The Bhagavad Gita 101: a modern, practical guide, plain and simple

by Matthew Barnes

The Bhagavad Gita (or “Song of God”) is one of the richest, most complete, and most important spiritual works ever composed.Its teachings have been a timeless source of inspiration, wisdom, and guidance for over a thousand years.The Gita (as it is affectionately known) is laid out as the story of a regular person, Arjuna, who has become despondent after coming to see life as a meaningless, pointless, and never-ending struggle. Arjuna is ready to quit. Sound familiar?

Krishna (a mysterious friend and hero of the story) comes to Arjuna in his time of need and counsels him on the meaning of life as well as the path that leads to purpose and deliverance.

What does Arjuna find at the end of his journey? Meaning. Tranquility. Enlightenment.

Because the struggles Arjuna faced and suffered from are the same as those we face today, the teachings of the Gita are every bit as pertinent in our era as they were over a thousand years ago when it was first recorded.

I designed my version of this enduring classic to be concise, modern, and accessible to all readers, even those with no prior knowledge of Hindu philosophy.

“We behold what we are, and we are what we behold.” -The Bhagavad Gita

Scroll up and discover the majesty of the Gita for yourself!

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2020

Reviews

[Homer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. It was a good and interesting read that has inspired me to read more on the topic. The first half of the book is 5 stars but it started losing me a bit at the end...guess I have work to do on my enlightenment journey. 😁

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Bhagavad Gita and while back and it has remained in my consciousness. Barnes does a wonderful job describing what the Bhagavad Gita is and isn't, without proselytizing. He has chosen just a few of the many parables in the story to examine, but they are some of the biggest lessons of the "Gita". He frames the stories in modern language with comparisons we can understand, explaining the many paths on the way to enlightenment, higher power, happiness - whatever you choose to call it.

Thanks to Hidden Gems Books for a review copy.

[Jatinder Sidar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that always keeps you engaged

This book is able to take a highly complex and vast piece of literature and allows you to digest and understand in a fun and captivating way. I simply couldn’t wait to read it when i had the time and every page was a joy to read. Matthew brings this very ancient and important story into the modern stage, thank you for bringing such joy to my life.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“the way we are all to live our lives. We are to do our duty, do what is right, give it all of our attention, do it the best we can (like a Zen master participating in a tea ceremony), and have no care for the result. Money, power, acclaim—we don’t do what we do for those rewards. Doing what is right, the best we can, ultimately is the reward.”

— The Bhagavad Gita 101: a modern, practical guide, plain and simple by Matthew Barnes
https://a.co/7EoKGer

[Fabian Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew does it again

I've read several of Matthew's books and have found each of them to be enlightened. Since it can be difficult to find translations of the original text, I appreciate his efforts to bridge the gap.

[David Unger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Clearer Understanding...

I have read a number of versions of the Bhagavad Gita. My favorite is Jack Hawley's.

But this version by Matthew Barnes really spoke to me in a way that I could more clearly understand.

I look forward to reading other works by this author.

[Anastasia Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this translation, it’s so easy to digest especially if you’re a westerner and/or a convert or simply interested in eastern philosophy and religion.

If you’re a beginner, let this be your first stop when it comes to the Gita before you go on to read more complicated versions.

[Paulinau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well-written.

[Sudha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blissful journey

Amazing work!!!

Thank you Matthew for summarizing the song of God into a simple form palatable by all.

Thank you!!
Om tat sat!! Sarve janah sukino bhavantu!!