Bhagavad-gita

by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (-Translator)

hardcover with purple dust jacket

Genres: Philosophy, Mythology, Religion

388 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1948

About the author

Bharat Ratna Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher and statesman. He was the first Vice-President of India (1952–1962) and subsequently the second President of India (1962–1967).

One of India's most influential scholars of comparative religion and philosophy, Radhakrishnan is thought of as having built a bridge between the East and the West by showing that the philosophical systems of each tradition are comprehensible within the terms of the other. He wrote authoritative exegeses of India's religious and philosophical literature for the English speaking world. His academic appointments included the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta (1921-?) and Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University (1936–1952).

Among the many honours he received were a knighthood (1931), the Bharat Ratna (1954) and the Order of Merit in 1963. His birthday is celebrated in India as Teacher's Day.

Reviews

[Karthik Govil · Rating 4 out of 5]

S. Radhakrishanan writes a nice verse for verse translation of the Bhagwat Gita in this book.

Once again, I should clarify, such reviews are not of the texts themselves, but of the translation and how the content is presented to the reader. We are not here to judge the Gita itself, but only judge the attempts of their understanding of the texts.

Radhakrishanan, in the opening essay, describes the Gita really well. Although, the footnotes excessively make comparisons and measure Sanatan Dharm and the Gita against Christianity, which was the colonial religion of the times.

While in the British period, when the Missionary schools provided the best education of the material world, when a class of English-in-tastes natives existed; this translation would have worked wonders for those detached from their lineage.

But in the modern day, there is disappointment that we have not passed beyond such comparisons. This book still sells widely in book stores across the country, indicating there is relevance of such translations to some sections of society.

Even in English, the mainstream understanding of the said text should have moved forward, but it seems to be stuck in 1948, nearly 80 years later. Even if newer translations with more depth exist (like the Mukundananda version I read at the start of the year), they're not as popular as this 1948 version.

And none of this is meant to negate S Radhakrishnan's efforts, he did his duty to the utmost for his generation and times.

But I can't help but think that certain aspects of the text skirted around controversial issues, or exaggerated very accepted commonsensical truths to fit the whole into a Christian-centric worldview, which is simultaneously a great insight into the past 80-100 years ago and also a pain to grapple with in the modern day.

These world war era translations continue to fascinate me for their insights into the world war times and the life and mindset of those days, but they tap the needs of my inner history buff more, and the needs of the inner spiritual seeker less.

Maybe this book can be a great start for those outside hinduism entirely. Those in Western countries might take a liking to this. But a start is never the end, and eventually one should seek to learn the Gita from a real acharya as well, and in person.

The impact of such texts on twitter troll wars is what such texts have been reduced to in 2024. Their place as historical insights, as meta readings, need to be preserved. And to authentically learn the Gita, find a guru, and maybe then we will see new translations emerge, until one day we don't need them anymore outside of entertainment for children.

I did enjoy the book, but for its insights into how Christianity dominated the spiritual discourse of the time, and how Sanatanis made their scriptures make sense against this new strain of knowledge, and how this resistance enriched their mental beings. This self defence exercise should be conducted world over, like in African nations (like Togo) or Japan's Shinto people, to enrich their customs and to find increased vigour in their native practices. This line of intellectual defence was an important part of our history, and such books provide rich insights into the same.

8/10

[B.S. Murthy]

This work exemplifies the conventional approach in interpreting the classic in vogue. However, one may like to take a look at Bhagvad-Gita: Treatise of Self-help, sans 110 inane interpolations, for a fresh perspective of the Gita's pristine philosophy, and here it is in goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Anjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will always be a 5 star for me.

[Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of Hinduism, can be a daunting text for newcomers. S. Radhakrishnan's translation and commentary bridges this gap, offering a clear and insightful interpretation of this sacred scripture. Dr. Radhakrishnan, a renowned scholar of comparative religion and philosophy, brings his deep understanding of Hinduism to the forefront. His translation is both accurate and accessible, conveying the essence of the original Sanskrit verses in lucid English prose.

Radhakrishnan doesn't stop at mere translation. His insightful commentary illuminates the complex philosophical and spiritual concepts within the Gita. He unpacks the various schools of Hindu thought referenced in the text, making it easier for readers to grasp the different perspectives on duty, action, and liberation (moksha).

Radhakrishnan's edition includes the original Sanskrit text alongside his translation, allowing readers with some knowledge of Sanskrit to delve deeper. The clear and concise commentary makes the profound wisdom of the Gita understandable to a wider audience. Radhakrishnan's reputation as a scholar lends credibility to his interpretations, making this a valuable resource for serious students of Hinduism.

Anyone interested in exploring the Bhagavad Gita for the first time will find Radhakrishnan's edition an excellent starting point.Those seeking a deeper understanding of Hindu philosophy and its core concepts will benefit from the insightful commentary. Readers interested in comparative religion can use this edition to explore the Gita's place within the broader spectrum of world religions.

While Radhakrishnan's translation is widely respected, it's important to remember that different translations can offer slightly varying interpretations. Readers seeking a more literal approach may want to consult other editions alongside this one.

S. Radhakrishnan's translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand this sacred text. His clear explanations and insightful interpretations make the wisdom of the Gita accessible to a wider audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for Hinduism's rich philosophical tradition.

[Madhav Ramanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing spiritual book. Rather than being biased like some translations of the gita which might even change the meaning of verses, this book gives an commentary with comparisons to other philosophies and ideologies. It also references many other books like the Upanishads and other commentaries by philosophers and saints. It explains them verse by verse so we can apply it into our lives. I loved reading the book throughout. Our former president was such a critical thinker, knowledgable and smart. This book will make you think things through. I'd suggest do not finish the book in one go. After every few verses or a chapter do reflect how you can apply this in your life.