About the Book
The book delves into the Bhagavad-Gita's profound teachings across its eighteen chapters. Each chapter explores different aspects: Gita Mahatmyam: Highlights the Varaha-Purana's praise for the Gita's greatness. Gita-Karadi-Nyasah: Discusses the Tantra method for practicing the Gita. Gita-Dhyanam: Focuses on meditation to grasp the essence of the Gita. Chap: I Arjuna Vishada Toga: Arjuna contemplates the consequences of warfare with his kinsmen. Chap: II Sankhya-Yoga: Shri Krishna advocates performing duty without attachment, emphasizing the eternal nature of the Self. Chap: III Karma-Yoga: Arjuna questions the compatibility of duty and violence, leading to a resolution. Chap: IV Jnana-Vibhaga-Yoga: Shri Krishna emphasizes wisdom and explores various yoga disciplines. Chap: V Karma-Sannyasa-Yoga: Arjuna raises doubts about renunciation versus active engagement. Chap: VI Adhyatma-Yoga: Shri Krishna elucidates the attributes of a Yogi and the consequences of failure. Chap: VII Jnana-Yoga: Shri Krishna elaborates on wisdom and the glory of the Self. Chap: VIII Akshara-Brahma-Yoga: Arjuna seeks understanding of Brahman's nature. Chap: IX Raja-Vidya-Raja-Guhya-Yoga: Shri Krishna expounds on the "Royal Secret" and devotion to the Supreme Self. Chap: X Vibhuti-Yoga: It describes the majestic manifestations of the Supreme Self. Chap: XI Vishvarupa-Darshana-Yoga: Shri Krishna unveils the interconnectedness of beings and their duty to Ishvara. Chap: XII Bhakti-Yoga: Arjuna inquires about devotion to the Unmanifested Eternal versus the manifested Ishvara. Chap: XIII Kshetra-Kshetrajna-Vibhaga-Yoga: Shri Krishna explains the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti. Chap: XIV Gunatraya-Vibhaga-Yoga: It discusses the three gunas of Prakriti. Chap: XV Purushottama-Yoga: Shri Krishna elaborates on the aspects of the Purusha. Chap: XVI Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhaga-Yoga: Shri Krishna delineates the dual nature of beings. Chap: XVII Shraddha-Traya-Vibhaga-Yoga: Arjuna seeks clarity on the essence of true and untrue actions. Chap: XVIII Sannyasa-Yoga: Shri Krishna concludes by summarizing the teaching on combining renunciation with the performance of duty, resolving Arjuna's doubts and affirming his readiness for battle.
About the Author- 1
Annie Besant (1847-1933) was a British activist, championed various causes such as socialism, feminism, and secularism. She advocated for Irish and Indian self-rule and made history as the first female president of the Indian National Congress in 1917. Initially an atheist, she later found comfort in theosophy and became associated with the Theosophical Society. Besant played a significant role in the London matchgirls strike of 1888 and the London dock strike of 1889. Her transition from activism to theosophy significantly influenced her life and left a lasting impact as a proponent of spiritual and social reforms.
About the Author- 2
Bhagwan Das (1869-1958) was an Indian Theosophist and political figure known for his advocacy for national independence. Despite facing danger from colonial authorities, he opposed rioting as a form of protest and served in the Central Legislative Assembly. Das, awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955, was instrumental in founding educational institutions like the Central Hindu College. He authored numerous books on topics ranging from Indian ideals of women's education to the science of social organization, leaving a significant legacy in Indian intellectual and political spheres. The Pranava-Vada of Gargyayana, a work he published, is notable in Theosophical literature.
Introduction
THIS edition of the Bhagavad-Gita has been prepared for the use of those who, while studying this Hindu scripture mainly for the sake of its priceless teachings, wish, being little acquainted with Samskrit, to utilise the text, thus gaining a fuller insight into the meaning than can be gained through a translation, and incidentally acquiring a better knowledge of that language also. A brief note on the grammar of Samskrit, putting before the reader a few of the most salient features thereof, is therefore added here, as likely to be of use. It will help by giving a bird's eye view of the subject and thus some idea of how one part is connected with another. The details must of course be looked up in any large grammar, if needed.
