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The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained By Paramhansa Yogananda, As Remembered By His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda
This revelation of India's best-loved scripture approaches it from an entirely fresh perspective, showing its deep allegorical meaning and also its down-to-earth practicality. The themes presented are universal: how to achieve victory in life in union with the divine; how to prepare for life's final exam, death, and what happens afterward; how to triumph over all pain and suffering. This expanded & revised second edition is now in paperback!
651 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
About the author
Paramahansa Yogananda
846 books2,305 followersParamahansa Yogananda (Bengali: পরমহংস যোগানন্দ Pôromohôngsho Joganondo, Sanskrit: परमहंस योगानंद Paramahaṃsa Yogānaṃda), born Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Bengali: মুকুন্দ লাল ঘোষ Mukundo Lal Ghosh), was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced many westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book,
Autobiography of a Yogi
.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 18, 2007
this is a commentary from the vedantic perspective on the bhagavad gita, which is a devotional accounting of the mahabarata, the great war of indian myth/legend between arjuna's family. the gita focuses on krishna's advice to arjuna as he shies back from wanting to kill any soldiers of the wicked army, all of whom are also his kin. this commentary treats the battle as an allegory for the spiritual struggle of the soul on the path of yoga, relating the forces on both sides to the psychological members of the human consciousness. the gita provides guidance and insight for the yoga practitioner, and this commentary presents it in an understandable and enjoyable style. this is a great book about yoga, spirit, god, and man, and how they relate to each other.
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October 29, 2009It seems that every different translation of the Gita approaches commentary from a specific religious interpretation. The commentator usually isn't up-front about what sect they're trying to indoctrinate you into, and they usually don't tell you that this is just one of several interpretations, instead implicitly presenting theirs as the "authoritative" version.
The commentary here is useful, and mostly emphasizes the "Gita as metaphor for internal struggle toward purification" angle. It certainly does contain plenty of good advice toward that end. Though it acknowledges that any spiritual text operates on many levels simultaneously, it goes as far as to append in parenthesis the purported allegorical meaning of each name that comes up.
It's hard to put my finger on exactly what turned me off of this version— I mean, the Gita is still intact in there— but for some reason I liked the version from AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada better. Even though that one tries to turn you into a Hare Krishna! Perhaps it's easier to ignore the spin in that case, and get to the meat of the text? At least that edition clearly delimits the original sanskrit, sanskrit translation, english transliteration, and english translation, making it much easier to skip the exposition.
The commentary here is useful, and mostly emphasizes the "Gita as metaphor for internal struggle toward purification" angle. It certainly does contain plenty of good advice toward that end. Though it acknowledges that any spiritual text operates on many levels simultaneously, it goes as far as to append in parenthesis the purported allegorical meaning of each name that comes up.
It's hard to put my finger on exactly what turned me off of this version— I mean, the Gita is still intact in there— but for some reason I liked the version from AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada better. Even though that one tries to turn you into a Hare Krishna! Perhaps it's easier to ignore the spin in that case, and get to the meat of the text? At least that edition clearly delimits the original sanskrit, sanskrit translation, english transliteration, and english translation, making it much easier to skip the exposition.
January 27, 2010
I did not like this Gita translation at all. I felt that many of my own personal favourite verses have been totally changed due to their metaphorical interpretation to fit the Kriya Yoga bill.
Having read translations such as Arnold's, Prabhupad's, Srila Sridhar Maharaj's, and Eknath Easwaran's, I have to say that this Gita translation did not fulfill me one bit. The the middle of reading the translation, I donated it to a local used book store.
Having read translations such as Arnold's, Prabhupad's, Srila Sridhar Maharaj's, and Eknath Easwaran's, I have to say that this Gita translation did not fulfill me one bit. The the middle of reading the translation, I donated it to a local used book store.
May 27, 2023
A go-to guide for exploring the links between east and west as it relates to understanding the Bhagavad Gita. It goes in depth on the Gita, but also connects the concepts to everything from Jesus to Kant or Augustine and is always insightful and prolific.
September 29, 2025
A beautiful explanation of the deep teachings of Yoga
In this essential revelation of the deep meaning of the Bhagavad Gita as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda has given us a great light on spirituality and how to live a balanced, purposeful life.
