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Liked It “It was interesting reading the Bhagavad-Gita at the same time as I have been reading the Old Testament for the past several months. Comparing the sacred texts of the Hindus and Jews, I found that the greatest commonality is that both are mixtures of the shockingly wise and the apallingly...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“It was interesting reading the Bhagavad-Gita at the same time as I have been reading the Old Testament for the past several months. Comparing the sacred texts of the Hindus and Jews, I found that the greatest commonality is that both are mixtures of the shockingly wise and the apallingly grotesque, as I suppose is to be expected from reading any ancient document such as these. Nonetheless, I strongly agree with and love the Gita's overall message of destiny and sacred duty (though I do not like the fact that these concepts which I believe to be true were used to justify and even prolongate the unnecessary pain and suffering caused by the Hindu caste system). Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly interesting experience reading the Gita and I would suggest it to all those studying world religions, for I discovered what people like George Harrison fall in love with about the religion.”
Joseph S wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The book will be an ultimate lesson to the human beings at each tep of their life, as today's human being faces intense struggle at each step of life.”
Maniraj Patri wrote this review Monday, August 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“epic...has solutions to the problems in day to day life...the most practical book i ever read...”
Balu G wrote this review Wednesday, March 25 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“"Kill them without wavering; fight, and you will conquer your foes in battle!" These words aptly summarize the overarching theme of this climatic work of the Mahabharata, one the world's longest epic poems. The main characters in this work are the narrator Sanjaya, Lord Krishna and Arjuna, a member of the ruling caste whom Krishna counsels to fulfill his duty (dharma) in the way of killing his enemies. This urging is necessary because Arjuna is wavering, preferring to show his enemies pity ("flaw of pity" p.30). Krishna consoles Arjuna that "Death is certain for anyone born, and birth is certain for the dead; since the cycle is inevitable, you have no cause to grieve!" (p.33). But Krishna in consoling, also portrays the "Three Aspects of Faith" (lucidity , passion, dark inertia); in so doing Krishna dismisses actions that rise from passions, greed for outcome("fruits") and decries inactivity (or lack of discipline). This is a concise introductory primer for understanding Hindu thought and belief. I highly recommend reading the excellent introductory chapters by Huston Smith before and after reading the eighteen teachings.”
tapbirds wrote this review Saturday, March 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Well, this is my fourth time through this book in as many translations, and this translation makes the most sense to me, which isn't saying that it makes a lot of sense. For me it takes extended contemplation for the underlying wisdom to come through. I think this version made more sense than others I've read because the words chosen by the translator made more sense. I don't know whether they are the most accurate, but they definitely seemed closer to a Western mindset. At the end of it all, though, I think Arjuna was right to refuse to fight, and all Krishna's arguments to the contrary seem ultimately meaningless to me. Yes, I probably need to think about it some more.”
Katznmaus wrote this review Tuesday, February 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This book speaks to my soul. I read, reread, reread & highlight gaing new understanding each time. ”
Discodumpling wrote this review Thursday, January 31 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is one of those books you can read for a life time. ”
Kyle E wrote this review Monday, January 28 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
