The Bhagavad Gita

By: Eknath Easwaran

Narrated by: Paul Bazely

The Bhagavad Gita, "The Song of the Lord", is the best known of all the Indian scriptures, and Easwaran's reliable and accessible version has consistently been the best-selling translation. Easwaran's introduction places the Gita in its historical setting and brings out the universality and timelessness of its teachings. Chapter introductions give clear explanations of key concepts in that chapter. To listen to the scripture without the introductions, listeners should start at track 044. The Bhagavad Gita opens dramatically on a battlefield, as the warrior Arjuna turns in anguish to his spiritual guide, Sri Krishna, for answers to the fundamental questions of life. But as Easwaran points out, the Gita is not what it seems - it's not a dialogue between two mythical figures at the dawn of Indian history. "The battlefield is a perfect backdrop, but the Gita's subject is the war within, the struggle for self-mastery that every human being must wage" to live a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and worthwhile. This audio recording is a complete and unabridged reading of Eknath Easwaran's book The Bhagavad Gita.

Narrated by Paul Bazely, an actor of Indian heritage and a longtime student of Easwaran. Music by Yann Stoneman.

©2007 The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation (P)2015 The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation

Critic reviews

"No one in modern times is more qualified - no, make that 'as qualified' - to translate the epochal classics of Indian spirituality than Eknath Easwaran. And the reason is clear. It is impossible to get to the heart of those classics unless you live them, and he did live them. My admiration of the man and his works is boundless." (Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions)
"For all of its profundity, Eknath Easwaran manages to translate the Gita in easy prose that neither panders nor obscures. Coupled with his thorough introduction, Easwaran’s version comes off on all the levels it should: as a guide to action, devotional scripture, a philosophical text, and inspirational reading." (Amazon.com Eastern Religion editor)

Perfect introduction to the Gita

What did you love best about The Bhagavad Gita?

The way the audio book is structured. It begins with an lengthy introduction to the book as a whole and there is brief introduction to each chapter. After completion of the book with introduction the book repeats the Gita again but without the intro pieces. This is exactly what I wanted it to be, highly recommended.

Any additional comments?

I've been on audible for a long time and this is one of the most well-produced audiobooks that I have heard.

Superb summarization of Bhagvad Gita. Must listen!

I am ecstatic after listening to this articulation. Would recommend every spiritual seeker to read and get elightened.

fantastic! great intro and explanation of esoteric

great explanation, clear and concise of more esoteric aspects of Hinduism. felt it was very modern, up to date as well. will seek out more books by the author/interpreter and reader. fully recommend

Profound and Practical

I had heard so much about the Gita but had never read it. When I ran across Easwaran's treatment of the Bhagavad Gita, I thought, why not? I was blown away with his accuracy and skill in unwrapping this significant text. The Gita came alive for me. Life changing.

Can't ask for anything better!!

A very thorough and exciting journey through the Gita. Each chapter is preceded by an overview that allowed you to REALLY listen and understand. Great!!!

A Gift from God

Thank you for this beautiful interpretation and reading. It rings clear to my consciousness. This is my introduction to Krishna and now I see answers where questions sat prior. I hope to absorb these words daily. Thank you again. Om, AUM, Amin, Amen!

a great book, understanding Hinduism.

Hinduism is a way of life. understanding humanity. Living a loving life. this audio version in English is a great way to understand. I love to listen and understand culture than to criticize. above all it beautifully read. an accent I enjoyed and he nailed the hindi pronunciation.

Best story ever, presented with care and imperfection

A good portion of the book is commentary and background on the actual Gita. This is both interesting and valuable, but I have mixed feelings about the fact that it comes before the poem itself. It was well written and well narrated especially in the text of the Gita, as I found the British accent elegant and engaging. The transition by Stephen Mitchell offers more immediate gratification, because we get to the story sooner. But I love them both.

The Lord's Somg

Beautiful narrated audible version! Soothing! A positive story affirming the golden rule. Always do good!

Great presentation of a classic

This book starts well presented background and then presents each chapter prefaced by commentary that sets the stage and provided background helpful to newcomers to the text. This is followed by a straight start to finish reading without commentary. The commentary is concise and beautifully presented and the reader and translation are both excellent. I highly recommend this and intend to check out other works by this author.