Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita : A New Translation and Commentary, Chapters 1-6

by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

A translation and commentary of the central Hindu religious classic - The Bhagavad Gita

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Meditation, Classics

496 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 1967

About the author

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a direct disciple of Śrī Svāmī Brahmānanda Sarasvatī known for developing and popularizing the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique that drew much celebrity attention in the 1960s and 70s, and for being the leader and guru of a worldwide organization that has spawned numerous for-profit businesses and the Natural Law Party, a transnational political party founded on the principles of TM in 1992.

Among his more prominent disciples today are film director David Lynch, and John Hagelin, president of the Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, and three-time Natural Law Party candidate for U.S. President.

Reviews

[Caroline Cottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book off-and-on for years, and have reread many parts of it. The teachings are profound, especially "yogasta kuru kermani," or "center yourself in Being, then act." There are many versions of The Bhagavad-Gita. This one is offers very high teachings about Truth.

[Nattalia Nealls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best translation of one of the most beautiful writings the world has ever known. A unique commentary, unlike any others out there. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

[Jyoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes hand in glove with MSI's Enlightenment (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali).

If you are reading books, along with your meditation practice, seeking the Source of All Being, and expanding consciousness, these two books are great guides!

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (Bhagavad Gita) describes very clearly the inner workings of the mind and the way to freedom. Maharishi Sadasiva Isham (Enlightenment)furthers the discussion by clearly describing the states of consciousness and the psychological, emotional, and physical experiences as one experiences expansion. Both relate to each other by expounding on the same Ground of All Being, and the approach to full expansion of consciousness.

The Bhagavad Gita takes real life situations (albeit ancient situation, but universal in its application) to show the Reality of life.

Vanamali's "Play of God" gives further historical context to the Bhagavad Gita, if interested (but not necessary to fully appreciate Mahesh Yogi's expose of the mind expanding to its fullest and most enlightened state).

I have read all the above books more than 5 times. They are all exceptional books.

[Brian Paukert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Book to Live By

Excellent commentary by Maharishi on the first six chapters of the Bhagavad-Gita. The story of the greatest archer of his time, ARJUNA on the Battlefield of Life poised to fight the battle of good against evil.

Perplexed on having to kill the evil enemy which just happens to be his kinsmen, he hesitates, trying to find the next move that will create good and not evil. He turns to his charioteer, KRISHNA to solve is problem on what to do.

And, so Krishna reveals to Arjuna the secrets of life and the universe on that very battlefield as the two armies face off ready to fight.

Maharishi comments on each verse and describes thoughts and impressions that man has mistaken for thousands of years regarding their true meaning. What it means to truly live, life’s true purpose, and reveals to Arjuna how to touch the very face of GOD.

[Debbie Gifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting thru this one. He writes in a style and vocabulary that I'm uncomfortable with. "This integration of functions on the physiological level is brought about by a mental activity of ultimate refinement." But I learned alot about the bhagavad-gita so it was worth the read. I would've preferred plain speaking version.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arjuna is caught in limbo. It's not that he's chickening out... it's that he's such a pure spirit, and so clear in perception, that he finds himself caught between the two powerful forces. His head clearly knows and sees clearly that his role in this world is as a warrior and that if he does not fight, evil will prevail. However, his heart also clearly feels that he is a family man, and when he looks out over the battlefield, he sees that the army that opposes his are full of his kin. So it isn't weakness that brings Arjuna to a stop (at least as I'm reading it) it's that he is in fact powerful and wise and complete in perception in both heart and mind... and this brings us to the rub. in life, we can be strong in both heart and mind and not always do they align, and so our capacity for spontaneous right action is reduced, or, in Arjunas case, halted entirely. We find ourselves stuck in a dualistic world of a rock (mind) and a hard place (heart). Only when Arjuna has applied and exhausted the best of his worldly skills and wisdom and still finds himself unable to act does he completely surrender to Krishna and throw himself at his feet and ask for guidance. in that context, for the one who is worthy in both heart and mind and has provided worthy and humble enquiry does Krishna then pull the curtain back and show Arjuna (humanity) how to transcend the catch 22 (suffering) of duality and access the grace of the absolute. I'm loving this...

