Re: English translations
Hari Om
~~~~~
Originally Posted by
Jim Banes
I hope to get some advice/opinions from the group regarding several English translations of the Bhagavad Gita. The ones I am currently comparing are:
Eknath Easwaran
Swami Nikhilananda
Shri Purohit Swami
Gandhi
Ranchor Prime
Edwin Arnold
Prabhupada
Mohini Chatterji
Roy Eugene Davis
How would you rank each of them as far as accuracy and scholarship?Jim Banes
Hello Jim,
Good Question... I have been fortunate to read several versions of the gita. Getting multiple points of view is key ( I believe) to round out ones understanding. I found Srila Prabhupada's good work. One I did not see on your list is Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - one of the best, yet Maharishi has only did the first 6 chapters ( as some see this great work in 3's; 1 to 6, 7-12 and 13 to 18 chapters). Another is by S. Radhakrishnan and one that many do not have in their sights is by Sri Jnanadeva, only on this planet for 20 years his work is most insightful. If you look for it it goes by Bhavatha Dipika, and called Jnaneshwari ( Samata Books in Madras, India carries this publication).
Now, as I have learned - look to the author that is insightful and for me, does not see Arjuna as down trodden and lost.. he is the sisya of the Lord and friend. He asks profound questions and takes on the role as the student as he surrenders to Sri Keshava ( one one beautiful hair).
He at times talks of his internal turmoil of the battle, family, angst, yet is brilliant as he pays close attention to the Lord's words and instuctions.
And in the end ( last chapter) clearly points out " I remember" - what does he remember? His universal status of Being.
Also look to Swami Krishnanada's commentry on this body of work as he too brings out the brillance and relevence of the teaching. This can be found on line at the Divine Life Web site or Googling on Swami Krishnanada.
The Gita is a profond work and can be read by various sadhu's at different levels of thier spiritual progress and brings a level of learning and appreciation of the integration of life - of the material and spiritual.
Hope this helps...
यतस्त्वं शिवसमोऽसि
yatastvaṁ śivasamo'si
because you are identical with śiva
_
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