Bhagavad Gita made simpler and interesting
589649
Bhagavad Gita was never so simple and easy to understand for novice souls like me.. Swami Mukundanandaji has explained the various shlokas of Gita in a very simple manner with wonderful examples. The beautiful dialect between the Arjun and the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna is the key to every question and solution to very problem of our lives. Swamiji has represented this in a very elaborated manner hence making it very simple and interesting to understand what The Lord wanted to convey to the world through Gita. I would say it is a must read for every person who wants to seek the true goal of this human birth.
1672098
I can't believe this book is out of print, to be perfectly honest.  This is Shankaracharya's most readable work, and I would call it a must-read for anyone remotely interested in Advaita Vedanta or, indeed, in Hindu philosophy in general.
The Upadesha Sahasri (or this edition of it, at any rate) is divided into two parts: prose (78 pages, three chapters, consisting of sometimes-lengthy dialogues) and verse (231 pages, 19 chapters, consisting of of shorter, compact teachings).  The fact that I have a short attention span means that part two is more dog-eared than part one, and I think most readers will find themselves in a similar condition -- and that's all right, because this book reads very much like an anthology.  It doesn't necessarily progress in a linear manner, from postulate one to postulate two to postulate three and so on; it more closely resembles a series of verbal teachings collected over a long period of time.
The English translation remains true to the Sanskrit to the point where it is sometimes very hard to follow (sample passage: "People do not receive Self-knowledge on account of the fear that their duties (according to their castes and orders of life) would be destroyed like Udanka who did not accept genuine nectar which, he thought, was urine."); a shrewd writer really should come along and provide a popular translation or paraphrase of this very important work.  Until one does, Swami Jagadananda's rendering is certainly very clear and should meet the needs of most serious readers.
1350936
'Bhagavad Gita - The Song of God' is a life changing text for scholars and novices alike who are searching for peace ,happiness and purpose in life.  Unlike other such texts, Swami Mukundananda ji's commentary is unique as it weaves the age old ocean of Vedic wisdom to today's scientific knowledge and is very easy to understand. This 649 page hardbound book is a perfect gift for all occasions and is a must have guide for everyday living. I would recommend this book as an inevitable asset as it changed my life forever.
1067771
I very much enjoyed reading this book. Swami Mukundananda has written this commentary with clarity and simplicity so as to be able to keep the interest of a wide range of readers, from a beginner like me to someone who is already well versed with the Gita.
I read this book over and over and still gain from it each time. I highly recommend this as a must have book to keep as a reference.
4530052
The Vision and the Way of Vasistha. Compiled with a detailed Introduction by B.L. Atreya. Translated by Samvid. Chennai, India: Samata Books, Second Edition 2005 (first Published 1936). Paperbound, xlix + 586 pages. ISBN : 81-85208-54-9

The present book is an invaluable and well-organized bilingual compilation that will be found invaluable for anyone who wishes to quickly and easily locate and explore what the Yoga Vasistha has to say about any given topic in the vast range of philosophic topics it covers.

The jacket tells us that "This compilation originally formed an appendix to the thesis, The Philosophy of Vasistha as presented in Yogavasistha, submitted to the Banaras Hindu University in 1928 by B.L. Atreya for the degree of Doctor of letters. The author has written several books on the philosophy of Yogavasistha and other subjects connected with this magnificent work...  In Vedantic traditions, Yogavasistha is regarded as the ultimate book expounding the Truth from the Siddhavastha, or the state of a yogin who has realized the Absolute Reality by personal experience."

The contents of the present bilingual edition, which gives the Sanskrit text and an English translation by Samvid of 2500 verses selected from the 32,000 verses of the complete text of the Yoga Vasistha, are organized as follows, with each of these major divisions holding a large number of separate topics which are too numerous to list here:

Foreword. Translator's preface. Introduction. Auspicious introductory prayer. The entrance to the work. I. The qualification for (the attainment of) knowledge 1. The characteristic of a qualified person. 2. The description of the dejection of Rama for expounding the qualities of one entitled (to study this scripture). 3. The means for the cessation of sorrow. 4. The descent of the knowledge of reality. 5. The glory of human effort. 6. The qualities of an aspirer after liberation. II. Knowledge of the true principle 1. The definition of the mode of proof. 2. The theory of imagination. 3. The world. 4. The mind. 5. The greatness of the mind. 6. Superhuman powers. 7. The self. 8. Death. 9. Brahma (the cosmic mind). 10. Power. 11. The Supreme Brahman (or the absolute reality). 12. Expansion (or the manifestation of the absolute). 13. Identity (of everything with the absolute). 14. The unreal nature of the world. 15. The highest perception (the theory that the visible universe is not born). III. Liberation 1. Happiness or bliss. 2. Bondage and liberation. 3. The means of attaining liberation. 4. The attainment of knowledge (practical realization of the absolute). 5. The seven stages of knowledge (or the seven steps to self realization). 6. Cutting off the fetters of actions (freedom from the law of Karma). 7. The experience of the self. 8. Liberation while living.

