An exposition of the spiritual philosophy and method of self-discipline of the Bhagavad Gita. Almost all spiritual problems have been briefly but deeply dealt with in the Gita , Sri Aurobindo remarked to a disciple, and I have tried to bring all that out fully in the Essays . In his estimation the Gita is a great work of spiritual synthesis, for it built a harmony between the three great means and powers, Love, Knowledge and Works, through which the soul of man can directly approach and cast itself into the Eternal. Our object in studying the Gita , Sri Aurobindo wrote, will not be a scholastic or academical scrutiny of its thought, nor to place its philosophy in the history of metaphysical speculation, nor shall we deal with it in the manner of the analytical dialectician. We approach it for help and light and our aim must be to distinguish its essential and living message, that in it on which humanity has to seize for its perfection and its highest spiritual welfare. Contents: Our Demand and Need from the Gita; The Divine Teacher, The Core of the Teaching; Man and the Battle of Life; Sankhya and Yoga; Equality and Knowledge; Above the Gunas; The Supreme Secret; etc. Subjects: Indology, Philosophy, Yoga.

This is a collection of careful, objective, historically sensitive studies of modern commentators on the Bhagavadgita, one of the basic scriptures of Hinduism, and one which has been widely read in the modern West. Experts on modern Indian religious thought show how Ghandi, Vivekananda, Radhakrishnan, Bhaktivedanta, Aurobindo, Tilak, Bhave, Sivananda, the Theosophists, and Bhankim read, used and interpreted the Gita. Collectively, the essays display the different backgrounds and orientations of the major Indian thinkers of our time. An Introduction and a Conclusion provide a perspective on the thinkers and identify common themes which are part of modern emphases.

The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the "Gita," is a sacred text that has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. It is a profound dialogue between Lord Krishna, the divine guide, and Arjuna, a warrior prince facing a moral dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Within the verses of the Gita lie timeless wisdom, spiritual insights, and practical guidance that have inspired and guided millions of individuals on their paths of self-realization and enlightenment. In this collection of essays, titled "Essays on Bhagavad Gita," we delve into the profound teachings encapsulated within the Gita, exploring various themes and chapters that offer invaluable lessons for our contemporary lives. Each essay aims to unravel the depth and significance of Gita's teachings, offering reflections and interpretations that shed light on its profound truths. The essays in this book are arranged sequentially, reflecting the flow of the chapters in the Bhagavad Gita. We commence with "Vishad Yoga," delving into Arjuna's despondency and Krishna's compassionate guidance, setting the stage for the transformative journey that lies ahead. From there, we embark on a voyage through the intricacies of Sankhya Yoga, Sthitprajyn (equanimity), Karma Yoga, and the exploration of natural actions and the sacred ritual of Yajyn. Throughout this collection, we encounter thought-provoking discussions on the concepts of action and inaction, the significance of austerity, and the nature of Brahman, the supreme reality. We delve into the quest for enlightenment, the eradication of ignorance, and the role of conscious awareness in uncovering our true selves. The essays also explore the interplay between desire, anger, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. We journey through the various paths of yoga, exploring Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga, and delve into the intricacies of mind control, the transcendental nature of existence, and the awe-inspiring manifestation of the divine in the form of Viswaroop. The path of devotion, Bhakti Yoga, is explored with reverence and deep contemplation. As we progress further, we encounter profound discussions on the science of the soul, the mysteries surrounding life after death, and the cosmic interplay between Brahman and Mother Nature. The symbolism of the cosmic tree and the exploration of the dual nature of humanity offers profound insights into our existence. The essays culminate in a profound exploration of liberation, the ultimate achievement, and the quest for self-realization. We reflect on the nature of freedom, the purpose of life, and the eternal journey that lies beyond the confines of this mortal realm. "Essays on Bhagavad Gita" serves as a guide, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the timeless wisdom of the Gita and encouraging deep contemplation on the profound truths it holds. The essays aim to provide clarity, inspiration, and guidance to individuals seeking spiritual growth, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of their true nature. May this collection of essays on the Bhagavad Gita serve as a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards self-realization and the attainment of divine wisdom. May it inspire readers to embark on a transformative journey, unlocking the boundless potential in their hearts and souls.

