Bhagavad-Gita - The Song Celestial

The Bhagavad-Gita

Translated by Sir Edwin Arnold

The Bhagavad-Gita is one of the most well-known and important holy books of the world. In all of Indian literature none is more quoted than this work, which is considered to be the main religious text of Hinduism.

The wisdom it conveys provides guidelines for daily living that have been followed for centuries, including India's greatest spiritual leader, Mahatmas Gandhi. Of this book he said, "I have read almost all the English translations of it, and I regard Sir Edwin Arnold's as the best."

The teachings in the Gita successfully outline the deeper spiritual values of Hinduism. They explain such things as karma, the transmigration of the soul and the difference between the material body and the eternal soul. They key to liberating oneself from this world is discussed, and how one bust approach their duties in life. The importance of having a guru is also covered and how one can achieve inner peace, spiritual vision and peace.

Excerpt:

There is a rightful doer. He who acts free from self-seeking, humble, resolute, steadfast, in good or evil hap the same, content to do aright -- he truly acts. There is th' impassioned doer. He that works from impulse, seeking profit, rude and bold - to overcome, unchastened; slave by turns of sorrow and of joy: Rajas he! And there be evil-doers; loose of heart, low-minded, stubborn, fraudulent, remiss, dull, slow, despondent -- children of the dark

End excerpt