For more information about this extremely useful book, which is currently in print at a reasonable price, see [...] and for other editions of the Yoga Vasistha along with a description of B. L. Atreya's brilliant short study 'Yogavasistha and its Philosophy' see Item No. 16 on my Listmania list 'The Yoga Vasistha - Advaita through Stories.'
3624323
This is one section of the Bhagavad Gita and is very interesting reading and highly recommended.  The size is great for carrying with you.
4722029
A relatively short Upanishad that is full of practical teachings on how to live life (similar to those found in the Bhagavad Gita). Superbly explained by Swami Chinmayananda, this Upanishad contains in a concise format the wisdom upon which the entire Vedanta rests.
1019578
With all enthusiasm, I can share my inspiration found in Bhagavad-Gita As It Is. It is clear and guiding.  I found it to be my ever fresh and available source of deep insight into mysteries of devotion, spiritual life, and common sense.
Special value of this edition are ecstatic purports of Vaisnava Acarya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, pure devotee of Krishna. Through this purports,  secrets of Bhagavad-Gita, and concept of eternal, blissful nature of personal  devotion and service to God, are for the first time becoming unlocked to aspiring transcendentalist like me. My life's values are positively enhanced.  Highly recommended  reading.
1458073
The Dhammapada is one of the essential works of Buddhist scripture, and this book represents Juan Mascaro's translation of that timeless classic from Pali into English. Not knowing Pali, I cannot judge the linguistic accuracy of Mascaro's translation. But as a lover of both poetry and spiritual philosophy, I can say that this English text is a quiet masterpiece.
The text is divided up into 423 short verses, each of which represents a teaching of the Buddha. This is one of those marvelous books which one can open at any page and begin reading. Often poetic, often practical, but always intriguing, the Dhammapada invites the reader to return again and again. Through its verses we can hear the Buddha challenging us to look at life from a radically new perspective; we hear him encouraging us to break free from the psychological prisons which we too often help build ourselves.
Also fascinating is Juan Mascaro's substantial introduction, in which he discusses the life of the historical Buddha and puts his legacy in a broad context that is both multifaith and multicultural. Scholars of comparative religion will probably be as interested in Mascaro's introduction as they are in the actual translation of the Dhammapada.
In the Dhammapada, we read, "Better than a thousand useless verses is one single verse that gives peace" (verse 101). Juan Mascaro's version of the Dhammapada is certainly a beautiful work of literature. But it is also a profoundly moving spiritual classic. Whatever your religious inclination (or lack thereof), you just might find in this wonderful book some verses that do indeed bring you closer to inner peace.
642746
This is the best modern commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. The scripture itself is a synthesis of many of the most important Indian spiritual philosophies, and is, in my opinion, by far the most relevant to modern humanity and the most inspiring to westerners. It contains instruction in the highest forms of Yoga with an eye towards the needs of practical people involved in the often confusing and distressing activities of life in the world.
Sri Aurobindo clearly states his intentions towards this text in the introduction: to put the teachings of the Gita in a modern context, that is, to see how they can be made relevant to readers in the present day.
In addition, he asks for a more objective look at the text than certain other interpretations. While I found that he, in general, carried this out, it is not dry, nor is there any vacillation: the book is imbued with the author's ideas about evolution and the role of man in relation to the divine and the author is clear in his interpretive bent.
Most important, however, is that his explinations of the meaning of the scripture are truly magical. He clarifies confusing points with such ease and lucidity, I often found myself thinking "Ah, but that's so clear! How'd I ever have a problem with it?"
This is NOT, however, an easy text to read. Sri Aurobindo went to Cambridge during the 1890's and the language he uses is not what most people are used to. He is deliberately thorough and has no inhibitions about repeating himself with slight variation if there is an even slightly different context shedding light on the passage. He uses long sentences when expressing large, transcendent ideas (that is, most of the time) and it is easy to get lost in his paragraphs.
In addition, the scope of the Gita when expressed in this way is tremendous. Not all of the text can possibly be relevant to someone's life, and at times it can seem as if he's belaboring the point. Often, however, such troubling passages become the ones that are most inspiring when reread in a different context.
Therefore, I strongly recommend this book, but only to people who are interested in serious, deep study of the Gita and are willing to invest a lot of time and effort into it. The rewards can be truly fabulous.
1403802
I really like this book. I have been wanting to become more familiar with the Gita for a long time. I love how this book is easy to read and understand for someone just learning about Eastern Traditions and Philosophy. You don't have to be Hindu or Buddist to understand that the leasons and truths can be used by anyone from any type or religious/nonreligious background. Great read!
1866324
This book is best suited for someone who has at least some Sanskrit, but for the student who has the basics, but is weak on vocabulary, this is an excellent text.  The layout is similar to Sargeant's edition of the Bhagavad-Gita, but S gives a more complete syntactic overview and each verse has a prose retelling (in devanagari only), which is quite good for the intermediate student to practice vocabulary, grammar, and reading.
With over 700 verses, this is an extensive text.  There are some typos, but they should not trouble the average student.
888873
I welcome the publication of Women, masters or mothers book by His Holiness Bhakti Vikasa Swami. Being categorized as an 'educated western woman' and conditioned by the God-given abilities, for years I wasn't even aware that I'm unconsciously competing with men and acting contrary to my dharma (the guidelines for society that Krsna Himself has set). I was asked to be engaged in several preaching projects, sometimes even leading positions, and I gladly accepted them. After getting married I encountered several difficulties by not understanding that varnasrama roles for men and women coincide with the male and female psychology and are meant to bring peace and prosperity - into marriage and society at large.
Even after theoretically accepting the position of women in society as described by Srila Prabhupada in his books, it took me more than 20 years to actually start taking up that mood - not because I was supposed to, but because of the benefits it brings. My personal experience is that after I've understood that the power of Vaisnavis and their way of influence is by supporting the 'Vaisnavas in the front', I've become a lot more peaceful and - for the matter - more respected. I can see that the devotees in male bodies feel grateful for helping them perform their duty by performing mine. As we respect a sannyasi who is very renounced, a householder who is very dutiful and responsible, so a woman who is respectful, sweet, shy, patient, merciful, gentle etc. naturally commands respect (actually these are all the original transcendental qualities of Srimati Radharani!).
The book Women, masters or mothers is very precious because it brings a rich compilation of Srila Prabhupada's instructions for his female followers, enriched with broader explanatory text by Bhakti Vikasa Swami and modern ISKCON examples. I encourage every Vaisnavi to open-mindedly research the contents of this book, at least theoretically accepting that it presents Krsna's system of women's role in a perfect society. And for the braver ones who are willing to try applying those principles in personal lives - just see the shower of blessings coming upon you!
2566552
The ideas of this book are very simple and easy to digest. Yet, the ideas resonated with me. They remind me a lot about Buddhism and meditation. Things like retained bad energy (karma), our endlessly-chatting inner voice, living in the moment, and ego.

