Bhagavad Gita (Song of God): Translation by Chandra Om

By Chandra Om

In all the spiritual literature of the world there is no book so elevating and inspiring as the Bhagavad Gita. Chandra's profound and relatable translation leads the reader through all 18 chapters of this ancient text in a thoroughly engaging and understandable way.

Symbolizing the eternal struggle between the spiritual and material in each of us, the Gita embodies the clear solution to every challenge faced on the spiritual battlefield of self-development. Inspiring and timeless, the central teaching of the Gita is the liberation from the illusion of separation from God to a direct experience of our unity with God, while performing our duties in the material world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Nov 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098342135

Book preview

Introduction

In all scriptural poetry there is perhaps none as profound or elegant as the Bhagavad Gita. A boundless ocean of nectar expounding the yoga philosophy of action, devotion, dharma and knowledge, as revealed from Lord Krishna to the warrior Arjuna, it is a book for eternity, bringing peace and solace to those afflicted by the sway of prakriti.

Symbolizing the eternal struggle between the sacred and material within each of us, the Gita embodies the clear solution to every challenge faced on the spiritual battlefield of self-development. Inspiring and timeless, the central teaching is liberation from the illusion of separation, to a direct experience of our unity with God, while performing our duties in the material world.

As we learn to act without attachment to results and undertake action as a means of glorifying God through our equipment, we transform our false identities with name, race, gender, age, nationality and such while simultaneously serving humanity. Recognizing that humanity is in reality nothing but God, as we serve humanity in a spirit of selflessness, we serve the very source of all creation.

The Bhagavad Gita is a philosophical doctrine of universal truth. Its teachings are dynamic, transcendent and non-sectarian. It imparts the knowledge that every activity can be easily transformed into yoga by performing all actions as an instrument of God, living and acting in the constant remembrance that creation is pervaded by the Supreme Consciousness animating all matter.

Renunciation is the central point of the Gita. A life that is dedicated to the unfoldment and manifestation of the divinity within is the greatest blessing. It lifts us from the false identities of egoism and selfishness and provides the ideal conditions for the glory of the Self to shine through unobstructed. Having abandoned identity with the doer of action, we are no longer bound by actions and can work without preoccupation with results.

Our true nature is one with God. But this reality is veiled by the mind’s identification with the body, ego, senses and other instruments which get mistaken for the cause. As actions become spiritualized, the agitations of the mind begin to settle, peace is experienced and the Self is revealed as the reality on which all actions are superimposed.

It should be remembered that scriptures are meant to be studied over a lifetime and ideally under the guidance of a qualified teacher. One should read, reflect and meditate upon each sloka of the Gita repeatedly and most importantly, to allow the spirit of the teachings to fill your thoughts, speech and actions.

May your mind and intellect always be engaged in selfless service of God. May you discriminate correctly and bring peace, solace and joy to all. May you recognize God’s presence in every direction and every aspect of creation, cross the ocean of samsara and become fearless. May you be blessed with health, peace, self-discipline and illumination. May you be in tune with God always and progress rapidly on the spiritual path.

God is everywhere. God is everything. Right this minute, resolve to surrender yourself to God. Offer all actions to God and relinquish selfish desires. In short, become God’s instrument in the world of duality. God bless you.

Chandra Om, 2017

Chapter One

Arjuna’s Despondency and Confusion

1

King Dhritarashtra said: Sanjaya, please tell me what you saw as my people (the Kauravas) and the Pandavas assembled on the battlefield of Kurukshetra on the eve of battle?

2

Sanjaya said: King, after seeing the Pandava army gathered together in battle formation, your son, Duryodhana ran back to his Guru Drona and spoke these words:

3-6

Respected Teacher, behold this impressive army of the Pandava, arrayed in battle by the son of Drupada, your gifted disciple. Their army is filled with great warriors who are strong, noble and brave, all equal in skill and honor to their leaders Bhima and Arjuna.

7-9

Of course, our leaders are distinguished as well. You, our respected commander, along with Bhisma, Karna, Kripa, Asvatthama, Vikarna and Jayadratha. There are countless others as well, brave and well skilled, all who have determined to risk their lives for our side.

10-11

Our army, which is protected by Bhishma is vast and seems unconquerable, while their army, protected by Bhima is limited and seemingly easy to defeat. Therefore, occupying your respective positions, protect our leader Bhishma at all cost.

12

Then Bhisma, the elder and leader of the Kaurava, blew his conch like the roar of a lion, to the great delight of Duryodhana.

13

All at once, the conchs and kettledrums, tabors and trumpets of the Kaurava army followed Bhisma’s lead and simultaneously played. The sound was tumultuous.

14-16

Then, Lord Krishna and Arjuna, seated in their magnificent chariot led by white horses, blew their divine conches. Lord Krishna blew His conch first, followed by the Pandava brothers Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtihra, Nakula, Sahadeva.

17-19

The remaining commanders of the Pandava army blew their respective conches and the wondrous uproar resounded through heaven and earth, evoking fear in the hearts of all in Duryodhana’s (the Kaurava) army.

20

Then, seeing the Kaurava army were ready to release their weapons, Arjuna, flying the flag of Hanuman, lifted his bow and spoke these words to Krishna:

21-22

Arjuna said: Krishna, please bring my chariot in the middle of the two armies, so I may see all who stand here desirous to engage in battle and with whom I must fight. I want to see those who are willing to fight in service to the evil minded Duryodhana.

23-24

Sanjaya said: Thus being asked by Arjuna, Krishna drove that grandest of chariots between the two armies, facing Bhisma (his grandfather), Drona (his Guru) and all the kings of the earth and said Behold Arjuna, all the opposing side gathered together.

25-27

Then Arjuna saw there in both armies, fathers and grandfathers, uncles and teachers, cousins, comrades and friends. Seeing his kinsmen standing there, Arjuna began to feel attachment and was overcome with pity and despondency. He sorrowfully spoke.

28-30

Arjuna said: Krishna, seeing my relatives and loved ones gathered here, eager to fight, my limbs fail me and my mouth is dry. My whole