The Bhagavad Gita (Penguin Classics)

The Bhagavad Gita is the world's most translated scripture. The task for a Gita translator is to effectively take the poetic multilayer Sanskrit original and translate it into English preserving it's flavor allowing it to stand alone without commentary. Few have succeeded. I have read multiple editions of the Gita and,in my Sanskrit studies, read the original in Sanskrit.While I haven't read all the English translations, Mascaro's translation is the best I have read. It takes the reader to the heart of the Gita, to their own heart and to that of Lord Krishna with practical real instructions on how we should live to be aligned with God. It is a practical nitty gritty instruction manual on how we are to construct and conduct ourselves in our own "life battle".Gandhi read the Gita as his daily practice; it sustained him. I have found the same experience when I have picked up this volume during my own times of crisis.If one wants to plumb the depths of the Gita, then I would suggest getting Winthrop Sargent's Bhagavad Gita with the Sanskrit and Sanskrit translation. It is excellent, but a few of the translations are off, and it is dry compared to Mascaro.There are many commentaries and at present I don't have a favorite one to recommend.If one wants to explore both the flavor and the depth of the Gita, I would recommend undertaking Sanskrit studies with Vyaas Houston [...] . He gives weekend trainings to begin to learn Sanskrit as well as immersions into the Gita.I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.If you don't have the time or money, Mascaro's translation is a gold mine.

After much concern as a Christian, over whether or not Hindus believe in one Supreme Being or not, this book put my concerns to rest. It explains, as a 500 BC document, their view of God and His avatars on earth, the Trinity as they know it, and who their God is by name. I was completely intrigued by phrases in this "prayer" or poem, that echo the Nicene Creed: God of Gods, Light of light, Very God of Very God, Begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by Whom all things were made. This book should be required reading for all seminary students. Now we know things in Hinduism got fairly convoluted with over 200 demi-gods after this book was written, but it tells it like it was when it started. The Trimurti is still a mystery as is the Trinity, but over all, Brahman is God. A masterful work.

This is a powerful, transforming book. I have read it about 4 times. It has taught me much about stilling my mind and heart. This may well be my favorite book ever. I have written many of its passages on cards and meditate on them frequently for peace and for helping me to draw close to God. Much of it has truly become a part of me. Much of who I am spiritually I owe to the Gita.As for this translation, I have tried about 3 other translations. Now I'm glad I read Mascaro's translation first, because if I read one of the others first I might have lost interest in it and might never have pick it up again and thus I would not have received such valuable insight.

Juan Mascaro's translation remains simply the best.The English is clear, the words are considered, and the balance of the sentences is simply marvellous.It reminds one of the simple, balanced writing of the King James Bible. My feeling is that the way Mascaro writes English is strongly influenced by his Catalan heritage, yet the exactitude of his prose reflects his long association with Cambridge.In my opinion, comparing several other translations, Mascaro's translation delivers what is most important-- the spirit of the message in simple, clear english.Jacques Joubert

The content is of course magnificent. But why use such poor quality paper for such a book,

What a beautiful and inspiring translation. This is a book to live your life by. One of the best of all time.

the original print edition from penguin that i have is by don juan mascaro...despite the change in author; the text remains the same...its a classic..go for it...for indians though, words like "spirit" is used instead of "atman" brings a bit of alienation while reading...it has no commentary; so repeated readings shall bring to the reader a deeper understanding of god's words instead of relying on someone else's interpretation.buy it...its worth it....

I understand every words from the book, but I don’t understand most of meaning of the book. I feel this a book that you need guides and helps to read it.