The Bhagavad Gita (Penguin Classics)

English translations of the Bhagavad Gita are frankly a dime a dozen, and many are mediocre and listless. Not this one! Laurie Patton’s translation is a treasure. Her translation is a moving reading experience the Gita is intended to be. The drawback of many English translations is that they attempt to sound lofty and righteous. Therefore, many of these translations, even those recently translated, employ archaic Victorian English flourishes. You know, you’ve seen them. These translations use manners of speech such as “O, Arjuna,” “O King of Bharatas,” and use “thee,” “thou.” These literary devices ruin the reading experience because this is just not how people speak, and it gets in the way of appreciating the beauty of this poem. Ms. Patton, on the other hand, uses none of these anachronisms in her translation. The Bhagavad Gita is poetry, and Patton is a published poet, and thus she knows how to craft a simple phrase in simple, elegant language for maximum effect. Old School translations also display a lack of understanding on the message of the Gita. Reading the Gita is such a compelling experience because the message is so simple. Patton’s translation here is remarkable because it so accurately reflects the divine simplicity of the language used in its message. Ms Patton has provided an excellent introduction, with bibliography and her translation sparingly provide footnotes. “Bhagavad Gita” means “Song of God.” Ms. Patton’s translation is indeed the “Song of God.”

Not sure if this is an easy read given its vross reference to the Vedas and the Mahabarathas it self. Nonetheless, as a dear friend of mine advised, read the synopsis or a summary (I found the Introduction very helpful) to understand the core content, then read the book to appreciate the beauty of its poetry.

Five stars does not do this book justice. It is a singularly beautiful story and one of the world's most important works of philosophy and spirituality. But more than that, in this edition the author manages to achieve the nearly impossible; Patton translates the original poem into English verse that is remarkable fluid, readable, and graceful. If you have any curiosity about the world or any interest in the fundamental nature of humanity, read this.

To me this seems like a great translation of a book that's regarded by many to be holy scripture. Arjuna's inner conflict most definitely can be related to a given person's conscience trying to do what is right in what appears to be a paradoxical existence. Krishna's divine point of view sheds light on and puts this in perspective. This one is worth reading again and again.

Great book. Translation is really good too.

Love that this book is in English. Gives opportunity for kids these days to read and learn about their culture.

I have returned to the wisdom of the Gita many times in my life... despite my Judeo-Christian upbringing. This is a description of the spiritual path not to be missed. I've tried other translations (as I have given away many copies of the Penguin) . Look no further .. this translation is the one that is inspired by truth and the way.

At first I was surprised at the frequent words, notes written in the paperback sent to me. But I'm taking a class and I love seeing someone else's thoughts. Now it has even more notes in it, but I'm keeping this book and its comments. :) Lovely words from Krishna.

この翻訳は、現在のインドの人々の中でBhagavad Gitaがどのように生きているかをよく知っている人によるもので、過剰な思い入れはなく、ストレートにその内容を伝えようとしています。短く改行する翻訳スタイルは、読者に負荷なくほどよい緊張感を与える見事なものです。解説や注釈も簡潔ですが、これからBhagavad Gitaを読もうと思っている人には十分な内容です。これまで英訳を漁ってきた人にもBhagavad Gitaを味わううえで十分おすすめできる翻訳です。

Helpful to have a non-sectarian edition of the Bhagavad-Gita.

I am grateful to have been found by this deeply insightful book...a translation that truly is. Thank you very much for this. Highly recommended.

Book as a gift for a friend.

Easy to read