In this essential revelation of the deep meaning of the Bhagavad Gita as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda has given us a great light on spirituality and how to live a balanced, purposeful life.
February 21, 2012
This is a beautiful and thought provoking book. I have been reading approximately 10 pages a day since I bought it in mid-January. I was killing time in a book store on a morning when I had a Dr's. appointment. I wasn't planning to be anything. Yet, this book called to me, held my attention, I vacillated for a while because I really didn't want to spend any money and I didn't want to add another book to my stack of books I am reading or trying to get to. Yet, I kept returning to it. I enjoyed the process of reading it. Thought I'm not certain, at the end, that it had done anything for me for my trouble.
I have been reading the Bhagavad Gita since I was in high school, 30 plus years ago. It has a calming effect on me the way that few things can. So, why argue with what works?
I even started memorizing it when I was an undergraduate but only got a few pages into it.
The notes in this edition are particularly interesting because the author was raised in a Christian home. He makes lots of references to Christ and the Bible. My favorite translation of the Bhagavad Gita was a vintage edition that I lost along the way.
I recommend anybody to read this just to see if it makes him or her feel good.
I have been reading the Bhagavad Gita since I was in high school, 30 plus years ago. It has a calming effect on me the way that few things can. So, why argue with what works?
I even started memorizing it when I was an undergraduate but only got a few pages into it.
The notes in this edition are particularly interesting because the author was raised in a Christian home. He makes lots of references to Christ and the Bible. My favorite translation of the Bhagavad Gita was a vintage edition that I lost along the way.
I recommend anybody to read this just to see if it makes him or her feel good.
June 26, 2026
Wonderful and something I will add to my forever collection. Read also God Speaks with Arjuna, and Second Coming of Christ (By Yogananda) - I have massive respect for Kriyananda and highly recommend his playlists of teachings as well - he is steadfast in his voice and unafraid to express his feeling even when it holds tension - the audiobook versions of his works are beautifully read by him. These two Yogananda books are THE two most important books I own. The Sanatana Dharma can be seen from many levels, and experienced by us all as we are to come to it in incarnation. For me, I’ve found truth in ALL - and yet Yogananda is my favorite… my desert island teacher…
To practice my practice and respect you practicing yours is true Hinduism… true religion… and Buddhism and Christianity… at their core teachings from their core teachers allow for this, and for eachother, and even encourage eachothers existence. This is oneness… unity. Our intellect is a part of the grand path that is necessary. Yoganandas teacher would not let him begin his master works until he was highly collegiately educated. How far people are along individually and how effective they are as teachers are two different things. Both Kriyananda and Yogananda are exemplary in being people who encompass many sides of the multidimensional coin - and beautifully, they leave room for all the other great works as well… because they are true to the Sanatana Dharma.
I see a world in which all religions can return to being of a place, a people… a time and a culture… an angle at which to point to the ALL of Self Realization and God Realization. The teachers of all great religions as philosopher saints will hold the test of time, though the ego based following of them without unity will not, if this world is to evolve into oneness. Books like this lead me to believe it’s doing exactly that. I came into being knowing ALL is the only way, in my first awakening.
This book is necessary for my path, and I am grateful for it. For as simple as the Gita is… as short as it is, to have yogis help us to understand what they and others have seen from their unique perspectives, is to welcome our brothers and sisters on the path home to divine nature. To walk only alone, is to lead by the ego, which is where many religions take advantage of individuals leading them into hive mind… which is the opposite of oneness. This book and these teachings suggest the opposite - in the holy fire of psychology and philosophy that the Vedanta promotes “for those who have eyes to see it”.
I think often of another world… another religion in some distant reach of possible universe. Would they hold similar mythologies? These books go beyond that and show that the Sanatana Dharma can portray a map of what may be seen on the path… a blueprint of the architecture of existence, regardless of the beautiful god communion as experienced in front of the idols and in wonderful spiritual practice. When all of that may fade for the spiritual seeker, or before in a lifetime it appears, these individual experiences of virtue and shadow, of involution and evolution remain.
