The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita: a Commentary for Modern Readers

by Satchidananda

The Bhagavad Gita tells the story of how Arjuna, the great warrior, is seated in his chariot about to engage in battle, when he sees his own kinsmen and his revered teacher arrayed in battle against him, and feels that he cannot fight. It is then that Krishna, the Cosmic Lord, comes to counsel him. Arjuna represents the human soul seated in the chariot of the body and Krishna is the inner Spirit, the God within, who is there to counsel him. Today we see humanity divided against itself and threatened with nuclear war and mutual destruction. No political means are adequate to deal with this problem, and many are driven to despair. It is then that the message of the Gita comes to teach us that it is only when we rise above human schemes and calculations and awake to the presence of the indwelling Spirit that we can hope to find the answer to our need.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Hinduism, Religion, India, Personal Growth

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 1988

About the author

H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev) born C. K. Ramaswamy Gounderis respected worldwide as one of the major pioneers of the interfaith movement and as one of the most respected Yoga Masters of our time. Sri Gurudev's teachings and spirit guide us toward a life of peace and to religious harmony among all people. Invited to come to the West in 1966, Sri Gurudev was quickly embraced by young Americans looking for lasting peace during the turbulent 1960's. In 1969, he opened the Woodstock Festival. The peaceful atmosphere that prevailed throughout the event was often attributed to his message and blessings.

Sri Gurudev founded and is the guiding light for Integral Yoga® International. Integral Yoga, as taught by Sri Gurudev, combines various methods of Yoga, including Hatha Yoga, selfless service, meditation, prayer, and a 5,000-year-old philosophy that helps one find the peace and joy within. Integral Yoga is the foundation for Dr. Dean Ornish's landmark work in reversing heart disease and Dr. Michael Lerner's noted Commonweal Cancer Help program. Today more than 50 Integral Yoga Institutes and Integral Yoga Teaching Centers throughout the United States and abroad offer classes and training programs in all aspects of Integral Yoga.

In 1979, Sri Gurudev was inspired to establish Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville®. Based on his teachings, it is a place where people of different faiths and backgrounds can come to realize their essential oneness. Yogaville is the home of The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). This unique interfaith Shrine honors the Spirit that unites all the world religions, while celebrating their diversity. People from all over the world come there to meditate and pray.

For more than fifty years, Sri Gurudev sponsored interfaith worship services and conferences. His teachings advocate respecting and honoring all faiths and he was invited to share his message of peace with many world leaders and dignitaries. Over the years, Sri Gurudev received many honors for his public service. Among recent awards: the 1994 Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award presented at the United Nations and in April 2002 the prestigious U Thant Peace Award. In addition, he served on the advisory boards of many world peace and interfaith organizations.

Sri Gurudev is the author of many books, including Integral Yoga Hatha, To Know Your Self, The Living Gita, and The Golden Present. He is the subject of three biographies, Apostle of Peace, Portrait of a Modern Sage, and Boundless Giving.

In August 2002, Sri Gurudev entered Mahasamadhi (a God-realized soul's conscious final exit from the body). Chidambaram, his Mahasamadhi shrine in Yogaville is open for prayer and meditation.

“Swami Satchidananda enriched the lives of  countless others and his efforts made a positive difference to our world and our future.”
—President and Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton

“I have met some truly great men in my life, but none greater than Swami Satchidananda, for his life is dedicated to service and the cause of peace--both individual and universal--and to fostering religious harmony among all people.”
—Dean Ornish, MD

“Swami Satchidananda has been and continues to be our great teacher and God’s special messenger.”
—The Very Rev. James Parks Morton

“I consider Swami Satchidananda one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time.”
—Richard Gere

“There are teachers who guide their students to mystical experience.  There are others, too, who inspire their students to loving service.  What I admire in Swami Satchidananda is the consistency with which he bonds these two together.”
—Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB.

Reviews

[Kalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book you read in once. Everyday I red a few pages and thought about it, wrote about it and talked about it. It was part of my yoga teacher training and I got a questionnaire with it that made me think even more and deeper about it. This book changed my way of living in a very positive way. I also often use it as a reference for my philosophical theme.

[Brieanne Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swami Satchidananda's commentary provides an almost cliffnote like feel. Having visited Yogaville in 2010, I felt connected to this version and needed some of the overexplaining as a Westerner. My favorite line in the book is Chapter 4:23. "When you let go of all attachments and experience liberation, your mind becomes absorbed in the truth. Then everything you do becomes a sacrifice and all your karmas melt away." Highly Recommended to any yoga practitioners seeking to decode the real Bhagavad Gita.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arjuna, you ask so many questions!

