59 pages • 1 hour read
Swami Prabhavananda, Transl. Christopher IsherwoodBhagavad Gita
Nonfiction | Scripture | Adult | Published in 1972A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, is a conversation between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna in human form. On a battlefield, Arjuna, conflicted about fighting his own kin, receives profound spiritual guidance from Krishna. Krishna explains the nature of existence, karma, and the path to enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of selfless action, meditation, and living according to divine principles.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Bhagavad Gita translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood is praised for its accessible language and insightful commentary on Hindu philosophy. Critics commend its readability and spiritual depth. However, some scholars argue it lacks rigorous academic translation fidelity. Overall, it is a valuable introductory text for Western readers.
Who Should Read Bhagavad Gita?
A reader with an interest in Eastern philosophy, spirituality, or self-improvement will appreciate Bhagavad Gita by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood. Similar to Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha and Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, this book offers profound insights into the nature of duty, life, and the self.