Thank you Kriyananada, and Yogananda, and all souls who stood with you for these understandings to be expressed. Sovereignty is promoted here, and your individual path … each of our unique walks, is the only thing promoted here. Oneness is not the loss of the “I AM” but the finding of it. Saints are more unique. That we all blend into nothingness and lose ourselves is the opposite of the point of the Vedanta in my view- and these books allow for love of all souls to stand. I have had others tell me that I am them and they are me… and they have been very loveless souls. Kriyananda and Yogananda are full of the quintessence: the joy… peace… love… and truth that is not “thought” but is known… and palpable… waiting to be found within all of us, exactly as we are, exactly where we are… as beliefs are allowed to change and evolve… on each our own walk thru the forest to our basecamp on the mountain of our personal becoming. The impersonal is the universal experience and archetype of the journey - and it’s equally beautiful. What matters most is YOU and when you are realized, we see Soul to Soul… and others matter equally… and God is that… the great unfoldment of ALL that IS. The ISness is the buisness. Our feeling is the path past all thoughts on the matter. But the intellect to reflect what we have experienced with others who have already walked their mountains… and are unto their next planes… is shared here! We walk among saints and gurus among wildly beautiful souls… amongst boddhisatvas. This work supports all of these musings of my seeking.
“Forgive them for they know not what they do” is the way to understand what we once did not- as well as to accept the world. There is no truth to be called from the mountaintop here, and so these works remain obscure, because what they do is dismember the ignorance Jesus spoke of, which is the biggest fear of the ego.. within all of us… the dismemberment of the world as it was “thought” for the world the soul KNOWS! And we all know already. We are love covered up in layers. This book helps understand what these layers are. It is only a reflection of Yoganandas beautiful journey inward to the source of his wisdom. But it’s a beautiful reflection. All of our musings are filtered thru our biases. When they allow for ourselves to unfold and others to unfold, then we are sharing Eden. I believe that was Kriyanandas intention. These are only words… pointing as a big sign saying YES with the gentle smile of one who is beginning to know beyond thought. Who knew thought could be what undid itself. :)
AUM
To practice my practice and respect you practicing yours is true Hinduism… true religion… and Buddhism and Christianity… at their core teachings from their core teachers allow for this, and for eachother, and even encourage eachothers existence. This is oneness… unity. Our intellect is a part of the grand path that is necessary. Yoganandas teacher would not let him begin his master works until he was highly collegiately educated. How far people are along individually and how effective they are as teachers are two different things. Both Kriyananda and Yogananda are exemplary in being people who encompass many sides of the multidimensional coin - and beautifully, they leave room for all the other great works as well… because they are true to the Sanatana Dharma.
I see a world in which all religions can return to being of a place, a people… a time and a culture… an angle at which to point to the ALL of Self Realization and God Realization. The teachers of all great religions as philosopher saints will hold the test of time, though the ego based following of them without unity will not, if this world is to evolve into oneness. Books like this lead me to believe it’s doing exactly that. I came into being knowing ALL is the only way, in my first awakening.
This book is necessary for my path, and I am grateful for it. For as simple as the Gita is… as short as it is, to have yogis help us to understand what they and others have seen from their unique perspectives, is to welcome our brothers and sisters on the path home to divine nature. To walk only alone, is to lead by the ego, which is where many religions take advantage of individuals leading them into hive mind… which is the opposite of oneness. This book and these teachings suggest the opposite - in the holy fire of psychology and philosophy that the Vedanta promotes “for those who have eyes to see it”.
I think often of another world… another religion in some distant reach of possible universe. Would they hold similar mythologies? These books go beyond that and show that the Sanatana Dharma can portray a map of what may be seen on the path… a blueprint of the architecture of existence, regardless of the beautiful god communion as experienced in front of the idols and in wonderful spiritual practice. When all of that may fade for the spiritual seeker, or before in a lifetime it appears, these individual experiences of virtue and shadow, of involution and evolution remain.