But the author does not focus on those exclusively. Instead, the book goes beyond these things and talks about opening the heart for having more energy and feeling enthusiastic about life and facing our ego as a means to grow (spiritually and as a person in general).

The analogies and examples of the book are also very good.

In a way, I think of this book as an accessible and digested introduction to the practical aspects of Buddhism without the religious aspect of it. Just don't expect any hardcore science. You'll need to take it as it comes and either accept it because it seems true to you or you can just discard it as new-age BS. It's your choice.
3194304
For those Indians who do not want to read heavy texts on Vedanta, this book is a good place to start understanding concepts such as Advaita, Pravritti, Nivritti, Niraakaraa, Maayaa, Saadhanaa (even though it presumes some prior understanding of Hinduism). It is a commendable effort to connect modern Hindus with the thought processes of their ancestors. Easy-to-read and short, I hope many Indians will use this book to start the journey of understanding our civilization. The book also has a translation of some important Sanskrit compositions such as Nirvana Shatkam and calls upon people to return to their dharmic roots.
4415432
food for the soul, the heart and the mind  ..Annie Besant's elucidation of the Bhagavad-gita is of exceptional quality and insight in my opinion.  I can read and re-read with equal attention and absorption.  The grammatical e-copy has some errors but it is the deeper intended meaning and enlightenment that is important here.
995213
This paperback has been on my bookshelf for several years. I would pick it up and put it down, and did not appreciate it until recently. Mirabai's biography is largely unknown but one thing is clear: Mirabai loved Krisna. I have been a devotee of Krisna also for decades. Formerly, Draupadi was the foremost devotee of Krisna that I was aware of. I am grateful to have Alston's paperback. Mirabai was a saint, a princess, a poet, a singer and dancer. For the beginner on the spiritual path, this might be too intense, too deep. For those devotees who have read the Srimad Bhagavatam, or the Mahabharata, or the Bhagavad Gita, you will delight in this relatively new English translation of a star in the Bhakti movement. The back of the paperback published in 1980 says it all: "The Devotional Poems of Mirabai offers an English translation of 200 of her Padas, based on the work of Indian scholars during the last few decades. Three introductory essays deal with her life, her place in the Bhakti movement and the characteristics of her poetry. Terminal notes explain the references to the non-Hindu reader, indicate some linguistic difficulties and record minor deviations from the 15th edition of Parashuram Chaturvedi's basic text used. The author is a scholar with a doctorate from Banaras Hindu University working on Post-Samkara Advaita."