Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita

by Vivekananda

The Bhagavad Gita was a lifelong companion of Swami Vivekananda and used to carry one where ever he went. In these lectures, Swami Vivekananda talked about the Gita to a Western audience in San Francisco, on May 26, 1900 and was recorded by Ida Ansell in shorthand. Those interested in Hinduism, religious philosophy or those who are simply trying to understand the Gita, will find these lectures useful. It's a great collection of Swami Vivekananda's opinions and comments on the Bhagavad Gita.
The contents of "Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita" by Swami Vivekananda:

Introduction
Chapters of the Bhagavad Gita
The Gita Lecture 1
The Gita Lecture II
The Gita Lecture III

Genres: Hinduism, Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

"Arise Awake and Stop not til the goal is reached"

Vivekananda left a body of philosophical works (see Vivekananda's complete works). His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) are very influential and still seen as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga. His letters are of great literary and spiritual value. He was also considered a very good singer and a poet.By the time of his death, He had composed many songs including his favorite Kali the Mother. He used humor for his teachings and was also an excellent cook. His language is very free flowing. His own Bengali writings stand testimony to the fact that he believed that words - spoken or written - should be for making things easier to understand rather than show off the speaker or writer's knowledge.

Swami Vivekananda [ স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ ] (1863 – 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion.

Born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

Reviews

[Rama Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wisdom of Bhagavadgita

Bhagavadgita is the essence of Vedas that expounds knowledge and remedy the challenges of life. Swami Vivekananda offers a concise interpretation of teaching of Lord Krishna in three consecutive lectures in San Francisco, California. Vivekananda infuse vigor into Hindu thought, placing less emphasis on the prevailing pacifism but more on Hindu spirituality.

There are three lectures in this short book of 40 pages. In the first chapter, Vivekananda presents a bird’s eye view of Vedas and what it meant to orthodox and non-orthodox Hindus. But he calls Upanishads equivalent of Bible, which proposes one God (Brahman), and Bhagavadgita as the commentary on the Upanishads. The law of karma gives humans a way out of for happiness, but Vivekananda argues happiness and the concept of heaven are too materialistic in nature. One must go beyond the law of karma and seek unification with Brahman, the Supreme Consciousness. Brahman has no attributes, but it is an entity that encompasses omniscience (infinite knowledge), omnipotence (unlimited power), omnipresence (present everywhere), Omni benevolence (perfect goodness), immutable, divine simplicity, and eternal existence. Brahman’s qualities are personal and impersonal which exists in spaceless and timeless dimensions in an unchanging reality amidst and beyond the realm of a universe. The Pure Consciousness (True Self) can transcend all possible laws of physics, all dimensions, and all physical realities.

Swamiji refers to verses in Chapter 2 in which Arjuna request Krishna to guide him on how to overcome his grief at the idea of killing his own family members and teachers. Krishna explains that the cause of all grief is due to ignorance that results from the lack of understanding about the True Self. He explains the Yoga of discipline of selfless action without being attached to its fruits is essential.

Vivekananda was known for his prodigious memory and the ability at speed reading. He was responsible for bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion and a force in its revival in India and raising interfaith awareness in Western hemisphere. This is one of the numerous lectures Swamiji offered about Gita and the Upanishads during his lifetime.

[Braga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains the essence of Bhagavat Gita and Vivekananda's interpretation and comments all over. It would be a pleasant read only if you have read the entire Gita and about Swami Vivekananda. Without that knowledge, it would be too premature to judge this text. I enjoyed reading the interpretations and his view points.
"There will come a time when you will break the law, and that moment your consciousness, mind, and body will melt away." - here he means the law as we humans have known to our senses like gravity, pressure, electricity. The entire objective of getting this birth as a human being is to break all these laws and tear down the duality of being the observer and observed. I am happy to realise on being the right path and this book further slingshots me towards that!

[Rohit Amberker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best summary of Gita I have read so far.

this book is a very good peak into the inner workings and thought process of Swami Vivekananda. I was very impressed with the evidence based and empirical approach Swami Vivekananda takes in this lecture. One needs good prior understanding of Gita to be able to appreciate this book.

[Niranjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best ever lecture I have read on Gitâ, swami started with historicity of Gita and explained the whole essence of Gita in just 3 lectures, I don’t know what more eternal message (“thou finding the truth for himself”) does humanity needs more than this.

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eternal happiness and misery are a child's dream. The Upanishads point out that the goal of man is neither misery nor happiness, but we have to be master of that out of which these are manufactured. We must be masters of the situation at it's very root, as it were.

[Rajeev Nanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief summary of key concepts and teachings of Bhagavad Gita by Swami Vivekananda. More targeted for western audience or folks who are not familiar with the Indian epic of Mahabharata, the religion of the land and its mythology.

[Kinsuk Bandyopadhyay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond intellect

The best explanation one could get
Powerful English, clear communication , beautiful examples making such abstract ideas easy to correlate

[sarika tripathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep and thought provoking

While it's all in Geeta. We hardly read it.
Here the explanation is different then general perception and non questioning way we follow our religion.

[George Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting treatise on the Gita

This is a very good book to get a start for study of the Bhagavad Gita. Reads like truth seeking truth... like Christians have heard “what is truth”? Is anything we learn truth? Or is it passed down family tradition?

[Jainam Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

For greater understanding of human nature and religion

This book is a reflection of Bhagvad Gita in simplest of words. One can understand the real meaning of duty as a human being and the real meaning of religion.

[Prabodh Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and simple explanation of Gita

Well explained in a simple manner for the common man to understand the gist of Bhagavad Gita. Very practical and down to earth interpretation. Must read and reread.

[Pruthviraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakened ....

Great book for those who want a clear perspective on GITA. Better read bhagvad gita and then come to this

[Neel Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita" stands as a monumental anthology of profound insights into the timeless wisdom of the Hindu tradition, as expounded by the revered Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902). This collection encapsulates a series of lectures delivered in the year 1900, marking a pivotal moment when the philosophy of Yoga was introduced to the Western world by this influential Hindu monk.

At the heart of this anthology lies the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture that serves as a philosophical and spiritual guide within the Hindu tradition. Swami Vivekananda's elucidations on the Gita breathe life into its verses, offering a lucid interpretation that resonates with spiritual seekers across cultural and geographical boundaries!

The lectures, delivered by Swami Vivekananda, transcend mere textual analysis; they become a spiritual voyage guided by the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Vivekananda's approach is not that of a detached scholar but that of a passionate advocate, deeply immersed in the spiritual essence of the verses.

The anthology unfolds as a comprehensive exploration of the key themes embedded in the Bhagavad Gita. Vivekananda delves into the intricacies of Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge), and Raja Yoga (the path of meditation). Each lecture is a gateway into a specific facet of the Gita's teachings, providing clarity and relevance to the contemporary reader.

What sets Swami Vivekananda's interpretation apart is the dynamic interplay between ancient wisdom and its application in the modern world. He seamlessly bridges the gap between the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Gita and the challenges faced by individuals in their daily lives. The result is not a scholarly discourse confined to the realms of academia, but a living philosophy that addresses the perennial questions of human existence.

Vivekananda's prose is not merely instructive; it is transformative. His words transcend the boundaries of time, inviting readers to contemplate the eternal truths encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita. The essence of Yoga, as presented by Vivekananda, becomes a practical guide for harmonizing one's inner life with the demands of the external world.

The impact of these lectures extends beyond the spiritual realm, permeating the fields of philosophy, psychology, and self-help. Swami Vivekananda's ability to distill profound metaphysical concepts into practical insights renders this anthology a timeless resource for individuals seeking both spiritual wisdom and personal development.

In conclusion, "Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita" is a beacon of light that continues to illuminate the path of seekers on their spiritual journey. Swami Vivekananda's profound understanding, passionate delivery, and unwavering commitment to the essence of the Bhagavad Gita make this anthology a classic in the realm of spiritual literature. It is not just a collection of lectures; it is an invitation to embark on a transformative odyssey guided by the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita!

[Sameer Patil · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's average. the message is more deeper in Geeta but this is just small good read. lot of sections revolve around it and very few on it.

[Dr E Ravishankar]

As usual superb from Swamiji

Great write up of lectures on Gita by Swami Vivekananda. In my opinion can be life guide to all irrespective of any religion. Kids must read his. They having long future can put this to best use which will enable many more imbibe the truths thought in this.