The Bhagawad Geeta Chapter I & II

by Chinmayananda

The Geeta is one of the most widely translated and commented upon scriptures of the world. It was Sankara, who for the first time lifted it out of the mass of Mahabharata Literature and gave it recognition as an Upanishad. The Geeta is a revelation to humanity by Lord Krishna through Arjuna, a friend and disciple, at a critical moment of his life. It teaches man the Goal Supreme to be attained, as well as the means of attaining it. It is a Universal scripture containing various strands of teachings suited to different men at their stages of development.

This book deals with the first two chapters of Geeta. The first chapter provides the background and the link with the main text of the Mahabharata. The second chapter is a good summary of the whole of the Geeta that has 18 chapters.

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Chinmayananda Saraswati, also known as Swami Chinmayananda and born Balakrishnan Menon, was an Indian spiritual leader and teacher who inspired the formation of Chinmaya Mission in 1953 to spread the message of Vedanta. The organization, which was founded by his disciples and led by him, has over 300 centres in India and internationally.
He was a disciple of Sivananda Saraswati at Rishikesh, who founded the Divine Life Society. He was later advised by Sivananda to study under Tapovan Maharaj in Uttarkashi in the Himalayas.

Reviews

[Dharmabum · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does one review what is considered one of the greatest treatises of life itself? The word to word translation is why I picked this edition. Each chapter is a separate book except I think the first volume, which consists of two chapters. There is also another version called 'Holy Geeta' by Swamiji, where each verse is explained but not individual words.
I am hoping to read through the entire Geeta using this version as I like Swamiji's commentary. His words are powerful but also simple and highly comprehensible. For someone trying to access what I consider to be one of the deepest philosophies, the theory of life called Vedanta, I would strongly recommend this book.

[Venkataraman Sambasiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume deals with the chapters 1 and II of the Bhagawad Geeta. The chapter I is a situation introduction and the chapter II is regarded a summary of the whole Geeta. The correct understanding of these chapters is a prerequisite for proceeding further in the study of the Bhagawad Geeta.

Swami Chinmayananda has explained the contents of these two chapters in this volume in his own inimitable thoroughness and authenticity. His introduction of the difficult Vedantic concepts and connecting them with the contexts - only Swamiji can do it.

A 'Must Read' for anybody who is interested in leading a meaningful life.