[RADHA SOAMI · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stands out because it doesn’t just translate the Bhagavad Gita but deeply explores its spiritual and philosophical significance. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi emphasizes the importance of meditation, self-realization, and dharma (righteous action) in daily life. His commentary connects the teachings of Lord Krishna to the practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM), showing how inner peace leads to outer harmony.

The clarity and depth of the interpretation make it accessible yet profound, making this book valuable for both beginners and advanced spiritual seekers. By focusing on Chapters 1-6, the book highlights the importance of self-discipline, knowledge, and the path to enlightenment.

Overall, this book is a must-read for those interested in yoga philosophy, meditation, and self-awareness. It offers timeless wisdom in a way that’s practical and relevant to modern life.
https://www.sharmainternationalpacker...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful only if you're into Maharishi's teachings. (No longer true for me.)

During the 16 years I worked as a teacher of the Transcendental Meditation Program, and then (toward the end) a "Governor of the Age of Enlightenment," I LOVED this version of the Bhagavad-Gita.

Now, though grateful for what I gained from teaching TM, and glad to have helped people then -- and differently, later -- as a spiritual teacher, sigh! Eventually I came to realize that TM was a cult.

I wound up exiting that cult, which represents a fresher start on life than merely dropping out.

LARDED WITH CULT MESSAGES

That's the big problem with Maharishi's translation, and especially his commentary. If any of you Goodreaders can recommend a translation that is clean, commercial free (as it were), please recommend it to me.

ON THE POSITIVE SIDE

The translation itself is clear and readable. I thought of it just today, some 57 years -- yes, you read that right -- some 57 years after I fell in love with this scripture.

See my comment below, if you'd like to learn more.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I ever feel out-of-sorts, I'll grab my copy of this book, open it up to a random page, read whatever verse speaks to me and then read Maharishi's commentary of the verse. Whenever I do this, I feel instantly better 99% of the time.

[Suzanne Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghita has been translated by many leaders of thought, Maharishi is a living state of consciousness which cognises the primal meaning and explains it in simple terms that can rarely be misinterpreted. Maharishi makes this ancient text livable and practical knowledge for every person now.

[Kamal Adham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very precise and accurate translation that can be understood in light of the practice of the transcendental meditation

[Josh Desrosiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned in college that a good teacher is integral when it comes to philosophy and the Maharishi is the greatest of teachers.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

So profound it takes several reads to absorb.

[Belle Meade School]

294.5924

[Misty]

Meditation is a daily and spiritual practice that enhances your daily life .... LOVE his teachings and incorporating it into my own daily rituals

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully reflective look at the first six chapters of the Gita. Would be fantastic to use as a first time Gita reader, or for a class.

[Adam Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kicked off my spiritual journey. Must read.

[Giggletits · Rating 5 out of 5]

yeah so this was incredible..

[Ivan Kuznietsov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life wisdom and art of being. I believe after reading this book the wisdom absorbed from it will only grow with time (and practice).

[Audun Forgard]

The first six chapters of the Bhagavad-Gita with original Sanskrit text, an introduction, and a commentary designed to restore the fundamental truths of the teachings delivered by the Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield. Its a religious text folks, and with that comes many tenents to how to conduct your life in conformity with higher spiritiual principles. This is not the text about UFO s though. but well worth a study if hindusim and the castesystem rocks your world.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is a fascinating being and reading his commentary on the Gita provides insight into his thought process as well as a deeper understanding of Hinduism. I also love his way of writing, describing phenomenal concepts in a few eloquently strung-together words that truly capture the essences of human life, consciousness, and God.

“The kingdom of heaven is like electricity. You don’t see it. It is within you.”

[Jack]

Same story as the Upanishads... difficult to read, even with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's commentary. It's just hard to get into. I hope to return to this later.

[Rajmohanbabu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its only one commentary reveals essence of Bhagavat gita. Reading Maharishi's Bhagavat gita itself is a great joy. . Its very worth to read
Thank you Maharishi

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book for me is the founding text for the Transcendental Meditation technique. The concepts in this book were a lot more foreign until the Gnostic Gospels’ were found in 1945.

[Sage1008 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best translation and commentary of the Gita.

[John Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The handbook of enlightenment. Indispensable reading. Highly recommended.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This went along with my yoga asanas class last block.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maharishi's amazing translation and commentary of the Bhagavad-Gita.

[Alan Steinberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

to be read, again and again, every few years