Thank you Kriyananada, and Yogananda, and all souls who stood with you for these understandings to be expressed. Sovereignty is promoted here, and your individual path … each of our unique walks, is the only thing promoted here. Oneness is not the loss of the “I AM” but the finding of it. Saints are more unique. That we all blend into nothingness and lose ourselves is the opposite of the point of the Vedanta in my view- and these books allow for love of all souls to stand. I have had others tell me that I am them and they are me… and they have been very loveless souls. Kriyananda and Yogananda are full of the quintessence: the joy… peace… love… and truth that is not “thought” but is known… and palpable… waiting to be found within all of us, exactly as we are, exactly where we are… as beliefs are allowed to change and evolve… on each our own walk thru the forest to our basecamp on the mountain of our personal becoming. The impersonal is the universal experience and archetype of the journey - and it’s equally beautiful. What matters most is YOU and when you are realized, we see Soul to Soul… and others matter equally… and God is that… the great unfoldment of ALL that IS. The ISness is the buisness. Our feeling is the path past all thoughts on the matter. But the intellect to reflect what we have experienced with others who have already walked their mountains… and are unto their next planes… is shared here! We walk among saints and gurus among wildly beautiful souls… amongst boddhisatvas. This work supports all of these musings of my seeking.
“Forgive them for they know not what they do” is the way to understand what we once did not- as well as to accept the world. There is no truth to be called from the mountaintop here, and so these works remain obscure, because what they do is dismember the ignorance Jesus spoke of, which is the biggest fear of the ego.. within all of us… the dismemberment of the world as it was “thought” for the world the soul KNOWS! And we all know already. We are love covered up in layers. This book helps understand what these layers are. It is only a reflection of Yoganandas beautiful journey inward to the source of his wisdom. But it’s a beautiful reflection. All of our musings are filtered thru our biases. When they allow for ourselves to unfold and others to unfold, then we are sharing Eden. I believe that was Kriyanandas intention. These are only words… pointing as a big sign saying YES with the gentle smile of one who is beginning to know beyond thought. Who knew thought could be what undid itself. :)
AUM
August 7, 2009
This is my favorite book by Swami Kriyananda. I believe it is his masterpiece. He does an absolutely superb job of explaining the Hindu "Bible", the Bhagavad Gita, as he learned at the feet of the great avatar, Paramhansa Yogananda. More importantly, he applies those lessons to daily life, making the book very practical and potentially life changing. This is a long book without seeming long. It was a very easy and quick read for me. I couldn't put it down. I recommend it for anyone seeking truth.
July 5, 2021
This is really one of my absolute top choice "desert island" books, probably second only to Autobiography of a Yogi. It seems that absolutely every aspect of the spiritual path is covered here, and as always, Swami Kriyananda's masterful presentation of his guru's teachings are a joy to read. Read this book if you want to learn the true, practical, spiritual application of the Bhagavad Gita.
August 14, 2012
This book goes with me on all my travels! Explains wisdom of the Gita as it applies to today's world. And, gives comparisons and explanations in/of the Bible. An excellent book and, easy to understand. The stanzas are given and then explained. A must read.. Try a book study.
February 7, 2011
A must read
September 2, 2016
Un libro chiaro ,fondamentale. Non può bastare la prima lettura. Infatti lo sto ricoominciato oggi ,2/9/2016. È un libro per tutta la vita, come la Bibbia. Ma va messo in pratica.
June 27, 2023
It has given me a great sense of accomplishment to read this important scripture. There's a tremendous amount of wisdom and spiritual guidance.
I read much of this concurrently with another famous interpretation to compare them. Near the end, I stopped reading the other one and completed this one only because I prefer Swami Kriyananda's (and thus Yogananda's) explanation. It has a broader view of the Gita and is more accessible or down to earth. The one criticism I have of it is Kriyananda's insertion of paranthetical phrases which tend to change the meaning of a passage. Much of the time I tried to just read it without looking at the added phrases.
In the end, I'm grateful for this interpretation and I'm glad I read it.
I read much of this concurrently with another famous interpretation to compare them. Near the end, I stopped reading the other one and completed this one only because I prefer Swami Kriyananda's (and thus Yogananda's) explanation. It has a broader view of the Gita and is more accessible or down to earth. The one criticism I have of it is Kriyananda's insertion of paranthetical phrases which tend to change the meaning of a passage. Much of the time I tried to just read it without looking at the added phrases.
In the end, I'm grateful for this interpretation and I'm glad I read it.