[Eve]

the war is in your mind.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I made so many highlights in this text and look forward to referencing it for many years to come. This version of the Bhagavad Gita is illuminated with a fantastic and very engaging commentary. I found the commentary so engaging because it's fairly opinionated. I'm reconciling the yogic philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita with the humanist point of views I've primarily investigated. They have tons of overlap and seem to deviate with how far they go past "dynamic individual will" into "divine will"

It would be nice to see a student of Satchidananda undertake a new edition. There's a metaphor or two (using film photography) that may date it for readers born after 2000. But that shouldn't be a dealbreaker for anyone, that's just one page out of 300.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a language where the word for "yesterday" - "kal" - is the same as the word for "tomorrow," reading the Gita is certainly a window into the Hindu world view.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to always look back at and review. Small sections at a time to better understand.

[Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gita is perhaps my all-time favorite book, but I am not a fan of Satchidananda's commentary. His style reminds me somewhat of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in that his insight comes across as vague and "airy fairy." I prefer academic translations, as I've noticed western college professors remain keenly neutral when translating the original texts while also providing little to no subjective commentary. After all, it seems to me, when reading such an epic text as the Gita, the "true meaning" within should be left for the reader to discover on his or her own; or, if further instruction is desired, a one-on-one visit with a devotee might be a more dynamic and intimate method of apprehension.

[Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like yoga, or are interested in the spiritual/historical base of yoga read this book. This was a wonderful complete Bhagavad Gita with beautiful commentary focused on interpretation and relation of the wisdom and structure to more modern life. Will continue to re read this book every 5 years or so.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book you can read in one sitting but picked up over time, and digested slowly, such an amazing book. Topics very well explained and applicable to everyone. Definitely a book you can reference again and again for helpful insight.

[Sarina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I always wanted to read but didn't expect to actually get around to (at least not for a long time). Then I ended up stumbling into a group also interested and last year we started reading together and discussing, which was an amazing way to go through the text, since I came away with so many perspectives I wouldn't have thought on my own. I am so glad we read this version, as Satchidananda gave great context into the sutras, and added in parallels and references for Western audiences. There is so much wisdom in here.

Messages that spoke to me:
- I am neither my body nor my mind, as these are constantly changing, yet I am still me.
- We are all connected to each other and to the universe, and tapping into "god" is letting go of the need for control, ego, and attachment. There are multiple ways of working toward this (different yoga practices), and none are better than the other. Karma Yoga = selfless action, Juana Yoga = wisdom and study, Bhakti = loving devotion, letting go of ego, Raja Yoga = meditation.
- God = peace & tranquility
- Always keep working on yourself, action is better than inaction, because even if you fuck up you can learn from it.
- Try to stop focusing on the results/rewards and focus on the actions themselves.
- No one and nothing is either "good" or "bad", but we all just "are". It is all about perspective, recognizing that even "bad" things for one can be "good' for others, and things that seem "bad" are often what really make us grow.
- Happiness and contentment come from within
- Do not follow scripture or religious teachers blindly, and think about the messages for yourself, otherwise you can't really learn. Your own thoughts, reflections, and experience will make a much greater impact than just repeating what others say.

Still trying to figure out:
- What my personal dharma is. Apparently if I let go I will naturally be driven to it, but I have no freaking idea.
- What does enlightenment mean today for people living in modern societies? Can you have attachments / desires (family, career, stuff, travel) and become enlightened, or are those mutually exclusive?
- Can you reach enlightenment then lose it?

I have never thought of myself as a spiritual person, but I think the experience of reading this made me less resistant to the idea.

I want to make sure to keep revisiting this book, looking over my notes in the margins, thinking about the messages, and try to apply as many to my life as make sense over time.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gita itself is quite short, but this book is not. It's mostly commentary. What Satchidananda does well is make this ancient Indian text relevant for westerners. He does tell a lot of Indian lore, but he also tells more familiar stories, references teachings of Jesus, and puts it all in modern-day context.

I appreciated the point he made that the teachings of the Gita are meant to be universal. You can layer them on top of whatever religion (or not) you belong to. It is non-dogmatic. Many paths are given and the reader is essentially told "those are the teachings, now do as you please."

Layered underneath much of the book is an assumed belief in reincarnation, which is the main rub I personally found. I kind of like the idea of reincarnation, but I just refuse to believe that people born into impoverished situations or to evil parents are paying penance for their previous life. That's a dangerous way to view humanity.

I loved one of the metaphors he used to explain nonduality. If you have a bowl made of ice and you dip it in the ocean, the water inside the bowl is still the same water as outside the bowl. And even the bowl itself is water. God is inside of us, God is outside of us, and God is us (the bowl), too. And if I am God, then you are God, too. We are all one and the same.

[Stephanie Boedecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book that offers a very accessible path towards understanding the Gita. I appreciate so much the acknowledgment of other religions and emphasis on respect and understanding for all human beings. Historically and presently wars and fighting are often based on religious differences and power struggles when at the heart of every religion humans are taught non-violence, peace, and love. Somehow words get twisted and everything becomes a battle of "my"or "our" versions of something being the best. "When we forget what it means and only stick to the name, we fight even in the name of God."

