The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran

What does it mean to face the battlefield of life—to confront doubt, duty, fear, and the eternal questions of existence? The Bhagavad Gita is the most beloved of all Hindu scriptures, a profound dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and his divine guide Sri Krishna set dramatically on the eve of a great war. But this is no mere historical tale—it is a universal mirror for the inner struggle every soul faces, offering timeless wisdom on the paths of selfless action, devotion, knowledge, and meditation. Eknath Easwaran's luminous translation makes these ancient teachings accessible and alive, by a translator who lived the Gita's wisdom and understood that sacred texts must speak directly to the modern seeker.

As Arjuna stands paralyzed by anguish, questioning whether to fight or flee, Krishna reveals the nature of the eternal Self, the paths to liberation, and how to live with purpose and freedom in the midst of action. Through 700 sublime verses across 18 chapters, the Gita teaches karma yoga (the path of selfless action), bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), jnana yoga (the path of wisdom), and dhyana yoga (the path of meditation). Krishna shows that true freedom comes not from renouncing the world but from acting without attachment to results, from recognizing the divine in all beings, and from realizing our eternal nature beyond birth and death.

For readers seeking contemplative wisdom and practical spiritual guidance, Easwaran's Bhagavad Gita serves as both sacred scripture and accessible manual for living with purpose and inner freedom. This edition includes Easwaran's insightful introduction, chapter-by-chapter notes illuminating key concepts, and a glossary of Sanskrit terms—making the Gita's profound teachings clear for both newcomers and seasoned students. This is a book for anyone seeking meaning and purpose, for students of Hinduism and yoga philosophy, for readers drawn to Eastern wisdom and spiritual classics, for those navigating life's difficult choices. It's a reminder that the battlefield is within, that our true nature is eternal, and that we can act with freedom and love in the midst of life's challenges.

What You'll Discover

• The dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on the battlefield of life
• The four yogas: karma (action), bhakti (devotion), jnana (wisdom), dhyana (meditation)
• Teachings on the eternal Self, dharma, and acting without attachment
• Eknath Easwaran's accessible translation with introduction and chapter notes
• Glossary of Sanskrit terms for deeper understanding

Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) was an Indian-born spiritual teacher, author, and translator who brought the wisdom of India's spiritual traditions to the West. A professor of English literature in India, he came to the United States on a Fulbright scholarship in 1959 and founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in California. Easwaran's translations of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Dhammapada are cherished for their clarity, accessibility, and spiritual depth. As Huston Smith wrote, "No one in modern times is more qualified to translate the Classics of Indian Spirituality than Eknath Easwaran... It is impossible to get to the heart of those classics unless you live them, and he did live them."

Perfect for: Anyone seeking meaning, purpose, and spiritual guidance, students of Hinduism and Hindu philosophy, practitioners of yoga and meditation, readers drawn to Eastern wisdom and sacred texts, those navigating difficult life choices and inner conflict, students of karma yoga, bhakti, jnana, and dhyana, anyone interested in the eternal Self and liberation, readers who loved the Upanishads or Tao Te Ching, those seeking to act without attachment, students of dharma and selfless service, anyone ready to discover their eternal nature beyond birth and death.

Paperback edition | 296 pages. Eknath Easwaran's luminous translation of the Bhagavad Gita—the timeless Hindu scripture on selfless action, devotion, wisdom, and the eternal Self. Includes introduction, chapter notes, and glossary.