January 7, 2022
read this slowly over a very long period of time and was entranced by a lot of what yogananda had to say but was also very put off by some of his more archaic thoughts and ideas about society. particularly interesting to me is his talks about kriya yoga and about the actual parts of the Gita as written. yogananda digresses a lot in this which is understandable with these texts just as Bhaktivedanra’s commentaries, but yogananda seems to digress a bit further and more often. would also consider Yogananda’s commentary to be more of a mystical approach to the Gita than others i have read
October 11, 2019
DNF: Not only is it disorganized, but I had to put it down after it started bashing other religions. I thought Hinduism was more open than claiming that all other religions are wrong. Perhaps it’s the Western influence the author has. In any case, it didn’t sound like Yogananda’s words to me (I’ve read Autobiography of a Yogi). It also uses generic masculine pronouns, which is a personal pet peeve and makes it hard for female readers to connect.
December 8, 2023
This is a collectible. This is a re-read. This is a classic.
Still trying to find words on what to say about this book. As Indians, we all know the Bhagavad Gita, and its importance. However, interpreting the verses from the book is always a daunting task. If you do not go to the depths, you do not get the true meaning. This book does this admirably well.
The language is simple, the examples are very relevant and well explained.
Must Must Must read
Still trying to find words on what to say about this book. As Indians, we all know the Bhagavad Gita, and its importance. However, interpreting the verses from the book is always a daunting task. If you do not go to the depths, you do not get the true meaning. This book does this admirably well.
The language is simple, the examples are very relevant and well explained.
Must Must Must read
April 6, 2018
If you really want to understand what the verses mean in detail, read this book. I found this book way better than books from Eswaran and Swamy Rama. Explained beautifully without any mumbo jumbo, this is a book for keep. I have an audible book but I'm definately going to keep hardcover edition in my library.
May 13, 2021
Great spiritual guide!! It breaks down the allegories in the great Indian Epic ‘The Bhagavad Gita’ in an easy and concise way. This book makes for better understanding of yoga and meditation. Great guide for those on the path.
January 5, 2022
Just such a beautiful, nourishing book. I loved listening to it because Paramahansa Yogananda reads it and you can feel his gentleness and love. One part I loved from it is him explaining how much more lovely and enjoyable everything is when you do it along with God. When you include God in that.
March 30, 2025
Suggest reading Autobiography of a Yogi and The Bible first in order to better understand the correlations of Paramhansa Yogananda teachings to the author and the allegorical similarities between the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita.
December 27, 2020
versão comentada
December 19, 2021
Meraviglioso, insegna come imparare ad amarsi e a dare valore alla propria vita
June 19, 2025
A very powerful book.
September 15, 2025
Bhagavad Gita is always a treasure to read
February 18, 2017
"The Lord's Song" is an inspiration for everyone, whether it is to seek inspiration on how to fight the battles of life or on the different paths to the highest goal and therein lies the beauty of the Gita. There are many different translations and like any true scripture it has many different shades of meaning and hence different people have given it their own twist, but as they say the truth is one but the wise call it by many names, it is to be expected with a scripture as widely loved and read. There are some references to the Bible and points of similarities between the two and so it will be interesting for some of the Western readers( Swami Kriyananda was himself raised in a Christian household). I think if you are truly looking for answers to life's various perplexing questions, the Bhagavad Gita, this version among a few others, can truly inspire your mind with a certain clarity of thought and purpose, and can also become one of those constant companions which can dispense pearls of wisdom and insight when you need it.
May 10, 2022
Interpretation of divine message is from a very different angle. Must for a seeker.
September 9, 2009
I liked this the first time around, but I'm going to have to re-read this since I read it with a friend over the phone, and finished it on my own, not quite grasping every single concept. I know it's the "essence" of the Gita, but I'm going to compare this to Easwaran's edition. I get the gist of the book's teachings, but I want to see why they were interpreted this way by Paramhansa Yogananda.
August 9, 2012
This is a good, readable, authoritative, English commentary on the 7,000 yr. old text, written by a Hindu yogi. It has many similarities to the LDS and other Christian teachings.
January 5, 2012
Way too convoluted and difficult to follow - clearly shows it wasn't written by Yogananda himself.
May 25, 2013
Gives insight in to this core of the Hindu faith from the perspective of a Western devotee. He brings to bear many comparisons to Christianity to help the Western reader's understanding.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews