"Anyone that has read one of the several English translations of
the famed Bhagavad-gita, with its richness of life-affirming truth,
may have come away feeling spiritually refreshed yet vaguely
uncertain as to whether or not the Gita upholds a clearly developed
system of thought. With its sophisticated thematic approach, this
Comprehensive Guide brings clarity to the Gita's content in a most
thorough and systematic way, inviting both first-time and seasoned
readers to vigorously engage with the text while enjoying the
rewards of deep understanding. Especially impressive is the fact
that this volume not only provides the reader with a stimulating
learning experience, but also serves as an exceptional reference
book for specific topics. Thus, in terms of my own Gita studies, I
am happy to have the benefit of this Comprehensive Guide, as well
as the excellent, highly literal, translation that comes with it.
And I certainly will be recommending this book to my students of
Indian philosophy."
- Kenneth Valpey Ph.D., Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies "
H.D. Goswami's Comprehensive Guide with Literal Translation
provides readers with unique insight into the essential meaning of
Bhagavad-gita, with succinct, carefully crafted explications of
complex philosophical themes. Concise yet thorough, this skillful
exposition, containing hundreds upon hundreds of key Gita
references, affords a conceptual window into the core elements of
Krishna's teachings to Arjuna. Throughout this work we are graced
by the knowledge, Sanskrit expertise and personal illuminations of
one who is not only a highly trained scholar, but also a widely
experienced spiritual teacher. Goswami is thus to be commended for
so eloquently polishing the various facets of this most precious
and rare jewel of sacred literature so that we, the readers, may
perceive that much more of its unbounded brilliance."
- Graham M. Schweig Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy and Religion,
Christopher Newport University
"In the late 18th century Bhagavad-gita became the first Sanskrit
work to be rendered in a European tongue, and since that time it
has generated countless translations and secondary analyses. Among
these, however, H.D. Goswami's Comprehensive Guide with Literal
Translation excels in its capacity to schematize and summarize the
Gita's powerful appeal as a source of perennial wisdom. The literal
translation's careful nuancing demonstrates the author's Sanskrit
mastery and philosophical expertise while the Guide's focused
precision and theological depth reflect the training of a Harvard
doctorate as well as the spiritual insight of one dedicated to the
sannyasa (renounced) order. Thematically divided into twelve parts,
each with multiple subsections that focus on major issues, the
Guide's strongest features are its expert pinpointing of verses
that pertain to each theological topic and its contextual analysis,
articulated in succinct crisp prose that eschew both academic
jargon and sectarian rhetoric. It is an excellent resource not only
for those approaching the Gita as a spiritual manual, but also for
those seeking a more systematic and rigorous understanding of its
philosophical content. I look forward to using this work in my
Hinduism courses."
- Edwin Bryant Ph.D., Professor of Hindu Religion and Philosophy,
Rutgers University
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