About the Book - The simplification of the selected 108 shlokas of the Bhagvad Gita is not a direct translation nor an in-depth analysis. With humility and respect my endeavor is just to offer the wisdom of the Gita in regular conversational language, especially for beginners in India and beyond. If you haven't read any of the scriptures and would like to know more about our ancient civilization and history, then this might be a good place to start, though there are some brilliant minds who have dedicated their lives for dharma and desh-sewa. An excellent body of work is produced by some great personalities such as Sanjay Dikshit, Nilesh Oak, Rajeev Malhotra, Ami Ganatra, Neeraj Atri, and countless others; towards whom I humbly offer my deepest and sincerest gratitude. In this particular compilation, there are only 108 shlokas, as recommended by the ISKCON* and are aligned to the Bhakti aspect. In totality there are 700 shlokas, logically structured into 18 chapters mostly focusing on Karma Yog, Gyan Yog and Bhakti Yog. The word 'yog' or 'yoga' doesn't have a single meaning. In the context of Gita it means the 'path' undertaken to be united with a specific goal. The Gita starts with Arjuna's anguish just before the battle of Kurukshetra is about to begin and seeks guidance from his trusted friend and Guru, Shri Krishna. To even attempt to list down the great learnings in this sacred text, would not be possible in a single lifetime, still, this document would provide you a base to explore deeper and wider into this ocean of precious knowledge. Please also note at this stage, you could find some concepts repetitious or contradictory. Hence, you might eventually need a trusted Guru. All depends on the intensity of your desire to know more. Gita is the song of Bhagwan Himself and the essence of the Vedas. If you are reading this, probably its Krishna's will and you can consider yourself fortunate that the Gita has chosen to come to you, in whatever form. Please continue on this beautiful journey that shall open up your hearts and minds to some enchanting places in the universe. I am writing from personal experiences that all we need is devotion and He shall take care of everything. Radhey Radhey

A finalist for the Publishers' Marketing Association Spiritual Book of the Year Award, this modern translation and commentary makes the deep spiritual truths of India' s timeless classic available to the Western mind in a way never before thought possible. As it is said, The wisest man makes the difficult seem simple.The book includes every verse of the Bhagavad Gita and can also serve well as a lively, enjoyable textbook.

The Bhagavadgita is one phase of the Tripod of Indian philosophy and culture, the other two phases being the Upanishads and the Brahmasutras. While the Upanishads lay the foundation of the loftiest reach possible for humanity and the Brahmasutras logically elucidate the intricate issues involved in the Upanishads, the Bhagavadgita blends together the Transcendent and the Immanent features of the Ultimate Reality, bringing together into an integrated whole knowledge and action, the inner and the outer, the individual and the society, man and God, all which are portrayed as facets of a universal Operation, presenting entire life and all life as a perfectly complete organic wholeness, leaving nothing unsaid and attempting to solve every problem of life.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba wrote a series of articles under the Vahini series, for Sanathana Sarathi, a monthly magazine being published by Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust, Publications Division, Prasanthi Nilayam. These precious articles are brought out now, under the title “Geeta Vahini”, in this book, for the benefit of readers. This is not a commentary or summary of the divine message that was given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. It conveys the same message in a simpler form to us, in order to remove our delusion and confer faith and strength on us, so that we may realise our own reality. Bhagawan says, “Drawing on the Divine that is inherent in us is the lesson of Geeta… Arjuna is the jiva and Krishna is the Deva. When both are in contact, impregnable might results… Krishna had to work in and through Arjuna, so that the reign of Dharma (righteousness) is re-established. Arjuna means white, pure, unblemished. Hence, he is the proper instrument.” We too can become proper instruments in restoring Dharma, if we follow the lessons that Bhagawan teaches through this book.

This collection of articles by Srila Prabhupada from Back to Godhead magazine covers knowledge of the soul and the practice of bhakti-yoga. These interviews, lectures, and essays cover topics such as the goal of human life, seeking a true spiritual teacher, reincarnation, super-consciousness, Krishna and Christ, and spiritual solutions to today's social and economic problems.