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The Holy Geeta
Swami Chinmayananda's commentary on the seven hundred and one verses of the the Bhagavad Geeta.
1254 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
1256 people are currently reading
1452 people want to read
About the author
Chinmayananda
386 books140 followersChinmayananda Saraswati, also known as Swami Chinmayananda and born Balakrishnan Menon, was an Indian spiritual leader and teacher who inspired the formation of Chinmaya Mission in 1953 to spread the message of Vedanta. The organization, which was founded by his disciples and led by him, has over 300 centres in India and internationally.
He was a disciple of Sivananda Saraswati at Rishikesh, who founded the Divine Life Society. He was later advised by Sivananda to study under Tapovan Maharaj in Uttarkashi in the Himalayas.
He was a disciple of Sivananda Saraswati at Rishikesh, who founded the Divine Life Society. He was later advised by Sivananda to study under Tapovan Maharaj in Uttarkashi in the Himalayas.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 10, 2016
I Have read several different editions of 'the Gita (Geeta') starting with 'The B.G as it is' as well as other more classic translations, However Chinmaya's edition has to be my favourite, as well as being the the longest.
The B.G. itself is pretty much the same in each edition, with some minor variations in the translations, but it the commentaries that make the difference. I must confess I've not read all of the book as it runs to over 1200 pages, but I have read the sections of the Geeta that most gripped me when I first read it and Chinmaya's analysis of those sections is fantastic, as well as being very thought provoking, particularly when Chinmaya speaks of Arjuna's situation in psychological terms. As a psychotherapist this appeals to me. However this does not take anything away from the fact that the Geeta is a powerful spiritual texts, which leads to Krishna.
If I have any criticism with this edition it would be with the printing and not the text. Because the book is so long the paper is thin and there is some bleed though of the ink, nevertheless it is a remarkable edition (and well worth is low price tag)
The B.G. itself is pretty much the same in each edition, with some minor variations in the translations, but it the commentaries that make the difference. I must confess I've not read all of the book as it runs to over 1200 pages, but I have read the sections of the Geeta that most gripped me when I first read it and Chinmaya's analysis of those sections is fantastic, as well as being very thought provoking, particularly when Chinmaya speaks of Arjuna's situation in psychological terms. As a psychotherapist this appeals to me. However this does not take anything away from the fact that the Geeta is a powerful spiritual texts, which leads to Krishna.
If I have any criticism with this edition it would be with the printing and not the text. Because the book is so long the paper is thin and there is some bleed though of the ink, nevertheless it is a remarkable edition (and well worth is low price tag)
September 26, 2024
This is one of the most profound books that I have ever read. The Geeta is a great source of knowledge and truth. The commentary and explanations by Swami Chinmayananda provide a greater depth of understanding for those who have not spent their lives in metaphysical matters. I would recommend very strongly to anyone who wants to truly understand Hinduism and especially those who are seeking to build a foundation in to becoming a Hindu in thought and action.
August 26, 2013
This magical book is my companion and my day to day guidance to everything!
So much of wisdom packed in this book and it has all the solutions for all problems
So much of wisdom packed in this book and it has all the solutions for all problems
May 10, 2023
There is no book in this world except than "Bhagwat geeta". This Book message always excite me to read more about this topic.
1) Swami Chinmayananada sarswati commentary on this topic is extensive, well summarized and beautifully assembled into words.
2) Explanation on each Verse is extensively scientific and related to current cognitive science. Books derived you from basic question of Ataman & Maya to World of Bhagwaan Krishna where every thing is connected with each other.
3) This book also identified the desired of current human question such as who I am, what will be the purpose, how to make life less trouble by using simple formulas of Bhagwat geeta.
I would like to Thanks Chinmayananada trust for Giving such nice book to world.
1) Swami Chinmayananada sarswati commentary on this topic is extensive, well summarized and beautifully assembled into words.
2) Explanation on each Verse is extensively scientific and related to current cognitive science. Books derived you from basic question of Ataman & Maya to World of Bhagwaan Krishna where every thing is connected with each other.
3) This book also identified the desired of current human question such as who I am, what will be the purpose, how to make life less trouble by using simple formulas of Bhagwat geeta.
I would like to Thanks Chinmayananada trust for Giving such nice book to world.
April 24, 2017
This is the second version of the Gita that i'm reading. I read the eknath easwaran version just a couple weeks ago. This version really goes into super detail about each verse. I enjoy the scientific approach that Saraswati gives. I find myself being able to relate his meanings of situations to various life situations i have gone through. It really encompasses a whole view of the world and it ties in so well with itself. The book is very long and i love it, but sometimes you have to refresh your mind as to where you left off because reading the book for too long can be overwhelming. Let it sink in and then go back when you mind is ripe for more revelations.
March 12, 2014
The book give very insight view of gita and swami ji has very brilliantly relate the philosophical term to daily life. A very simple and deep understanding to learn gita. The book is for the life time learning.
January 18, 2020
One of the best translations of the Gita. Making it simple even for the lesser initiated.
December 24, 2014
There are no words that can describe the power of the Geeta but something can be said of swamiji's writing: it's fluid, clear, intellectually developed but also 'grounded'. However people from the west may not be able to fully appreciate and relate to this work as an (as it is often called) all-encompassing guide for life.
July 30, 2015
the perfect self development book. i'm just loving it. the examples used to explain each shloka is a brilliant work.
April 7, 2021
Deep, insightful and full of ancient knowledge.
Will need to re-read it again to fully understand the true meaning behind each shlokas.
Will need to re-read it again to fully understand the true meaning behind each shlokas.
October 21, 2016
I have always wanted to understand more about Hinduism, the religion of where I come from. The Baghavad Geeta is one of the core many scriptures of Hinduism, and in this book the author explains it verse by verse. When I chanced upon this book, I was excited to read it, to see if it could shed a new light on life and Hinduism as a whole. I was throughly impressed with the authors clear concise explanations of each verse, and how it related to modern day life. I learned a lot, and I hope to include some of what I learned into my daily life.
August 6, 2020
I am writing this review a few days after my 47th birthday. Unlike me, Chinmayanda Saraswati's commentary on the Baghavad Gita has not aged well.
I realize that this interpretation was originally published in 1960. After researching him, I learned that Saraswati died in 1993 which, in terms of social progress, is ages and ages ago. For that reason, I am willing to extend grace to him as a human for his woefully dated attitudes and metaphors that use gender to ascribe decisions and personality "flaws" to various characters and their choices and emotions. He didn't become spiritually learned in isolation; he was steeped in our misogynistic world, just as I am. As a female student on my own path, however, I reserve the right to abandon biased writings in an effort to avoid further poisoning of my own mind, and to share my observations with other readers of all genders who are seeking equanimity and objectivity, so that they know to look elsewhere.
The book I read immediately before I dusted off this interpretation of the Holy Geeta was Glennon Doyle's "Untamed". How abrupt of a pivot did it feel to jump from that book, which makes numerous intelligent observations about the poisons of misogyny and racism and declares that those of us on a path of spiritual awakening are in the process of detoxification from those poisons, to this! I was crestfallen to learn that a spiritually-learned holy man, who walked a similar path of someone seeking spiritual knowledge, apparently didn't notice his own biases against the feminine, both female humans and "female" traits that have traditionally been debased and criticized for their femininity (i.e., "softness", hesitancy, empathy, concern for family and community, the list goes on...)
From pg. 34: "...when a woman, hysterically raving, repeatedly declares with all emphasis, that she is not tired of her husband that she still respects him, that he still loves her, that there is no rupture between them, etc., she, by these very words, clearly indicates the exact cause of her mental chaos." Ehrm, okay. An entirely unnecessary "hysterical female" trope, I can pause at and overlook. So this first example of misogyny that I encountered made me stop, furrow my brow and chalk it up to "the times" in which this book was published. I shrugged and continued my study.
From pg. 47, when discussing Arjuna's "intellectual exhaustion and emotional weariness": "In his effeminate lack of self-confidence he bemoans here, 'Alas! We are involved'". Mmmkay. Declaring a lack of self-confidence to be an "effeminate" trait. Again, I made a mental note, shrugged and continued reading.
Pg. 57: "Arjuna has been so totally impoverished within, that he has come to weep like a simple maiden!" It's not socially acceptable for men to cry, I get it. It certainly wasn't in 1960. But at this point, Saraswati's choice of misogynistic metaphors is starting to feel lazy. And biased.
Pg. 59, a few pages into chapter two, the proverbial nail in the coffin for this interpretation, for me: "In modern parlance, sometimes friends wonder at the impotency of another friend and express their surprise with such an an exclamation as, 'Is he a man or a woman?' - indicating that from his behavior it is not very easy to decide which characteristic is predominant in him. Emotionally therefore, Arjuna is behaving now as a contradiction; effeminately - manly and masculinely - effeminate; just like a eunuch of the Indian royal courts who looks like a man but dresses as a woman, talks like a man but feels like a woman, physically strong but mentally weak!" Um, no, unacceptable: women are not "mentally weak". Some of us also happen to be quite physically strong, but probably not in 1960, but the "mentally weak" part made my blood boil. It was at this point that I decided I was done.
Simply put, examples like those I hit before even finishing Chapter Two reveal a deep and ugly bias in the mind of the writer. An objective writer is able to utilize metaphors that are not ascribed to genders and thus remains open to reaching, roughly, 50% of the population. It occurred to me that if Saraswati felt that 50% of humans (females) aren't worthy of reading the Bhagavad Gita, that we can't even wade through it without being forced to digest repeated characterizations of our own beings as "weak", then perhaps I should stop, put away his interpretation, and search for a more modern interpretation of this ancient text with accompanying commentary that is useful to people of all genders.
Some may call my choice to abandon Saraswati's interpretation, and this review, "cancel culture". That's fine. I believe that, similar to the other arenas that are being scrutinized for bias and detoxified by a drive for equality, spiritual literature deserves the same, if not more, scrutiny because our very well-being and, some might argue, our civilization's future is at stake. After reading "Untamed", though, I have this to say in conclusion: I am a grown woman. And I can do whatever the f*** I want. *I* get to choose what spiritual writers I read. *I* get to choose which stories to consume. *I* get to choose. So, I choose wisely to stop consuming opinions and stories held by "spiritually superior" men who believe females are inferior. Enough of the poison. Enough.
I realize that this interpretation was originally published in 1960. After researching him, I learned that Saraswati died in 1993 which, in terms of social progress, is ages and ages ago. For that reason, I am willing to extend grace to him as a human for his woefully dated attitudes and metaphors that use gender to ascribe decisions and personality "flaws" to various characters and their choices and emotions. He didn't become spiritually learned in isolation; he was steeped in our misogynistic world, just as I am. As a female student on my own path, however, I reserve the right to abandon biased writings in an effort to avoid further poisoning of my own mind, and to share my observations with other readers of all genders who are seeking equanimity and objectivity, so that they know to look elsewhere.
The book I read immediately before I dusted off this interpretation of the Holy Geeta was Glennon Doyle's "Untamed". How abrupt of a pivot did it feel to jump from that book, which makes numerous intelligent observations about the poisons of misogyny and racism and declares that those of us on a path of spiritual awakening are in the process of detoxification from those poisons, to this! I was crestfallen to learn that a spiritually-learned holy man, who walked a similar path of someone seeking spiritual knowledge, apparently didn't notice his own biases against the feminine, both female humans and "female" traits that have traditionally been debased and criticized for their femininity (i.e., "softness", hesitancy, empathy, concern for family and community, the list goes on...)
From pg. 34: "...when a woman, hysterically raving, repeatedly declares with all emphasis, that she is not tired of her husband that she still respects him, that he still loves her, that there is no rupture between them, etc., she, by these very words, clearly indicates the exact cause of her mental chaos." Ehrm, okay. An entirely unnecessary "hysterical female" trope, I can pause at and overlook. So this first example of misogyny that I encountered made me stop, furrow my brow and chalk it up to "the times" in which this book was published. I shrugged and continued my study.
From pg. 47, when discussing Arjuna's "intellectual exhaustion and emotional weariness": "In his effeminate lack of self-confidence he bemoans here, 'Alas! We are involved'". Mmmkay. Declaring a lack of self-confidence to be an "effeminate" trait. Again, I made a mental note, shrugged and continued reading.
Pg. 57: "Arjuna has been so totally impoverished within, that he has come to weep like a simple maiden!" It's not socially acceptable for men to cry, I get it. It certainly wasn't in 1960. But at this point, Saraswati's choice of misogynistic metaphors is starting to feel lazy. And biased.
Pg. 59, a few pages into chapter two, the proverbial nail in the coffin for this interpretation, for me: "In modern parlance, sometimes friends wonder at the impotency of another friend and express their surprise with such an an exclamation as, 'Is he a man or a woman?' - indicating that from his behavior it is not very easy to decide which characteristic is predominant in him. Emotionally therefore, Arjuna is behaving now as a contradiction; effeminately - manly and masculinely - effeminate; just like a eunuch of the Indian royal courts who looks like a man but dresses as a woman, talks like a man but feels like a woman, physically strong but mentally weak!" Um, no, unacceptable: women are not "mentally weak". Some of us also happen to be quite physically strong, but probably not in 1960, but the "mentally weak" part made my blood boil. It was at this point that I decided I was done.
Simply put, examples like those I hit before even finishing Chapter Two reveal a deep and ugly bias in the mind of the writer. An objective writer is able to utilize metaphors that are not ascribed to genders and thus remains open to reaching, roughly, 50% of the population. It occurred to me that if Saraswati felt that 50% of humans (females) aren't worthy of reading the Bhagavad Gita, that we can't even wade through it without being forced to digest repeated characterizations of our own beings as "weak", then perhaps I should stop, put away his interpretation, and search for a more modern interpretation of this ancient text with accompanying commentary that is useful to people of all genders.
Some may call my choice to abandon Saraswati's interpretation, and this review, "cancel culture". That's fine. I believe that, similar to the other arenas that are being scrutinized for bias and detoxified by a drive for equality, spiritual literature deserves the same, if not more, scrutiny because our very well-being and, some might argue, our civilization's future is at stake. After reading "Untamed", though, I have this to say in conclusion: I am a grown woman. And I can do whatever the f*** I want. *I* get to choose what spiritual writers I read. *I* get to choose which stories to consume. *I* get to choose. So, I choose wisely to stop consuming opinions and stories held by "spiritually superior" men who believe females are inferior. Enough of the poison. Enough.
March 5, 2024
Chinmayananda's commentary excels in its clarity and accessibility. He breaks down complex philosophical concepts for the English-educated reader, making the wisdom of the Geeta available to even a secular audience. His use of real-life examples and analogies further enhances the reader's comprehension and connection to the text.
The book delves into various key themes present in the Geeta, such as the nature of self and reality, the path of action (karma yoga), and devotion (bhakti yoga). Chinmayananda's explanations are insightful and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and purpose in life. One does not need to be religious to appreciate Chinmayananda's book.
Whether you are a seasoned student of Hindu philosophy or simply seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges, Chinmayananda's "Geeta" offers a valuable resource. It is a book that can be revisited and re-examined, offering new insights and wisdom with each reading. It is one of my favourite books of all time.
The book delves into various key themes present in the Geeta, such as the nature of self and reality, the path of action (karma yoga), and devotion (bhakti yoga). Chinmayananda's explanations are insightful and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and purpose in life. One does not need to be religious to appreciate Chinmayananda's book.
Whether you are a seasoned student of Hindu philosophy or simply seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges, Chinmayananda's "Geeta" offers a valuable resource. It is a book that can be revisited and re-examined, offering new insights and wisdom with each reading. It is one of my favourite books of all time.
May 6, 2021
No way am I sane enough to review this. But want to share the deep impact it had on my outlook on life. I'm only a better human being to have read it. If you're looking to change something within you. Read it.
The only self help guide that has ever worked for me.
The only self help guide that has ever worked for me.
March 2, 2023
Best book . Book of knowledge.
July 12, 2025
Reading The Holy Geeta feels like sitting with a wise teacher who genuinely wants you to understand—not just the verses, but yourself. Swami Chinmayananda doesn't preach; he explains, questions, and nudges you to reflect. His words are simple, yet they stir something profound. Whether you're new to the Gita or returning with fresh eyes, this version meets you where you are—and gently elevates you
January 15, 2023
Wow, one of the best commentaries i have read till now
September 18, 2023
so good
September 22, 2024
review-while-reading
Merely because there is a record in my gramophone box, I will have no music. Even when it is placed on its disc and revolved at the required speed, it will not and cannot sing. Music can come out of it only when the needle is in contact with it. The unmanifest music in the disc can be brought to expression only through the sound-box. Similarly here, the mental impressions cannot by themselves bring either disaster or reward unless they are connected with the external world through the needle-point of our egocentric self-assertion.
The one, who lives, as we found in the earlier verse, in perfect equanimity in all conditions, must necessarily come to live in a realm of his own, away from the pleasure and pain of the INTELLECT, the sobs of success and failure of the MIND, and the fears of loss and gain in the FLESH. To the degree, an individual detaches himself from his own body, mind and intellect; to that degree his ego is dead. Therefore, since the ‘sufferer’ is no longer available, there cannot be any more fruits-of-action for him to suffer.
review-after-reading
Try to read my review after removing the spectacles of your skepticism and both of us will be happy. Speaking of skepticism, each and every thing that has been claimed in the book is explained such that even the worst of the critics will come to accept it. The book is written like a rigorous mathematical proof. There will be no doubt once you have read it thoroughly. I will not type here, the lessons of the book because it has been stated that it must not be read to those who do not seek to understand. If you are one of the exceptions, then I welcome you to reading it. I myself did not believe in a 100 things before reading it and i was one of the critics. But having read it there lies no confusion, doubt, attachment, desire, anger and lust. The most basic questions have been answered and such is the beauty of the commentary of Sri Chinmayananda.
I chose this over "Geeta as it is" because after reading the preface of both the books i came to the conclusion that this one is more 'available' to people of all creeds, caste and religion. By available I mean that Lord Krishna is lot less personified in "The Holy Geeta" than in "Bhagavad Geeta As It Is". You may hold different opinions but I read what appealed to me and I suggest you to do the same.
There are many many beautiful analogies and examples that will help you to hold a grasp of the concept and the Truth. Some of my favorites are- the sweetness in all chocolates, the ocean to all waves, the lamp post to the ghost, the electricity to all appliances, the thread to the necklace of pearls and the space to all the wind.
Having read this you'll feel like reading nothing at all and reading at once. Giving up on everything and striving to gain more than what is perceivable.
I loved the commentary and I try to live on it many a times a day. It is not just a 'theory' you'll find what you are doing wrong and how to correct and most importantly, why to correct it.
I'll try to read the last 9 chapters every year. They were my favorite.
With this review of bits and pieces I invite you read the book, will be waiting for more reviews of the same.
Thank you
Merely because there is a record in my gramophone box, I will have no music. Even when it is placed on its disc and revolved at the required speed, it will not and cannot sing. Music can come out of it only when the needle is in contact with it. The unmanifest music in the disc can be brought to expression only through the sound-box. Similarly here, the mental impressions cannot by themselves bring either disaster or reward unless they are connected with the external world through the needle-point of our egocentric self-assertion.
The one, who lives, as we found in the earlier verse, in perfect equanimity in all conditions, must necessarily come to live in a realm of his own, away from the pleasure and pain of the INTELLECT, the sobs of success and failure of the MIND, and the fears of loss and gain in the FLESH. To the degree, an individual detaches himself from his own body, mind and intellect; to that degree his ego is dead. Therefore, since the ‘sufferer’ is no longer available, there cannot be any more fruits-of-action for him to suffer.
review-after-reading
Try to read my review after removing the spectacles of your skepticism and both of us will be happy. Speaking of skepticism, each and every thing that has been claimed in the book is explained such that even the worst of the critics will come to accept it. The book is written like a rigorous mathematical proof. There will be no doubt once you have read it thoroughly. I will not type here, the lessons of the book because it has been stated that it must not be read to those who do not seek to understand. If you are one of the exceptions, then I welcome you to reading it. I myself did not believe in a 100 things before reading it and i was one of the critics. But having read it there lies no confusion, doubt, attachment, desire, anger and lust. The most basic questions have been answered and such is the beauty of the commentary of Sri Chinmayananda.
I chose this over "Geeta as it is" because after reading the preface of both the books i came to the conclusion that this one is more 'available' to people of all creeds, caste and religion. By available I mean that Lord Krishna is lot less personified in "The Holy Geeta" than in "Bhagavad Geeta As It Is". You may hold different opinions but I read what appealed to me and I suggest you to do the same.
There are many many beautiful analogies and examples that will help you to hold a grasp of the concept and the Truth. Some of my favorites are- the sweetness in all chocolates, the ocean to all waves, the lamp post to the ghost, the electricity to all appliances, the thread to the necklace of pearls and the space to all the wind.
Having read this you'll feel like reading nothing at all and reading at once. Giving up on everything and striving to gain more than what is perceivable.
I loved the commentary and I try to live on it many a times a day. It is not just a 'theory' you'll find what you are doing wrong and how to correct and most importantly, why to correct it.
I'll try to read the last 9 chapters every year. They were my favorite.
With this review of bits and pieces I invite you read the book, will be waiting for more reviews of the same.
Thank you
September 13, 2020
Holy geeta
May 24, 2025
An unparalleled commentary that unknots all the difficulties that are inherently present in the complex work of Gita. The examples and explanations are just amazingly apt and to the point!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews