Bhagavad Gita: The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Guide

A new translation and study guide.

Bhagavad Gita – India's best-known gift to philosophy – is a conversation between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his friend and guide, Krishna.

We find Arjuna disconsolate and unwilling to wage war against his own family members. He turns to Krishna, who "With a slight smile spoke these words to the lamenting Arjuna..." (Bhagavad Gita 2.10)

Krishna's reply goes far beyond Arjuna's initial concern, developing into a thorough discussion of belief and practice that has had an immeasurable influence on the formation of religious doctrines througout Asia and the West. Matter and spirit, work, God and the soul, time – all these and more are clearly and carefully explained in a relatively brief space of 700 verses over 18 chapters.

Dr Sutton's Bhagavad Gita is a core text of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies highly successful Continuing Education Department.

It is a new translation of the full text and it brings a thematic approach to the work as well as a discussion of the principal ideas presented in each chapter. It examines the text from the viewpoint of a number of schools of thought giving the broadest possible understanding of how the Bhagavad Gita has influenced Indian thought and practice and examines its relevance to the modern world.

Dr Sutton has given us an accessible Gita without sacrificing any of its profound wisdom.

This edition of the Bhagavad Gita has been refined over more than a dozen years teaching and is ideal for students of Indian thought as well as non-specialists.

A work of depth and clarity, Dr Sutton’s Gita translation and commentary is an essential addition to any thoughtful person’s library.