5 lectures, Cologne, Dec. 28, 1912 - Jan. 1, 1913 (CW 142) 9 lectures, Helsinki, May 28 - June 5, 1913 (CW 146) 1 lecture, Basel, Sept. 19, 1912 (CW 139) This combination of two volumes in Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works presents Steiner's profound engagement with Hindu thought and, above all, the Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita as they illuminate Western Christian esotericism. In his masterly introduction, Robert McDermott, a longtime student of Rudolf Steiner, as well as Hindu spirituality, explores the complex ways in which the "Song of the Lord," or Bhagavad Gita, has been understood in East and West. He shows how Krishna's revelation to Arjuna --a foundation of spirituality in India for more than two and a half millennia --assumed a similarly critical role in the Western spiritual revival of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In the West, for instance, leading up to Steiner's engagement, McDermott describes the various approaches manifested by Emerson, Thoreau, H.P. Blavatsky, and William James. In the East, he engages with interpretations of historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo, relating them to Steiner's unique perspective. In addition, and most important, he illumines the various technical terms and assumptions implicit in the worldview expressed in the Bhagavad Gita. The main body of The Bhagavad Gita and the West consists of two lecture courses by Rudolf Steiner: "The Bhagavad Gita and the Epistles of Paul" and "The Esoteric Significance of the Bhagavad Gita." In the first course, his main purpose is to integrate the flower of Hindu spirituality into his view of the evolution of consciousness and the pivotal role played in it by the Mystery of Golgotha --the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Steiner views Krishna as a great spiritual teacher and the Bhagavad Gita as a preparation, though still abstract, for the coming of Christ and the Christ impulse as the living embodiment of the World, Law, and Devotion, represented by the three Hindu streams of Veda, Sankhya, and Yoga. For Steiner, the epic poem of the Bhagavad Gita represents the "fully ripened fruit" of Hinduism, whereas Paul is related but represents "the seed of something entirely new." In the last lecture of part one, Steiner reveals Krishna as the sister soul of Adam, incarnated as Jesus, and claims Krisha's Yoga teachings streamed from Christ into Paul. In the second lecture course, five months later, Steiner engages the text of the Bhagavad Gita --on its own terms --as signaling the beginning of a new soul consciousness. To aid in understanding both of these important cycles, this book includes the complete text of the Bhagavad Gita in Eknath Easwaran's luminous translation. In our age, when East and West are growing closer and we live increasingly in a global, intercultural and religiously pluralistic world, this remarkable book is required reading. The Bhagavad Gita and the West is a translation of two volumes in German: Die Bhagavad Gita und die Paulusbriefe (CW 142) and Die okkulten Grundlagen der Bhagavad Gita (CW 146). The lecture in the appendix is translated from Das Markus-Evangelium (CW 139) and was published in The Gospel of St. Mark (Anthroposophic Press, 1986).

Objective of this series of essays on Indian History and Culture is to select contributions which could interest, educate and inspire our readers. Attempt has been made to make available to our readers best literature written by renowned scholars, through the ages, to enable our students, teachers, policymakers and our general readers to analyse the themes, they are interested in, in proper historical perspectives. This will enable them to think, write and dream of a developed India of twenty first century. How far the study of our history, religion, culture, economy, philosophy, music, science, law, education, technology, trade, art, architecture, etc. can provide to us inputs for a bright brilliant and vibrant India, is one of the major concern of these volume. There is a crisis of character all around, how far this exercise in Indian History and Culture can stem the tide of corruption, criminalization of politics and ills of the consumerist culture is one of our aims in compiling this series of volumes.

The Bhagavad Gita, literally "The Song of God," is one of the most important spiritual and religious texts of the world, and is to Hindus what the Torah is to Jews, the Bible to Christians, and the Quran to Muslems. With text, translation, and Sri Aurobindo's commentary, this is probably the finest translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita that we have seen.

This book presents the first systematic critical exploration of the philosophical and political thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo, both pioneers of modern Indian thought. Bringing together experts from across the world, the volume examines the thoughts, ideas, actions, lives and experiments of Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo on themes such as radical politics and human agency; ideals of human unity; social practices and citizenship; horizons of sustainable development and climate change; inclusive freedom; conceptions of swaraj; interpretations of texts; Sri Aurobindo’s views on Indian culture; integral yoga; transformative leadership; Anthropocene and alternative planetary futures. The book discusses the contemporary legacies and works of the two influential thinkers. It offers insights into historical, philosophical, theoretical, literary and sociological questions that establish the need for transdisciplinary dialogues and the relevance of their visions towards future evolution. This book will be useful to scholars and researchers of political science, Indian political thought, comparative politics, philosophy, Indian philosophy, sociology, anthropology, modern Indian history, peace studies, cultural studies, religious studies and South Asian studies.