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The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners
The Bhagavad Gita has been called India's greatest contribution to the world. For more than five thousand years, this great scripture has shown millions in the East how to fill their lives with serenity and love. In these pages, Jack Hawley brings these ancient secrets to Western seekers in a beautiful prose version that makes the story of the Gita clear and exciting, and makes its truths understandable and easy to apply to our busy lives.
The Gita is a universal love song sung by God to His friend man. It can't be confined by any creed. It is a statement of the truths at the core of what we all already believe, only it makes those truths clearer, so they become immediately useful in our daily lives. These truths are for our hearts, not just our heads.
The Gita is more than just a book, more than mere words or concepts. There is an accumulated potency in it. To read the Gita is to be inspired in the true sense of the term: to be “inspirited,” to inhale the ancient and ever-new breath of spiritual energy.
The Gita is a universal love song sung by God to His friend man. It can't be confined by any creed. It is a statement of the truths at the core of what we all already believe, only it makes those truths clearer, so they become immediately useful in our daily lives. These truths are for our hearts, not just our heads.
The Gita is more than just a book, more than mere words or concepts. There is an accumulated potency in it. To read the Gita is to be inspired in the true sense of the term: to be “inspirited,” to inhale the ancient and ever-new breath of spiritual energy.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 401
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 15, 2012
I first time I read The Bhagavad Gita was in university. Although interesting, my interpretation was very academic, somewhat clinical like an anthropological exercise. Not surprising, being as I was an archaeology major looking for a humanities credit. Needless to say, I got very little personally out of the readings.
It’s been a few years and my outlook has changed. Although the material is the same, this time when I read through The Bhagavad Gita, I became very interested in the concept of the path of action. Several things clicked into place for me. Like many, I tended to associate isolation and spiritual commitment as part of the same equation. Yet, in my own life, I have found that I feel most like my true self (closest to being part of that big picture) when I am going about my day to day activities fully engaged.
It’s truly amazing that works created so very long ago can have such a profound meaning even now. I guess, certain concepts and lines of questioning never really go out of style. And I’ve only just now broken the surface of my explorations of this work.
It’s been a few years and my outlook has changed. Although the material is the same, this time when I read through The Bhagavad Gita, I became very interested in the concept of the path of action. Several things clicked into place for me. Like many, I tended to associate isolation and spiritual commitment as part of the same equation. Yet, in my own life, I have found that I feel most like my true self (closest to being part of that big picture) when I am going about my day to day activities fully engaged.
It’s truly amazing that works created so very long ago can have such a profound meaning even now. I guess, certain concepts and lines of questioning never really go out of style. And I’ve only just now broken the surface of my explorations of this work.
October 7, 2012
This is indeed 'magical' as someone called it. I have tried reading the Bhagavad Gita (Roman Catholic here) from age 16 but failed because of how complicated the translations seemed to be. Mostly it was not the language itself but the good knowledge of the background precepts and terms that those translations required from the reader.
This 'walkthrough' of Hawley is just what I was looking for. It's so straightforward and simple to read and 'understand'. I quote that last word because you have to spend some time and experience the teachings first hand to truly understand what this book is trying to say.
I am just glad to have found this book and loving it on my Kindle!
This 'walkthrough' of Hawley is just what I was looking for. It's so straightforward and simple to read and 'understand'. I quote that last word because you have to spend some time and experience the teachings first hand to truly understand what this book is trying to say.
I am just glad to have found this book and loving it on my Kindle!
October 22, 2011
There is so much wisdom in Jack's book. He brings a deep integrated understanding of spiritual practice to the table and uses it to fill the heart of the reader. I keep this book as one to return to for inspiration again and again.
January 18, 2023
Been reading this book for awhile through out here and there. The concept of complete devotion to God(Krishna) sounds like a lot of commitment not gonna lie.
The plot is basically Arjuna, the Prince, fighting in a war with greedy king. But Arjuna, the mighty warrior does not wanna fight because he sees his family, old friends, and his teacher on the other side and to win the war means he have to kill these people he love. That’s when his childhood friend, Krishna revealed himself and say he is Brahman, Atma, God. He tells Arjuna to stop being a egotistical pussy and fight the war. Now this is a interesting twist as most of us would think that a god of all people will try to stop violence rather than encourage it. But Krishna goes on to a whole dharma talk and share his wisdom to Arjuna.
Most famous line in this story is when Krishna says, “do your worldly duty, but do it without any attachment to it or desire for its fruits. Keep your mind always to the Divine.” This is quite different path from renouncing all things and living in a cave meditating for 50 years. It tells you to do things in the world that you are supposed to do, but don’t get lost in the doing, and don’t do it for the outcome of your action. Just like nature and how the fruit engages in its task of ripening and does not “renounce” it’s task.
Krishna tells Arjuna to stay consistent through good result or bad result. And keep Devoting to Krishna. So one day, I was in Tokyo and I cycled all the way to go to my childhood restaurant. And I it was closed! But I had Krishna in my mind, and didn’t allow myself to be disappointed. I biked away as I chanted “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna”
I also found some similarities to Taoism. “These duties are your dharma,your natural calling. It is far better to do your own dharma, even if you do it imperfectly, than to try to master the work of another. Those who perform the duities called for by their obligations, even if those duties seem little merit, are able to do them with less effort and this releases consciousness that can be directed Godward.
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The plot is basically Arjuna, the Prince, fighting in a war with greedy king. But Arjuna, the mighty warrior does not wanna fight because he sees his family, old friends, and his teacher on the other side and to win the war means he have to kill these people he love. That’s when his childhood friend, Krishna revealed himself and say he is Brahman, Atma, God. He tells Arjuna to stop being a egotistical pussy and fight the war. Now this is a interesting twist as most of us would think that a god of all people will try to stop violence rather than encourage it. But Krishna goes on to a whole dharma talk and share his wisdom to Arjuna.
Most famous line in this story is when Krishna says, “do your worldly duty, but do it without any attachment to it or desire for its fruits. Keep your mind always to the Divine.” This is quite different path from renouncing all things and living in a cave meditating for 50 years. It tells you to do things in the world that you are supposed to do, but don’t get lost in the doing, and don’t do it for the outcome of your action. Just like nature and how the fruit engages in its task of ripening and does not “renounce” it’s task.
Krishna tells Arjuna to stay consistent through good result or bad result. And keep Devoting to Krishna. So one day, I was in Tokyo and I cycled all the way to go to my childhood restaurant. And I it was closed! But I had Krishna in my mind, and didn’t allow myself to be disappointed. I biked away as I chanted “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna”
I also found some similarities to Taoism. “These duties are your dharma,your natural calling. It is far better to do your own dharma, even if you do it imperfectly, than to try to master the work of another. Those who perform the duities called for by their obligations, even if those duties seem little merit, are able to do them with less effort and this releases consciousness that can be directed Godward.
.
February 21, 2014
ესაა ძალიან ღრმა და ლამაზი წიგნი, რომელიც ავტორმა დასავლეთის ადამიანს აჩუქა. არსებითად, ეს იმას გულისხმობს , რომ უძველესი სიბრძნე რომელიც გიტაშია გადმოცემული, ანუ ღმერთის სიმღერა , პროზაული სახითაა მოცემული კონკრეტულ წიგნში. რთული სათქმელია, რა არის ბჰაგავად გიტა - რელიგია თუ ფილოსოფია. ან იქნებ ეს სიბრძნეა, რომელიც თავისი სიღრმით აღემატება სხვა წმინდა წერილებს - ბიბლიასა და ყურანს. აქ შეხვდებით ფსიქოანალიზის ჩანასახსაც კი, კრიშნა ადამიანთა სამ სახეობას გამოყოფს.
მე ეს წიგნი წავიკითხე, თუმცა იგი აუცლიებლად მიეკუთვნება იმ წიგნთა რიგს, რომელსაც ბევრეჯერ უნდა მიუბრუნდე და თითეულ მონაკვეთს გონითი მზერა მიაპყრო. გიტა შემოდის შენში,
მე ეს წიგნი წავიკითხე, თუმცა იგი აუცლიებლად მიეკუთვნება იმ წიგნთა რიგს, რომელსაც ბევრეჯერ უნდა მიუბრუნდე და თითეულ მონაკვეთს გონითი მზერა მიაპყრო. გიტა შემოდის შენში,
June 29, 2015
Hawley makes the ancient scripture very palatable indeed! I read it side by side with another translation by Barbara Stoler Miller. The Gita is a classic to be read many times over, in order to digest and internalize its teachings.
July 12, 2008
OK, this isn't exactly a dumbed down Bhagavad Gita as many claim. We all have to realize that it's concepts are just a little foreign to the westerner and they may need a little nudge to understand what it is all about.
I happened to find it fascinating and I highly recommend the book to all who can find it.
I happened to find it fascinating and I highly recommend the book to all who can find it.
March 2, 2020
I've never read any version the Bhagavad Gita, so I cannot vouch for the authenticity of this translation/adaptation, but I found this to be an entree into an intriguing subject. I'm still skeptical of the doctrine (all doctrines), nevertheless, I enjoyed this.
August 4, 2013
One of the best (approachable) interpretations of the Gita that I've read. It's easy to read, but not easy to absorb - but that's the nature of the Gita.
June 28, 2015
I've read it through 3 times, each time gaining greater understanding. It's now a daily read which I enjoy as it is my time for introspection and developing awareness of Atma.
July 24, 2020
I’ve read at least two other translations of the Gita, and this is the one I’m keeping handy for rereads.
December 14, 2025
I‘m going to take this everywhere in 2026. May even gift copies. Essential to keep reading it daily. Infinite wisdom & inspiration.
November 4, 2011
The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerns is exactly what it sounds: A version of the Bhagavad Gita, which is a Hindu scripture, that is easier to understand if you’re not accustom to the language the original version is in. The Bhagavad Gita is written in the form of a story about a warrior, Arjuna, who is having an internal conflict of whether or not to fight because he has friends and family on the opposing side. Krishna, who is the Divine, teaches him that he is not his body, and that sacrificing himself will not harm in the end. In the whole story, Krishna walks Arjuna through all the teachings that will bring him to be one with the Godhead.
I did enjoy this book. I agreed with a lot of the philosophy in it, and I liked how it stated that everything was apart of nature. It says, “All actions, all works, all karma, belong to nature, not the Divine,” (Hawley 52), which is something I would definitely agree with. I also liked how it held people accountable for their own actions. Throughout the whole book, it states how you can change your ways for the better, and also says that there’s no easy way out. If you want to reach the highest form of being (in the Hindu religion’s opinion), then you’re going to have to put the work in. Being able to relate it to my own life was really good, too. For example, I’m not trying to become one with the Godhead, but I can see how no matter what you’re doing, you have to put in the time and effort to get their. Whether you’re a Hindu or not, the teachings in this book are helpful for everyday life.
I would rate this book a 4, because it has a really good message, but it can be hard to get into. The whole book is basically Krishna reciting his teachings, which are really good, but if you’re looking for an actual story it might not be the best choice.I found myself underlining things that I thought were really important to life on almost every page, and I got a lot out of it. It wasn’t one of those cliche teenage books (obviously) that you really like, but forget about a couple weeks later. It’s the type of reading that sticks with you, and makes you think. In all, this book is really good if you want your thoughts provoked, but not if you’re looking for a light read.
I did enjoy this book. I agreed with a lot of the philosophy in it, and I liked how it stated that everything was apart of nature. It says, “All actions, all works, all karma, belong to nature, not the Divine,” (Hawley 52), which is something I would definitely agree with. I also liked how it held people accountable for their own actions. Throughout the whole book, it states how you can change your ways for the better, and also says that there’s no easy way out. If you want to reach the highest form of being (in the Hindu religion’s opinion), then you’re going to have to put the work in. Being able to relate it to my own life was really good, too. For example, I’m not trying to become one with the Godhead, but I can see how no matter what you’re doing, you have to put in the time and effort to get their. Whether you’re a Hindu or not, the teachings in this book are helpful for everyday life.
I would rate this book a 4, because it has a really good message, but it can be hard to get into. The whole book is basically Krishna reciting his teachings, which are really good, but if you’re looking for an actual story it might not be the best choice.I found myself underlining things that I thought were really important to life on almost every page, and I got a lot out of it. It wasn’t one of those cliche teenage books (obviously) that you really like, but forget about a couple weeks later. It’s the type of reading that sticks with you, and makes you think. In all, this book is really good if you want your thoughts provoked, but not if you’re looking for a light read.
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December 20, 20242024: 2024 update: It's still hard to rate a religious text, especially when for the second year in a row, you kind of rush through the last part (sue me, I had to finish reading it before my YTT test!). However, I think my second dive in the Bhagavad Gita was just as rewarding but for different reasons as the first. I think next year I want to try to read another translation but maybe in conjunction with this again.
2023: It’s hard to rate a religious text especially when you binged the last 3 chapters which are definitely not meant to be binged
2023: It’s hard to rate a religious text especially when you binged the last 3 chapters which are definitely not meant to be binged
June 17, 2017
Accessible and very interesting. The conversations between Arjuna and Krishna are wonderful...if you like that kind of thing. Jack Hawley did an excellent job of bringing the ancient writings to modern Americans in a way they can be applied to everyday life. This is a good beginning to access the ancient wisdom.
August 21, 2009
I was completely enthralled by this book! As ancient Hindu scripture, I was surprised by how compatible it is with Christianity and my own personal, religious beliefs. The lessons taught are completely Christian!! I anticipate that I will refer to this book a lot in the future--as I would other scriptures.
November 10, 2018
There’s a reason that ancient books like this one have survived the test of time. It’s got some great wisdom mingled with some strange-to-the-western-mind ideas. I have read two other versions of the Gita without comprehending them. This one is translated in a readable way. I loved learning more about how Hindu people think.
