The Bhagavad Gita with Text, Translation and Commentary in the Words of Sri Aurobindo/Third Edition Paperback – August 19, 2008

Sri Aurobindo's Commentary on the BGPlainly put Sri Aurobindo's commentary on the Bhavaghad Gita is one of the most insightful and beneficial to a true and deep understanding of the scripture. SA is a great writer. As an avid follower of the Rig Veda, SA has provided a truly revolutionary, and, I believe, accurate interpretation of that scripture. He can always be counted on to give insightful, deep reflections of philosophy and religion. This, an apparent collection of articles written about the BG, is no exception.The BG is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of literature in the world. But then there is that first chapter in which Arjuna despairs of the prospect of killing his own kinsmen and Krishna convinces him to do so. How does a spiritual individual reconcile this picture? It seems to me that every commentary over the years have desperately attempted to fashion some acceptable explanation of Krishna persuading Arjuna to commit murder. Aurobindo's explanation is novel as it is also accurate as to the true intent of its author. Aurobindo first provides the background by explaining the over-all philosophical purpose of the BG. To meld the Sankhya philosophical tradition and Yoga tradition and explain both in terms of Vedanta. While this explains the BG's continued popularity, it also gives Arjuna the means in which to kill his fellow men. As I understand Aurobindo's explanation, Arjuna may go through the motions of pointing and releasing his arrows, but he is not the "doer" of the act. This "doership" is in essence an illusion and itself a preoduct of maya. His spirit and consciousness, the Purusa, is the true self, and is merely the silent witness of all that folds in front of him. That enfoldment, steeped in maya and consisting of matter, Prakrit, is responsible for the chaos and the conflict, not "him," Arjuna, who is killing his kinsmen, so when he goes out and kills, it is not "him." In order for "him" to kill his kinsmen, the Purusa must be responsible and that is impossible.It's a convenient argument, one which any tyrant or serial killer could use to justify their actions, but it is also consistent with the Sankhya philosophy, upon which the BG is founded.This book nonetheless is highly recommended and will provide many insights on the BG. SA for instance provides a valiuable insight into the relatonship between parusa and pakriti. True, it is well understood that when parausa does not become involved with pankiriti, the three gunas are in equipose and all is peaceful. It is only when parusa consents to make contact with pankrit that the gunas become agitated and the material world unfolds. Well, SA has characterizes this contact as a point of Relection, similar in theory to the Bindu, the first time I have ecnountered it being described as that. Whether this is consistent with traditional Sankhya philosophy I do not know, but interesting nonetheless.The translation is commendable, but not nearly as beautiful as described in the Amazon page. It contains one too many Elizabethan "thy," "thou," and what not, but when the transalator avoids these flourishes, is quite splendid indeed.

Aurobindo gets the true message of the bhagavad gita better than anyone how has a commentary ever has. This is a joy to read and should be read by all. It is truth and brings peace.

This is excellent! It's the best translation with the most insightful and complete commentary that one could hope for.

An indispensable and comprehensive aid to understanding the essential message of the Bhagvad Gita. More accessible than Sri Aurobindo's Essays on the Gita because of the inclusion of the text and translation of the Gita as well quotes from Sri Aurobindo's other books to elaborate obscure points.

Sri Aurobindo has described the truth of Gita in a language that is easy to understand for a small person like me while simultaneously keeping it’s divine message and nature intact.

I can't decide if I love or hate this book. I wish I could read Sanskrit in the original then I might find it easier to follow. I'm not criticising the translation which I am sure is fine. There are also detailed commentaries and footnotes. No, the problem is I have to Gita grip on challenging concepts and teachings. I read small sections, several times over and over, and over, and then try to give it some thought. Then I'm not sure I've understood what I have read. It would be helpful if it contained a glossary of Sankskrit. Although there is an excellent index for the dozens of names for Sri Krishna and Arjuna you will need to look up a lot of other background names and terms elsewhere (thank heavens for the internet) if you do not have this knowledge.

The perfect book for those who want to comprehend the deeper meaning of Gita and its application in life. Shri Aurobindo's commentary gives great insights into the concepts which are otherwise difficult to get from the sanskrit verses alone.

True Gita standards for anyone interested in reading along with The Spirit about how to interpret this book in the modern age and find a new meaning for the word 'Krishna'.

I gathered myselves to start reading this sacred book.This gave new insights, shattered old learnings, gave more strength to meBook of my life!!!