Title: The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita: Timeless Wisdom For The Modern Age.
Author: Richa Tilokani
Format: Paperback
Pages: 226
Link To Purchase: The Teachings Of Bhagavad Gita: Timeless Wisdom For The Modern Age
Genre: Philosophy
Price: Rs 340
Synopsis:
Why does one face sorrow and problems in life? What can allay the anxiety and stress inherent in the materialistic modern society? How can one get in touch with higher consciousness and strike a balance between the spiritual and worldly goals?
If you are looking for answers to questions like these and searching for ways to empower your life, begin the quest with this volume, which presents the essence of one of the world’s most sacred texts in a simple and easy‐to‐understand manner.
The Bhagavad Gita, a treasure trove of divine wisdom, was shared by Lord Krishna with Arjuna, the Pandava prince, at the battlefield of Kurukshetra, right before the Mahabharata or the ‘Great War’ began. It comprises 700 Sanskrit shlokas translated into English, which inspire one to seek and understand the profound truths of life through the ancient principles of Karma Yoga (the art of work), Gyan Yoga (the art of knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (the art of devotion). These eternal principles help to live life to the fullest, so that one can work better, think better and live better by tapping into higher consciousness, accessing the spiritual dimension and nurturing the pure self.
My Take:
For a long time I have been on the lookout for a book which could explain the principles of the Bhagavad Gita in a simple manner. I came across this book on the Gita by Richa Tilokani when I was facing some extreme difficulties in life. I read it over a period of four days and after reading it I really felt rejuvenated and energetic in mind. I felt as if a great burden has been lifted off my shoulders and I was able to deal with the problems plaguing my life with a good deal of confidence and renewed energy. The book cleared my confusion regarding how I should act in the current circumstances of my life. This book is an excellent abridged version of the Bhagavad Gita and the author has explained the principles of the Gita within 226 pages with a lot of aplomb.
The way she has explained it shows what a deep grasp she has of the philosophical constructs of the Gita. Starting from the first chapter where she introduces us to the very simple Visadh Yoga, right through Karma Yoga, Gyan Yoga and Bhakti Yoga the narration is very clear. The doubts Arjuna puts forth to Lord Krishna and the replies given by Lord Krishna clear the path to understanding the holy Yogic principles enshrined in the Gita, very adeptly. For example Arjuna at one point asks Lord Krishna, “Oh Vasudev, I am confused. On one hand you are telling me to renounce everything and on the other you are telling me to fight the battle. My mind is not clear.”
To this Lord Krishna replies, “Even a Karma Yogi can practice renunciation. Renunciation does not mean you stop doing your duties. A person who is in the active stage of his life can also practice renunciation. This is accomplished by devoting every act or karma to the Supreme but at the same time, detaching oneself from the fruits of one’s work or labour.” Krishna also explains the various paths through which a person can achieve oneness with the supreme force that brings alive this material world. This can be accomplished by practising Karma Yoga followed by Gyan Yoga and then Sanyasa or one can directly take up the route of the Bhakti Yoga which is practiced by renouncing everything and looking inward to realise the presence of the soul within oneself and the Supreme.
The descriptions of the Lord when he shows Arjuna his Vishwaroop are also awesome. Lord Krishna shows both his calm as well as his angry face while showing his Vishwaroop to Arjuna. And the descriptions of both forms are beautiful. There are plenty of other things described in the book. There is description of Sattvaguna, Rajoguna and Tamoguna and the author also states that at any point in time these Gunas are present in different quantities in an individual. The Sattvaguna is noble and by practising it one can reach the supreme being easily. Next comes Rajoguna and then Tamoguna which has to be strictly avoided.
There is also a section at the end of each chapter which tells us about how the knowledge gained by reading the chapter can be useful to us in modern times. The author also includes a section called ‘Powerful Tools To Empower The Mind” at the end of each chapter including the benefits of using these excellent tools.
Conclusion:
This is definitely one of the best books I have read that expound the principles of the Bhagavad Gita in simple language that even a layman can understand. The author has a deep understanding of the subject and she also has excellent writing skills. Do read the book. It will be very helpful to you in facing the tensions of everyday life now or in the future.
Rating:
I am going with a 5/5 for Richa Tilokani’s book “The Teachings Of The Bhagavad Gita: Timeless Wisdom For The Modern Age.”
Rating Scale:
1 – Poor
2 – Fair
3 – Good
4 – Excellent
5 – Outstanding
This book review has been written as part of the Blogchatter Book Review Program
very succinct and to the point review, Jai. at the same time it’s sincere and personal.