The Illustrated Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation With Commentary - Softcover

[back cover] THE ILLUSTRATED
BHAGAVAD GITA

In the history of India, the Bhagavad Gita occupies a unique place as the one scripture common to all Hindus. It is short, simple, and to the point, and draws the diverse tenets of Indian philosophy into a unified whole. The text was Gandhi's greatest inspiration: When doubts haunt me and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to the Bhagavad Gita and find a verse to comfort me.
The Gita, composed on a battlefield, is arranged as a conversation of questions and answers between God and the soul, represented by Krishna and Arjuna. It addresses life's basic dilemmas, such as how to deal with adversity, the search for peace of mind, and how to be active in the world without getting entangled by karma. The most difficult battle we all have to face, says the Gita, is the one we must fight with our own minds and senses. It offers encouragement and advice to all who aspire to a better life.
The Bhagavad Gita was first translated into English in 1785, yet curiously has remained little known and still less understood. Now as Hinduism is a growing part of society in the West, this accessible translation and commentary aims to speak to the general reader as well as to the spiritual seeker.

Ranchor Prime was born in England in 1950 and studied architecture and art before devoting fifteen years to the study and teaching of Vedic philosophy in Britain, India, and the United States. He is director of Friends of Vrindavan, an environmental charity dedicated to conserving sacred forests in India, and he lives in London.

Ranchor Prime is the author of several books on Hinduism. He is also an environmental campaigner and appears frequently on radio in his native England.