Product Description

The Bhagavad Gita is the single greatest theological and philosophical text to come out of ancient India. It addresses life’s most difficult dilemmas, such as how to deal with adversity and how to find peace of mind while living in a tumultuous world. This brand new translation into English is unique in that it complements the text’s ancient wisdom with inspirational illustrations. Translator Ranchor Prime has transformed an often obscure original text into language that retains the Bhagavad Gita’s poetry, yet is clear and easy to understand for today’s readers. His commentaries explain concepts of Hindu philosophy, for instance, karma and reincarnation, which are fundamental to the reader’s overall understanding. The Bhagavad Gita is arranged as a conversation consisting of questions and answers between God—or Krishna—and the human soul, represented by Arjuna. This translation presents all 700 verses of the original text, divided into 18 chapters, and taking the form of 140 daily meditations. The book also includes a glossary of Hindu terms and an index. Approximately 120 beautiful color illustrations capture the spirit of this holy text.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1077542 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

From Publishers Weekly
This well-illustrated version of the Bhagavad Gita, the central ancient text of devotional Hinduism, is distinguished by its easy accessibility. Prime's translations from the Sanskrit are not poetic, but they get the job done, and his section-by-section commentary opens the text to the spiritual seeker. Offered in the first person plural ("When we are overwhelmed by life's complexities..."), these comments show that Prime never loses sight of the audience for his book, and that he wants readers to understand the Gita in a personal way. In fact, Prime began this translation as a way of sharing the Gita with his own children, and his commentary exudes a fatherly and caring spirit. The book's photographs and illustrations are often breathtaking, showing Hindus at prayer or engaged in simple acts of daily life.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
“Ranchor Prime’s translation of the Gita sings. … he brings this vital Hindu text to life for Western audiences. Bright, vivid photographs and paintings on every page make the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna seem even more relevant to real lives. … The Illustrated Bhagavad Gita may be the best English edition of the Gita for enticing customers to take a dip into a dazzling river of divine knowledge.”


—New Age Retailer, July/August 2003

Back Cover Copy
[back cover] THE ILLUSTRATED
BHAGAVAD GITA

In the history of India, the Bhagavad Gita occupies a unique place as the one scripture common to all Hindus. It is short, simple, and to the point, and draws the diverse tenets of Indian philosophy into a unified whole. The text was Gandhi's greatest inspiration: When doubts haunt me and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to the Bhagavad Gita and find a verse to comfort me.
The Gita, composed on a battlefield, is arranged as a conversation of questions and answers between God and the soul, represented by Krishna and Arjuna. It addresses life's basic dilemmas, such as how to deal with adversity, the search for peace of mind, and how to be active in the world without getting entangled by karma. The most difficult battle we all have to face, says the Gita, is the one we must fight with our own minds and senses. It offers encouragement and advice to all who aspire to a better life.
The Bhagavad Gita was first translated into English in 1785, yet curiously has remained little known and still less understood. Now as Hinduism is a growing part of society in the West, this accessible translation and commentary aims to speak to the general reader as well as to the spiritual seeker.

Ranchor Prime was born in England in 1950 and studied architecture and art before devoting fifteen years to the study and teaching of Vedic philosophy in Britain, India, and the United States. He is director of Friends of Vrindavan, an environmental charity dedicated to conserving sacred forests in India, and he lives in London.