The Bhagavad Gita Comes Alive: A Radical Translation

by Jeffrey Armstrong, Nilesh Nilkanth Oak (Foreword)

A Decolonized, Sanskrit-Centered Translation of the Bhagavad Gita

What if the English words used to translate the Bhagavad Gita have also changed the way we understand it?

The Bhagavad Gita Comes A Radical Translation offers a fresh, Sanskrit-centered approach to one of India’s most revered and influential texts of yoga philosophy and Sanatana Dharma.

Ten years in the making and grounded in extensive linguistic and etymological research, Jeffrey Armstrong Kavindra Rishi presents the Bhagavad Gita in clear, contemporary English while preserving essential Sanskrit concepts that have no true English equivalent.

Rather than forcing Sanskrit terminology into inherited Western religious language—using words such as God, Lord, heaven, hell, sin, religion, angel, demi-god, sacrifice, idol, faith, and charity—Armstrong restores the original Sanskrit concepts and provides a detailed glossary to help readers understand them within their authentic Vedic context.

Through the timeless conversation between Bhagavan Shri Krishna and Arjuna, readers encounter profound teachings on dharma, karma, yoga, bhakti, atma, consciousness, action without attachment, self-knowledge, and moksha.

WHY THIS BHAGAVAD GITA IS DIFFERENT• Clear, concise, and accessible to modern readers
• Preserves important Sanskrit words rather than replacing them with misleading English equivalents
• Restores the original meaning of key Vedic and yogic concepts
• Includes a detailed glossary explaining essential Sanskrit terminology
• Offers a decolonized approach to understanding the Bhagavad Gita in English
• Exquisitely written by an award-winning author and poet
• Ideal for both first-time readers and serious students of the Gita

Jeffrey Armstrong Kavindra Rishi is an award-winning author, poet, Vedic scholar, and teacher who has spent more than 50 years studying, practicing, and teaching yoga philosophy and Sanatana Dharma. His background in history and religion, psychology, literature, Sanskrit terminology, and Vedic philosophy informs this distinctive translation.

IDEAL FOR• First-time readers and lifelong students of the Bhagavad Gita
• English-speaking Hindus in India and throughout the world
• Yoga students, teachers, and practitioners
• Readers interested in Sanatana Dharma and Hindu philosophy
• Students of Vedanta, bhakti, karma yoga, and Sanskrit wisdom
• Schools, universities, libraries, and study groups
• Anyone seeking deeper understanding of Shri Krishna’s teachings
• Readers interested in consciousness, self-knowledge, dharma, and moksha

Whether you are opening the Bhagavad Gita for the first time or have studied it for decades, The Bhagavad Gita Comes Alive invites you to encounter its wisdom with fresh eyes.

Compact enough to read in an afternoon, yet profound enough to contemplate for a lifetime, this Bhagavad Gita can become a treasured companion for study, reflection, and daily life.

Rediscover the Bhagavad Gita through the Sanskrit concepts that gave it meaning in the first place.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2020

Reviews

[Abhilash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can guarantee you there has never been a Gita translation like this. Jeffrey Armstrong/Kavindra Rishi really understands Vedic knowledge in depth. He has prepared this work painstakingly to make the esoteric Vedic wisdom accessible to the English speaking world. He has left several Sanskrit words as is because translations do not do it justice. He takes time to explain those terms in detail and encourages you to internalize those terms. All presumptions arising from a Christian or Western centric world-view do not find a place in this translation. Those concepts can clash with the meaning in the Gita and muddle the message in the book and confuse the reader. Instead Vedic knowledge is presented with its own context on its own terms. This Gita easily comes alive in your life and when it does, it becomes part of your life. Nothing in your life is ever the same again after that. For the first time, you will live a life that you know is worth living. With best wishes, I request you to and encourage you to indulge yourself in the wisdom that is this book.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like every time I read the Gita, I learn something new and get something new out of it. This version is slightly different in that it includes Sanskrit terms right in the text. Really like the flow of this version, and enjoyed it.

[Saravana Sastha Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there are so many books on Bhagavad Gita, this stands out for its unapologetic explanation of the Gita.

[Halbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gateway to Bhagavad Gita's intended meaning

I was magnetized by the translation that I read many years ago (I still have that book). But Armstrong's translation is a substantial contribution for anyone who wants a deeper, more contextualized understanding of the ancient text's intended meaning. A substantial glossary provides nuanced definitions for dozens of important Sanskrit terms. The Bhagavad Gita Comes Alive is a beautiful and useful gateway.

[william m manzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

A very considered translation that keeps the central teachings and opens the text for deeper understanding . On the whole a very worthy addition to my library and one I can see me returning to again and again 😎93s

[Sandi Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Actually I have re-read it many times now - It's so easy and beautiful to read - and profound. It's wisdom WILL come alive in your life.

[Srikanth Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, much more clear from the last one I read. Jeffery has done a amazing job. The translation are clear.

[Sainath Chirumamilla]

Good

[Vansh · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better translations, certainly worth a read

[Jeffrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has been called the greatest scripture of all ages. I am sorry, I can not relate to the setup of this tale. In my view, Arjuna is a hero for questioning the necessity of war. Krishna represents the entrenched power brokers who enrich themselves off of carnage and feed the masses flimsy metaphysics to justify cruelty.
It gets two stars because it is not good enough to be absolutely bad.
NOTE: This review is about my general impression of the Bhagavad Gita, not a commentary on this translation. The translation appears quite sound and strips away the profundity of the typical translation.

[Mine Katte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and accessible translation of the Bhagavad Gita. I especially appreciated how the book makes profound ideas easier to understand while preserving their deeper meaning. The clear language and explanations make it approachable for both newcomers and longtime readers. A meaningful read for anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy, and self-understanding.