May 6, 2010
This is a beautifully-written translation of the BG that is easy to read and so comforting.
October 15, 2015
Enjoyed the book and will definitely read it again and again. Great for someone like me who couldn't even consider reading in the original context.
February 24, 2025
"Fix your mind on Me. Give Me your whole heart. Revere Me always and bow before Me. Make Me your very own. By these acts you shall discover Me and come to Me. I promise you this because we are forever linked through love, this greatest of unifying forces. This Divine love is both the means for reaching Me and the ultimate goal of human existence; indeed it is the pinncacle of human spiritual achievement."
What a phenomenal book. Jack Hawley's walkthrough is clear, pleasant to read, and unobstructing. At the beginning, Jack Hawley recommends that we read the Gita with an open heart. This is what I tried to do, picking up on the themes of this Divine Love which is familiar to me as someone raised in the Christian faith. Reminiscent to Jesus' teachings and His commandment that Love is the greatest commandment. The Gita was in some places, an unnerving read.
"God is not distant, but is within yourself and is your Self. See Divinity in all your actions an you can actually achcieve Union with the Godhead." This was a notion which was unfamiliar to me, and a shock to my ego. The thought of all being one... The thought of performing action without being attached to the outcome, and free from desire is still one I must meditate on again and again. However, I needed to read this at this stage in my life. This was a read which I tried to take slowly, to savour the truths within. I can see myself returning to this book over and over again. This is truly a guide meant not just to be read, but to be embodied and to be lived.
"The notion that work and worship are seperate activities is common but incorrect. Live your life and do your work in an attitude of adoration of the Divine. Do each and every act for the sake of the Divine. Love God in everything you do. Convert your earthly existence into worship. The one who does this is truly a yogi."
What a phenomenal book. Jack Hawley's walkthrough is clear, pleasant to read, and unobstructing. At the beginning, Jack Hawley recommends that we read the Gita with an open heart. This is what I tried to do, picking up on the themes of this Divine Love which is familiar to me as someone raised in the Christian faith. Reminiscent to Jesus' teachings and His commandment that Love is the greatest commandment. The Gita was in some places, an unnerving read.
"God is not distant, but is within yourself and is your Self. See Divinity in all your actions an you can actually achcieve Union with the Godhead." This was a notion which was unfamiliar to me, and a shock to my ego. The thought of all being one... The thought of performing action without being attached to the outcome, and free from desire is still one I must meditate on again and again. However, I needed to read this at this stage in my life. This was a read which I tried to take slowly, to savour the truths within. I can see myself returning to this book over and over again. This is truly a guide meant not just to be read, but to be embodied and to be lived.
"The notion that work and worship are seperate activities is common but incorrect. Live your life and do your work in an attitude of adoration of the Divine. Do each and every act for the sake of the Divine. Love God in everything you do. Convert your earthly existence into worship. The one who does this is truly a yogi."
May 20, 2023
Narration was really slow and dry, but I think the content is good. It took me a while to figure out there's little plot line and this is just a conversation. I think I'll enjoy it more when I go back to reread sections
March 2, 2019
Don't know why I waited so long to read this, but maybe it was good I did yoga teacher training before and had context. What an amazing resource. Though I haven't read other translations, I really liked the author's accessible approach to the story. Will revisit forever and ever.
May 14, 2020
Beautifully presented, a lot of work went into it, Good overview, Krishna away with the fairies, some good ideas ( peaceful and be kind ) but mountains of superstitious BS alas
April 16, 2025
“Duty bound action is far better than inaction.”
This one I will listen to multiple times...it's a seven-hour conversation with "I am"
This one I will listen to multiple times...it's a seven-hour conversation with "I am"
December 30, 2018
Totally engrossing and easy to follow. I'm curious to read other versions of the Gita, but will come back to this one again and again.
February 8, 2025
This felt both intuitive and maybe the most important thing I've ever read
July 22, 2021
Good translations and interpretations of The Bhagavad Gita!
#436
#100 in year 2021
#436
#100 in year 2021
July 13, 2024
There’s not one other book coming so often to my mind: Whenever in doubt, when ever in need to overcome fears and obstacles - I’m always reminded of Arjuna‘s struggle and Krishna’s advise. A good life, according to this old book of wisdom is built upon authenticity. To achieve this, it requires presence, reflection and determination. And the outcome is truth. Who could desire anything more?
October 15, 2017
An exceptional translation, offered in a way in which the story reads itself, while not lacking in the profound wisdom or poetic expression of the Gita.
December 2, 2014
If you've tried to read other translations or become overwhelmed and annoyed at terminologies than this is the one for you. I would say this is the most univerisal and accessible version and pershaps even the Gita in its purest form as if the original authors want to clear it up for us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews