Bhagavad Gita, Easwaran explores the essential themes of this much-loved Indian scripture. Placing the Gita in a modern context, Easwaran shows how this classic text sheds light on the nature of reality, the illusion of separateness, the search for identity, and the meaning of yoga. The key message of the Gita is how to resolve our conflicts and live in harmony with the deep unity of life, through the principles of yoga and the practice of meditation. Easwaran grew up in the Hindu tradition and learned Sanskrit from an early age. A foremost translator and interpreter of the Gita, he taught classes on it for forty years, while living out the principles of the Gita in the midst of a busy family and community life. In the Gita, Sri Krishna, the Lord, doesn’t tell the warrior prince Arjuna what to do: he shows Arjuna his choices and then leaves it to Arjuna to decide. Easwaran, too, shows us clearly how these teachings still apply to us – and how, like Arjuna, we must take courage and act wisely if we want our world to thrive.

The fundamental purpose of the Bhagavad Gita is to illuminate all of humanity, the realization of the true nature of divinity for the highest spiritual conception and the greatest material perfection is to attain supreme love of God. It is a work showing lessons of philosophy, religion and ethics; it teaches every human being the art of living, the way of life. According to William Von Humboldt, the Gita is ‘the most beautiful, perhaps the only true philosophical song existing in any known tongue’. As a philosophical manifesto, the Bhagavad Gita plays an important influence in society. A philosophical guide acts like a spiritual magnifying glass, enabling people to discern the external and internal elements that surround their vision and bring error in our understanding. What we find in the works of philosophical masters are living truths which speak of mundane problems as well as spiritual needs of our day. People of such brilliant intellect who grow spiritually are able to interpret and transmit masterpieces like Bhagavad Gita in true spirit of life. Many a milestone is set by the followers of Gita and practical wisdom is the ultimate fulcrum of the philosophy.................... P. V. Laxmiprasad

Objective of this series of essays on Indian History and Culture is to select contributions which could interest, educate and inspire our readers. Attempt has been made to make available to our readers best literature written by renowned scholars, through the ages, to enable our students, teachers, policymakers and our general readers to analyse the themes, they are interested in, in proper historical perspectives. This will enable them to think, write and dream of a developed India of twenty first century. How far the study of our history, religion, culture, economy, philosophy, music, science, law, education, technology, trade, art, architecture, etc. can provide to us inputs for a bright brilliant and vibrant India, is one of the major concern of these volume. There is a crisis of character all around, how far this exercise in Indian History and Culture can stem the tide of corruption, criminalization of politics and ills of the consumerist culture is one of our aims in compiling this series of volumes.

Bhakti is a remarkable feature and tendency of human existence having to do with one's devoted involvement with a person, object, deity, or a creative project. Bhakti and Philosophy aims to trace the larger meanings and roles of bhakti as it historically emerged in some of the well-known thought systems of India, such as Vedanta and Buddhism.