One of the lessons which resonate greatly with me, and I wish more people could understand the beauty of is the seeking of knowledge, holding a beginner's mind and keeping your mind and heart open to learning.
"Become enlightened by surrendering. By prostrating you annihilate your ego."
"To understand, you have to stand under"
"If you want to learn, go empty and open"
"Shraddha - wholehearted sincerity, complete and total interest in what you're doing, true zeal"

[Marj · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read this book as a prerequisite for yoga teacher training, I didn't like it. I found it repetitive and boring. I had renounced the christian God I had grown up with and every time I read the word 'God' in the book I resisted and closed my mind. I couldn't bring myself to rate the book 1 star though as it felt blasphemous.

4 1/2 year later, several readings later and further along on my spiritual path, I love this book (along with The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by the same author.) There is so much wisdom and teachings to study, contemplate and apply to everyday life. My copy of this book is now a rainbow of highligher. Each time I read the book, I use a different colour highlighter to see how I have changed, how my mind has opened and what is relevant at that time. On this reading (which took several month) I read backwards from the last chapter and really enjoyed this perspective. I can see that I will continue to reread and dip in and out of this book.

[Lenny Husen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.90, amazing book, would read again (and parts again and again). Perfect for those, like me, who are interested in Classics, who study Religious texts, and who want to know what the Bhagavad Gita contains. Satchidananda's commentary makes sense of the Slokas (lines of verse) with a discussion following each one. Having read the Bible and Quran, The Gita is WAY more to my sense of the Meaning of Life. There is tolerance here for all religions, many stories to illustrate concepts, definitions of words pertaining to Hinduism, and overall it is uplifting.
Satchidananda is a famous Guru, who opened the Woodstock Festival (!!!) with a blessing. Super cool guy and excellent writer. This was a Labor of Love on his part.

[Karan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swami Satchidananda's "Living Gita" is a welcoming guide for those taking their first steps into the vast ocean of Sanatan philosophy. This commentary gently unfolds the Bhagavad Gita's teachings, making them accessible and relatable for modern readers.

While this approach broadens the appeal of Living Gita and makes it an excellent introduction to the text, readers seeking a more traditional or devotional perspective may find Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita As It Is a more compelling choice. Prabhupada’s work remains deeply rooted in the original essence of the Gita, offering a rich, unapologetically devotional interpretation that speaks directly to its spiritual depths.

[Kristie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Translation

I read a version of the Gita for my 200 hour Yoga training. I decided to read this translation on my own and OMG it is so beautiful. I would love to see the slokas at The end with no commentary, although I also bought the hard copy so I would have to get a new one :) The commentary is helpful but it would be nice to read it straight through and see how I would interpret it sans commentary.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful read to gain more understanding about the Gita. As the format was just the writing down of the lectures and verbal sharing of the teacher regarding his interpretation of and thoughts about the Gita, often it was hard to follow and could have used some editing. But overall, it was helpful in thinking deeply about this ancient text.

[Kaspars Laizans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gīta for the West?

Got this version, because wanted some background info, otherwise specific terms and phrases are impossible to understand. What i got instead was a teacher telling his interpretation of the text. with poorly phrased examples and loads of misunderstood physics on his end

[Jiajing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best translation and interpretation of Bhagavad-Gita. The stories and examples make the verses easy to understand. The author added his own philosophy. Some of them are inspiring, but some do not make much sense.
Anyway it is an amazing book for yogis.

[Lisa Who? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished audio book and then bought the hard copy. Worth reading again and again just for some directions.
One of the most relevant spiritual books that O have read, and which explains a lot of questions we have.
A deep embrace of ancient Indian culture rather than stereotypes.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't put that much thought into the intersection of religion, history, and modern culture, this is an excellent place to start. Was one of the first texts that opened my eyes to the common threads that run through most/all religions & cultures, and it's somewhat easy to digest.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for YTT. This one was little harder for me to follow but overall I enjoyed it. I read "Bhagavad Gita A Walkthrough for Westerners" right after this and that book helped me understand more.

[Elly Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the helpful explanations around an original text, but learning more about the author definitely puts an interesting light on this version. Looking forward to reading the Bhagavad Gita itself now with a better understanding of some of the concepts.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great version of the BG - not only do you get the actual text of the BG, but great explanation in between. This is so excellent - will prob buy this one to keep for my collection.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. However I would recommend first reading through the Gita

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be a good person - 10 ⭐️

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always wanted to read the Bhagavad Gita, and I am certain that this is probably one of the easier texts to follow, but it just wasn't something I could sink myself into .. back to the Sutras for Me

[Eve Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gita interpreted by Sri Swami Satchidananda was a pleasure to read and will be a pleasure to reread for years. Each reading revealing more.

[Shaili Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to being a lifelong student of the Gita! Thank you yoga teacher training!