This is a subset of the Sacred Books of the East Series which includes translations of all the most important works of the seven non-Christian religions which have exercised a profound influence on the civilizations of the continent of Asia. The works have been translated by leading authorities in their field.
What is the Bhagavad-Gita? Is it just a religious text? When was it composed? How relevant is it to the modern world? This book answers these foundational questions and more. It critically examines the Bhagavad-Gita in terms of its liberal, humanist and inclusive appeal, bringing out its significance for both present times and novel applications. The author elaborates the philosophy underlying the text as well as its ethical and spiritual implications. He also responds to criticisms that have been levelled against the text by Ambedkar, D. D. Kosambi and, more recently, Amartya Sen. With additional material including chapter summaries of the Bhagavad-Gita, the second edition of the volume proposes new ways of utilising the text in diverse fields, such as business and management and scientific research. Eclectic and accessible, this work will be of interest to scholars of philosophy, religion, history, business and management studies, as well as the general reader.
The Bhagavadgita has lent itself to several readings to defend or contest various views on life, morality, and metaphysics. This book explores the the role of the Bhagavadgita in the formation of nationalist discourse. It examines the ways in which the Gita became the central terrain of nationalist contestation, and the diverse ethico-moral mappings of the Indian nation. Focusing on Bankimchandra Chatterjee, Balgangadhar Tilak, Swami Vivekananda, Aurobindo Ghose, Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, and B.R. Ambedkar as the representatives of different strands of nationalist discourse, this volume probes their reflections on the Gita. The author also discusses with issues such as the relation between the nation and the masses, renunciation and engagement with the world, the ideas of equality, freedom, and common good, in the context of a nationalist discourse. He argues that the commentaries on this 'timeless' text opened up several possible understandings without necessarily eliminating one another.
This contemporary companion to the Bhagavad Gita addresses the heart of human yearning. T offers the possibility of transforming the battle of life into a path to Truth, a living process. Each chapter presents a road toward our inner, universal Self, bringing a deeper and wider perspective along the way. A psychological orientation invites the reader to move from abstract idea to individual insight. As the book proceeds, the relationship between the personal and the eternal gradually unfolds in an ever-expanding process of self-discovery. Quotes from the great teachers are included in the text to inspire, uplift and help us cross over the sea of illusion.
This Is The Age Of Science, The Scientists Say; And This Is The Age Of Anxiety, The Humanists Say. But We Say, It Is Both. And We Say That, Negatively, Both The Scientists And The Humanists Agree To The Point That It Is An Age, Lacking In Peace. Why Lacking In Peace? Because, Like The Ass In The Parable, With A Carrot On The Tip Of Its Nose, We Are Running Head Over Heels After Material Pleasure Alone. Peace Is A State Of Mind That Has To Be Created From Within, With A Philosophy And A Lot Of Exercises. The Gita Teaches Just This, Rest All In It Are Just Embroideries. Therefore, The Gita Is Not The Philosophy Of Any Religion Redact Some Terms In It, You Will Get A Universal Philosophy, Above All Classes, Castes And Creeds. So, Non-Plused As We Are In The Labyrinth Of The World, Let Us Hear What Lord Krishna Has To Say In The Gita For Our Peace And Salvation.